We all operate in competitive markets, and often, it feels like our competitors’ strengths are impossible to overcome. In this post we examine how to turn your competitor's biggest strength into a weakness.
Insightful, as always. I also appreciated your personal note. I lost my brother this past summer and echo your thoughts and sentiments. I grew up in a generation where vulnerability was not seen as professional but I was inspired by an author and speaker who taught me that “business is personal”. So kudos to you for sharing your humanity which, in my mind, further enhances your brand.
Just read this article and found so much value here. We operate in a niche space where there's no "direct" competitor to what we do, but there are a few who do parts of what we do. Sometimes, it becomes tricky to position ourselves for just that 1 part.
On the personal note - sorry to hear about your loss, April. I lost my mom to cancer too exactly 3 years ago today, so I can totally relate to your situation.
Lastly, wanted you to know that I've been the biggest fan of your work. I've learnt so much from you already - be it via Obviously Awesome, Sales Pitch, your talks, or this Substack. Thank you for everything you do.
April, thank you for sharing professionally and personally. Your advice has saved my mind from spinning many times, it's priceless. I'm very sorry for your loss, to you and your family. You have given a lot to the world, I hope you are able to receive as well.
Long-time reader, first-time caller. I’m so sorry for your loss. Cancer touches so many of us, yet it’s still something we don’t talk about enough. Opening up to your readers is a step towards challenging that.
I’ve always admired you as a professional, and now I know that you are a helluva sister and human being, too. May your sister’s memory live on.
Always love and learn from your books and posts, April. Based on your #1 point in the Market Leader Disadvantages text, did you mean to write "Can't meet all the needs..." in the first Disadvantages cell of the Positioning Jujitsu table?
So sorry for your loss of your sister. Glad that you were able to ruthlessly prioritize and that you have "your people". Have had a couple of situations where I had to do the same as you and the "upside" (I put it in quotes because you'd prefer not to have to go through the pain at all) is that you find out who your true people are.
Hope you continue to get the support you need as you navigate this.
Insightful, as always. I also appreciated your personal note. I lost my brother this past summer and echo your thoughts and sentiments. I grew up in a generation where vulnerability was not seen as professional but I was inspired by an author and speaker who taught me that “business is personal”. So kudos to you for sharing your humanity which, in my mind, further enhances your brand.
Happy holidays!
Thanks Kurt and I'm so sorry for your loss as well.
Love your positioning matrix, which made you win an instant subscriber.
Hey thanks!
Just read this article and found so much value here. We operate in a niche space where there's no "direct" competitor to what we do, but there are a few who do parts of what we do. Sometimes, it becomes tricky to position ourselves for just that 1 part.
On the personal note - sorry to hear about your loss, April. I lost my mom to cancer too exactly 3 years ago today, so I can totally relate to your situation.
Lastly, wanted you to know that I've been the biggest fan of your work. I've learnt so much from you already - be it via Obviously Awesome, Sales Pitch, your talks, or this Substack. Thank you for everything you do.
Hey thanks so much Chirag - I appreciate that.
April, thank you for sharing professionally and personally. Your advice has saved my mind from spinning many times, it's priceless. I'm very sorry for your loss, to you and your family. You have given a lot to the world, I hope you are able to receive as well.
Thanks Stephanie - I appreciate that.
Long-time reader, first-time caller. I’m so sorry for your loss. Cancer touches so many of us, yet it’s still something we don’t talk about enough. Opening up to your readers is a step towards challenging that.
I’ve always admired you as a professional, and now I know that you are a helluva sister and human being, too. May your sister’s memory live on.
Thanks so much Liza.
Always love and learn from your books and posts, April. Based on your #1 point in the Market Leader Disadvantages text, did you mean to write "Can't meet all the needs..." in the first Disadvantages cell of the Positioning Jujitsu table?
Aw dang it! Thanks for pointing that out - fixing it now!
So sorry for your loss of your sister. Glad that you were able to ruthlessly prioritize and that you have "your people". Have had a couple of situations where I had to do the same as you and the "upside" (I put it in quotes because you'd prefer not to have to go through the pain at all) is that you find out who your true people are.
Hope you continue to get the support you need as you navigate this.
Thanks Jonathan, I appreciate that!