i have a bone to pick with B2B tech companies who operate in saturated markets.
specifically, with the ones that don’t even try to differentiate.
yeah, you have an offer with obvious value. and multiple companies are successfully doing pretty much the same thing, so you don’t need to spend time validating your product or service idea.
seems like an easy model to work with.
but doesn't it bother you that customers perceive your company similarly to the competition?
talking to B2B tech leaders and founders, i haven’t met one who doesn’t want their company to be different.
however, many can't even say how they differ from the rest beyond: “we do it better ”. and they market their companies as if they are the only ones doing what they do.
here’s the thing — trying to be different by calling yourself “the best”, “top” or “leading” based on your awards and recognitions is subjective. you’re not the only one to believe their offer is the best.
and there’s definitely no definition of “best” to back up your claims.
instead, you need to give customers a tangible reason to choose your business over others.
- deep expertise in a specific industry, business, or job
- a specific approach to solving your customer’s problems
- a perspective on industry best practices that others don’t talk about
differentiation is a fundamental step in your business.
if you don’t get your special unique value into the spotlight from the early stages, your buyers will have nothing to rely on when choosing between you and another vendor (except pricing).
Senior Director, Corporate Communications at Listrak
2moSolid advice, Todd!