Give your Small Business a Competitive Advantage by Befriending your Competition

https://mswwdb.org/report/essay-labb/96/ sildenafil dzialanie easy essay on my pet dog https://vgdev.gtorg.gatech.edu/buyonline/lasix-tabl-ets/1/ foro de cialis generico 4n3n2n1 viagra mall santa drink ruined christmas costo viagra originale neat people vs sloppy people essay essay about sport hobby go site follow the comedy of errors essay bless easter essay source generic cialis ervaringen homework help resources becoming human jean vanier essay outline essays on imperialism in india essay on being a good citizen https://completecompetentcare.com/10022-viagra-v-egypte/ french vocab for essays viagra online from usa film review essay plan go site essay proposals examples the cheapest viagra in the world metformin new research see follow site follow site congorama critique essay enter site Everyone knows that business is a dog-eat-dog world full of relentless rivals, right?  Consider the legendary battles of Apple and Microsoft, Coke and Pepsi, Bad Boy and Death Row Records, heck, even Macy’s and Gimbel’s back in the day.  And how many history students have dozed through lectures on John D. Rockefeller’s immensely successful modus operandi of growing Standard Oil by mercilessly eliminating the competition?  Woof.

In a Small Business, rivalries can take on a particularly personal tone.  For many Small Business owners, their identities are closely linked to their businesses.  Remember how devasted Meg Ryan was in You’ve Got Mail when her book store was threatened by the big box Fox Books?  This intimate correlation can make a competitor’s successes feel like personal assaults, and vice versa.  It’s easy to allow antagonism toward your competition to distract your attention from your true focus – your customer.  What if, instead of trying to villainize your competition, your focus was on establishing positive professional relationships with them?  What might your Small Business gain?  Well, for Bottle Washer and I, the following occurred:

1. We raised our level of customer service.  Even though you may think of other businesses in your field as competition, chances are they have a slightly different market niche than you do.  There are some things they do better.  Occasionally we get a potential customer who would be better off serviced by another company.  We tell them that, and pass on that business’ name.  It is a win-win-win.  The patron wins, because they get a service that is more appropriate to their needs.  The other company wins because they get a new customer.  Bottle Washer and I win because we have created a positive experience for an individual new to our business.  Trying to keep their business for ourselves would most likely have resulted in a less-than-satisfactory experience for the patron, to our detriment.   We traded the instant sale for the long-term appreciation of a future customer.  (By the way, this works both ways, those friendly rivals will refer to you as well!)

2. We gained a resource network.  Our industry is highly regulated.  It is difficult for a Small Business to keep up with all the compliance issues.  Since we have fostered strong relationships with others in our industry, I can call those business owners when I have a question regarding the implementation or interpretation of new legislation.  I also call on our friendly rivals when making purchasing decisions of new products.  Have they tried this?  How did it work for them?  A trusted source can save you a lot of wasted time and money.

3. We improved our staffing.  If you need to hire specialized staff, you eventually will hire staff away from your competition.  Having a positive relationship with rivals puts your company in a favorable light, enabling it to attract top staff.  It also makes it difficult for a defecting employee to trash talk or harm your business when hired by a friendly competitor.  Remember my post on our slick new competitor that moved in?  We turned them into an ally, and currently the two businesses actually share an employee.     

4. We have a ready market for buying and selling assets.  As your business evolves, you may no longer need various pieces of equipment or other assets, or you may need additional assets.  Friendly relationships with competitors provide a ready source for both purchasing and selling.  Bottle Washer and I have purchased pieces of equipment from competitors that no longer needed them, but were perfect for our needs.  We saved some money not buying the items new, and the other business was thrilled to turn unused equipment into cash.   Similarly, we have sold items we no longer used to friendly rivals.  Having these contacts saves a lot of time searching for a buyer or seller.  

5.  We lowered expenses.  One disadvantage Small Businesses have is the inability to buy most supplies in large enough quantities to get a substantial discount.  Why not combine your orders?  We have done this in the past for waste removal, propane deliveries (for heat), and some specialized supplies that our industry uses.

6.  We gained renters for our old location.  Bottle Washer and I bought a commercial space several years ago.  We had it retrofitted perfectly for our type of business.  Then, to our pleasant surprise, we outgrew the space.  Rather than sell it, we decided to rent it.  But, it was really only suitable for a similar business.  So, we now rent to a rival firm.  They were reluctant at first, but once they realized we weren’t going to be sneaking in at night and snooping through their offices, they signed on the line.  It has worked out well for both of us.

7.  We avoided awkward situations.  During the course of doing business you will step outside your own four walls and participate in something bigger.  It could be a charity event, a panel discussion, or a Chamber of Commerce program.  If it appeals to you, it will appeal to your competition, and they will be there.  There are few things as uncomfortable as making small talk in public with another Small Business owner when there is tension between you.    

8.  We gained a sense of camaraderie.  I know we all love our businesses, but sometimes it is really nice to blow off some steam by venting a bit.  Who better to listen than someone who truly understands what is going on in your field?  When I was in high school my friend Jane’s dad was a minister.  Every Wednesday he had lunch with all the other clergy in our small town.  No matter what else was going on, he wouldn’t miss that date.  Even though they were all competing for the same souls (literally!), those men knew that nothing feels quite as therapeutic as sharing and commiserating with someone who really understands your situation.    

9. We may gain a buyer for our business or a new acquisition.  Friendly rivalries improve your opportunity to both expand your business and for a favorable exit scenario.  When it comes time to sell your Small Business, chances are it will involve either an employee or a competitor.  Already having a positive association with that competitor, no matter how casual, will make the negotiations and transaction much more relaxed for everyone.  Also, having relationships with like businesses may present opportunities to you to buy a business, and an interested seller may approach you first.  This has happened to Bottle Washer and I several times.  Although we have yet to actually buy another business, the process of considering it was ultimately very beneficial to our business.   

So, the next time a similar Small Business hangs out a shingle a few blocks away.  Don’t panic.  Send them a plant.  Stop by and introduce yourself.  And seize the opportunity to build a new relationship.

What friendly rivalries have you cultivated?  How did it benefit your Small Business?

This entry was posted in Business Operations and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

65 Responses to Give your Small Business a Competitive Advantage by Befriending your Competition

  1. that’s awesome, thanks for sharing.

  2. Give your Small Business a Competitive Advantage by Befriending your Competition | Chief Cook and Bottle Washer I like what I see so i am just adhering to you. Look forward to discovering your web webpage yet again.

  3. Seo Service says:

    Fantastic article post.Really looking forward to read more. Great.

  4. cheap seo services says:

    Thanks again for the article.Much thanks again.

  5. bookmarking submission says:

    Wow, great blog article.Much thanks again. Cool.

  6. Proper Villains Heartbeat says:

    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the superb work!

  7. revia says:

    In my opinion you are not right. I am assured. I can defend the position. Write to me in PM, we will talk.

  8. Jules Shevenell says:

    I just want to tell you that I am just all new to blogging and site-building and really enjoyed this web blog. More than likely I’m want to bookmark your blog . You surely come with perfect articles. Thanks a bunch for revealing your web-site.

  9. Jeux gratuits en ligne says:

    Hey there, this is a nice article. You have my vote for Give your Small Business a Competitive Advantage by Befriending your Competition | Chief Cook and Bottle Washer and I’ll bookmark your blog now.

  10. Fabiane says:

    kind of interesting post…

  11. real pearl earrings stud says:

    Just discovered this excellent website coming from some other website and I must point out it’s fascinating. Extremely fine submit actually I must admit. Are certainly gonna keep this website in the book marks for sure. Thanks a bunch

  12. sex date says:

    Nice weblog over here! I’ll just wanna thank you for that.

  13. Amelly says:

    definitely alright article

  14. computer repair tutorial says:

    Would you be interested in exchanging links?

    SURE!- Chief

  15. Gale Sabo says:

    Youre so fantastic, guy! I cant presume I missed this site for so extensive. Its just amazing things all spherical. Your structure, man…as well amazing! I cant wait around to check out what youve obtained up coming. I like everything that youre stating and want extra, a lot more, A great deal more! Continue to keep this up, male! Its just far too great.

  16. Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thank you However I am experiencing issue with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting identical rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thanks

    • Chief Cook says:

      A few people have had this problem. Have you tried cliking on the Entries RSS on the right, and then Subsribe on the top left? Does anyone else have any other advice? – Chief

  17. An fascinating discussion might be valued at comment. I do believe which you simply write read a lot more about this subject, it may well not often be a taboo topic but normally persons are too couple of to dicuss on such topics. To a higher. Cheers

  18. Excellent publish, incredibly helpful, thank you for sharing!

  19. Lue Guerena says:

    Thanks for the excellent publish and remarkable feedback. I found this article when browsing for some tune lyrics. Many thanks for sharing this article.

  20. Sharyn Calin says:

    Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more consideration. I’ll probably be again to read much more, thanks for that info.

  21. It is actually nice to surely see a web site where by the blogger understands truly nicely about the interests.

  22. Thanks to get a wonderful publish and intriguing remarks. I found this submit even though browsing for a few song lyrics. Thanks for sharing this article.

  23. Araújo says:

    could you explain it more?

    • Chief Cook says:

      Sure. The basic idea is what goes around, comes around. You never know when your arch rival will be your partner, employee, or even boss. I have found that it always works better to take the high road and strive for a cooperative relationship than a hostile one. -Chief

  24. Eleonor says:

    i became a regular follower of your blog. thanks for all the good info.

  25. I don’t even know how I ended up listed here, but I believed this post was amazing. I do not know who you are but surely you?¯re gonna a famous blogger in the event you aren?¯t already Cheers!

    • Chief Cook says:

      World famous blogger!? No, just a regular person trying to get my income taxes done on time & my customers happy and coming back! Thanks for the encouragement, though. -Chief

  26. I’m a giant fan of your respective web page and I examine it repeatedly. Continue to keep up the great perform!

  27. Hello there,I really like reading through by your blog site, I desired to go away somewhat remark to aid you and wish you an effective continuation. Wishing you the most effective of luck for all of your running a blog efforts.

  28. Gary Damis says:

    It is really a great and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  29. Bella Shelby says:

    Pleasant site to go to! I appreciate your writing additionally, the way you demonstrate things. Several of the remarks on here also are insightful. I enjoy you. retain it up!

  30. I don’t even know how I ended up the following, but I assumed this publish was superb. I have no idea who you happen to be but surely you?¯re about to a famous blogger if you aren?¯t presently Cheers!

  31. Angelita says:

    well, kind of interesting post, thank you.

  32. Thank you an amazing put up, may examine your personal others posts. thanks for your ideas for this, I experienced a bit made an impact to by this text. Thanks again again! You earn a good time. Displays the beauty through excellent report here. I do think that if a greater number of people considered it that way, they’d have a better time period receive the hold ofing the matter.

  33. I am an enormous fan of the internet site and I test it continually. Hold up the good do the job!

  34. there’s basically some excellent info on this submit a few of my subscribers may well find this useful, will deliver them a link, a lot of many thanks.

  35. This is certainly just the information I’m selecting just about everywhere. Thank you for your website, I just subscribe your blog website. This can be a great blog page.

  36. Im an enormous fan previously, gentleman. Youve completed a fantastic job doing sure that individuals fully understand where youre coming from. And allow me to inform you, I get it. Excellent things and I cant wait to read a lot more within your sites. What youve got to state is critical and requires to become examine.

  37. I had been just searching for this information for a while. When six hrs of constant Googleing, as a final point I received it in the world-wide-web web-site. I speculate what’s the Google’s trouble that does not rank this type of enlightening web pages nearer on the major. Typically the top web pages are stuffed with garbage.

  38. Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  39. I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website. I really hope to check out the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own website now 😉

  40. Noel Sebourn says:

    I just want to say I am all new to blogs and certainly loved you’re web site. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your site . You definitely have impressive well written articles. Bless you for sharing with us your webpage.

  41. Ute Tsuda says:

    Glad to be one of several visitants on this amazing internet site :D.

  42. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.

  43. Sun Ybarbo says:

    I love the template on this webpage. Would you tell me where to get it? Appreciate it!

  44. Sorry, but I dispute with this story. I actually do take pleasure in your personal blog however and will continue to keep coming once more for fresh news.

    • Chief Cook says:

      When you expose yourself to competition there is always the possibility of getting burned, and it has certainly happened to Bottlewasher and myself. However, it has been my experience that in the long run taking the high road puts you in the best position. It sounds like you have some experiencec in this area. What happened?

  45. Hi there, I found your blog via Google while searching for a related topic, your site came up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  46. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

  47. hearing aids says:

    Great blog, how about links exchanging? Please contact me asap, Thanks.

  48. Wheexurgern says:

    It is remarkable, it is rather valuable answer

  49. NeeteTespip says:

    Bravo, this rather good idea is necessary just by the way

  50. Kafearrap says:

    My sis advised me about your website and the way nice it is. She’s right, I’m actually impressed with the writing and slick design. It appears to me you’re simply scratching the floor when it comes to what you possibly can accomplish, but you’re off to an incredible start!

    Lamp server download

  51. Excuse for that I interfere … But this theme is very close to me. I can help with the answer.

  52. skeneDaggam says:

    It is remarkable, very valuable phrase

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *