"ليس الأمر بشأن التركيز المستمر على المنافس بل هو بشأن التركيز المستمر على العميل"

The main point here is that true business success isn't achieved by obsessing over what your competitors are doing. The real magic happens when you focus entirely on your customers’ needs and wants. It's about making them happy, solving their problems, and giving them experiences so fantastic that they can't help but come back for more.

Think about a time when this idea really mattered. Back in the early 2000s, Apple was a great example of this philosophy in action. When they launched the iPod, they were up against some pretty fierce competition from other tech giants and numerous MP3 players. But instead of getting bogged down by what their competitors were up to, Apple focused on creating an exceptional product for their customers. They thought about the entire user experience—how the device felt in the hand, how intuitive the controls were, and how the entire music ecosystem worked seamlessly together. They weren't worried if someone had a gadget with a bit more storage or a slightly different design; they were laser-focused on making their users happy. And look where that got them.

Now, let’s bring this down to something more everyday. Imagine you run a small bakery. There's another bakery a few blocks away, and they seem to be doing well. You could spend your time spying on their menu, their pricing, and their marketing. But what if, instead, you spent that energy on talking to your customers? Ask them what kind of pastries they love but can't find anywhere. Find out if they're more likely to come back if you offer some gluten-free options or if they prefer your coffee to be a bit stronger. Maybe you discover that your customers are looking for a cozy place to sit and relax, so you add some comfy chairs and free Wi-Fi. By focusing on what your customers want, you create a loyal customer base who feels heard and valued.

So, how do you put this wisdom into practice? Start by listening. Use customer feedback forms, hold focus groups, or just strike up conversations with the people who walk through your doors. Pay attention to what they like and what they don’t. Then act on that feedback. Make changes that show your customers you’re listening. It’s not always about making huge changes—sometimes it’s the little tweaks that show you care.

Let me tell you a story. My friend Sarah owns a small clothing boutique. A new, bigger store opened up nearby, and it had everyone talking. Instead of panicking, Sarah began chatting with her regulars about what they loved and what they didn’t. She found out they appreciated unique, hand-picked items and personalized shopping experiences. So, she started offering private shopping appointments and launched a small loyalty program. She even remembered birthdays and sent out handwritten notes with special discounts. Her customers felt a personal connection and kept coming back, even with a big competitor just down the street.

In the end, it’s all about making your customer feel like they’re the center of your universe. Don’t get distracted by what the other guys are doing. If your customers are happy, they’ll stick with you—and that’s the best way to win.