Why Knowing Your Competitors (and Building Rapport with Your Audience) is the Ultimate Power Move

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." --African Proverb

Let’s get one thing straight: keeping your eyes on your own paper doesn’t mean you ignore the rest of the classroom. In business (and in life), understanding who’s sitting next to you is part of playing the game smarter—not harder.

So let’s talk about your competitors. Not to obsess over them. Not to spiral into imposter syndrome. But to study the landscape, strategize, and maybe—just maybe—collaborate in ways that benefit everyone (yes, even them).

First: Who Are They?

If you don’t know who your competitors are, you’re kind of driving with your eyes closed. You need to know:

Who's offering similar products or services?
What are their price points?
Who is their audience?
How do they market themselves?
What are their strengths? Weaknesses?
Are they local or national or international?

Start by Googling keywords related to your business, checking hashtags, or even asking your audience who else they follow. It’s not shady—it’s strategic.

Enter: The SWOT Analysis

Once you've done your homework, let’s run a classic SWOT analysis on your business. It's like a sexy business self-audit:

Strengths: What do you rock at? Maybe it’s customer service, education, or your authentic brand voice.
Weaknesses: Where could you use some polish? Maybe your backend systems are messy or you’re not consistent on social.
Opportunities: What’s trending in your industry? Is there a product your audience keeps asking for? Could you reach a new demographic?
Threats: Is someone else dominating the niche? Is a new platform shifting the algorithmic sands beneath your feet?

Now here’s where it gets juicy: opportunities aren’t just about what you can do. They can also be invitations to collaborate.

Flip It: SWOT Your Competition

That’s right—don’t just analyze your own business. Put your competitors under the microscope too.

Strengths: What are they doing really well? Killer branding? Consistent content? A loyal audience?
Weaknesses: Where are the gaps? Maybe they’re not as inclusive. Maybe their customer service has some red flags.
Opportunities: Is there something they aren’t offering that you can? Or a market segment they’re missing?
Threats: Could you both be affected by the same industry shifts or new players?

This kind of analysis helps you position yourself wisely, see what differentiates you, and uncover possibilities for collaboration or carving out your unique lane. It’s not about copying—it’s about strategizing.

Competitors? Nah, They Are Potential Collaborators

Let’s stop thinking of competition as a fight. It could be a flirt. If you notice a fellow business is doing something aligned (but not identical), there may be space to:

Host a joint workshop or panel
Create a crossover product or bundle
Refer clients to one another when your services don’t match their needs
Share space at a vendor event or conference

You both grow. Your audience sees you playing well with others. And honestly? It’s just good vibes.

But What If You Feel...Jealous?

Whew. Let’s sit with this one for a second.

Jealousy and envy are natural. You see someone who seems to be winning and it stirs something up. But instead of letting it steal your joy or send you into a social media doom scroll, try this:

Reflect: Are they triggering a dream you haven’t acted on yet?
Reframe: Use their success as proof it can be done.
Release: If it’s still messing with your mental health? Unfollow. Block. Mute. Protect your peace so you can focus on your mission.

You’re not being petty. You’re being powerful.

There have been quite a few times where I've had colleagues feel some type of way and it can be deteriorating on how they show up for work, so learn from this lesson and embrace your next steps according to your own self-awareness.

Building Rapport: Show Up and Shine

Now let’s flip to the other side of this coin: your audience.

You can have the best offers in the world, but if people don’t trust you, they’re not buying. Period. Rapport is built on:

Consistency: Keep your message aligned. If you're about empowerment and education, every post, product, and email should reflect that.
Visibility: You gotta show up. Regularly. People need to see you enough times to remember your name, feel connected, and eventually click "buy."
Authenticity: Don’t try to be your competition. Be you. That’s what sets you apart.

Every post, email, and interaction is a brick in the house of trust you’re building. Lay them down, one by one.

The Bottom Line

Your competitors can be mirrors, mentors, and even mates. Your audience can become your biggest fans and fiercest advocates. But only if you stay informed, stay consistent, and stay true to yourself.

So, research with intention. Collaborate with heart. Show up with purpose. And if something (or someone) threatens your peace, feel free to hit that block button with confidence.

You’ve got work to do. And trust me, the right people are watching.

Cheers to your professional sexcess!