Since most decision makers in any industry often rise through the ranks by learning their craft from others in the industry, it is not unusual to find industry competitors using similar marketing strategies and tactics. Many people move up the career ladder by switching between companies. In the processes they also transfer the methods that brought success at their former companies. As a result, the marketing tactics used within an industry are often very similar among competitors. It is all they know!

However, if you take a look outside your own industry, you will find that other industries often utilize vastly different marketing approaches. Have you ever explored or tried any tactics that have been used in other industries but have historically not been used in your industry? You could startle your competition with new marketing approaches because they have probably never thought of those methods and will not have the immediate know-how to follow your lead.

Get to know leaders in many different industries and talk to them about their particular marketing approaches. An innovative idea from their industry may be highly transferable to yours. Many sales superstars have risen to the top because they have taken someone else’s idea and used innovative thinking to apply it to a new situation.