The Alternative

She asked me, "Who's your competition?"

I was speaking with a potential investor and they were doing their due diligence in terms of sizing up the market and our position in it. I wanted to proudly proclaim, "No one!" in order to stake our claim on market dominance and convince her we were a worthy bet. 

Of course, that wasn't true. We all have competition. 

Yes, Wal-Mart competes with Target and Amazon. But they also compete with your savings account, a trip to the beach, or just not getting your friend a birthday present this year.

If you're a realtor, you're not just competing against other realtors. You're also competing with the thought that not moving is the better decision.

Hotels fight against AirBnB, but also crashing on a friend's couch or just driving home after the meeting. The burrito place is up against the pizza place, but it's also up against your grill, that steak marinating in your fridge, and this incredible weather.

Competition isn't just about an alternative product. It's also about an alternative activity. 

We're all competing. Even if you don't think you are.