Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 91  How to Dominate the Market?

"Dominate the market?" Bridget asked, tilting her to the side. "Yup, I want to dominate the solar panel market here in the Philippines. I want to be the only player in the country and that the competition would stand no chance against us," Michael said firmly. "Well I'm thinking that since our solar panel is so advanced on many levels, our competitors will have a hard time catching up, but I still need your guidance, given your expertise in the business."

First, Bridget leaned forward, her demeanor shifting to one of intense focus. "Product differentiation is key. Your solar panels are advanced, yes, but how do you keep that edge? Continuous innovation and research and development are crucial. Always be a step ahead. Think about integrating smart technology, enhancing energy efficiency, or even exploring new materials that could set your product apart."

"Next," she continued, "consider your pricing strategy. Being competitive doesn't always mean being the cheapest. Value proposition is what you're after. Show your customers why paying a bit more for your panels is worth it—be it through longer lifespans, better warranty terms, or lower energy bills."

"Distribution is another critical aspect," Bridget added, gesturing with her hands to emphasize her points. "Expand your distribution network not just in major cities but also in rural areas where there's a significant untapped market. Collaborations with local governments and NGOs for rural electrification projects could be a game-changer."

"Then there's branding and marketing. Build a brand that stands for reliability, innovation, and sustainability. Your marketing campaigns should resonate with the local culture and highlight the benefits of transitioning to solar energy—not just the cost savings, but also the environmental impact and the independence from the grid."

Bridget paused, taking a breath before concluding her mini-lecture. "And lastly, customer service. In a market where product offerings might not differ drastically, excellent customer service can be your differentiator. From installation to after-sales support, ensure that your customers have a seamless and positive experience. Word of mouth is powerful in the Philippines."

Michael listened intently, absorbing every piece of advice. Bridget's insights provided him not just with a plan to dominate the solar panel market, but also with a greater understanding of the nuanced challenges he faced.

"Okay…thank you for the tips. Well, there'd be no problem with the first step because we are ten or twenty years ahead of our competitor."

"But the competitor would do everything to copy your technology. They can buy your solar panel and then reverse-engineer it until they find a way of copying it. To counter this, well you already patented the solar panel right?" "Yes I did…" Michael responded. "But patents alone won't keep the competitors at bay forever. They might find loopholes or develop something similar enough to skirt around our patents."

Bridget nodded, acknowledging his point. "That's true. Protecting your intellectual property is one thing, but staying ahead requires more than just legal barriers. You should also focus on creating strong brand loyalty among your customers. Make them prefer your brand not just for the product itself but for the values it represents and the service they receive. That way, even if competitors catch up technologically, your customers will have reasons to stay with you."

"Moreover," she continued, "consider forming strategic partnerships and alliances. Whether it's with suppliers, research institutions, or even other companies in the energy sector, these partnerships can help you innovate faster and protect your market share. They can also open up new distribution channels and markets."

"Hmm…that is a good idea," Michael said, his mind already racing with potential partnerships that could bolster SolaraTech's standing in the market. "I'll need to identify key players in the industry and reach out for potential collaborations."

"Well, why don't you try reaching out to the Department of Energy?" Bridget suggested. "I don't know the specifics on how you will approach them, but having the government on your side could provide significant advantages. Government partnerships can not only legitimize your business further but also open up opportunities for grants, subsidies, or even exclusive projects that could set you apart from competitors."

Michael nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you for the tips." "No problem…well it's best that you reach out to Mrs. Estolas because she has a lot more connection here in the Philippines than I do, so she'll be more of a help than I am in this aspect," Bridget finished, offering a practical piece of advice. "She has a wide network and could potentially facilitate introductions that may prove beneficial to your endeavors. Wait…I have forgotten that I need to eat breakfast."

Bridget chuckled and took a bite of the breakfast Michael had prepared earlier. She savored the flavor, clearly impressed by the effort and skill that went into making it. "This is really good, Michael. You make your own breakfast?"

"Well sometimes my mother will make me but sometimes she would be in a rush for her work so she won't have time to make breakfast for me," Michael said and continued. "Cooking is one of the skills I've picked up along the way. It's actually quite therapeutic."

Bridget nodded, taking another bite of her breakfast. "It shows. You've got talent in the kitchen too," she said with a smile. "Oh anyways, I have some questions to ask you. We didn't do anything yesterday, right? You didn't do anything weird to me?" Michael chuckled softly, ensuring his response carried a tone of reassurance. "No, nothing happened. After you fell asleep, I just stayed nearby to make sure you were okay. I didn't do anything inappropriate if that's what you're worried about. I respect you too much to ever cross those lines without your consent."

There was a hint of disappointment in Bridget's features. "I was hoping that you'd do something to me. Like you know, touch my face." "Well, there was a moment that I wanted to touch your face, but I—"

Before Michael could finish his sentence, Bridget's expression shifted, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. With a sudden movement, she reached out and gently grabbed Michael's hands, guiding them to her cheek.

Surprised by her boldness, Michael's breath caught in his throat as his fingertips made contact with her soft skin. He could feel the warmth of her cheek beneath his touch, a sensation that sent a shiver of electricity coursing through him.

Bridget's gaze held his, her eyes searching his face for a reaction. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

For a heartbeat, Michael was lost in the intensity of the moment, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to find the right words to say.

"There, you touched my cheek," Bridget said. "How does it feel?" "It feels soft," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "Very soft."

Bridget's lips curved into a playful smile at his response. "Good to know," she said, her tone light and teasing. "And now that you've touched my cheek, what do you plan to do next?"

Michael felt a flush creeping up his neck as he searched for a suitable reply. He could feel the weight of Bridget's gaze upon him. "I...I'm not sure," he admitted, his words coming out in a rush. "I didn't expect...I mean, I didn't plan..."

Bridget giggled and released his hand. "Okay, let's stop it. Focus on our work okay? I believe I told you about you coming with me to Berlin. How's your application for a passport going?" "Oh, I haven't started yet."