21+ Ways To Spy On Your Competition
Strategies To Improve Your Own Success & Give You The Winning Edge Over Your Competition
by Bart Smith
In business, one of the fastest ways to improve results is to study what’s already working—and what isn’t. Most entrepreneurs operate in isolation, relying on trial and error instead of learning from the patterns right in front of them. Competitive intelligence, when done ethically, allows you to shortcut years of mistakes by observing real-world strategies in action. The ability to pay attention, analyze, and adapt is often what separates struggling businesses from those that grow quickly and consistently.

BART'S BIO + INTRO
In 21+ Ways To Spy On Your Competition, Bart Smith reveals a collection of practical methods for observing, analyzing, and learning from other businesses. Despite the provocative title, the book isn’t about unethical behavior—it’s about awareness, attention, and strategic observation. Bart shares over 21 actionable tactics that help entrepreneurs uncover how competitors market, sell, communicate, and grow. From studying customer communities and sales funnels to attending events and even becoming an affiliate, readers gain a front-row seat to real-world business strategies in motion. This book shows how to ethically gather insights, refine your approach, and accelerate your progress by learning from what’s already happening in the marketplace.
BART'S BIO + INTRO
Bart Smith is a nonfiction author, marketer, and business strategist who has spent decades studying how companies operate, compete, and grow. He has written 35+ books covering topics such as business development, marketing strategy, personal growth, and decision-making. Known for his observational approach, Bart focuses on identifying patterns, behaviors, and systems that drive results. His work emphasizes learning from real-world examples rather than relying solely on theory. Through his books, Bart helps entrepreneurs sharpen their awareness, make better decisions, and accelerate their success by studying what already works.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Suggested interview questions for you to consider asking Bart. Feel free to customize any of them and/or come up with your own.
Q1 : Why do you believe most entrepreneurs are missing opportunities by not studying their competition closely?
Q2 : You use the word “spy,” but you say the book is really about observation—can you explain that distinction?
Q3 : What are some of the most effective ways to learn from competitors without crossing ethical lines?
Q4 : How can studying a competitor’s marketing and sales funnel improve your own business decisions?
Q5 : You mention things like joining communities, attending events, and even becoming an affiliate—why are these such powerful insights? (ex: seeing behind-the-scenes data, messaging, and strategy)
Q6 : What can business owners learn by observing how customers interact inside competitor communities? (ex: pain points, language, complaints, engagement)
Q7 : Why do you think so many businesses rely on trial and error instead of learning from others?
Q8 : How can someone take what they observe and apply it without simply copying competitors?
Q9 : What are some common mistakes people make when trying to analyze their competition?
Q10 : If someone wants to start “spying” on their competition today, what are the first 2–3 things they should do?
BOOK DETAILS
You can learn more about Bart Smith and about his book 21+ Ways To Spy On Your Competition, at his website, BartSmith.com.
REQUEST AN INTERVIEW
To request an interview with Bart Smith, contact Bart online through this website. Your interview inquiry will be responded to promptly. In a hurry? Call Bart's office directly at (323) 880-3113 PST to set up an interview.
PRINT THIS PAGE
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BOOK DESCRIPTION
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SAMPLE INTERVIEWS
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IMAGES & ARTWORK
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