Standing Out and Above Competition in 2014.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” How many hours have you spent sharpening your business to cut down all the challenges that may prevent you from standing out and above competition in 2014? Check out all the great companies in the world and you will see that they all have plans for 2014. Do you want to do great things in 2014? In this article we ask three questions that will help you determine whether you and your business are ready to beat competition in 2014. 

NOVEMBER 2013 • Tsuwa Thompson

Picture: Adapted from Trexglobal.com

In This Article

• Introduction
• Standing Out and Above Competition in 2014.
• About the Author

Everyone of us wants to be that awesome entrepreneur that's running a world class and highly profitable business. By now you are already dreaming about 2014 and how you are going to conquer your market and wow your customers. Or maybe not.

Maybe you are caught up in the year end hustle and bustle and you don't have time to think about 2014 just yet. Maybe you are planning to do that come January when things calm down a little. Here's another maybe that might be true in your case. Your competitor is already planning and knocking on doors to lock those 2014 deals. Maybe you are leaving it all too late.

Here are three questions you need to ask yourself to determine whether you are being proactive or just one of the 'maybe' entrepreneurs.

• Have you developed a strategic plan for 2014? Some more questions to hit home the first question. Have you asked yourself what your customers really want from you in 2014? Have you defined a clear and impactful marketing plan? What processes do you need to improve to deliver better service? Which people are you going to coach up or coach within the first months of 2014?

• Have you started marketing your services to existing and potential customers? Most doors won't be open to latecomers in 2014. If you haven't started knocking and resonating your value offerings to loyal customers, competition may win them over through proactive marketing. Remember the parable of the 10 virgins from the Bible? It's a story that applies so well here.

• Do you have an personal development plan in place? You can't give what you don't have. You need to add value to yourself so as to give your customers a continuous refreshing experience. What new skills or certification will you take a hold of to boost your service results? What changes do you have to make to be a better leader to your people so they are inspired to go the extra mile? Have you planned days you will take time off with you alone and the family to refresh your spirit, soul and body? As much as you need excellent work-results, you also need work-life balance to excel in business.

Alan Armstrong said, "Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character." So are you gunning to be that awesome entrepreneur that's running a world class and highly profitable business? Are you really ready to stand out and above competition in 2014?

 

Tsuwa Thompson is the Principal Consultant and the Chief Executive Officer of RtHE Consult Limited.

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