So What’s This Competitive Intelligence All About Then?

Competitive intelligence is actually not that complex.

Made more complicated by experts, platforms, and databases. And yes, sometimes academics.

Using competitive intelligence as a buzzword to sell their stuff.

Even when they are not doing competitive intelligence.

But you need to have a grasp of research.

That’s a given.

And an understanding of many markets.

Not just yours.

Or how yours was.

And a flair for creativity.

Be opened minded.

And an insight into reading people.

People you don’t know.

And an understanding of psychology.

The familiarity with your biases.

And expertise with the analysis bit.

Knowing to go beyond SWOT.

Be able to sort data into piles.

And the ability to interpret data.

To see patterns when others can’t.

The big picture and the little picture.

And the skill to unravel ideas.

To ask the “so what” questions.

To listen to people’s thoughts without jumping in.

Yes, shutting up and let them speak.

And the capability to present.

But also being efficient. Don’t waffle on.

We should have a perspective on ideas and your options open to you.

We need to say what we think.

And recognise the possible contrast between what they think they know and what they actually know.

Without fear of telling them something they dont want to hear.

They do, and they will.

But we shouldn’t attempt to be the decision-makers.

Instead, we should provide support.

This is what distinguishes it from data collection.

And market research.

And comprehend the disparity.

Be prepared to back up your thoughts.

Verify everything to stop you from looking foolish.

Let’s not overlook the fundamentals of their strategy.

Also, how all of this contributes to long and short-term effectiveness.

And how the long-term aspect influences the short-term aspect.

And the office politicking.

Differentiation should not be mistaken for its distinctiveness.

Yet both are equally significant.

We need to maintain simplicity.

But not so simplistic that it appears we haven’t fulfilled what was asked.

Yet not so complicated that it conveys an inflated sense of importance.

We should be intelligent but not overly so.

Clear, but not excessively obvious.

Creative, but within appropriate bounds.

Challenging, but never rude.

Articulate, but never pretentious.

Direct, but never condescending.

Oh, and we must grasp the understanding that strategy is not tactics.

And tactics are not ideas.

Ideas are not executions.

And vice versa for all the aforementioned.

No matter what others say, it’s question-driven and not data-driven.

And if someone in power does not want to take things on board.

Shake their hand and wish them God’s speed.

Because they will need it.

Simple eh?

Well yes…

It’s just knowing the answer, my friend.

We Are Octopus, And We Help You Be More Competitive.

We are the global bespoke people-powered global competitive intelligence agency creating the insight you can do something with.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Report this Page

Created on Jul 5th 2023 17:30. Viewed 131 times.

Share on APSense

Comments