Collaboration, Not Competition

I had meetings three days in a row last week, getting to know some fellow business owners and seeing how we can help each other.  In one case it sparked thoughts of another business owner I’ve gotten to know who does almost the exact same thing as the individual I was meeting with.  It turned out that they already know each other.

That other party is someone I also tried connecting a client of mine with a couple months ago, even though there too it seemed to be a mirror image situation.

Yesterday at a Super Bowl party I was telling a business friend of mine how encouraged I am to see more and more people coming together as collaborators instead of competitors.  It is truly refreshing.

From the category of practicing what you preach, Now Hear This does, in fact, have a strategic alliance partner of its own.  The relationship has proven to be very valuable.  There is an opportunity to share resources, talk about what’s working and not working, and generally brainstorm with a like-minded individual who knows the business, rather than just an acquaintance that’s going to take a shot in the dark with their best educated guess.

As 2016 has begun, two pilot episodes for “Abbey Ridge Live” have been released, with the first official episode due for release later this month.  The show is about original music, invigorating the central Florida music community, and yes, collaboration.  I’m saying this not because I’m the host of that show but because there needs to be more of this, whether you’re a musician, a solopreneur, or a small business.

Think about expressions like “Keep your friends closer and your enemies closer” and “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”  You (have to) know who your closest competitor(s) is (are) and so you probably keep a very watchful eye on what they’re doing, right?  That in itself is a compliment because it means you acknowledge that they’re doing something right.  You’ll even reach a point where you’ll decide to adopt something you see that’s working and modify it to your project, environment, efforts, etc.  Unless it’s a copyright violation, understand that this is going on every day, to the point where someone might be re-doing something of yours!

Rather than get your guard up, consider taking a new posture.  Aren’t two heads better than one?  If you’re paranoid about a takeover, relax.  No one is talking about a merger here.  Simply, gaining a better understanding of the goings-on of someone you think is a competitor could be a conversation that eventually turns them into a referral partner.

And then, like any other worthwhile endeavor, be willing to give it some time to develop and grow.  Don’t be anxious to pull the plug after only one month.  Like so many other things, you’re going to get out of it exactly what you put into it.  So, be open-minded, invest yourself in the collaboration, and let this new approach help you keep a positive outlook on your business endeavors and relationships.