Comments on: How to Learn From Your Competition

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:57:05 +0000

Derek, excellent points. I love examples from the professional athlete world. We sure can learn a lot from the pro’s, especially the superstars. You’ve given me great food for thought. I also like what you stated about cooperating with competition. I do believe that joint venturing is becoming a lot more common. I have found that collaborating creates a synergy that would not occur if I kept to myself.

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By: Derek

Derek — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:13:50 +0000

@MIke I think you should always focus on innovation, but that doesn’t mean you should wear blinders. Sometimes your competitors are doing things you “need” to be doing and there would be no reason to reinvent the wheel. You can just borrow the idea and innovate your way to the next level.

By: Mike King

Mike King — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:07:55 +0000

Interesting points here Derek. I guess I tend to ignore competitors as I have a very creative mind and like to come up with my own innovations and ideas. This makes it easy to loose sight of what the competition might be doing and I see there is value in knowing that for some of that inspiration that might be needed for new innovation anyway. Thanks for the tips.!

By: Derek

Derek — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:20:33 +0000

@Geoserv Isn’t it unfortunate? People conduct business and feel like they don’t need to watch their competition because “they don’t care.” I’m not sure why, but even large companies don’t do enough competitor analysis.

By: Geoserv

Geoserv — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:17:45 +0000

This is a definite must but unfortunately most of us don’t have ot take the time to do this.

By: Derek

Derek — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:12:04 +0000

@Karl I think I’m going to take HIB’s advice as well. Need to take the competition out to lunch to find out what they’re thinking for sure.

By: Karl Staib - Work Happy Now

Karl Staib - Work Happy Now — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:17:02 +0000

I like that you encourage people to talk to their competition. If people keep everything to themselves they won’t be willing to create a network of people to help them. A network is possibly the greatest tool to becoming successful at any business.

I like that HIB takes their competition out to lunch. It’s a great way to connect and learn.

By: HIB

HIB — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:27:23 +0000

Nice article. I actually like to take my competition out to lunch. It’s amazing what people will say if you are give them a free lunch and a beer.

I’ve also read that people are most honest while taking a walk or jogging. I’ve never been able to go on a walk with my competition, but that may be something to try as well.