No one ever said that running a successful business was easy. Stories about business failures abound, whether failure was due to lack of capital, the wrong idea, the wrong place or the wrong time. Most people have read about small retailers who have been forced out of business when a national chain store opens in their vicinity.

However, many business owners survive and even thrive in the face of stiff competition. Some companies have become legend because they started in the founder's home or garage. Others established a niche, perhaps a service, which big competitors couldn't or wouldn't offer.

In the face of competition, there is much you can do to position your business for success. Some ideas involve business strategy and implementation. Others revolve around people - your employees that give your business its public face. Here's a look at two ways you can keep your business competitive, even in the face of mounting competition.

Differentiate your business - Figure out what your business strengths is and emphasize those strengths. Make things convenient for the customer and give them personal service. People come first. There was a saying on a coffee cup from a cafe that said, "Because of the customer, we exist."

What a better way to show you care about the customer but also take care of your employees by offering them benefits that are crucial to their financial security. Group life insurance and various retirement plans designed for small business can also help your employees feel financially secure.