A Note to Start-Ups From the Obama Playbook

In politics, this idea of playing to your strengths and not theirs is called "setting the agenda." Was this going to be an election about change or experience? Would Barack or Hillary set the agenda?

In the end, change trumped experience, and Obama beat Clinton. Had she been able to set the agenda, the election would surely have turned out differently.

Small Business Agenda

For the small business person, setting the agenda requires that you compete on your own turf, not theirs. Although low prices are the agenda of the big-box retailer, service, creativity, attention to detail and friendliness are yours.

This also means that you must be unique, different and have a distinctive message. Just as Obama fired people up with his Kennedy-esque call to their better nature, so too will the smart small business looking to take on a bigger rival, with a brand that is different, compelling and identifiable.

Want to beat the seemingly invincible competitor? Then take a note from the Obama playbook: Be unique, play smart, don't compete where you can't win and play to your strengths.

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