The Studio Source.com

You can learn some valuable stuff from your competition. I’m talking marketing strategies, here, not ripping off someone else’s style or trolling for new designs. Don’t do that. The karma police will find you, and people will think you’re a jerk. And don’t succumb to professional jealousy. Chances are the people you admire have been at it longer than you.

Take a good look at your closest competitor. Figure out what they’re doing right, and where there’s room for improvement. Your purpose is to build solid marketing strategies based on two things: the lessons already learned by seasoned veterans, and your own unique style.

This, by the way, is a great way for newcomers to learn from the pros, even if you have a mentor. Just make sure the competitor you pick is someone really good. You don’t want to make “average” your benchmark.

Your recon mission
Here are a few things to look for: does your competition make great work but have crappy business cards? Does their website or packaging make you salivate? Do they use social media? How is their customer service? What impresses you? What makes you say, “Huh?”

Some of what your competition is doing may not apply. Your intention is to develop marketing strategies for you, not spend your time eating someone else’s dust.

A note to painters and their compatriots: if you sell your work exclusively though galleries, find out how other artists get their foot in the door. You might be able to create an innovative package that will impress the bejeezus out of a gallery owner.

Keep your conscience happy
I know. Some people will be yucked out by what I’m suggesting. This isn’t unethical. You’re not out to steal anyone’s work, you’re studying marketing strategies. If you’re uncomfortable zeroing in on one person or business, take a look at what a bunch of people are doing (or not doing) and see if you can come up with something innovative. If the circumstances are right, you can even collaborate. However you choose to approach it, your hard work can inspire other people in your field to up their game, which means everybody wins, including your happy customers. Okay? Now go. Learn. Prosper. Or something like that.