02-22-2016
Fretting Over the Competition? Here's How to Stop...
FILED IN: Education
Posted By: Jamie Kutchman
We've all done it. We've all been there. You know, that pit in your stomach you get when you see someone else's gorgeous Insta feed and their gazillion followers along with their effortless-looking success. It's easy enough to say "don't compare yourself to others" but here's how to actually DO it.
Core Competencies
As soon as I begin to feel inadequate, I grab my notebook and a pen and start writing down the core competencies of my business. This isn't even a list I would necessarily share with others. It's enough for me to go through the exercise of writing it and after that, I feel significantly better. This isn't a permanent fix but it at least gives me the push I need to change my thoughts and press forward in my day.
Look Back
Go back in time and take a peek at work you did a year ago and then compare it side-by-side to your work today. You'll be astounded at how much progress can take place in a year (or even a few months!) that you didn't even realize was happening. Caution. If you're anything like me, you might actually be embarrassed of your early work. Look at it anyway! You'll immediately feel better about where you are right this second.
Focus Inward
It's easy to get caught up in the social media game. It's easy to take on more and more time-consuming projects that may not fit your business model but have the allure of getting you more followers. In times like this, it's best to focus INWARD and not outward. Focus on your operations and revenue streams. Examine your client experience and make sure it's the best it can be. Booking actual clients that you turn into happy clients feels better than new followers EVER will.
Obey Thy Business Model
Just because you see someone else having success doing something doesn't mean you have to abandon ship and immediately take your business in a different direction. In fact, the more you chase someone else's path, the less of your own identity you create. Stay true to your niche and space in the market and resist the temptation to be everything to everyone.
Competition is Healthy
If you have a sick feeling in your stomach about your competition, perhaps it's actually drive or passion or adrenaline. Competition is a necessary part of the business world and makes people push past limits and achieve goals that they might never achieve if competition wasn't present. You don't have to like it, but at least appreciate it for what it can do for you and your business.
Any other tips that work for you? We'd love to hear from you!
All images by Jen S Photography
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