Nothing bums me out quite like watching women tear each-other apart, and in the business world, it is running rampant. So often, the ladies I chat with are hopelessly hooked on what everyone else is doing, sometimes so much that it is negatively impacting their business. As if that wasn’t bad enough, those women are missing out on a significant opportunity to grow, and market themselves. If you believe your competition is your enemy, let me try to change your mind!
First, a little real talk about the threat your competition poses to your business.
In my opinion, not a lot.
Shocking, right?! But it’s true. In my opinion, YOU are the only person that you are competing with.
After all, you’re either successfully attracting people to your business, and away from your competition, or you’re successfully pushing them into the arms of your competition, because you’re failing to be better than them.
Maybe your sales skills aren’t as sharp, or your branding is lacking, or you have a clunky website or your products/services just aren’t as good.
Perhaps a potential client simply doesn’t gel with you. That’s ok! Not everyone is your ideal client, and someone who loves you, might hate your competition, even if they do things exactly as you do, simply because YOU are unique, and that client relates to your personality more.
Keep in mind that your competition might not be your competition at all, despite how it may appear on the outside.
Say you’re a photographer, and your ideal clients are “crunchy” moms that have an income level of $100k a year or more. You look at another local photographer, who is charging the same price, and has the same skill level, and they’re booked solid, while you’re struggling to land one session per month.
You may be tempted to hate on them, to compare yourself to them and adopt “poor me” syndrome. You assume there just isn’t enough business for both of you. But really, you have no idea who their ideal client is! Perhaps they’re targeting people that feed their kids cookies for breakfast, and bring in about $40,000 per year. Or they’re trying to appeal to the fancy pants moms that have an income of over $300k per year.
If you’re targeting two totally different people, then they’re not really competition at all, are they? You’re not failing to meet your goals because someone else is stealing your business. You’re struggling because YOU are not doing something (or, lots of things!) right. The moment you decide to focus on your business, instead of looking at what everyone else is doing, is the moment you take a step towards success.
Ok, makes sense, but there’s a big difference between being similar businesses in the same area, and being BFF’s. Why on earth would you want to be friends with these people?
Easy! Because they can be amazing allies (plus great friends!). They get what you’re going through. They understand your struggles, and might have incredible tips on how to improve your business.
In my photography days, I formed a connection with another local photographer, and we regularly sent each-other business when we had an inquiry that we could not accommodate. Eventually, my friend decided to close her business, and I got ALL of her past and existing clients information. Talk about a gold mine!
I think there is something beautiful in women coming together and supporting each-other, especially when it comes to our businesses. Sometimes, it gets lonely! Having a few friends who can relate to what you’re going through can make a HUGE impact on your business.
Granted, not everyone feels this way. Some women still see anyone with a similar business as their competition, and they won’t give you the time of day. Their loss.
My advice? Do a little research, and reach out to a few business owners! Maybe you’re an Etsy shop owner that specializes in handmade wedding invitations. Look for some other vendors that specialize in birthday party invites. If you’re feeling brave, go for other wedding invite designers!
If someone is in your local area, contact them, and offer to buy them a cup of coffee! If your competition is online, shoot them an email and try to get to know them a little!
If this approach feels too gutsy, start small. Follow them on social media, and interact with them there for a couple of weeks before you reach out to them.
We’re all in this together, and the more we lift each-other up, the more successful (and happier!) we will be!
What do you think about competition? Share your stories with me!
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