Running a business is exciting, but competition can be fierce.

You know what’s funny? Most businesses have no clue who they’re really up against. They think they’re competing with everyone, and end up sounding like everyone.

If you try to please everyone, you end up invisible.

The first step is to figure out who your real competition is. Not just the big names, but the businesses your customers are actually comparing you to when deciding where to spend their money. Stalk them (nicely). Study what they do well, what they fumble, and where they leave gaps. Gaps you can fill.

But here’s where most business owners blow it… They copy.

Please, don’t copy. The goal isn’t to become a watered-down version of someone else. The goal is to be the only choice in your customer’s mind.

How do you do that?

Start with this question: Why should anyone buy from you instead of them?

If you can’t answer that in one sharp, clear sentence, stop everything and figure it out.

Maybe you deliver faster, you’re friendlier or your product just feels better to use. Whatever it is, grab it, own it, and shout it from the rooftops.

Then, bake that uniqueness into your messaging, your offers, your customer experience. And while you’re at it… don’t be boring.

The world has enough “professional,” safe, robotic brands. Show some personality. Be bold. Make people feel something when they interact with you.

Lastly, keep watching. The market moves fast. Stay curious. Stay sharp. When your competitors zig, find a smart way to zag.

Competitive analysis isn’t about copying others. It’s about finding your edge and sharpening it until no one else can touch you.

Be different. Be memorable. Be the one they can’t ignore.