December 11, 2008 95 Comments

You’re Racing- I’m Improving

Here’s the thing: sometimes people ask me about competition. They ask me who I’m watching out for, or who I’m worried about, or who I’m competing with. There are a few answers to this question, to be honest, but it might not make sense to you, if you think like most people. You see, I’m not competing with any of you. I’m working on improving.

I learned this by completing a marathon in 2004. I’m not fast. I’m not amazing. I just did it. I ran 26.2 miles and completed it. Did I do that by competing? No. I did it by getting out and running.

I’ll admit it. There are blogs that I track my stats against. I do it to see if I’m improving. I do it to see if they are pulling away from me or if I’m having a better month. We all do it. There’s someone out there that we look at to judge ourselves, even a little bit. But that’s not where I compete.

I compete with myself. Did I or didn’t I land the business partnership? Did I or didn’t I do the boring parts of my job that still have to be done? Did I pay enough attention to my kids? Did I eat my vegetables and skip dessert?

Blog numbers aren’t a competition. Number of twitter followers has nothing to do with competition. Who you have for a customer isn’t how I compete.

And you know what? That’s been how I’ve gotten as far along as I have. I learn from everyone. I learn from people with 10 regular blog readers. I learn from Robert Scoble and all the other names you’d expect. I learn from books with dusty jackets that people have forgotten. I learn from Madonna and Oprah and Jenna Jameson.

You keep on racing.

Photo credit, Larry & Flo

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http://www.jimkukral.com Jim Kukral TheBizWebCoach.com

You ran a marathon? Wow, impressive. Congrats. You’re right about this. I learned this important fact back in 99. Block and tackle. Quit worrying about what others are doing, it’s a waste of time. RUN! Fast, win, be better, do it better. Good stuff.
http://www.tumblemoose.com Tumblemoose

Chris,

It’s so easy to lose sight of what we’re really trying to accomplish. Some folks view everything as a race with competitors, winners and losers.

Everything is not a numbers game. If you do what you know is right, treat your business and the people involved as valued assets, you will improve. Let the racers have their oval tracks and vie for pole position. I’ll be out on the road, taking in the scenery.

Cheers!

George
http://www.jimkukral.com Jim Kukral TheBizWebCoach.com

You ran a marathon? Wow, impressive. Congrats. You’re right about this. I learned this important fact back in 99. Block and tackle. Quit worrying about what others are doing, it’s a waste of time. RUN! Fast, win, be better, do it better. Good stuff.
http://www.tumblemoose.com Tumblemoose

Chris,

It’s so easy to lose sight of what we’re really trying to accomplish. Some folks view everything as a race with competitors, winners and losers.

Everything is not a numbers game. If you do what you know is right, treat your business and the people involved as valued assets, you will improve. Let the racers have their oval tracks and vie for pole position. I’ll be out on the road, taking in the scenery.

Cheers!

George
http://www.qualified-lifecoach.com Dawn Abraham Business Coach

I have to agree with the “I compete with myself.” Competition can be a good motivator but in reality there is only the competition we create. There is enough room for everyone and really I feel no need to feel I am personally comepeting with anyone.

The way I look at it we are all in this together and the better one person does the better off we all are.

Good topic Chris.
http://www.qualified-lifecoach.com Dawn Abraham Business Coach

I have to agree with the “I compete with myself.” Competition can be a good motivator but in reality there is only the competition we create. There is enough room for everyone and really I feel no need to feel I am personally comepeting with anyone.

The way I look at it we are all in this together and the better one person does the better off we all are.

Good topic Chris.
http://www.frankthinking.com Frank Reed

Good take, Chris. It’s easy in this world to worry about the competition and then trip because you took your eye off the road.
http://www.Unaffiliated.us Larry Bumgarner

Today’s competitors are tommorow’s best employees.

So never speak ill of them or try to hurt them.

Of course this only applies if you do what Chris suggests and hone your skills to a laser like focus.

The customer always knows and especially in down times will have a sense like you have never seen before for excellence.
http://www.frankthinking.com Frank Reed

Good take, Chris. It’s easy in this world to worry about the competition and then trip because you took your eye off the road.
http://www.Unaffiliated.us Larry Bumgarner

Today’s competitors are tommorow’s best employees.

So never speak ill of them or try to hurt them.

Of course this only applies if you do what Chris suggests and hone your skills to a laser like focus.

The customer always knows and especially in down times will have a sense like you have never seen before for excellence.
http://www.things-and-other-stuff.com/ Cliff Aliperti

I like this subject! I’m in a tiny niche, so I really embrace competition, because my thought is the more of us there are the greater population of customers we can all attract together … but what I wonder is if I’d have this same attitude if I were in a highly competitive area? I really couldn’t say.

I’d like to think I’d agree with you though, but as of right now my goals are two-fold, 1) yes, always improving myself; and 2) spreading the general word to expand my (and even my competitors) customer base.

That said, I take no greater pleasure than when I’ve noticed that I’ve leapfrogged a direct competitor on a nice search term in Google!

Thanks,Cliff
http://www.things-and-other-stuff.com Cliff Aliperti

I like this subject! I’m in a tiny niche, so I really embrace competition, because my thought is the more of us there are the greater population of customers we can all attract together … but what I wonder is if I’d have this same attitude if I were in a highly competitive area? I really couldn’t say.

I’d like to think I’d agree with you though, but as of right now my goals are two-fold, 1) yes, always improving myself; and 2) spreading the general word to expand my (and even my competitors) customer base.

That said, I take no greater pleasure than when I’ve noticed that I’ve leapfrogged a direct competitor on a nice search term in Google!

Thanks,Cliff
http://flashcatinteractive.com John Jacobsen

Great post. This reminds me of a quote I read today in one of O’Reilly’s Flash books: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi said it, not me, but I think it applies to what you’re saying just the same. We all need to keep learning, no matter how well you think you know something.
http://www.netgenpr.com Tom Allinder

Chris, absolutely dead on. I have seen a lot of businesses and individuals fail because they were focused on their competitors. It drains energy and leads to a lack of focus.

By taking care of our own business, and not focusing on what others are doing makes the goal of improving easier to see and achieve bit by bit.

I am always astonished to see how many people are more concerned about everyone else’s business but their own; then they blame their competitors and anyone or everyone else when they fail.
http://flashcatinteractive.com John Jacobsen

Great post. This reminds me of a quote I read today in one of O’Reilly’s Flash books: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi said it, not me, but I think it applies to what you’re saying just the same. We all need to keep learning, no matter how well you think you know something.
http://www.netgenpr.com Tom Allinder

Chris, absolutely dead on. I have seen a lot of businesses and individuals fail because they were focused on their competitors. It drains energy and leads to a lack of focus.

By taking care of our own business, and not focusing on what others are doing makes the goal of improving easier to see and achieve bit by bit.

I am always astonished to see how many people are more concerned about everyone else’s business but their own; then they blame their competitors and anyone or everyone else when they fail.
http://togetherweflourish.com/ Susan/Together We Flourish

I was never very good at competing because I always felt bad when someone else lost. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only person who does not feel the need to compete. I find it much more productive to keep my eye on my own progress. You’re a good man. Thanks for setting a standard that others are looking at as a model for success.
http://www.cactusandivy.com Lisa M. Rodgers

Nice post Chris. I’ve always viewed competition as healthy, it keeps you honest. Some of the most wonderful and talented people I have met to date are on Twitter and they are also my competitors. Do I view them that way? No. I view them as fabulous people I am grateful for meeting, who just happen to make a variety of awesome products within the beauty industry. I know that I have learned something from each and every one of them.
http://togetherweflourish.com/ Susan/Together We Flourish

I was never very good at competing because I always felt bad when someone else lost. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only person who does not feel the need to compete. I find it much more productive to keep my eye on my own progress. You’re a good man. Thanks for setting a standard that others are looking at as a model for success.
http://www.cactusandivy.com Lisa M. Rodgers

Nice post Chris. I’ve always viewed competition as healthy, it keeps you honest. Some of the most wonderful and talented people I have met to date are on Twitter and they are also my competitors. Do I view them that way? No. I view them as fabulous people I am grateful for meeting, who just happen to make a variety of awesome products within the beauty industry. I know that I have learned something from each and every one of them.
http://orangeenvelopes.typepad.com/blog/ John Heaney

Great post. I always believed that I could provide my competitors with my detailed marketing plan and they still could not outperform me because they had no capacity to replicate my authenticity, integrity and knowledge. And although many competitors tried to copy some elements of what I did, none could match the whole effort. Sure, some will be successful following their own strategy, but likely not one that would satisfy me.
http://orangeenvelopes.typepad.com/blog/ John Heaney

Great post. I always believed that I could provide my competitors with my detailed marketing plan and they still could not outperform me because they had no capacity to replicate my authenticity, integrity and knowledge. And although many competitors tried to copy some elements of what I did, none could match the whole effort. Sure, some will be successful following their own strategy, but likely not one that would satisfy me.
http://www.roederstudios.com Laura Roeder

Some people think it sounds strange, but I truly don’t believe in business competition. The concept of competition stems from the belief that there is a finite number of customers to be had, or money to be made, which isn’t true. First of all no two products or services are exactly the same. And secondly customers can and do buy the “exact same” product or service from two different providers all the time. I think worrying about competition is a total waste of time and energy, and will lead you astray because you get stuck copying others instead of being true to your own style.
http://www.roederstudios.com Laura Roeder

Some people think it sounds strange, but I truly don’t believe in business competition. The concept of competition stems from the belief that there is a finite number of customers to be had, or money to be made, which isn’t true. First of all no two products or services are exactly the same. And secondly customers can and do buy the “exact same” product or service from two different providers all the time. I think worrying about competition is a total waste of time and energy, and will lead you astray because you get stuck copying others instead of being true to your own style.
http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog Ryan Stephens

While it is true you should certainly work on improving yourself, not necessarily racing your competitors I find that when I’m actually racing (see: running) I drop as much as 2 minutes on my 5K times. Competing against other people pushes me and challenges me further than I seem to be capable of pushing myself.

I think this can apply to blogging as well, and you’ve hit on that too. I can train and work harder than anyone else in the world and I’m never going to run a 5K as fast as Bernard Lagat, but I can pick someone that is of a similar skill level and measure myself against, and push myself to attain their status.

The best part about blogging is that an ordinary person CAN achieve remarkable status with enough hard work, learning, and perseverance. This isn’t necessarily true of running 5Ks. Thanks for the insight Chris!
http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog Ryan Stephens

While it is true you should certainly work on improving yourself, not necessarily racing your competitors I find that when I’m actually racing (see: running) I drop as much as 2 minutes on my 5K times. Competing against other people pushes me and challenges me further than I seem to be capable of pushing myself.

I think this can apply to blogging as well, and you’ve hit on that too. I can train and work harder than anyone else in the world and I’m never going to run a 5K as fast as Bernard Lagat, but I can pick someone that is of a similar skill level and measure myself against, and push myself to attain their status.

The best part about blogging is that an ordinary person CAN achieve remarkable status with enough hard work, learning, and perseverance. This isn’t necessarily true of running 5Ks. Thanks for the insight Chris!
http://www.buckdaddyblog.com BuckDaddy

I’m with you. I sometimes need to read things like this to refocus my efforts. Stop getting caught up in it all and just do it.
http://buckdaddydiaries.blogspot.com Buck Rogers

I’m with you. I sometimes need to read things like this to refocus my efforts. Stop getting caught up in it all and just do it.
http://www.onetrouser.com One Trouser

Yes, defeting yourself is the hardest part. And the most satisfying as well. “Did I or didn’t I do the boring parts of my job that still have to be done?” – I like that most. Guess we all end here. Thanks for inspiration. Cheerz.
http://www.onetrouser.com One Trouser

Yes, defeting yourself is the hardest part. And the most satisfying as well. “Did I or didn’t I do the boring parts of my job that still have to be done?” – I like that most. Guess we all end here. Thanks for inspiration. Cheerz.
http://twitter.com/leftthebox/ Samir Balwani

Congrats on the marathon Chris. You make a great point and it comes down to “why are you doing what you do”. Is it because you want to be better than the person next to you or because you want to be the best you can be. I try to follow the latter, personally.
http://leftthebox.com/ Samir Balwani

Congrats on the marathon Chris. You make a great point and it comes down to “why are you doing what you do”. Is it because you want to be better than the person next to you or because you want to be the best you can be. I try to follow the latter, personally.
http://maryhruth.wordpress.com Mary H Ruth

Chris and commenters: Thank you for this fabulous entry! I cannot help my strong suspicion/belief that we are headed towards a cooperative capitalism, rather than sustaining a competitive one. Wrote an early post about this, and another in the heat of October’s economic slide.
Most people can’t comprehend leaving competition behind …
http://maryhruth.wordpress.com Mary H Ruth

Chris and commenters: Thank you for this fabulous entry! I cannot help my strong suspicion/belief that we are headed towards a cooperative capitalism, rather than sustaining a competitive one. Wrote an early post about this, and another in the heat of October’s economic slide.
Most people can’t comprehend leaving competition behind …
Bev

Beautifully put. I wish more people understood this.

I do race competitively, there is no denying that, and that is probably why what you wrote resonates so well with me. Those who mistake me as incredibly competitive miss the mark, its not so much as me against them as me against me, and its always been so. In sailing I race in high caliber fleets to better hone my craft, [spin and jib trim] which to do right requires constant attention and fiddling, and because its a sport so greatly context dependent its really nice to have others in the same type of boat nearby to help gauge efforts. In swimming its all about moving through the water more efficiently one stroke at a time by thinking about each and every stroke.

In one sport I race, in the other I do not, but they are equally rewarding because I find them enjoyable and I’m focused on perfecting what I’m doing bit by bit.

Congrats on the marathon!

Off for my lunchtime swim to work on my butterfly.

Bev
@fivekoi
http://www.robheller.com Rob Heller

Great post. Trying to “top” someone else will never yield the same level of satisfaction as looking back and saying “Wow. Look how far I’ve come.” When you compete with someone else you’re only focusing on half the equation – the results. Listening, learning, and processing will strengthen your work AND produce results.

On a side note, I haven’t been able to fully utilize the things I’ve learned from Jenna Jameson in the workplace. Yet.
Bev

Beautifully put. I wish more people understood this.

I do race competitively, there is no denying that, and that is probably why what you wrote resonates so well with me. Those who mistake me as incredibly competitive miss the mark, its not so much as me against them as me against me, and its always been so. In sailing I race in high caliber fleets to better hone my craft, [spin and jib trim] which to do right requires constant attention and fiddling, and because its a sport so greatly context dependent its really nice to have others in the same type of boat nearby to help gauge efforts. In swimming its all about moving through the water more efficiently one stroke at a time by thinking about each and every stroke.

In one sport I race, in the other I do not, but they are equally rewarding because I find them enjoyable and I’m focused on perfecting what I’m doing bit by bit.

Congrats on the marathon!

Off for my lunchtime swim to work on my butterfly.

Bev
@fivekoi
http://www.robheller.com Rob Heller

Great post. Trying to “top” someone else will never yield the same level of satisfaction as looking back and saying “Wow. Look how far I’ve come.” When you compete with someone else you’re only focusing on half the equation – the results. Listening, learning, and processing will strengthen your work AND produce results.

On a side note, I haven’t been able to fully utilize the things I’ve learned from Jenna Jameson in the workplace. Yet.
http://smbirdbrain.blogspot.com/ Robyn McIntyre

I agree wholeheartedly with the general sentiments here and Laura Roeder in particular. It’s also likely that if you pay too much attention to what is popular for your competitors, you’ll lose confidence in your own judgment and that that’s the beginning of the end.
http://markoteras.com Marko Teräs

I agree with this post fully. Back when I was studying interactive design one guy at my class stated “This makes us competitors, right?” Errr, what? I didn’t understand that statement. I was more like “We are in same business, let’s play together!”

One should follow his or her own passions without always thinking the goal. When you forget the goal and just keep on doing, you’ll finally see that you have excelled the goal and maybe even more.

And the thing about learning from everyone; if people would do that more often without stupid prejudice, this place would be a lot more decent place to live.

Thanks again Chris!
http://smbirdbrain.blogspot.com/ Robyn McIntyre

I agree wholeheartedly with the general sentiments here and Laura Roeder in particular. It’s also likely that if you pay too much attention to what is popular for your competitors, you’ll lose confidence in your own judgment and that that’s the beginning of the end.
http://markoteras.com Marko Teräs

I agree with this post fully. Back when I was studying interactive design one guy at my class stated “This makes us competitors, right?” Errr, what? I didn’t understand that statement. I was more like “We are in same business, let’s play together!”

One should follow his or her own passions without always thinking the goal. When you forget the goal and just keep on doing, you’ll finally see that you have excelled the goal and maybe even more.

And the thing about learning from everyone; if people would do that more often without stupid prejudice, this place would be a lot more decent place to live.

Thanks again Chris!
http://www.thesmartworkcompany.com Anne Marie McEwan

I just recently found your blog, Chris. Quality! This post reminds me of the best conference I ever attended, Workplace 1017 in October 2007 at the University of Waterloo near Toronto.

http://www.2017.uwaterloo.ca/balsillievid1.htm

This interview with Jim Balsillie, joint CEO of RIM, by Malcolm Gladwell was riveting – to me, anyway. Balsillie says that business is about navigating cascading circumstances, a series of optimisations and like white water rafting. It’s about keeping the boat upright, heading in the right direction and trying to avoid the rock that’s just come into view. At one point he says you just run, and you run fast.
http://www.thesmartworkcompany.com Anne Marie McEwan

I just recently found your blog, Chris. Quality! This post reminds me of the best conference I ever attended, Workplace 1017 in October 2007 at the University of Waterloo near Toronto.

http://www.2017.uwaterloo.ca/balsillievid1.htm

This interview with Jim Balsillie, joint CEO of RIM, by Malcolm Gladwell was riveting – to me, anyway. Balsillie says that business is about navigating cascading circumstances, a series of optimisations and like white water rafting. It’s about keeping the boat upright, heading in the right direction and trying to avoid the rock that’s just come into view. At one point he says you just run, and you run fast.
http://www.TheColumbusTeam.com Jeanne O’Keefe

LOVE the way you think! Keep on keeping on with your message please. We have learned in our Real Estate practice in Columbus, OH that the more we share our knowledge and experience w/colleagues & clients, the more eager everyone else is to offer up thier new tid bits also. It’s kind of warm and fuzzy, but it works. The reciprocity is amazing. We have goals to reach, but it’s just that, our goals only. Strive for a personal best, it’s not about the ‘other guy’ -> what more could one hope to acheive. Cheers from the bloggosphere~
Jeanne O’Keefe
http://www.thecolumbusteam.com
http://www.TheColumbusTeam.com Jeanne O’Keefe

LOVE the way you think! Keep on keeping on with your message please. We have learned in our Real Estate practice in Columbus, OH that the more we share our knowledge and experience w/colleagues & clients, the more eager everyone else is to offer up thier new tid bits also. It’s kind of warm and fuzzy, but it works. The reciprocity is amazing. We have goals to reach, but it’s just that, our goals only. Strive for a personal best, it’s not about the ‘other guy’ -> what more could one hope to acheive. Cheers from the bloggosphere~
Jeanne O’Keefe
http://www.thecolumbusteam.com
http://catskillcottageseed.com Richard Reeve

I’ve learned what is possible from all of you. Your success in establishing presence helps me define a sense of the possible. Train and practice as I may, this body will never run a four minute mile. Never the less, as my capability improves I will recognize how my effort is meeting up with my potential. I’ve always found a great sense of freedom from functioning at full potential.
http://catskillcottageseed.com Richard Reeve

I’ve learned what is possible from all of you. Your success in establishing presence helps me define a sense of the possible. Train and practice as I may, this body will never run a four minute mile. Never the less, as my capability improves I will recognize how my effort is meeting up with my potential. I’ve always found a great sense of freedom from functioning at full potential.
http://fb-i.com/blog Jim Reams

Just today I was wondering if I am in the minority of folks who follow direct competitors on our agency Twitter account. I fully hope they follow back. If they steal our clients, it’s our own fault.
http://fb-i.com/blog Jim Reams

Just today I was wondering if I am in the minority of folks who follow direct competitors on our agency Twitter account. I fully hope they follow back. If they steal our clients, it’s our own fault.

You’re Racing- I’m Improving

ChrisBrogan.com runs on the Genesis Framework

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