Today, market competition is not just a term, but an expression that defines the nature of relationships in society. Its influence is not limited to business alone. The spirit of competition hovers everywhere: from sports fields to places of romantic dates. Nevertheless, the concept of market competition is a purely economic term, mostly related to the world of finance and business. So what is it, and how does it affect the daily activities of subjects of economic relations?
If we take this concept in a broad sense, then market competition is producers, intermediaries, consumers of anything, and their constant interaction with each other. The escalation of this process is inevitable and grows along with the level of consumption. Market competition is, in fact, capitalism in its purest form. On thethe first plan here is the task of defeating a competitor and being in the “kings”. In a narrow sense, market competition is a rivalry unfolding between market participants for the best conditions (production, purchase and sale of goods and services).
Often goods/services of firms located in the same market niche carry a minimum set of significant differences. How to stand out from the general background? Some companies choose to increase their share of sales by embarking on the path of price wars. Others strive to achieve success by improving the quality and reliability of their products. Both those and others do not hesitate to wave the colorful flag of advertising, trying to achieve fame in the consumer circle (stubbornly forgetting that “famous” does not mean “preferred”) … How can you catch your wave and stay afloat in the conditions of modern commodity- money relations? From corporate strategy to situational leverage, each organization follows its own unique path. But maybe there is still a universal way to get ahead of your business rivals?..
Forms of market competition are varied. It is generally accepted that competition is perfect in developed and developing countries (although this is far from always the case).
To become truly unsinkable, it is not enough for a company to keep its right hand on the pulse of consumers and its left hand on the throat of its competitors. The long-term forecast is sad for a company whose management does not attach much importance to reputation, caring only about "honors and gold." So to say, "dryoars, sir!" Market competition is an aggressive environment in which only the fittest can survive.
"A company's positive reputation is the most successful investment in its long-term stability" - this is what the cherished formula for well-being sounds like. More than once, such a statement is found in interviews with the heads of the largest corporations.
Good reputation in business is defined as a company's behavior in the market that is consistent with ethical and moral standards, remaining outside the scope of its production activities. In fact, it is an intangible asset of the enterprise, which determines the degree of attractiveness of the company.
The benefits of a good reputation are obvious. These are long-term partnerships, more profitable investment proposals, and a chance to attract highly qualified new specialists. Also, the "correct" reputation of the company is a strong motivator for already attracted employees. There are known cases of workers committing heroic deeds in the name of their company (for example, during a fire in 2003 in one of the Koenigsegg workshops, when workers saved equipment and products from the fire on their own without waiting for the arrival of firefighters).
Well, of course, consumer loy alty directly depends on the reputation of the company. “Everyone wants to buy from the good guys,” recalls an old American slogan that is hard to disagree with.
The risks that can be faced by using a "good name" in competition are as follows:
- There will always be someonesomeone who wants to denigrate the reputation of your company, which you have worked so hard to create. And here everything will depend on your diplomatic skills.
- Company may be "bound" in terms of innovation. An existing reputation always imposes some obligations, it must be lived up to. If consumers and partners feel betrayed in their expectations, this will reflect on your business much worse than the machinations of "enemies".
Of course, a good reputation is not a panacea for the headaches that competitors can deliver, but still it is an effective tool that can greatly facilitate the company's progress towards its goals.
