Dropping Use of "Competition" - Yes or No?

My industry is definitely competitive. Art T.

I have never considered others in my industry "competition" - much more as "peers" or potential "collaborators." Of course, some stereotypical "black turtleneck and little round glasses" designers have looked down their pointy little noses at me over the years due to my way of thinking - but that's their problem; not mine.

For over 30 years I have shared, rather than hoarded, industry information, ideas and what I have learned. Some others in the industry have made it very clear to me that they feel as if I am at times giving away "trade secrets" to those that have not "earned" them yet.

Many years ago I made a promise to an "accidental mentor" to always share what I've learned, the mistakes I've made, the successes I've had, and what I know to be true, with others in my industry or entering the profession. When one positions themselves to put it all "out there" then "competition" no longer exists. The result is a focus on what you desire and want to accomplish, rather than a fascination or obsession about what "the other guy" may be doing and how that may be perceived as a possible threat to one's own efforts.

When I started down the entrepreneurial path, I viewed colleagues in my field as competitors. I feel very differently today. I think it comes from learning exactly what you want to do and what your vision is. I have figured out that helping others is what I truly want to do with my life.

It's funny. After a (free) presentation on blogging at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast, a women came up to me and said, "You really love helping people, don't you? It shows." That is honest feedback that I don't get all the time, and it meant a lot to me.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that my focus is on finding just the people who need exactly what I have to give and that doesn't leave a lot of time for worrying about my "competitors." And if I am doing exactly what I was meant to do with the unique talents I have, I don't have many true competitors anyway.

Like Jeff, I give a lot of advice away, but I don't wonder if it's too much (well, okay, maybe when I'm tired and cranky!). I think it all comes back in one way or another anyway. Thanks for the thought-provoking question, Christian.

I concur with Jeff. There are many within my field but I do consider them peers not competitors. Networking with my peers actually provides me with support, guidance and resources. Yes, resources.

When a prospective client approaches me for a service that I do not provide, I have an accomplished peer that I can hand over to the client. Likewise, when a peer has a client that needs a service I provide that they do not, they will forward that client onto me.

Without networking with my peers, I would not be able to receive and provide in this manner. If I consider them as competitors, I would be on the losing end.

There is much to gain from peers. There is nothing to gain from competitors.

My friend Janine grew up in a small town in Montana. Her mother was a hairdresser who had her own small shop.

One day, a woman came in and said she was moving to town to open her own salon and could she get some advice. Janine’s mom told her how to get a license, where to buy product, where to advertise, etc.

A couple months later, the woman did open a salon – in the same block as Janine’s mom!

But here’s the interesting part of the story: both woman were successful and Janine’s mom’s business actually went up. The small-town clientele just headed to that block when they needed something done. They knew that if they couldn’t get an appointment at one salon, they probably could three doors down.

I believe we all have a special gift to offer and no one can compete with us on that special offer. In that sense, my peer coaches are my community and inspiration.

And, I believe we are in competition to show up so our special gift is noticed by our potential clients. I view the competition as a positive move that provides choices to our clients and provides motivation for us to grow.

Think about it. If google doesn't advertise a special offer, yahoo users might continue to use yahoo and some needs might not be met. Google will advertise its offers and so will yahoo. As consumers, we get to choose. At the same time, they might see each other as a potential partner. :)

For me competition means there's scope for improvement in me to improve my skills by learning from the experience,expertise and success of my competitors(if that's the right word to use) who are doing better than me...