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Five Tips on How to Outdo Your Competition

21st March 2019

New entrants to any industry have to battle with the competitors. It requires attracting customers away from the competition with the aim of surpassing their profits. However, you cannot beat other companies without understanding what their strengths and weaknesses are.

To come out on top, you equally have to be open about the areas where the business shines and those that require massive improvements. Let us look at how you can outdo your competition.

Know the industry players

A firm that wishes to earn the title of a best new accountant cannot do so without understanding the landscape they are operating in. In this research phase, you need to be aware of what other companies are doing.

You can read up on them from news websites and publications or subscribing to top competitor’s mailing list. It some cases, it might require purchasing a product or service to understand for example their customer care process.

Indeed, getting to know the industry players is a humbling process.

Look at your company

From the information gathered, you now have to look at the areas you are doing better and worse than the competition. You have to maintain a high level of honesty with oneself is the process is to be legitimated and useful.

So areas to look at are the website, the customer care service, delivery time, your suppliers and costs. You might be required to make revisions in business processes or acquire new ones altogether.

Brand evangelist

photo credit: Kimba Howard / Flickr

Announce the changes

As you transition, make your upgrades known. While existing customers will feel the impact without an announcement, the purpose of publicizing changes is for the sake of those not yet buying from you. The objective is to let people know that you are dedicated to creating a desirable customer experience. It paints you as a trustworthy brand that puts customers first.

You can use the website, social platforms and email signatures to let the public know.

Embrace feedback

A valuable tool that helps you know if you are taking a step in the right direction is feedback. Look through past and present complaints, comments or compliments to gauge how well you are doing. As you transition, get feedback both from employees and customers alike. Equally, you can get an external entity to evaluate the processes in place. After, use the recommendations to bring positive change.

Keep your eye on the competition

The competitors will notice your improvements, primarily as they begin losing customers to your brand. That means you have to make improvements to remain ahead of the curve continually. Learn from their weaknesses and what they are doing well. Also, have regular assessments on your brand to avoid being taken by surprise.

Ivan Widjaya is the owner of AsepOnde.com, as well as the founder of several online businesses: PrevisoMedia.com, Noobpreneur.com and Uptourist.com. He runs his business from anywhere, anytime he wants.

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