"Competition v. Customers" - By: Sam Langfitt

Some business owners see business as a highly competitive activity. They want to "kill the competition," "win the contract" and "capture market share." Others seemingly ignore the competition and focus on solidifying their relationships with the customers.

These are two interesting, but dramatically different points of view. Both attempt to reach the same result, a strong healthy business. It could be questioned whether one approach is more successful than the other? Actually, it would be easy to argue in favor of both points of view. The reality is, whether you opt for working to build a solid business relationship with your customers or go to war with your competitors, it probably makes little difference

A high percentage of business owners display a tendency to be strongly competitive. They see each competitor as a challenge to overcome. They will devote a significant amount of effort in doing S.W.O.T. analysis on their competition in order to figure out the best strategies and action plans to gain the upper hand and a larger market share.

Beyond question, this can sharpen your business skills and finetune the methods you will need to deliver your products or services in the best possible way. Each new customer is seen as a victory over the competition and reason for tremendous celebration within the organization.

The style of building your business by focusing on customer relationships does not necessarily infer a lack of competitive spirit. The amount of planning and time and effort can be as much or even more as going after the competition. As mentioned earlier, it is just another way of reaching the same result. Each new customer is seen as a reason for tremendous celebration within the organization.

Even if the time spent on the two concepts is similar, many business owners that adopt the relationship method feel all the time, money and energy spent on S.W.O.T. analysis and devising those strategies and action plans to counteract the competition, is a waste. They argue, the money and time is better spent on devising those strategies and action plans to establish and strengthen the relationships with the customers. They can argue, with some success, that even if you beat out the competitor, you still have to establish and maintain a good relationship with the customer. Otherwise, the competition may come in and take the customer away.

What's your point of view? Do you want to win the war over your competitors or the hearts and minds of your customers?

May all your actions be Silver Bullets.

About the Author

Sam Langfitt has more than 40 years of diverse business experience. This experience was gained leading companies overseas as well as domestically, with successful turnaround, M & A, joint venture and strategic partnering activities. He has served on Boards of Directors in Europe, Canada and the U.S. Mr. Langfitt has owned and operated two businesses, including his current practice, advising business, owners, CEOs and Presidents. Visit http://www.TriselCoaching.com/

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Sam-Langfitt/73813

Additional Articles From - Home | Self improvement | Competition