Resolve to Become a Fierce Competitor

As the curtain slowly falls on the holiday shopping season, merchants and affiliates are faced with discovering new techniques to keep up with ways in which consumers discover, consume and engage about products and services.

Couple that with the challenge of marketing in an economic state of uncertainty; the inherent affiliate marketing industry issues such as Affiliate Nexus Tax, multi-channel attribution and nefarious marketing tactics; and you have a recipe for a potentially frightening 2013.

Struggling companies will see it that way, but not fierce competitors.

Fierce competitors see these challenges as a way to empower their companies to find innovative ways to stand out as a leader in their category, even on reduced marketing budgets.

Fierce competitors compete strongly by remaining visible. They reassess their marketing strategy to optimize every dollar spent. They evaluate their brand to determine their relevance in current market conditions.

They aggressively pursue the underserved customers of their competitors and engage their own apathetic customers to make them brand-loyal. They forge partnerships, hire previously unattainable talent, get rid of dead weight and nurture great employees. They out-innovate their competition and go after market share.

Fierce competitors don’t play it safe.

Do You Have What It Takes To Be Fierce?

Almost everyone knows the story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who became the inspiration for millions in the movie, “Rudy” depicting his journey as a Notre Dame football player. Those attending Affiliate Summit West 2013, will get to hear Rudy tell his story first-hand during his keynote address on Monday, January 14th.  (I just finished reading his new book, “Rudy:  My Story“.  If you think the movie was inspirational, his “real” story, will blow you away)

His is a story focused on a series of triumphs over seemingly insurmountable odds; or as I like to call it, “Any given day in the life of an affiliate marketer.”

Rudy believes that people are not born with more heart, more drive, and more passion to accomplish their dreams than the next guy. But rather, one must find their drive and passion one step at a time by growing up, making mistakes, learning from them and pushing forward.

To become fierce, you must learn how to pick a goal and keep your eye on the prize at all times. You must train to become better, surround yourself with like-minded people that will help you reach your goal, stick it out when things get tough and reward yourself when you deserve it.

In 2013, I challenge you to win more of the business that is out there waiting for you.

Dream bigger. Make strategic marketing decisions. Summon your “Inner Rudy” to push forward.

Get fierce.