When I advise clients and ask about competition, their first answers are about immediate competitors in their industry; other companies offering broadly similar products or services in the same market place. This is valid of course, and we need to assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of such competitors using techniques such as Charting the …
Tag: new entrants
Business Models for Creative Enterprises – a Starting Point
A Facebook friend called Phil sent me a message asking for advice about creating an effective business model for his creative enterprise. I didn’t have much time – but I didn’t want to ignore it either – so I sent a quick answer. This is what I wrote: Here’s the starting point of a business …
How to make business enemies
Here’s a great way to make business enemies, ie how to multiply the number of commercial competitors you’re up against – if you really want to! (OK, maybe the word ‘enemies’ is a bit strong.) Many early stage businesses that haven’t yet found their specialist niche sometimes offer a very wide range of creative services …
Don’t be a ‘Poor Pioneer’: create Barriers to Entry
I often advise creative entrepreneurs who have innovative products or services. Sometimes it’s a completely new idea and they are planning to open up a new market for it. Someone asked me whether I’m ever tempted to ‘steal’ the ideas people tell me about when I’m advising them. My answer was firmly No, for two …
Creative Times: Getting ideas from unusual places
A great place to get ideas is from business sectors outside the creative industries. Why not buy a few magazines you’ve never read before? Or go to a networking meeting of professionals from an industry you’ve never engaged with. Creative people should get out more! Read article > Creative Times is now online! Link: www.creativetimes.co.uk