BEYOND THE REACH OF THE ENEMY

At first glance, one may wonder the need for this caption. The reason is in line with my mission to providing practical suggestions, ideas and strategies to help businesses produce specific, measurable, achievable and long lasting results. To this effect, i decided to present the title of the message delivered by my pastor, “Tunde Bakare” at The Latter Rain Assembly on Sunday, May 8, 2016 in a different viewpoint.

One of the definitions from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English for an Enemy “someone who opposes or competes against you”. Although, the word “enemy” may not be well pronounced in today’s business, its known synonyms is “opponent”, “rival” or “competitor”. However, the accepted truth in today’s business is that there is no business entity with complete control of her business activities (in a monopolistic position).  Thus, every business entity has other organizations offering similar or differential products or services in the marketplace that gives room for competition. This competition can either be healthy or crude which propels the parties involved to plan strategically in order to stay beyond the reach of the enemies—competitors.

Permit me to share three elementary tools that can be employed by any business in order to stay ahead of her competitors. These tools are clear-cut but extremely powerful when they are skillfully applied. The tools are:

• Knowledge
• Information
• Wisdom

KNOWLEDGE

It was Sun Tzu, a Chinese General whose words of wisdom said thus “If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will fight without danger in battles. If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or lose. If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself”.  It is worthy to note that business is war and to win requires knowledge. For your business to be ahead of its competitors, keeping an eye on the following components are essential:

• Know your business internal components (Strengths and Weaknesses)
• Know your enemies internal components (Individual competitor’s strengths and weaknesses)
• Know the products offered or services rendered
• Know your customers and  listen to their respective need(s)

 INFORMATION

I have found out that quite a number of businesses do not pay attention to facts and details, most especially from the opponent(s) business activities. Information is key irrespective of your market share.  Your business may be making more money now, but never you stop yearning for detailed, valuable, and latest information either from the governing authorities ( relating to change in business policy or formulation of new policies) or from your rival’s strategic moves. In other words, your business need to:

• Gather facts and details from your opponents ‘as regards the introduction of new product(s), service(s) into the marketplace. The social media platforms are avenues to achieving this.
• Develop a special relationship with employees of other rival’s company or business
• Set up intelligent file for each competitor  in the industry
• Patronise the product(s) offered or service(s) rendered by your competitor(s)
• Expand your knowledge by reading and studying relevant literatures that are important to your business.

WISDOM

Wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it (Ecclesiastes 7:12).  Making good decisions, giving good advice based on good judgment are products of wisdom. This means that wisdom will multiply your business and add years to its existence. Mind you, wisdom deliverables are Knowledge and Information.

In conclusion, in your chase to stay beyond the reach of your competitors, don’t participate in destroying any company’s brand either by omission or commission, and never underestimate your competitor(s) because they have fallen or below you, keep an upbeat attitude. Above all, treat your employees and customers with respect.

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See you at the Top!!!

Your friend,

Moses Onyebuchi.

 Mobile Line: +2348060559998

Email: [email protected]

NB: Please keep sending in your comments, question(s) or suggestions in any choice means of communication.