Small Business Information

Get In Touch With Your Competition!


We all know that competition is an ugly word but competitors are a fact of life in business. If your business can't compete with other businesses, don't start it. You have to have some type of an edge.

You may have an excellent product or service, but if everyone else is selling a product or service similar to yours, just how much of the market can you expect to capture?

You will have to learn everything there is to know about your competition and understand their marketing strategies.

The best way to research your competition is to locate those you consider the largest threat to your potential business. Take the time to make a note of and acquire a feel for how your competitors deals with their customers, then answer these questions:

What appeals to you most about their website, introduction, setup etc.?

How large of an inventory do they carry?

Are their products display eye-catching?

What is their Alexa, Google, Yahoo, and AOL ranking?

Are their testimonials positive?

Are their prices in line and competitive with yours?

What do they offer that you could not?

Do they offer discounts?

Do they offer a return policy?

Do they offer any special services, such as free delivery?

Which areas could do with some improvement and could you improve in these areas?

Do they keep their online store up-to-date?

What means of promotion do they use (flyers, coupons, free gifts, etc.)?

Next, create a profile of each main competitor. Know how they advertise, why their customers shop there, what areas need improving, and how successfully you can expect to compete with them.

You may also develop ideas for improving and promoting your own business. Your success will lie in assessing and understanding your competitor's strengths and weaknesses.

Evaluate and compare your own strengths and weaknesses to stay in touch with the competition and succeed in your business.

Sonia Colon is owner of a successful online specialty giftstore "Jimson Products".

Visit: http://www.jimsonproducts.com for a wonderful display.

Get Your Own FREE Mall: http://www.telebay.com/shopping1/mall.html


MORE RESOURCES:


Forbes (blog)

Proposed Tax Breaks Helpful for Small Business?
Reuters
The problem with the small business tax breaks is two-fold: small businesses are incredibly diverse in their craft, and consequently, no single break works ...
Small Business to Obama: Tax Cuts Won't WorkWall Street Journal (blog)
Do SMBs Want Obama Tax Breaks or Fewer Barriers to Business?MSPmentor
Obama's Small Business Incentive PlansMyFox Philadelphia
CNNMoney -Shopfloor -National Center for Policy Analysis
all 72 news articles »


Reuters

President makes case for his tax plan; urges passage of small-business bill
MarketWatch
The promotion comes as Obama answered questions about the economy, small-business legislation, health care, consumer protection and the Middle East, ...
Wonkbook: Goolsbee to head CEA, Voinovich backs small business aid; yuan(na ...Washington Post (blog)

all 525 news articles »


InDinero makes small business finances a snap
CNNMoney
... staff reporterSeptember 10, 2010: 12:40 PM ET NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Managing financial data is often a nightmare for small business owners. ...

and more »


If taxes on rich go up, would small business suffer?
MiamiHerald.com
Republicans are backed by a vocal chorus of small business owners, a formidable lobby on Capitol Hill. "Part of the reason businesses aren't spending now is ...

and more »



Think Small Business Is Job Engine? Think Again
Wall Street Journal (blog)
One economic adage is that small businesses generate the bulk of all US jobs. It's a rule of thumb often cited by politicians. ...



Columbus Dispatch

Here, There, Everywhere a Small Business Tax Cut
Firedoglake (blog)
I want to know who was the genius in the White House who thought it was a good idea to pass around a press release touting the “eight small business tax ...
FACT SHEET: President Obama Has Signed Eight Small Business Tax Cuts Into Law ...Whitehouse.gov (press release)
Senate plans vote on small business bill next weekThe Grand Rapids Press - MLive.com
Tax Foundation: Tax Hike Would Hurt Small Firms, EconomyWall Street Journal (blog)

all 67 news articles »


eCreditDaily.com

IRS Offers Small Business Guide to Tax Audits
Reuters
When the tax man comes knocking at the door of a small business, the visitor can cause an owner to go dizzy with questions ...
Small business gets peek at health care tax credit formKnoxville News Sentinel
Draft Form for Small Business Health Insurance Credit ReleasedJournal of Accountancy
5 Expensive New Business MistakesSan Francisco Chronicle

all 45 news articles »


Chamber announces small business awards
Boston Globe
"Cedar's Mediterranean Foods will receive the 'Business Excellence Award,' and Joanne Chang, pastry chef and owner of Flour Bakery & Café, will be honored ...


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