What to do at the first roadblock?

[Kevin Lee]

If you get a new business idea in your mind and then find a competitor (or many) in an initial Google search, what do you do? Do you simply give up and say, "oh well" ?

How do you overcome this first mental roadblock that your idea isn't original?

I guess one could always just tell himself/herself that he/she can do it better, but what are some other things a person can do to keep moving forward?

[GT Bulmer]

Hi, Kevin:

Nice topic idea.

If you are planning on marketing online, the first thing to do when hitting that worrisome roadblock is to click on this link:

Internet World Stats

Latest statistics reveal the world population to be 6,676,120,288.

Also, Internet users number at 1,463,632,361.

So, if you think "competition" is a roadblock, think again! You currently have nearly 1.5 BILLION potential customers! I would think that gives us plenty to go around.

And not only that, look at the percentage: that 1.5 billion is only 22% of the world population ... and we KNOW that every day, more and more of the remaining 78% are getting connected. So, our base of prospects is ever-increasing. Great news!

The next thing to do is check out the competition in the niche you are considering. Make intensive notes. Find out what they are selling, how they are selling it, who they are targeting. Identify the leaders in that field ... and seek to emulate them. Copy their style, their methods, their product line (but don't plagiarize or infringe on copyrights or trademarks!)

Do not fear them. Rather, seek to do what they are doing and go after their target market! Remember, there's plenty for everybody. If you aim for professionalism and quality, you will succeed.

It may not happen quickly, but if you are focused and committed, you will eventually begin to be known as an alternative to their services. Maybe there are ways you can trim your services so your prices can be better, or your delivery time can be quicker; some advantage that a "small operator" would have over a "big player." Personalized service, for example.

Again, do not fear them. Look to emulate their strengths and find areas of focus where you can outshine them.

Just my thoughts.

GT

[Tom]

Quit!

JK.

You need to make a serious decision about what you plan to do and if you can handle the competition. Personally, I like less competitive niches because it typically means success is slightly more guaranteed, as long as you are sure there is a demand. I would rather pick a niche and dominate it rather than rally it out with the big boys.

For example, what if your idea is to start a new search engine? Unless you have some amazing revolutionary new idea, forget it. What about if you wanted to start an online social network just like facebook? Again, your idea won't go anywhere unless you have an amazing revolutionary idea or something.

[Raye]

I love it Tom... Quitting... tuck tail and run... bury your head in the sand... write a letter!!!

I've been accused by my wife of being a "Serial Entrepreneur"... In other words someone that is not satisfied with just one successful business idea and I'm always looking for others. I think that describes most members to this forum!

That being said, I'm always finding myself being challenged by new business ideas and then searching for whether they are viable. The most important aspect of deciding whether it is viable is not always the competition in the first analysis. For me, it's more important to research how many people are actually searching for what you're looking for and there are a number of sites out there that can show you search information for specific keywords. If there is a strong demand for your idea (Based on search volumes), then you look at who is actually servicing the market, how big they are and if they have a national or regional presence. (PM me and I'll pass along a great link to work from).

Most importantly, your idea needs to offer something different to what the existing suppliers are offering and that uniqueness, combined with a large enough demand, will allow for some room in the market for you.

The worst case scenario would be lots of competition and no demand for the product or service. You got everyone fighting over a select group of customers and the big boys will always win with there unlimited marketing cash... (Real life experience and loses to prove this!!!)...

[Kevin Lee]

I love it Tom... Quitting... tuck tail and run... bury your head in the sand... write a letter!!!

I've been accused by my wife of being a "Serial Entrepreneur"... In other words someone that is not satisfied with just one successful business idea and I'm always looking for others. I think that describes most members to this forum!

That being said, I'm always finding myself being challenged by new business ideas and then searching for whether they are viable. The most important aspect of deciding whether it is viable is not always the competition in the first analysis. For me, it's more important to research how many people are actually searching for what you're looking for and there are a number of sites out there that can show you search information for specific keywords. If there is a strong demand for your idea (Based on search volumes), then you look at who is actually servicing the market, how big they are and if they have a national or regional presence. (PM me and I'll pass along a great link to work from).

Most importantly, your idea needs to offer something different to what the existing suppliers are offering and that uniqueness, combined with a large enough demand, will allow for some room in the market for you.

The worst case scenario would be lots of competition and no demand for the product or service. You got everyone fighting over a select group of customers and the big boys will always win with there unlimited marketing cash... (Real life experience and loses to prove this!!!)...

Hi Raye,

So how many businesses are you currently juggling and what's your max limit ?

[Raye]

Do you want the real number or what I tell my wife???

Presently one business that has three distinct product lines that cater to the transportation industry. I find myself looking at other markets that are much larger than what we service... Entrepreneurs for example... how many are there out there compared to transportation companies? Massive market that's tough to overlook... Ask Evan! There are many markets like this and if one is constantly thinking about it, eventually a business idea comes up that requires some additional thought.

But... as per the theme of this thread, roadblocks happen for a reason and you either choose to find a way around it or turn around and look for another route as the road after the roadblock might be a little rough!!!

[mbrand2222]

Upon first discouragement, dig in and see if things are as they seem. Sometimes, even though there are several products out there that appear comparable, they are no match. Maybe they do don't a good job of what they are intended for, or maybe there are several glitches in their system, or perhaps their customer service just plain stinks. Decide how you can "one up" all of these things and decide that you are going to create a better product that more people would want. Attitude is 95% of the battle. If you feel defeated before you've done any research on any of the other products, you're doing yourself a huge disservice. Give yourself a chance and see if you can be the BEST in every way. This will get you far no matter what the venture.

[ideasuniversity]

Hi, Kevin:

Nice topic idea.

If you are planning on marketing online, the first thing to do when hitting that worrisome roadblock is to click on this link:

Internet World Stats

Latest statistics reveal the world population to be 6,676,120,288.

Also, Internet users number at 1,463,632,361.

So, if you think "competition" is a roadblock, think again! You currently have nearly 1.5 BILLION potential customers! I would think that gives us plenty to go around.

And not only that, look at the percentage: that 1.5 billion is only 22% of the world population ... and we KNOW that every day, more and more of the remaining 78% are getting connected. So, our base of prospects is ever-increasing. Great news!

The next thing to do is check out the competition in the niche you are considering. Make intensive notes. Find out what they are selling, how they are selling it, who they are targeting. Identify the leaders in that field ... and seek to emulate them. Copy their style, their methods, their product line (but don't plagiarize or infringe on copyrights or trademarks!)

Do not fear them. Rather, seek to do what they are doing and go after their target market! Remember, there's plenty for everybody. If you aim for professionalism and quality, you will succeed.

It may not happen quickly, but if you are focused and committed, you will eventually begin to be known as an alternative to their services. Maybe there are ways you can trim your services so your prices can be better, or your delivery time can be quicker; some advantage that a "small operator" would have over a "big player." Personalized service, for example.

Again, do not fear them. Look to emulate their strengths and find areas of focus where you can outshine them.

Just my thoughts.

GT

Hi GT,
I have been looking for this information for a free seminar I want to do this week. Letting people know how the market is so large that competition has nothing to do with once success or failure.

[GT Bulmer]

Hi GT,
I have been looking for this information for a free seminar I want to do this week. Letting people know how the market is so large that competition has nothing to do with once success or failure.

Yes, the stats at Internet World Stats are great for demonstrating the potential of a business.

I think that roadblocks are largely mental or emotional: either we are looking for excuses not to do something, or excuses why our efforts haven't (yet) produced the desired results. Sometimes a perceived roadblock is just fear speaking or a lack of personal confidence. I think that if we simply move forward with an attitude of positive expectation and a determination to reach a well-defined goal, roadblocks will begin to fade away.

Through belief and confidence, you can make a molehill out of a mountain!

GT

[Kevin Lee]

Hi GT,
I have been looking for this information for a free seminar I want to do this week. Letting people know how the market is so large that competition has nothing to do with once success or failure.

Yes, the stats at Internet World Stats are great for demonstrating the potential of a business.

I think that roadblocks are largely mental or emotional: either we are looking for excuses not to do something, or excuses why our efforts haven't (yet) produced the desired results. Sometimes a perceived roadblock is just fear speaking or a lack of personal confidence. I think that if we simply move forward with an attitude of positive expectation and a determination to reach a well-defined goal, roadblocks will begin to fade away.

Through belief and confidence, you can make a molehill out of a mountain!

GT

Hi GT,

I think seeing that the glass (i.e. market or opportunity) is only half full is a good mindset to have rather than looking at the sheer number of competitors.

[mbrand2222]

GT said,
I think seeing that the glass (i.e. market or opportunity) is only half full is a good mindset to have rather than looking at the sheer number of competitors.

I would have to agree. I think this is a great thing to think about in almost any situation, whether home or business. As I mentioned, attitude is 95% of the battle. Keeping it positive is the only way to get the things you really want in life. Helping others helps, too. See the quote in my signature.

[sajis@yahoo.com]

Roadblocks are usually established in locations that prevent easy avoidance , offer ample

parking for interrogating suspected law violators and issuing tickets , and usually in places and during times that will not cause serious traffic tie ups , although there have certainly been exceptions.
The stated purposes of roadblocks are usually legalized excuses to stop and scrutinize motorists for which there would otherwise be no reason to do so.
These excuses include "sobriety checks," license and registration verification , possession of insurance , proof of citizenship , and seatbelt usage.
The desired effect is to establish a sense of fear and intimidation among the population. The pity is that it works , as far as the "desired effect" is concerned.

Even if the courts disallow roadblocks for certain purposes , e.g. the recent cases prohibiting roadblocks from being used to identify drug users or couriers , the enforcement agencies just claim another purpose for the roadblocks and it's business as usual.
The courts have gone out of their way to allow the police great latitude in what they can do , once they have you stopped and under their control.
The point of the above discussion is to suggest that you engage the roadblock process from the standpoint that the current courts find them legal and a legitimate law enforcement tactic.
Therefore , there is little to gain by launching into a tirade over the constitutionality of roadblocks , at least while you are stopped at one.
However , this is not to say that all your rights are null and void once you enter a roadblock..............

[mbrand2222]

Roadblocks are usually established in locations that prevent easy avoidance , offer ample

parking for interrogating suspected law violators and issuing tickets , and usually in places and during times that will not cause serious traffic tie ups , although there have certainly been exceptions.
The stated purposes of roadblocks are usually legalized excuses to stop and scrutinize motorists for which there would otherwise be no reason to do so.
These excuses include "sobriety checks," license and registration verification , possession of insurance , proof of citizenship , and seatbelt usage.
The desired effect is to establish a sense of fear and intimidation among the population. The pity is that it works , as far as the "desired effect" is concerned.

Even if the courts disallow roadblocks for certain purposes , e.g. the recent cases prohibiting roadblocks from being used to identify drug users or couriers , the enforcement agencies just claim another purpose for the roadblocks and it's business as usual.
The courts have gone out of their way to allow the police great latitude in what they can do , once they have you stopped and under their control.
The point of the above discussion is to suggest that you engage the roadblock process from the standpoint that the current courts find them legal and a legitimate law enforcement tactic.
Therefore , there is little to gain by launching into a tirade over the constitutionality of roadblocks , at least while you are stopped at one.
However , this is not to say that all your rights are null and void once you enter a roadblock..............

I don't think he meant literal roadblocks, but you bring up some interesting points.

[Ringo So]

Hi,

I totally agree with GT's reply. Use statistics!

I personally recommend Google Trends and Google Insights for Search.
They don't just look for "replicas" but rather tell you the search trends
of certain keywords that might be vital to your business idea.

I would also look for the raison d'etre of your business idea. Compare it with the "replica" that you found online. Can you provide something that they cannot?

Not only look at direct competitions, but also complementary and substitute goods for ways to make your business idea stand out! Some products and services will have either or both.

An example would be electric cars. Currently, due to their technical shortcomings they remain substitutes instead of a direct competition to normal conventional cars. But car manufacturers are one step ahead and created hybrids. Best of both worlds and a preemptive strike to a would-be competitor!