Frenemies in the Field: Collaborate or Annihilate?
These days, more professionals than ever are networking with competitors. But is it a good or bad strategy to partner with rivals? Explore the fine line of working with the competition ...
Ah, what a complex world this has become.
A world where a competitor should no longer be the enemy but our friend.
The buzzwords and phrases abound in today’s culture.
“Coopetition”
“Friendly competitors”
“Community over competition”
But is it fact or fiction?
Should cut-throat competition still exist?
Or should we all just try to get along?
The Art of Networking with the Competition
It takes finesse to network effectively with those in your industry but it can be a powerful way to stay ahead of the curve.
I believe it takes real skill to build relationships with competitors.
But there are risks.
I tried to partner with a much larger rival and failed.
Looking back, I guess I was a bit naïve.
I referred members of my networking group to the larger networking organization so that my members could expand their network.
I believed it was in my members’ best interest.
And the organization’s response …
A thank you?
Nope.
A reciprocal agreement to do the same.
Not quite.
Astonishingly, they invited my members to join their networking organization ONLY under one criteria … if they quit mine.
Yes, they demanded that the members I referred to them terminate their membership with my organization as a requirement to join theirs.
Thanks, partner…
Ruthless competition is alive and well.
It is still indeed a dog-eat-dog world.
But is that slowly changing?
Is a new generation of professionals going to show us the light?
Community over Competition - Good or Bad?
A relatively new philosophy has surfaced over the years - “Community Over Competition”
So, what exactly does it mean?
In simplest terms, it’s a mutual respect for each other within our industry.
It’s putting relationships before opportunity.
As Megan Pena-Ariet stated in her blog:
The best businesses aren’t those who are concerned with how much of “the pie” their competitors are taking; rather, the best businesses are concerned with how to best serve their customers. This means business is inherently community-based.
In other words, serving the community takes priority over defeating the competition.
The highlights of this movement include:
Elevate others - Even your competitors
Practice mindfulness - Always take the high-road and don’t slander or mistreat others
Have an abundant mindset - There are plenty of clients out there for everyone
Community over competition seems great in theory but does it really work?
I believe it is not always necessary to “beat the competition” and sometimes working together with rivals is a much better solution.
What Others Say About Competition …
Some of us feel we are just in competition with ourselves …
Others believe that it is healthy … making us think differently and improve ourselves …
While others just don’t know what we would do with ourselves without it …
Me?
I’m an idealist … or should I say futurist?
I’ll keep trying to work with my competitors if I can get to know, like, and trust them.
After all, isn’t that the same philosophy you have with your employees, customers, and even friends & family?
Yes, compete to win, but the term “win-win” is now mainstream and is the ideal outcome for everyone.
Competition should bring out the best in us.
Not the worse.
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