Article by: Jamie Maltabes. Founder, Infinite Medical Group
Competition has and always will exist in business. No matter the industry or the service, new companies will open, similar services will be offered, and alternative options will continue to appear. This reality can cause fear, anxiety, or self-doubt. When our attention becomes hyper focused on competitors, it is easy to lose sight of the original mission, leading us to make decisions driven by fear. If we don’t check that fear at the door, this mindset will slow progress, cloud our judgment, and pull a business off course.
The real challenge for entrepreneurs is not eliminating competition; that’s not possible. It’s continually learning to see past it. Growth, success and confidence come from clarity and focused action. It doesn’t come from reacting to every external change. By making decisions based on what we can control, entrepreneurs can have a successful business even in any crowded market. The eight steps below are a guide for doing exactly that.
STEP 1: Focus on Being the Best Bring the focus back to quality
When competition feels overwhelming, that’s the most helpful response. Instead of worrying about what others are doing, focus on doing your work well, caring about the details, and being consistent. Being the best is not about comparison it’s about operating your business as best as you can, every day.
STEP 2: Remember Why People Choose
You People choose you because they feel comfortable and welcomed. Friendly faces and genuine interactions make a difference. When customers enjoy the experience and trust the people behind the business it keeps them coming back. STEP 3: Create a Clean and Refreshed Environment The way a space feels matters. A clean and calm environment helps people relax the moment they walk in. When customers feel comfortable and welcomed, it reinforces that they are in the right place and made the right decision. The next time you walk into your business, stop and take a minute to sit in your waiting room. Are you truly comfortable? Would you want to sit there?
STEP 4: Be Easy to Reach and Communicate With
Being available builds trust. Many customers might prefer texting over phone calls, and offering multiple options makes communication feel easier and less intimidating. When customers know they can reach out and get a response in a way that is convenient for them, it strengthens the relationship and helps them feel supported.
STEP 5: Stay Consistent on Social Media
Social media is about showing up, not showing off. Consistency helps people become familiar with your business and the people behind it. By sharing helpful information, reminders, and everyday moments, you build trust and a loyal following over time.
Creating content can also become a positive part of your team’s daily routine. It gives them an opportunity to engage, reset, and connect with customers in a meaningful way. Let trust between you, your team, and your customer drive the relationship forward. Don’t use social media as a constant sales pitch. Viewers will not be engaged, and retention won’t be supported. Instead, use social media as a platform for providing free education and real value. Focus on creating content that informs, supports, and engages your customer.
STEP 6: Pay Attention to the Competition Without Obsessing
Looking at what others are doing can be helpful when it’s done calmly and without fear. Understanding the overall picture can bring your focus to what’s working well and where there may be room to improve. If others begin using ideas similar to yours, take it as a compliment and remind yourself that you will do it better.
STEP 7: Adjust When Something Isn’t Working
Not everything works the first time, and that’s ok. When something feels off or is not producing results, it is important to adjust and try something new. Flexibility keeps momentum going and prevents frustration from taking over. Don’t be stagnant, iterate, iterate, iterate. Failure isn’t failing; it’s learning.
STEP 8: Revisit What’s Working and See If It Can Improve
Even when things are going well, it is helpful to pause and check in. Sometimes a good idea can be made better, or a successful process can be expanded on. Small changes over time can be refreshing and lead to growth.
The eight steps outlined above are not meant to eliminate competition from the equation, but to prevent it from becoming the driving force behind your decisionmaking. By staying focused on quality, understanding why customers choose you, creating a positive experience, remaining accessible, consistently showing up, and being willing to adjust and improve, entrepreneurs can continue to grow even in crowded markets.
Make growth the result of staying focused on what matters.
