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Home » Blog » How to Identify Core Competency

How to Identify Core Competency

Written by: Bianca Peries · Published on October 19, 2021

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If you’re ambitious, you’ll want your business to be super successful. I’m talking about sipping champagne on a yacht, kind of successful. Okay, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but core competencies create a sustainable competitive advantage.

Identifying your business core competencies gives you strategic competence (when you implement an effective plan for success). It’s like using Google Maps instead of wandering around, hoping you’ll reach your destination. 

If you’re confused about core competencies and how to identify them in your business, keep reading to find out more.

Table of Contents

  • Why You Should Identify Core Competencies
  • Different Competency Business Models
    • The Kaizen Method for Business Success 
    • The Six-Sigma Technique
  • How to Discover Your Business Core Competencies
  • Core Competencies Lead Your Business to Success
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Why You Should Identify Core Competencies

When you don’t identify a core competency, a business can feel directionless and fail to hit KPIs or increase revenue.

However, when you instigate competencies, it provides a focus for the company. Everyone knows where they’re going and how to get there.

It’s critical for effectiveness, efficiency, and decision-making when marketing and selling products.

Decisions based on core competencies often provide faster goal-driven growth.

Different Competency Business Models

You don’t have to use the core competency model, there are others you can choose. Select one that resonates the most with you, or combine aspects from each one to suit your business structure.

The Kaizen Method for Business Success 

Kaizen is a practice from Japan, which means consistent development for continuous success.

In other words, the business identifies its key capabilities and focuses on continued growth to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage.

It’s a worldwide recognizable method for long-term success. That’s because it requires strategic and continuous development competence – using an efficient plan tailored to your business. 

The Six-Sigma Technique

Six-sigma hones in on your business’s problems and how to resolve them, such as communication breakdown, poor customer service, or low team morale.

When you implement six-sigma, you start identifying and ironing out any errors, consequently benefiting the business.

How to Discover Your Business Core Competencies

It can be tricky to identify a core competency, and that’s why I’ve provided a step-by-step process. When you go through the steps, consider your reactions to brands you like, as it helps you understand what your business needs to be successful.

Think: Why am I buying from this brand instead of someone else? For example, if it’s a clothing company, what do you like about it? Is it ethical, in your style, and at a low-cost rate? What is it offering that similar competitors aren’t?

Step 1: Review your company’s mission

Make sure it’s clear and precise so any decisions you make directly align with and achieve your mission statement.

Step 2. Identify your resources

knowing what you’ve got to work with is essential for business success. Determine the finances, expertise, and materials accessible to the company.

Step 3. Create a SWOT analysis

SWOT stands for Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat. Go through each category to know precisely what’s serving you well and what needs improvement.

Step 4. Combine your strengths and resources

Look at what you’re great at and match it up with your assets. Don’t try and do something just because you have the funds, and don’t dive into a strength if you can’t support it long-term.

Step 5. Ask: Is this sustainable, and does it meet my mission?

It all comes back to the company’s mission. When identifying a core competency, you’ll miss the mark if you do something that doesn’t align with your business.

Core Competencies Lead Your Business to Success

Identifying your business’s core competencies gives you a one step advantage in the playing field., it creates a sustainable competitive advantage over other companies. It uses strategic competence so you can get ahead of the rest and build business success – now go get the yacht. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Three Criteria of Core Competencies?

When you define your core competencies, they must be unique to your market to provide a sustainable competitive advantage. They need to deliver exceptional value to the consumer and the potential to be accessible to numerous audiences.

What is an Example of a Core Competency?

Fantastic customer service, high-quality products, unique ideas, and offering resources competitors don’t have are all examples of business core competencies. They don’t have to be specific, but they might be a particular set of skills that your company does well.

What is the Core Competency Model?

The core competency model has four categories: resources, capabilities, competitive advantage, and strategic competence. It combines these different skills to create a sustainable competitive advantage.

It’s like using ingredients in an apple pie – you need everything for the baking to be a success. The model emphasizes that it’s about making space for creators rather than eliminating competitors (essentially, make your own dessert, don’t nick anyone else’s).

If You Liked This Article, You Might Enjoy:

Creating Core Brand Values

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MEET Bianca Peries

Bianca Peries is a strategist that provides holistic solutions for creative or business issues. Puzzle enthusiast, dog-person, and teach music composition on my off days.

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