Can you succeed by doing no more than the competition-

You've just answered your own question. In fact, your thread title is a misnomer because by specializing, you are doing more than the competition - at least in your gardening example. You're doing better marketing (positioning) and branding.

However, you have to ask yourself if specializing to such an extent is going to result in a viable business that's sustainable in the long term. If you hit on a passionate market and speak to them in their own language - building trust and authority along the way - then maybe.

Otherwise, you could find yourself outdone by generalists with bigger budgets who simply copy your targeting technique.

Yes, you can succeed by offering only one type of flower,
I have done this with a particular flower that is very popular,
for over 20 years.

As to your competition, you have no way of knowing what
they are doing so you should never set your standards or
goals based on what you perceive them to be doing.

Your competition could have 50 different websites, each
one specializing in this, that, or the other.

That's what I do. And so do many other people. This is not
a novel idea.

Setting up a website is as easy as falling off a log.

Creating custom content is even easier.

If you want to beat your competition, you need to learn
how to think outside the box.

I added your question from the OFFLINE sub forum, since they are related to starting a business, and in that post you were specific about mail order, and I do have a few years of that under my belt too.

So. First off, Frank gave you some very good advice (his trademark)...and you would do well to read that again and Monitize has been doing exactly what you are thinking of...so she would make a great brain to pick while here too.

I start from a different perspective, one of INTENT. What is it you want to gain from these activities? Most start a business venture with the hope of making money, so we can start there...how much? What is the goal? And about 1001 other questions as to your motivation for doing this. Being known as long winded, I will try to cut to the chase.

My decades old advice is when starting any business/money making ventures (they can be different)...the most THOUGHT one can give to their future is: BUYERS first.

Start with BUYERS. That is if you want to take the very fastest, easiest path to money making success, which is not to say that hard work and grinding and spending a lot of time can't also take you there...

But, if in any sort of a hurry. And fastest money. Begin with those who are already spending their money on something, and join in their parade. In your OFFLINE example you give us a choice between buyers and dog owners, the only choice is to change your merchandise, and offer to those who have shown they will buy by mail order.

Any other questions?

GordonJ



I am looking to start selling this way .New to this, so any advice would be appreciated.

Nothing fancy to start off. An 8 sided A5 catalogue/leaflet. I am looking at doing gifts but am not totally convinced.
Things that may be a problem are the following.

There are so many gift catalogues and this is yet just another one . There is no overall penetrating theory or vision of the business. The only reason that it is a possible consideration is that the products are different. In that they are not in this country. But is that sufficient as these products have no solid link with each other apart from being gifts.


Another question is this and it is a general question-so don't look at it from the gifts category.
Which way am I better to spend my budget out of these 2.

Say I was selling merchandise for dogs and I am offered 2 lists. The first is of people who have dogs,but there is no record they have bought by mail. The other list is of those that buy by mail but do not necessarily have a dog.

People don't always buy because of the variety -- they buy because it feels like "these folks know their stuff." Branding wins.

It comes down to strategy and marketing so yes you can succeed by doing less just as you long as you are doing more of the right thing .

I mean, if you are doing more than your competition on this, you are already winning, maybe not instant results but you will see them with the passing of time.

best trying to dominate the competetion

I see your point! Specializing in iris could definitely help you stand out. Even if your products are similar, being positioned as a specialist builds trust and attracts customers who value expertise. It's all about how you brand yourself and create that connection with your audience.

Thanks for the replies and time taken.
Here is my take to the replies
To Frank Donovan-thanks for pointing out the danger of extreme specialization, but well aware .I was not saying profit not necessary/vital, just that it is not the main reason in many cases.

Both you and Gordon think that getting a grounding in the reasons why people buy a good thing. Monetize says people need it or want it. It is not rocket science, and seems to give the impression it is not needed ? But it could help some people ? I personally agree with the former, but that does not mean I am correct. Gordon I think is correct in stating that better to start with buyers. But to state that it is better than just some random desire is making an assumption on behalf of the seller, that maybe incorrect. But I get your drift.
Monetize states that setting up websites is easy. However, does that apply to webs that can really do the job properly .I don't see that many great ones t hat do a good selling job.
A few other assumptions that need to be pointed out .Because people think' inside the box'
box does not mean they do not think outside the box as well at times. Yes , a person should listen to those with experience. But it is about what you learn ,not about length of time. Some people do all their lives but barely learn .I think you are spot on for the failure rate both in marketing -lack of research..

I was talking about people that can set up a website that does a great selling job.
Most people even some "professional " companies " have not put the information to use.
You cannot generally make a great selling website like this. There are a few individuals. You really need to employ someone who has done it. Surprised, thought you of all people would know that. What you need to learn is that not everyone can do everything well.

Let's presoom it is Moi vs Madonna.

For the affections -- imaginary or tumescent -- of some guy.

To figure what "dowin' no more" means, you gotta ask ... what she dowin'?

From here, you can match, beat, or protick yusself in areahs you losin' out.

My persnl template looks like this:

1) She is merely a pop star dun good in the 80s an' gaht lucky offa nose jobs; I am a natchrl princess.

2) I don't need tin bras to appear perky.

3) Yeah so she can sing bettah. I grant her that.

Why I sayin' this?

Bcs you gotta face up to the competition in all ways you can, kinda see where you at.

Then you can chart a course forward based on yr natchrl advantages an' covah yr own back 'bout yr less skilled areahs.

Bottom line: be sure you competin' 'bout the same stuffs.

Bcs Madonna an' Moi share diffrent BF tastes for sure.

Prize is diffrent, dusspite the lavish service.

Anyways, best advice I gaht is to imagine a TWO-WAY ELEVATAH PITCH.

You know how it goes.

You gaht sum KILLAH LINES you LET FLOW OUT like THE BOWELS OF SATAN AFTAH A NIGHT ON HEAVY DOOTY COCKTAILS before YOUR CAPTIVE PROSPECT with a view to CHARM, PERSUADE, an' potentially ENSLAVE.

Only this time, you gotta fight it out in the elevatah with yr rival before reachin' the penthouse.

One ascent. Two pitches. Your only chance to avoid DEATH.

So Madonna says, "heard you can't sing."

She looks upbeat, figures she's won it right out.

"Yeah, but at least the cacophony comin' outta my own lips. Figure the penthouse too far up, yours're gonna explode."

"A princess, huh? Is that your only claim to fame?"

"Beats uplift bras."

"I've hung out free and loose more times than you've had hot dinners, you bitch."

"Gotta forgive an octogenarian, I guess."

*momentary silence as the elevatah doors part as if whooshied open by sum benevolent deity*

*turns out the FOCUS of the COMPETITION is sum sweaty-lookin' guy called JIMBO who ain't jus' right for neithah gals in the elevatah, but kinda frickin' nowan jeezis*

*catfight turns to laughs as the horizon shifts*

"Pizza?" says Madonna.

"Gotta be sum godawful skin complaint for sure," I reply. "Yeah, but let's hang out sweet 'steada fightin'."

"On me. Also: hairdo tips."

"Lifelong prahblem!"

"But my bras ... yanno?"

"I'm on it, babe."

So ... same as ... diffrnt to ... an' who cares?

Those are muh questions always -- speshly when I wake up any time an' fergitten who I am.

Is an additional freebie product a good idea or a waste of time

what can i put with handbag

No, doing only as much as the competition usually leads to average results. To truly succeed, you need to go beyond innovate, add value, or work smarter.