The document discusses the importance of staying ahead of competition in today's marketplace. It notes that competition is now global due to the internet, so business owners must engage customers online through a good website. They also need to differentiate themselves locally through community support, free services, excellent customer service, contests, unique aspects of their business, and superior products. Thinking creatively is key to standing out from competitors.

1. Staying One Step Ahead of the Competition
Competition makes the economic world go round. In fact, competition is healthy, because the
fittest will survive and the rest will go by the wayside. You need to stay one-step ahead of the
competition and when you do your business will enjoy great success.
Today’s marketplace is much different from even a decade ago when ones competition was in
the same city. Today’s business owner is inundated with competition. Because of the internet
today’s consumer can shop half way around the world looking for the best price, the best
features, the best warranty, and the best value for their budget.
As a business owner you have to be smarter, wiser, and more aggressive than your competition.
You need to engage your customers online and the best way to do that is by having your own
website and making sure your website ranks well in the search engines.
Your website when done right will give you excellent value for your investment allowing you to
reach local consumers and those far away. If your products are priced right you can expand your
market and grow your business with only a small investment.
However, you also need to stay ahead of the local competition. It’s time to think outside the box;
otherwise you will be doing the same thing as your competition. Consider what you can do that
will steer customers from the competition. The first thought that likely came to your mind is to
have a lower price. While that can definitely help it’s not the only answer. Let’s look at some
ideas that can make you stand out from the competition.
Be a strong community supporter – help charities, sponsor a baseball team, donate to
silent auctions
Offer free services, lessons, or samples
Excel in the customer service that your company offers – customer service is falling by
the wayside and consumers are tired of being treated like a number
Create contests that do not require a purchase
© 2011 Apptivo Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Make your business unique – For example, if you run a coffee shop how about a uniform
that people will remember
Offer a superior product for a superior price
Offer an in-store or in-house warranty
No one knows your business like you do. If you run a successful business then you already are
doing things that make you stand out ahead of the competition. Be creative and think outside the
box!
© 2011 Apptivo Inc. All rights reserved.