The answer to this question is undoubtedly, No.
There is no way for all of us to get along. The biggest reason is because there is limited space, time, and clients.
Think about it. When I close a deal on a new client, you just lost an opportunity. When you come out with a superior product, I lose market share. When the banks tell me there’s no money available for loans, it’s cause you got there first.
You see it is a never ending cycle that we all go through. We are all plotting, waiting, and researching each other in hopes that we make it to the front of the line first.
The trick is exactly that, to get there first. If your company really wants to become future-focused here’s a few things you can do:
· Research, research, and research some more – it is important to realize that it’s not just the research; it’s the ‘right’ research. Which means you must decipher ‘what’ will get your company to next the level. The ‘what’ is having a superior product, the ‘what’ is delivering services faster, the ‘what’ is having a better brand. So only focus on areas that will get you closer to the ‘what’.
· Experiment – the only way to get to the best final product is to experience. Your company could give out samples at a college fair and gather feedback or add a ‘bonus’ to current products. The main thing is to push the products that are well receipted and weed out the ones that aren’t.
· Can’t resist offer’s – You have to give your target audience something they can’t resist. Sometimes the best way to figure what they can’t resist is to ask them. This can be using discussion forums on your website or interacting via social media. The key is to listen and respond. The more ‘real’ connections you have with your audience the more they will tell you how to serve them. You must do this consistently.
Business doesn’t stop at getting ahead, you have to stay ahead. Keep recreating what you do and how you operate and spend less time worrying about getting along with other companies. Trust me; they are spending less and less time thinking about you.
What else can you do to be future-focused?