Know Your Market

I don’t know if you’ve noticed or if it’s necessarily the case where you live, but where I live, Dollar General stores have popped up everywhere.

Anytime I ride by one or reluctantly walk in one :), I can’t help but notice how they all seem to have a booming business.

The reason?

In my opinion and from what I’ve noticed, they know their niche.
They know their market.

They realize that they’re never going to compete with the Wal-Mart down the street or the Target a town over, but they know they can compete with the gas station right beside them. For what they sell, they’re going to be a bargain compared to what is offered at places around where the company places them.

Ultimately, they know their market.

I don’t think this principle can be overlooked in any part of life or leadership.

• If your leading a church, know your market (culture).
• If you’re buying a new house, know the market.
• If you’re competing for a job, know the market.
• If you’re hiring for a new position, know the market and pick the person that best fits.
• If you’re shopping for anything, know the market.

The truth is, we can try to be someone or something else, but it may not be very effective where we are… with what’s around us.

So we have a choice…
Be them, or be effective.

Know your market.