Provide & Protect

How to Deal with Competition in Business: Be the Opposite and Win Big

Alright, buckle up, because today we’re going to talk about the fine art of dealing with competition in business. Spoiler alert: The secret isn’t to out-shout or out-spend your competitors. It’s to be the complete opposite of whatever they’re doing. Stick with me here.

You see, when everyone’s zigging, you should be zagging. It’s like showing up to a black-tie event wearing flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt—you will get noticed. And that’s exactly what you want in business. But, in case you need a bit more convincing (and less wardrobe advice), let me break down how to deal with competition by becoming the antithesis of the status quo.

1. When Everyone Promotes Professionalism, Get Casual

Picture this: Your competitors are buttoned-up, stiff, and dead serious. They’re all about suits, jargon, and 57-slide PowerPoint presentations that could put even a coffee-fueled intern to sleep.

So, what do you do? You roll up with your business in jeans and a hoodie, figuratively speaking. Drop the corporate speak and connect with people like they’re your best friends from high school (you know, the ones who didn’t flake out on reunion plans). Speak human, not corporate robot.

Example:
They say, “Our state-of-the-art product solution enables maximum efficiency.”

You say, “Our product? It works. Simple. And you won’t need a PhD to figure it out.”

People are tired of the stiff corporate jargon. Be the brand that feels like a breath of fresh air.

2. When They Use Humor, You Go Straight-Laced Serious

This one’s a plot twist, I know. You’d think humor always wins, but not when everyone is doing it. There’s a fine line between a company being funny and that company turning into the meme generator of your nightmares.

If your competition is busy trying to out-funny each other, this is your cue to be the grounded, serious business that actually talks about important stuff like results, solutions, and getting things done.

Example:
They say, “We’re so funny, we’ve got puns in our email signatures.”

You say, “We may not crack jokes, but we’ll crack your marketing code to grow your business.”

While they’re goofing around, you swoop in with actual value, making you the obvious choice when people want to get serious.

3. If They’re Corporate, Be the Rebel

Let’s say you’re up against competitors who have everything down to a system. They’re predictably corporate, and their marketing looks like it came out of a sterile office 12 floors above reality.

Time to unleash your inner rebel. Channel the spirit of start-ups, disruptors, and that one kid in school who always wore their uniform wrong (and somehow made it cool). Break the norms. Get a little messy, push boundaries, and, most importantly, be real.

Example:
They say, “We follow a strict process that guarantees results.”

You say, “Process? More like adaptability. We find creative solutions for your unique business. No cookie-cutter here.”

People love brands that feel authentic and down-to-earth. Being the rebel doesn’t mean being sloppy—it means being different enough to stand out.

4. If They’re Playing It Safe, You Play the Risky Game

Sometimes, competitors get too comfortable doing the same old thing, playing it safe. Their ads are safe, their messaging is safe, and their product offerings are safe (yawn). This is your opportunity to take some risks and shake things up. It doesn’t have to be outrageous—just bold enough to get people talking.

Take risks in your branding, product offering, or customer experience. Go where your competitors are too scared to tread.

Example:
They say, “Our product has been approved by every committee, board, and a dozen legal teams.”

You say, “Our product will change your life. No committees needed.”

Playing it safe doesn’t win new markets. Risk does.

5. Make Their Weakness Your Strength

Here’s the ultimate secret weapon in dealing with competition: find their weaknesses and turn them into your strengths. Competitors too focused on profits? Show how much you care about customer experience. Competitors offer generic products? Go for customization. Whatever their weak spot is, build your brand to own that space.

Example:
They say, “We’ve been in business for 50 years. We know what works.”

You say, “50 years of doing the same thing? We’re here to try new things and create what really works.”

When you position yourself as the exact opposite of what’s out there, people looking for an alternative will naturally gravitate toward you. It’s like offering lemonade on a desert hike when everyone else is selling sand.

Conclusion: Dare to Be Different (In the Right Way)

Here’s the deal: Competition in business is inevitable, but instead of fighting them on their terms, create your own. Dare to be different. Flip the script, and give your customers something refreshing and real.

When everyone’s promoting professionalism, loosen up. When they’re cracking jokes, get serious. And when they’re playing it safe, jump out of the box and make some waves.

In business, the opposite of what’s trendy often becomes the next big trend. So, if you’re feeling the pressure of competition, don’t stress. Just remember to zig when they zag—and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.

Now go out there and make your competition wonder what on earth you’re up to. Spoiler alert: They won’t be able to keep up.