How do you differentiate yourself from your competition in the summer?
Standing out from competitors and summer rest, do they go hand in hand? Summer is the perfect time to recharge your batteries. Vitamin D, socializing with family and friends and sometimes just doing nothing at all. Just empty the agenda and no obligations. Refuel!
No matter how empty the agenda, we cannot disconnect our heads from who we are and what we do. Deals we are (have been) active in resonate after. If you are an entrepreneur or commercial manager operating in a competitive market, deals in which you had to go to the limit may come up for review. What did I do well, where could I have done things differently, where did I miss opportunities and how can I be eager next time without coming across as a beggar?.
Especially during the summer period, you can use the empty schedule to make a difference on your next competition. Consider a number of things:
Because of the sun, we literally receive energy in our bodies. We need this to perform optimally. Our bodies benefit from this. At the same time, we are detached from targets and deadlines during summer vacation. Less stressful conditions are beneficial. This has been scientifically proven. As we relax, our mind rests and we can apply better focus. This sharp mind can be put to use again in the next battle with your competitor.
The deals, the competitive battle and or the missed orders you can run them through your mind.‘What went well and what influence did I have on that?' 'What opportunities did you miss and how could I have made different choices in this?’
You can take the lessons from this into the second semester. What will the goals be and how can you achieve them more effectively? It is precisely because you are detached from the issues of the day that you see opportunities that you did not see during your busy schedule. And because your mind is at rest, creative opportunities arise to turn the next battle with your competitor into your advantage.
At the beginning of the summer period many networking clubs are active with a summer drink or BBQ. During the period of more freedom in your calendar, check for yourself who you spoke to at this last event, or think about who I didn't speak to at all when it would have made sense. Find contact with people who inspire you and challenge you to think out-of-the-box. Also look at the network of your contacts. Who within their network can they connect you with?
During vacations, you often meet like-minded people. Learn from them and how they operate. Be genuinely curious and ask questions about how they are successful. It is precisely through others that you can be inspired and come up with an idea that can be distinctive so that next time the customer chooses you instead of your biggest competition.
Famed American football player TomBrady said the following about translating mental strength to competition:
“Every quarterback can throw a ball; every running back can run; every receiver is fast; but that mental toughness ... translates into competitiveness.”
Mental clout is a choice. You have the opportunity to get a head start just in the summer by taking mental rest, sharpening your mind and being inspired by others for distinctive ideas.
In short, during the summer period you can mentally unload and refill yourself with energy and ideas that will allow you to be one step ahead of the competition.
