Marketing Focus – Understand Your Competition

In order to successfully compete with companies who are offering similar products or services to the same target market you need to understand who they are, what they are doing, how you differ, how you are the same and what differentiates you.

Many people want to hide from the competition and are hostile towards them, but it’s really a case of better the devil you know – especially in such a small place as Marbella. We have an unusual opportunity to personally get to know our competitors as part of networking events and share ideas and information in a transparent way. There are often ways that you can collaborate with these companies and having a positive relationship with them will always be beneficial.

Competitor Intelligence is all around you and normally free and easy to get hold of. Once you fully understand what it is your competitors are doing you can more clearly evaluate your own performance, identify competitors strengths and weaknesses, learn from them, identify new customer groups and improve both business planning and sales forecasting.

There are 10 key questions to ask yourself about your competitors so read the full article on our blog by clicking here and get to grips with your competition.

The Internaciónal Festival de Arte Marbella is taking place from 20th to 23rd June in the Avenida del Mar and Parque de la Alameda Marbella and we have over 60 artists coming from all over the world to display their works, plus a packed programme of entertainment.

This is a hugely important cultural event for Marbella and something which is done by a committee of volunteers for no profit. However this year they have not been able to get any sponsors and without your help the festival is at risk. If you believe that it is important to represent Marbella as a cultural centre and want to be able to enjoy great art outside of a gallery, please become a friend of the festival.

For donations of 50€ "Friends of the Festival" receive the following:

1. An invitation to the VIP Inauguration on 20th June at 7pm (up to a maximum of 50 places)

2. Your name and website address (if you have a business) included on the Arte Marbella website for one year

3. The opportunity for a guided tour of the exhibition during the festival with one of the organisers and meeting the artists

4. The knowledge that your contribution has really made a difference in saving the festival

Please email caroline@artemarbella.com to say you wish to be a friend of the festival, provide your contact details and website address and they will provide you with payment details. For more information on the art festival visit www.artemarbella.com

On 20th July 2013 the Villa del Mar in the Marbella Club Hotel will be transformed into a 1920s hot spot for this year’s Concordia Gala. This very special charity event is supported by Tiffany & Co. and includes a cocktail reception, dinner, music and dancing and a fantastic raffle all with a Great Gatsby theme.

To set the scene there will be two classic 1920’s cars donated by the Museo Autmovilistico de Malaga and a range of motoring memorabilia at the entrance and the “Potato Head Jazz Band” will be playing twenties’ jazz accompanied by dancers from the Pop Academy.

Following a cocktail in the Villa del Mar’s Moorish courtyard, over 300 glamorous guests in their 1920’s finery will enjoy a delicious meal. There will then be music and dancing and a breathtaking fireworks display from Pirotecnia Lara. A raffle will feature stunning prizes, all of a value of more than 1,000€ including; a Louis Vuitton bag and a trip to London with flights and a stay in the Savoy Hotel. Tickets for the gala cost 300€ and all profits go to Concordia.

This annual event has been running for 17 years and is the principal method for the Concordia Aids charity to fund their day centre, helpline and outreach program. This important work is designed to support AIDS sufferers and their families and educate the general public to slow the spread of this devastating disease.

The charity is also looking for supporters to become members and donate a regular fee of 80€ per year, but one off donations are also very welcome. Visit their website here to get your membership form, make a donation and buy tickets for the gala.