What's in a Name? - Competitive Intelligence2024-03-29T09:21:32Zhttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/forum/topics/2036441:Topic:9379?commentId=2036441%3AComment%3A21675&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHi All,
I actually like Comp…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-05-20:2036441:Comment:217292009-05-20T17:14:05.487ZRob Duncanhttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/RobDuncan
Hi All,<br />
<br />
I actually like Competitive Intelligence a lot. It is provocative, descriptive and makes people ask questions, rather than move onto the next guest at the cocktail party. I think the term can be morphed through subtitles for each person's unique twist. I view the term "competitive" as not just being "us vs them", but also as being competitive in the sense of trying to continually improve and get better at what we do. As for intelligence, well, it just sounds so…
Hi All,<br />
<br />
I actually like Competitive Intelligence a lot. It is provocative, descriptive and makes people ask questions, rather than move onto the next guest at the cocktail party. I think the term can be morphed through subtitles for each person's unique twist. I view the term "competitive" as not just being "us vs them", but also as being competitive in the sense of trying to continually improve and get better at what we do. As for intelligence, well, it just sounds so <b><i>intelligent</i></b>!<br />
<br />
CI means so much to so many different people, and serves as a good, big umbrella. The SOHO entrepreneur may not really even see themselves as being in an "industry," so terms like "industry intelligence" may lose relevance for them. Similarly, non-profits and other organizations may not see themselves as being in a "market" or as being "marketers" (though arguably they should perhaps), so using a term like "marketing intelligence" becomes less inclusive. Also, a chance observation that a competitor has better shelf position in the local supermarket does not require "analysis" as such, so that term seems a bit ponderous.<br />
<br />
All in all, I like CI, and will be sticking with it. In earlier discussions we talked about a death spiral, and I think reinventing our name at this point would be counter-productive. If anything, I think we should keep "intelligence" as the anchor, and broaden the usage through line extensions like "competitive and collaborative intelligence."<br />
<br />
Cheers.. Rob Hi Seena,
Competitive Intell…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-05-20:2036441:Comment:216752009-05-20T11:51:11.077ZVivek Raghuvanshihttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/VivekRaghuvanshi
Hi Seena,<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence means Intelligence which is Competitive.<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a "Tool" for Corporate Warfare.<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a Tool for Risk Management.<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a Tool for Acquisition Strategies<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a Tool for Retention Strategies - Customer Retention Strategies ie moving a Prospect to becoming a Customer, to becoming a Client, to becoming a Supporter, to becoming a Advocate<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a…
Hi Seena,<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence means Intelligence which is Competitive.<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a "Tool" for Corporate Warfare.<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a Tool for Risk Management.<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a Tool for Acquisition Strategies<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a Tool for Retention Strategies - Customer Retention Strategies ie moving a Prospect to becoming a Customer, to becoming a Client, to becoming a Supporter, to becoming a Advocate<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a Tool for Strategic Options - Low Cost, Broad Differentiation, Focussed Low Cost, Best Cost, Focussed Differentiation<br />
<br />
Competitive Intelligence is a Tool for Strategy Formulation and Strategy Revision.<br />
<br />
If we change the name to anything else, it shows we are desperate ie we give right to commoners in the Corporate World to tell us who we are.<br />
<br />
I say, Competitive Intelligence is a Tool to Mitigate the Risks of Globalisation for International Businesses.<br />
<br />
Let the Fortune 500 companies appreciate who we are and what we do. In case they do not, it is their loss and not ours.<br />
<br />
ThereforeCompetitiveIntelligence is a Tool which helps us outflank and outmaneuver competitors in the Marketplace ie Corporate Warfare.<br />
<br />
We operate in the Niche. We exist because we are the best and the finest otherwise the brutal corporate world will SUBSITUTE us through Existing competitors or Parallel competitors or Latent Competitors. Ms. Wright,
I have been foll…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-04-16:2036441:Comment:194602009-04-16T11:53:41.070ZNimalanhttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/Nimalan
Ms. Wright,<br />
<br />
I have been following this discussion and just wanted to tell you that your comments are bang on target and hit the nail on the head. Am pretty sure if SCIP had been in the UK / Europe, the scenario would have been different. CI is perceived, taught and practiced in a totally different way in France.<br />
<br />
And you are also absolutely right about the SCIP code of ethics. A good majority of companies outside the US are just not bothered and I doubt even if they are aware of the existence…
Ms. Wright,<br />
<br />
I have been following this discussion and just wanted to tell you that your comments are bang on target and hit the nail on the head. Am pretty sure if SCIP had been in the UK / Europe, the scenario would have been different. CI is perceived, taught and practiced in a totally different way in France.<br />
<br />
And you are also absolutely right about the SCIP code of ethics. A good majority of companies outside the US are just not bothered and I doubt even if they are aware of the existence of the code. If this code has to have any value, then SCIP should revoke membership of companies / agencies which are found violating this (I am not too sure if there are any disciplinary procedures in place for organizations that violate the code). I do not know if this can be implemented but till then the code will remain a "nice to have" slide on powerpoint presentations.<br />
<br />
I also agree with Arik in having an examination of sorts but for that the central body should have the resources and the influence to carry it off or it would be very region specific again.<br />
<br />
I do hope that in the days to come SCIP takes a more active role where people and organizations see a clear and definite value in becoming members AND a clear and definite drawback in <i>not</i> being members.<br />
<br />
Best regards,<br />
Nimalan Seena,
Breakfast on the beac…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-04-15:2036441:Comment:194352009-04-15T17:09:48.704ZSheila Wrighthttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/SheilaWright
Seena,<br />
<br />
Breakfast on the beach sounds wonderful. You bring the oysters and I'll bring the Champagne :-) As you rightly say, there is strength in diversity and of course, no one way is best but it would be nice to have a solid ground floor, and some scaffolding in place so that the structure of the tower block could be visualised.<br />
<br />
The paper is on its way by e-mail.<br />
<br />
Take care<br />
Sheila
Seena,<br />
<br />
Breakfast on the beach sounds wonderful. You bring the oysters and I'll bring the Champagne :-) As you rightly say, there is strength in diversity and of course, no one way is best but it would be nice to have a solid ground floor, and some scaffolding in place so that the structure of the tower block could be visualised.<br />
<br />
The paper is on its way by e-mail.<br />
<br />
Take care<br />
Sheila Sheila,
I found your comment…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-04-15:2036441:Comment:194332009-04-15T16:46:35.560ZSeena Sharphttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/SeenaSharp
Sheila,<br />
<br />
I found your comments fascinating about professionalizing so many disciplines in the UK (and perhaps Europe), as that is not the case in the US. I think there's room for both as a designation is surely not a sign of competency. It's a very different attitude in the US, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn about the UK system.<br />
<br />
BTW, in my 30+ years having a CI business, I can't recall being asked about my degrees, and I'm only occasionally asked for references. Surprises me, but I…
Sheila,<br />
<br />
I found your comments fascinating about professionalizing so many disciplines in the UK (and perhaps Europe), as that is not the case in the US. I think there's room for both as a designation is surely not a sign of competency. It's a very different attitude in the US, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn about the UK system.<br />
<br />
BTW, in my 30+ years having a CI business, I can't recall being asked about my degrees, and I'm only occasionally asked for references. Surprises me, but I believe that the prospect has either "vetted" me via my website or our conversation convinces them that I know what I'm talking about. In either case, we obviously do business differently here ;)<br />
<br />
I'll add to this discussion by stating that I believe there is enormous value in having studied a different discipline and have non-CI business experience. Diversity is more likely to result in a more expansive view of the business world, and I find that people who have worked in a variety of companies and / or doing different work are much more open to new ways of thinking and reality, as well as a better understanding of business options.<br />
<br />
My two degrees are in Mathematics which taught me to think logically. I never took any courses in info sources, and learned how to do it by thinking logically ;) and figuring it out. Next time we meet, Sheila, I'd like to discuss the UK and US approaches with you. How about one winter day, breakfast on the beach in LA?<br />
<br />
Please forward the paper on professionalizing the practice; thanks for offering.<br />
<br />
Seena I have always felt there coul…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-04-15:2036441:Comment:194192009-04-15T12:47:43.898ZArik Johnsonhttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/ArikJohnson
I have always felt there could be a professionally recognized credential similar to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation that CI practitioners could earn... but as you suggest Sheila, it has to be "worth earning" which, albeit, a little chicken-and-egg, must be academically-accredited in its rigor to make it worthwhile.<br />
<br />
I remember my brother Derek deciding that his MBA was of less value in the investment management business (his career prior to my recruiting him to Auroa) than the…
I have always felt there could be a professionally recognized credential similar to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation that CI practitioners could earn... but as you suggest Sheila, it has to be "worth earning" which, albeit, a little chicken-and-egg, must be academically-accredited in its rigor to make it worthwhile.<br />
<br />
I remember my brother Derek deciding that his MBA was of less value in the investment management business (his career prior to my recruiting him to Auroa) than the CFA was, so he invested in the CFA first as a higher-priority. Consider that for a second: <b><u>the CFA professional designation is more important than an advanced professional degree in the finance field</u></b>. I don't claim to understand that, as I've never earned one... but I do know that, when Derek hands that business card over with "CFA, MBA" on it behind his name, the other CFAs in the room pay attention, because they know (almost at a "tribal" level) how doggone hard it is to do.<br />
<br />
Indeed, I think Derek probably <i>studied harder</i> for the CFA than he did for his MBA! I recall a six-month ramp-up time of several-hours-per-day study (usually pre-dawn before work, or afterwards) preparing for each phase of the exam (with six months off after each test) and the absolute feeling of pride and elation he had when he passed... particularly, all three phases on the first go - a feat only done by about 15% of candidates. It sounded horrible but boy... is it valued.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, I have to wonder if there could ever be a three-phase credential like this for CI someday that could be earned through standardized, international testing over a period of perhaps one phase per year - the first focused on critical skills, the second on effective professionalism and the final a kind of dissertation or something more applied in nature.<br />
<br />
Lots of the candidates for this kind of credential wouldn't make it, of course, but then again, I never said it should be easy. ;-) Indeed, to be valued it must be (like the CFA) hard to get.<br />
<br />
- Arik Hi Seena,
Yes, I think that…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-04-15:2036441:Comment:194062009-04-15T09:40:59.731ZSheila Wrighthttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/SheilaWright
Hi Seena,<br />
<br />
Yes, I think that if SCIP had been started anywhere other than the US, it would have developed at a far greater pace and yes, some form of standard would have been set before one could call themselves a professional. The fact that this is not normal in the US does not do anybody any favours and only serves to belittle those who have worked for many years following an agreed upon career path, studying for externally set, rigorous examinations, in order to achieve such a status. It…
Hi Seena,<br />
<br />
Yes, I think that if SCIP had been started anywhere other than the US, it would have developed at a far greater pace and yes, some form of standard would have been set before one could call themselves a professional. The fact that this is not normal in the US does not do anybody any favours and only serves to belittle those who have worked for many years following an agreed upon career path, studying for externally set, rigorous examinations, in order to achieve such a status. It also tends to lend weight to the "only in America" line which accompanies such absurdities.<br />
<br />
I think that having had nearly 30 years to "get it right" SCIP's penetration of the available, willing global market, and lack of influence even in the US, is disappointing to say the least.<br />
<br />
If we could turn back time I think the P should have been Practitioners not Professionals because that is what we are talking about. SCIP does not have the resources, or influence to professionalize the practice. Yes it can deliver two conferences a year, host a few webinars and organise commercially priced courses but there is not much more in the armoury than that in terms of professionalism. The much promoted code of ethics. helpful as it is in terms of guiding new entrants, has no legal standing anywhere in the world and to my knowledge, has never been used to refuse or terminate membership. Maybe SCIP would be able to claim the moral high ground if it were to do this.<br />
<br />
If you would like to see a paper which was presented in Europe in 2008 on Professionalizing the Practice of CI, let me know and I will send it to you. The standards against which CI was measured were US in origin, not European. Against a set of 5 standards, CI achieved a bare pass on one, passed on one more and failed on 3. If the influence of CI is as high in todays commercial world as we claim it to be, how can this happen?<br />
<br />
Now, I have no vested interested whatsoever in rubbishing the practice or existence of CI. For goodness sake, I have done it for real in a tough results orientated corporate environment, I teach it and I write on it. Don't get me wrong, SCIP has been beneficial to me in my career, but I do worry about the lack of ambition and continual tinkering at the edges which is put forward as strategic thinking. I invite you to look at SCIP's statement on its strategy for 2009-2013. <a href="http://www.scip.org/content.cfm?itemnumber=5556&navItemNumber=5557">http://www.scip.org/content.cfm?itemnumber=5556&navItemNumber=5557</a>. Ask yourself if you would be happy if that were your firm's mission for the next 5 years and bear in mind that this has been written and approved by the Board, comprising 11 of the Society's most respected/elected minds.<br />
<br />
Sheila Sheila,
Interesting point th…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-04-15:2036441:Comment:193982009-04-15T00:42:09.774ZSeena Sharphttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/SeenaSharp
Sheila,<br />
<br />
Interesting point that "CI is not a profession." It's probably reflective of the specific country. In the US, we don't need certification or other formal training to be a professional. We just declare it!! This is evidenced by the founders naming SCIP with the "P." If I understand your point, and if SCIP had started in the UK, all members would have required one of the qualifications you cited, such as stated career path or entry requirements, etc.<br />
<br />
Numerous areas in the US don't have…
Sheila,<br />
<br />
Interesting point that "CI is not a profession." It's probably reflective of the specific country. In the US, we don't need certification or other formal training to be a professional. We just declare it!! This is evidenced by the founders naming SCIP with the "P." If I understand your point, and if SCIP had started in the UK, all members would have required one of the qualifications you cited, such as stated career path or entry requirements, etc.<br />
<br />
Numerous areas in the US don't have stated qualifications, such as marketing. Certification is increasingly being developed in numerous areas where it didn't previously exist. However, for the most part, employees and clients - in the US - don't care about this, unless you can't do the job without it. On the other hand, this could be a differentiating factor in a job hunt, especially online resumes. I think we may be trying to p…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-04-14:2036441:Comment:193952009-04-14T21:17:38.678ZSheila Wrighthttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/SheilaWright
I think we may be trying to put the cart before the horse here.<br />
<br />
Just to be clear - CI is not a Profession. It is an activity which is undertakne by those who have already qualified in a different profession (e.g. scientist, engineer, lawyer, accountant, marketer, psychologist). CI has no universally accepted qualification, no recognised career path, no stated entry requirements, no CPD requirement and, more importantly, we can't even agree on what it is we do. Some practitioners even avoid…
I think we may be trying to put the cart before the horse here.<br />
<br />
Just to be clear - CI is not a Profession. It is an activity which is undertakne by those who have already qualified in a different profession (e.g. scientist, engineer, lawyer, accountant, marketer, psychologist). CI has no universally accepted qualification, no recognised career path, no stated entry requirements, no CPD requirement and, more importantly, we can't even agree on what it is we do. Some practitioners even avoid answering the "what do you do" question truthfully because they know they will not be able to articulate an understandable answer. Even more worryingly, that applies equally within and outside the business community.<br />
<br />
Maybe if we could all agree on what CI consists of, its component parts and the skills needed to conduct this activity, then perhaps we will find that "competitive intelligence" is the best phrase to wrap around these muti-facted activities. To me the task is all about legally garnering information from the most suitable, reliable sources available and turning that into intelligence which informs the firm about its entire competitive arena. On this intelligence, decisions at all levels should be better informed, if only to guide decision-makers on what NOT to do as much as what TO do. It involves all elements of a firm, from R&D through outsourcing, patenting, recruitment, product design. marketing, budgets, financial forensics, M&A, SAs, JVs, franchising, suppliers, contractors and, of course, all the externally factors. In other words, the lot!!<br />
<br />
In my teaching of the subject, the first in-class task they have to do is to prepare a convincing presentation, suitable for delivery to a Board to explain what CI is and to put all of the other acronyms (MI, BI, KM, DM, EIS, MMS, CIS, CRM, MR, EA etc) into context. By Week 2 they understand the uniquness of CI, the part it plays in pulling together all of the other disparate, principally backward facing/historical reporting style tasks and they can articulate it to anybody who asks them.<br />
<br />
As I have said many times to those who want to listen, I do not care one jot what anybody calls the task of CI. If it suits the firm to nail the plate of Business Analysis Department or Marlet Resarch Unit or Corporate Insights Department to the door because Competitive Intelligence Department does not suit their style and is less acceptable to their culture, then that is fine by me. The only thing that matters is that the folks on the other side of the door understand that what they are tasked to do, really is "competitive intelligence" and that they are a critical conduit of relevant, processed analysis to their decision makers. They need to understand more than anybody that they are not just the passive observers, or commentators of uncontrollable external events.<br />
<br />
Sheila I think efforts such as KM's…tag:competitiveintelligence.ning.com,2009-04-03:2036441:Comment:190252009-04-03T15:38:42.265ZArik Johnsonhttp://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/profile/ArikJohnson
I think efforts such as <a href="http://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/xn/detail/2036441:Topic:18926">KM's mindmapping/taxonomy exercise</a> could help with some of the redefinition we're discussing here Mark.<br />
<br />
I agree that the alternatives are "too small" a concept to encompass the skill set, as you suggest. So, I would far prefer to try and reinvigorate an existing idea ("rehab" it) than create an entirely new identity that enthusiasts would then have to suss out and agree upon (reinvent),…
I think efforts such as <a href="http://competitiveintelligence.ning.com/xn/detail/2036441:Topic:18926">KM's mindmapping/taxonomy exercise</a> could help with some of the redefinition we're discussing here Mark.<br />
<br />
I agree that the alternatives are "too small" a concept to encompass the skill set, as you suggest. So, I would far prefer to try and reinvigorate an existing idea ("rehab" it) than create an entirely new identity that enthusiasts would then have to suss out and agree upon (reinvent), which would happen anyhow with the rehabilitation of the existing idea.<br />
<br />
There's enough momentum behind the CI nomenclature that I decided a couple of years ago it was worth saving and I believe members of this forum (at least) largely agree simply out of the evidentiary accrual of their membership around the core idea.<br />
<br />
"Selling it" as a managerial discipline is what's needed. I have always questioned the idea that it's a "profession" implying a fixed career path toward maturity however - that certainly happens, but it I think acceptance of the DISCIPLINE is a prerequisite step to addressing opportunities more formally for a CAREER in the field.<br />
<br />
In some ways, the professionalization of the discipline was premature to the establishing of the discipline's importance in the first place. I merely suggest we go back to basics and lay that foundation as our next order of business so that a career path can, in fact, be defined more professionally going forward.<br />
<br />
- Arik