Over the years I have been privileged to learn from some truly inspiring people; the sorts of people who have pushed me to not just be an ambitious entrepreneur, but an innovative entrepreneur, too.  I don’t always know these people personally, but I follow them and their companies in the media, through their books, on their websites and sometimes, even as a customer. That is because in order to understand how someone thinks, you have to watch what they do. And they are doing some really exciting things.

I’m planning to write in more detail about some of these people in the near future, but firstly I wanted to talk about differentiating your company – something the nets leaders have cornered. The most successful etailers are those who look toward the future and plan to make it more dynamic from the beginning. I believe in having progressive core values from the start is vital to ensuring your business will last the test of time. There are plenty of examples that prove this theory.

Amongst the competitive online marketplace, one way to measure whether or not your tactics are working is to pay attention to what people are saying around you and about you. If your company is raising eyebrows, spurring conversations and inspiring others, then you are on the right track.

When Australia’s Ecommerce Report editor, Stewart Carter, wrote this week that retailers would “be mad to ignore” my company, DHgate.com, I was reminded that recognition from peers is reassuring! Although we are still working to overcome many challenges faced by young companies and a rapidly changing marketplace, we are feeling positive. I must admit, it’s an exciting time.

You can check out Stewart’s full report here.