Does Competition Really Exist?
Posted by Mike | Filed under Internet Marketing
Just an hour before I started writing this post, I was thinking about how I could have an edge over my competitors. Online competitors, to be precise. You see, I’m currently developing a new website (I won’t disclose the URL here though) and I found out that the competition, particularly in the search engine rankings, was fierce. I thought that I should have more interactive and interesting content to attract visitors and to encourage them to promote my new site through word-of-mouth. But as I was planning and thinking of innovative ideas, I suddenly came up with the question “Does competition really exist?”.
Let me share my personal experience about competition with you. This will help you understand why, out of nowhere, I had doubts whether competition exists or not.
“Competition? Hey, There’s No Such Thing!”
I clearly remember when the school year wasn’t over yet, everyone in our class was so busy reviewing for the exams. All of us were focused doing our own thing; we weren’t minding our classmates. Why? Because we thought that if we entertain each other and tell each other what we know, then the “competition” to be on top of the list would be very intense!
During one of the exam days, I was sitting on my chair, waiting for the exam to start. One of my classmates approached me and asked to borrow my notes. I shook my head, for I didn’t want anyone to benefit from MY notes. “They were MY notes — why don’t you read your own? You have YOUR own notes, right!?” That was what I was thinking. But I was shocked when he said that “C’mon, competition should not exist. All of us just have to be friends and lend each other a hand. We will all benefit that way!”
And that’s how I came up with the question. Honestly, his statement REALLY made me think! 
Competitors ARE Assets!
Most of us (and that includes me) think that competitors should be examined and scrutinized. We shouldn’t interact with them — we should just spy on them! But no, just a while ago, I started to see “competition” differently. I don’t see my competitors as rivals anymore. They’re now assets which can help me improve!
Here are three reasons why I consider competitors as assets instead of pains in the butt.
We can all learn from our competitors. Remember, no one knows everything about the whole universe! They can share their negative experiences with us — and of course, we can avoid making the same mistakes. You know guys, there will always be something new that our competitors can teach us, so being friends with them can help. A lot.
Our competitors can guide us to the right direction. There are people who are new to the industry, and sometimes they’re confused on what to do. If they socialize with their competitors, then they can be guided to the right direction by the “seniors”.
By being friends with competitors, we can always seek for advice. Imagine if you were enemies with everyone else in the industry… who would you run to when you need some help? Who would you ask for some advice when you think that you’re on the wrong track? Well, if you befriend the other guys in the industry, you are actually helping yourself!
The Big Question: Does Competition Really Exist?
Just an hour ago, my classmate’s statement made me think hard. I analyzed things, and I concluded that competition doesn’t exist. Well, if it does, it’s not there to make you suffer. It’s there to help you improve!
I’d love to know your thoughts about this. Do you think that competitors are supposed to be considered as rivals? Or are they people who can help you reach your goals?
Wow, thanks for the great post Juggler. This got me thinking… I used to avoid visiting other people’s blogs which cover the same topic as I do. Why? Because I thought my visit would just add to my competitors’ traffic! Now I can see the light! Thanks Jug!
No problem Renn. Just remember, competitors are assets — not ***holes.
See ya around! I’m currently doing some Math for fun. 
Nice article.
If there is no competition, there is no fun.
So fight with it.
Now show us your new url
Meethere: No, I will NOT show that new URL. Not unless I finish developing and establishing it.
Anyway, competition can be fun at times, but don’t you think that your competitors can be great assets? Imagine if the world were in perfect harmony… everyone’s helping each other. Sounds pretty cool to me.
Come on, at least be friends with your competitors. For once!
Now, Jug, no need to be shy. Show that URL now! I like this post, I can relate to it very much. Can I quote you? Please? Please!?
“Competitors are assets not ***holes.” -> that would be my inspirational quote. Thanks for the wonderful post!
Yuhu: Sure, quote me if you like. My pleasure!
Gee, I’m flattered. LOL.
@jug - if you dont want to reveal the url in public, Private message me.
(similar thing happened with directories before few months - lot of competition and so new and new ideas )
without competitors, you dont know what to do next. We copy others idea to make us better and best
Competition do exist and you cannot be friends with everyone because everyone are of different personalities. You will need to choose who to become your friend and of course, some might reciprocate your efforts but some will turn it down.
Competition do exist and the best way, for me, is not to say no to it, but to use it, as a motivating factor as well as for self-satisfaction (if you win in the end
)
I loved this article. I disagree that you need to be friends with your competition but strongly agree that your competition will improve your game.
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Competition is my raison d’etre. I own a fencing company and am able to differentiate myself from my competitors in my market in one avenue - online presence. There are at least 5 fence companies bigger than mine, but I’ve spent countless hours building up my site so we can slowly take market share away from the established players. For market research I called 3 of my competitors and learned they are 1 month out on fencing projects. This was great news and now I’m bidding up my projects and not “buying” work because I know that demand is high and I can command a premium for my work.
I love competition it brings out the best in us.
Chad: That’s good to hear.
I hope to see you around here more often. 
Nice post. I completely agree about competition strengthing your game. I also think they help in growing a niche. Like Chad said… we all do certian things better than others… so there really should be no worries.