There is one unifying characteristic throughout the most common methods of performing competitive business intelligence: They are all inexpensive. Information is often free in the digital age, except for the time it takes to dig it up. Every time a business makes it easier for a customer to learn something about its products or process, it simultaneously makes it easier for competitors to find out as well.
Competitive intelligence(CI) is the practice of discovering and analyzing useful information about a competitorbusiness. In a sense, CI is akin to scouting an opponent in sports; the goal is to find out what the competition does well, what it doesn't,and determine howto useinformation to youradvantage.
Gathering Information
Competitive intelligence can be gathered by going through business ads or visiting the competitor's website. A company can learn which business practices consumers like best by searching through business reviews. None of these information-gathering techniques carry direct financial costs.
Businesses can also learn a significant amount by acting like a customer of their competitor. This can mean reviewing publicly available information, signing up for products or services, or taking tours of a facility. This is sometimes called industrial espionage.
Analyzing Information
Once a competitor's information has been collected, it should be critically reviewed. One method of doing this is known as SWOT analysis, since it considers the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. SWOT analysis is designed to make logical deductions about the useful aspects of an organization.
The end product of a competitive intelligence gathering process is called an intelligence digest. A good intelligence digest delivers actionable information specific to the industry and nature of the competitive relationship.
(For related reading, see "Business Plan: Analyzing Your Industry.")
FAQs
What are 3 ways competitive intelligence can be gathered? ›
Fortunately, competitive intelligence information can be gathered using market research tools, as well as online searches, other data-gathering methods, and even talking to customers or employees.
What are the common types of competitive intelligence? ›Competitive intelligence can be classified as myopic-oriented, tactical intelligence, or long-term focused strategic intelligence.
What is competitive intelligence CI )? Quizlet? ›competitive intelligence (CI) a systematic program for. gathering and analyzing information about your. competitor's activities and general business trends. to further your own company's goals.
What are the 7 competitive intelligence process? ›These steps are to identify competitors, identify areas of concern, gather information, analyze the information found, report on the findings, and make a decision based on the results of competitive intelligence.
What are the 4 different methods of competitive advantage? ›The four primary methods of gaining a competitive advantage are cost leadership, differentiation, defensive strategies and strategic alliances.
What are the 3 basic competitive strategies? ›According to Porter's Generic Strategies model, there are three basic strategic options available to organizations for gaining competitive advantage. These are: Cost Leadership, Differentiation and Focus.
What are the 3 common forms of competition? ›There are four types of competition in a free market system: perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, and monopoly.
What are 3 ways to gain competitive advantage in business? ›Michael Porter, the famous Harvard Business School professor, identified three strategies for establishing a competitive advantage: Cost Leadership, Differentiation, and Focus (which includes both Cost Focus and Differentiation Focus)[1].
What are the six sources of competitive intelligence? ›- Your competitors' websites. Unsurprisingly, your competitors' websites are a robust resource when it comes to gathering CI. ...
- Social media. ...
- Your customers. ...
- Your competitors' customers. ...
- Your competitors' employees. ...
- Your colleagues. ...
- Earned media. ...
- Your competitors' content channels.
Economists have identified four types of competition—perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, and monopoly.
What are the main components of competitive intelligence? ›
The main components of competitive Intelligence are competitor analysis, market analysis, and SWOT analysis. By understanding your competition and the market you operate in, you can make more informed decisions that will help your business succeed.