Comments on: Competitive Intelligence: Not Just For Big Business

By: Matt Cover

Matt Cover — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:33:04 +0000

I know some folks may consider it sneaky but I sometimes cold call the competition and make inquiries as a customer. I’ve found it most enlightening to see how they answer questions that have taken me by surprise in the past. It’s not something I do often, and though it may come across as somewhat dishonest I’ve always agreed witht he maxim ‘business is war’.

By: George

George — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 15:54:56 +0000

I believe Guy makes an interesting point on the larger role local governments should play in helping smaller businesses make use of market intelligence. It would be helpful for local chambers of commerce to set up newsletters and regular meetings/workshops to enforce good competitive practices.

Thanks

George

By: Guy

Guy — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:51:55 +0000

Hi Stefan,

Convincing small business owners to look outside of their business, into the local competitive landscape is a lot harder than it should be. Whilst at university in the UK, I was involved in a project through an Entrepreneurship module to encourage local bakers to broaden their products and services through simple market research. The project was a challenge and even though simple tips were given on how they could improve their operations, many were too sceptical to enforce any real changes. I believe local governments should do a lot more to educate business owners on the benefits of market research and competitive intelligence.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:38:35 +0000

I often find that CI is overlooked by small businesses especially regarding restaurants for example. Say you have a competing restaurant a few blocks away. Few restaurant owners ever go by their competition to take a look and figure out why people like it better or what they like about it in general.They should take that information and use it to make their establishments a better place to dine.

By: Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:04:24 +0000

This is an important article for small business owners to always keep an eye on the competition. Competition analysis is not only important when you’re launching a business but it’s important not to become complacent and keep a watchful eye on the competition.

By: Dave Talbert

Dave Talbert — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:48:29 +0000

Ethical competitive intelligence involves gathering and analysing public information on competitors and develop a good understanding of their business, so that their weaknesses can be turned into one’s strength.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:28:21 +0000

Its really true, small business may have nightmares when there is a close competition but big business that is not the case.

By: Jeroen van Luik

Jeroen van Luik — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:50:53 +0000

Hi Stefan,

Interesting post, as this topic becomes more important every day. A lot of large companies have mature CI systems, but small and medium business seem to think it’s too large for them (or worse, not important). You give some valid tips in your post. Last week I posted about starting CI (“how to”) in a small business on my CI blog and next week I’ll post the second part of that blogpost . Please feel welcome to visit my blog!

http://bit.ly/8iHZun

Cheers,
Jeroen