Checking out your competition
Are you giving your competitors your time and attention?
You should be.
I think it’s wise to know and understand what they offer. Not so you can copy it…or even surpass it. But so you can differentiate what sets YOU apart. How are YOU different? The difference doesn’t have to be a reinvention of the wheel, it can be as simple as…I do this process this way and it’s rocking my clients’ socks.
There’s also opportunity to learn. What do you admire about how they do it? Does it inspire you? Push you to up your game? These are all good things.
Side note…I hate the word competitors because I visualize pissy behaviour which rarely, if ever, is the case. At least in my industry. Everyone is just out there busting their butts to be their best at what they do and deliver a service or product that jacks them up.
My point is do it. Give them time and attention.
As much as networking with people in your community and future client pool benefits you, networking with those in your industry also has great value.
Just don’t let them in your heart. I think at some point that happens to all of us. You push the comparison in there when you’re feeling self-doubt or insecure and then you start weighing how you measure up…or don’t.
Stop that shit.
It’s destructive and can be paralyzing. Give it a few minutes if you have to and then MOVE ON.
[bctt tweet=”Remind yourself, every damn day if you have to, what YOU offer. How YOU are different.”] And most importantly, how YOU make your Clients feel. I guarantee every small business owner and entrepreneur is doing something unique that sets them apart.
Took me a while to get there, if I had questions, I asked a stranger online. Why? Intimidated. Scared to ask for help…even from my mentor sometimes. Being the new old lady on the block made me stay in my bubble for quite some time. Now I’m confident that I’m good at what I do for my Clients. We partner well. And getting to know others in my industry has provided me with opportunity for growth, some referrals, and some really sweet connections and resources.
You can’t beat that.
So give competitors your time and attention. It’s worth it.