ARE YOU BORED? –COMPETITION IN BUSINESS

Variety is the spice of life they say, but not having any other option to choose from really does beg the
question of the quality of the product. Comparison as a yard stick helps us understand why we prefer a
product, rather than it being the product of availability not choice. The freedom of choice and the ability
to choose is tied to one of our most basic instincts as humans and being robbed of that feeling has never
yielded anything but rebellion on the long term basis.

The feeling of being in control is strongly linked to the power of choice, weighing the pros and cons of
why a decision is made affirms or even exhibits the level of intelligence of a person, which is largely
dependent on the overall outcome of the decision, if it was good, fantastic or outright poor sense of
judgment.

It is an evaluation of the discerning powers everyone possesses, either the follower trusting the
decisions from a Leader or a Leader relying on the discretion of the follower to deliver as expected. It
invariably affects our lives, how we perceive issues, life’s events and ultimately either we succeed or fail
in the endeavors we engage in on every level. Who knew that the power of choice and the ability to
choose could be so engrained in what we consider to be our daily lives filled with great expectations and
hard work? This is made possible only when alternatives are in view, different opinions and ideologies
working towards the same objective.

Competition in the world of business is a perfect line in this divide. The lack of a competitor in a certain
market, value chain or industry is called a Monopoly. It is very good for business, not too ideal for the
consumers/clients. Because they are stuck with whatever you present to them as the BEST QUALITY, the
most obtainable result from a certain product/service. Until a competitor comes to demystify that
ideology, they are caught up in a voluntary trans-like state, not always for comfort, but for the sake of
necessity and what reality provides.

Having a monopolistic control over a certain market or product is never an evil as some say out of envy
and clear spite. It takes a lot of hard work and influence to maintain such a hold under any economic
climate. A farmer will never plant and have too much seeds that he throws them over into the
neighboring farm, neither will he harvest and also get the brigade to announce his yields. If you want to harvest you get the seeds and sow!
Competitors aren’t just adversaries out to get your clients, cut into your profit margins and hope to run
you out of business entirely. That is the perspective of a defeated business, admitting the superiority of
the other(s). It is true that they are out to accomplish these objectives at your detriment, either actively
or passively. Being defensive filled with rage and wrath to be unleashed will not change the fact that just
like you they have also come with seeds hoping to harvest.

Having a better product, service and delivering an impeccable customer experience will set you apart
from these “invaders of profit”, “bringers of the rain of loss” and “lovers of your drought”. Embrace the
fact that an outstanding quality of service will be the easiest distinguishing factor for your business.

Every business thrives or falls on the reputation it has built over time mostly about its quality and
standards.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPETITORS:
 They constantly keep you on your toes, make you push yourself to make the best of the
potential your business has at any given time with the resources available to it.
 They spur you to make progress in an area you might not necessarily have anticipated, they
push the barriers of your vision further until the barriers are shattered.
 Your capacity to think and outthink them is developed, broadening your intellectual horizon and
reinforcing the principles of your business culture, that nothing but the best is expected.
 Innovations and improvements will be made constantly, keeping up with current trends, best
practices and staying ahead of the curve has never been so real until a competitor surges ahead
of you exponentially.

 It gives the customers a wide variety to choose from, with the best a particular industry has to
offer per time, forced out by the rivalry of different processes, structure and overall output.
All of these are made possible by a non-interfering force of Choice, quietly waiting for responses to a
demand nature places on man, dancing to a tune it will not play nor compel any to dance to. At the
same time all these are assumptions are made on the fact that you choose to stay competitive.
Earlier in the past week, my favorite car manufacturing company with a track record of excellence,
Mercedes Benz, on their social media platforms congratulated a competitor on their anniversary with
the message, ”thank you for 100 years of competition, the previous 30 years were actually a bit boring”.
Nothing says you are confident in what you have to offer as a business, like sharing your platform with a
competitor. It is the highest form of security in your brand, this is the level every enterprise should
aspire to be. Rivalry with mutual respect for each other and the boldness in what the name stands for.
Never again should you shiver or quiver at the mention of the name of a competitor, there is no need to
complain about their profits and grumbling at your losses. There can only be one feeling a competitor
gives you, FEAR or BOREDOM. Are you bored our afraid? Only one can help you remain in business.