Methods of competitive intelligence: bribery, flattery, blackmail

To build an organization strategy – is important; to know the plans of competitors – is priceless. Companies, developing in the niches of market ecosystems, reach the dimensions of mutual threat and, in addition to own actions, become interested in neighbors. Confidence that “we are the best” gives way to fear: “they breathe in our back”.

Sooner or later, accidentally or according to plan there is an idea to spy on the keyhole: what is being cooked in a similar kitchen. At first, thought seems inadmissible, later – acceptable, through time – extremely timely. The more time passes from the first temptation, the more firmly the confidence: “if not us, then others will”.

To begin with, make firm decisions and irrevocable postulates, so as not to regret later on the ruined young ages:

-        operate within the framework of legality and exclusively in the legal field

-        studying competitors, take care of own reputation

-        do not cross the line of ethics and observe the norms of morality.

The simplest and straightforward way of “borrowing” business information is to bribe other people's employees. Only not banal banknotes – more inventive and more original:

-        “free” ticket for the event with a dream character

-        “random” targeted winnings in the lottery that your partners hold

-        “unexpected” nomination of the hero's speech at the conference.

Then follows the continuation of acquaintance, attentive listening and delight, the readiness to adjust to the schedule and to come to any place in the city. For the longest time we keep our attention on the person who is pouring out long-cherished thoughts: “the examples from life” will inevitably follow the theory and general arguments.

Flattery is cheaper and more difficult: avidly praised peacocks are usually of no interest. It is necessary to read a couple of books on psychology and consider the “choice” between several objects. Help of psychologist and physiognomy will not be superfluous. You will have to figure out the schedule of goals, make more than a dozen photos and a couple of hours of hidden video.

After clarifying the personality traits, observing the temperament, examining the manner of communication, go on silent boarding: begin with an innocuous small talk, flatter athletic way of life and sound ideas or encouragefully clink, hearing about incredible diligence and selflessness.

Do not rush things, “accidental” meetings should not alarm the object. When At farewell, to do it correctly, leave understatements, hang a question in the air, the answer to which is supposedly not important and it came up to your mind in the last seconds of communication. Do not remind that you are interested in the continuation, when the thoughts run out, there will be a mandatory return to the topic on which we stopped at the last call.

Blackmail. Not at all what you thought. No unseemliness, threats, compromises and intimidation. Act “for the benefit” of the organization for which the expert of interest is working. Take care that, in case of failure there is no evidence left. The source of information must do what you need voluntarily, without pressure.

People love spy stories and are happy to get involved in such games. The main thing is not to force and not imitate militants. Leave at home dark glasses and raincoats with rising collars. Be cheerful and carefree, confident and persuasive. Tension should not hang in the air until that level when static electricity is in the air.

In all cases, an innocuous legend is required. A small probability of exposure exists, but you, as it was told, thought about the consequences in advance and honored the Criminal Code. You can refer to the lawyer's secret, deputy requests, the unofficial nature of the investigation, the requests of influential people.

Be prepared to be checked, do not spare a sum taking part of the fee to create a convincing plausibility, going to the top of the social pyramid. Do not trust this work to anyone, do everything yourself, otherwise the methods listed in the article will be applied to you.

And do not be led to flattery – the mother of delusions.

Author: Oleg Braginsky

Source: New Retail

Translation: Daniil Shmitt