Do you live in a world of Abundance?
Your competitors are much more likely to be collaborators if you can only get your mindset there.
I feel bad for anyone that lives in a world of scarcity.
When I was in the sign business, Nick Hansen appeared to be a direct competitor and yet we worked together often. Sure, we competed on some bids and collaborated on execution. We helped him on install in the HRM. He helped us on a few large jobs where they were just better at execution. And when Nick ran into some process issues, we worked together to help him build a better organization.
The net result: he acquired United and it was a win-win-win for our customers, our businesses, and our focus.
Graham L. runs EOS – he is a direct competitor to what we offer to our clients. I also have a tremendous amount of respect for Graham and there are some clients that would benefit more from his approach and his experience.
In the coffee world, Epoch Chemistry Coffee Company we have just finished an amazing partnership with Ethica Coffee. Compete on the roast, collaborate on the final product, share accounts. The net result – More sales for both of our companies. Likewise, I’ve loved the relationship we have curated with Rosso Coffee Roasters and Eight Ounce to understand the market, the suppliers, and the customers better.
I could continue. But the real lesson:
Who are your competitors?
What would it look like if they were your collaborators? Partners even?
The many ways you could co-create value might well surprise you!
In fact, very few organizations are as strong as finely-tuned networked organizations. And when you work with your industry partners, the possibilities are endless and the net gains are infinitely higher.
Wayne Crawley FCPA, FCA and Brad Langille FCPA FCA CF are always encouraging new connections and bringing a new perspective to this conversation.
The long game is about growing the industry. A place where all ships rise.
If you live in a world of scarcity, I feel for you. It’s a Zero-Sum game and a destructive mindset. The world reflects back what you put out there. And that dog eat dog world is not one I want to live in.
