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30. Who is your competition? In the workplace there will be people who are as qualified,
experienced or possess a magnetic charm and winning smile (!) just like you.
Everyone in every niche, role or job has a competitor. Even if you don’t have someone
in your workplace that offers the same, there’s always someone you compete with at
times of promotion or, in these tough times, reapplying for your own job.
31. What makes them a competitor? Are they offering the same things you are, are they
competing with you for the opportunities, or are they a trusted friend and colleague?
Beware, tough times toughens attitudes and behaviour.
32. How do they describe what makes them unique? What are they using to convey what
they do? How does their description differ from yours? Do you need to adjust your
branding to make you more?
33. What do they offer? What skills, experience, background, knowledge and
qualifications do they offer? Do they offer anything you don’t? How can you adjust
your branding accordingly so what they offer seems outdated, inferior, or irrelevant?
34. What are they better at than you? Take an objective look at them, their work and their
‘brand’. What do they do better than you? How will that affect your job prospects? Do
you need to compensate for that weakness, or display it proudly?
35. What are you better at than them? Which of your strengths can you emphasise to give
yourself a competitive advantage?
36. How do they present their brand? Pay attention to their style and presentation. Is it
better, more suitable than you? Be honest.
37. How active are they in promoting their brand? How well known are they in the
organisation? Can you position your brand as the leader where you work?
38. Does your profession or job have a national or regional trade association? Are you a
member? Trade associations and professional groupings are a good way to network,
keep up-to-date and create opportunities for yourself.
© Roy Lilley 48