It is a common complaint in the Philippines that other businessmen are gaya gaya. Poor imitators, copy cats. It is the easiest way to enter into business: to observe and mangopya - to copy. But this is the best way to court failure. As a commodity, your margins are low because of stiff competition.
Thus we see trending or uso: dozen copy cats: pandesalan, kapehan, pares, ramen car wash, grab that blossom overnight and in a couple of months disappear.
If you must choose a business it must be:
1. Unique - a business like no other walang kaparis
2. A franchise - they will go to you only because you are the only one offering this
3. A physical feature that is not available to every one - like a distant location, sea of clouds, waterfall, hot spring, sea, lake view
It could be a unique decor: lights, fountains, plants.
Thus in Makati Avenue, they change menu and themes, set up bands every ninety days. Otherwise, only flies will crowd your establishment
Seith Godin calls this the "Purple Cow" This is unique marketing and product development. Os there such a purple cow.
Rather than rely on military strategy for plans, or Michael Porter, or other gurus, just concentrate on being a better product, unique to others. Like a taxi driver who knows your first name, and who invests in radio, in fragrance, and seat covers to make your riding experience enjoyable. Or a hotel in a cave, or ice castles or restaurant under an ocean park.
Sometimes the best businesses are made by nuts/By crazy guys
