“I may win and I may lose, but I will never be defeated.” ~ Emmitt Smith
Standing out from the competitors in your field is necessary if you want your brand to succeed. After all, it’s unlikely people would take much notice of you if what you have to offer seems no different from any other source available. But fear not, standing out only takes a little bit of effort. Here are 6 ways to stay ahead of you competitors:
Know who your competitors are
Remember the quote “keep your friends close and your enemies closer”? While you don’t necessarily have to get close to your competitors, being aware of them is essential. Be sure to establish what they do and how they succeed. This will be a good way to begin thinking about steps you can take to reach your own goals.
Be different
Once you’ve gotten acquainted with your competition, it’s time to reinvent your brand. Take note of what your competitors lack and better that in your own company. Look at what makes them good and incorporate that in your own way. Don’t try to replicate what they do, but use their qualities to learn how to better equip your brand.
Form strong networks
Once your company seems to have everything it needs to shine, work your way into making valuable connections and alliances with people who can bring additional value to what you do. Approach companies who can offer complementary services or vendors who can help promote your products. This will increase your overall quality of service and give your audience something your competitors can’t.
Show your customers you care
Even if you’re not in the service industry, aim to always treat your customers with the utmost care and respect. Customer service is often the best test of a brand’s reputation among audiences. This will generate loyalty towards your brand and prove that your team has integrity.
Practice Corporate Social Responsibility
One way to stand out from other competitors in your field, is to show that your company cares about more than just the well-being of its stakeholders and investors. Businesses that give back to society are often highly respected and maintain a good reputation among all those who know your brand. Look to companies like Microsoft and General Electric for examples of successful and noteworthy CSR projects.
Enhance your online presence
In the age of technology, chances are that most of your customers will do research before first approaching you. To help them get the information they need and hence introduce your brand, set up a website listing all of your offers and services. Ensure that it is easy to navigate, informational and has a good user interface. The Internet makes it easy to bypass valuable information so make sure that yours stands out.
