Who Cares About The Competition?

I've been voraciously devouring information from the smartest people I can find.  No sense being an Old Dog who doesn't try to learn the very best New Tricks.  Why study and learn from the average, the commonplace?  I habitually read the creative genius blogs of Chris Brogan, Seth Godin and Mitch Joel, and study research information from eMarketer.  Bits and pieces of information from these crisp thinkers are of great value to family owned small business owners.  This blog is a journey that includes the of sharing such ideas.   

For example, Brogan recently blogged:  No one ever won a race looking sideways. Don't worry about what others are doing or thinking, even your competition.  Social media continues to change customer engagement so rapidly you don't have time to worry about your competitors.  Focus on your customer, and their needs.  Things have changed so much in the transparent culture of social media that competitors are actually working together in collaborative efforts, benefiting all.

What should the small business owner be doing?

Brogan also believes that it is wise to give all that you can to your customers:  I’ve said this in many different ways, and it’s my strategy for business: learn new and useful things and serve my customer. Share as much as I can. Be helpful and be everywhere. These are the ways I’ve built my business.  Wise advice.  Treat others the way that you would like to be treated.  The greatest Teacher commanded us to do so. 

By utilizing social media to deliberately focus on on your customers and potential customers, and genuinely serving them in every way possible, you aren't intentionally ignoring your competition.  You'll be so busy enjoying success, your competition won't matter.

Thanks for sharing 81 seconds of your day,
Smitty