Wise Wednesdays - Play The Game To Win

Last week I listed the findings of a report on what existing entrepreneurs felt were the top ten pieces of advice they would give to a start up business.

At the top of the list was knowing the competition. I like to call this, “How Do You Play The Game You’re In?” Do you know who the key players are in the industry? What clubs, associations, conferences, trade shows or networking events are they a part of? Join them.

What strategies do they consistently use to sell their products/services? Every industry has a “set of rules” on what it takes to succeed. It doesn’t matter that your product/service is different. Every business says they’re different, better, cheaper etc.

Even if you have a product/service that is completely new you will always have competition. For example, if you create a new energy drink, unlike anything on the market place, you will be competing against protein shakes, health juices, Gatorade etc.

Customers will decide whether to spend their money on a host of alternatives to get “re-energized” and yours is just another product in the mix.

Don’t make the mistake in thinking you’re a solo player. You never sell in a vacuum. You never play by yourself.

Know what awaits you. Otherwise you may find you’re playing the wrong game.

Cheers,

Dominik