When you decide to go into business, you no doubt understand there are and will probably always be competitors. Very few people come up with an idea that is unrivaled, so how should you deal with competition in your industry? I believe that we carry our personal beliefs over to our business. If you are an insecure person in life, you’ll be insecure in business and always afraid of the competition. Therefore, my first suggestion is to look within. Just about every industry has competitors and I think you should embrace them.
I’ve hired freelancers who perform the exact same duties as I. They may have the same type of business as well. My reasons for this are two fold:
- I’ve always wanted to help other qualified freelancers work virtually
- I’m confident in the quality of service I provide to my clients and therefore don’t fear or feel the need to smear competitors
Once you develop the self confidence that all entrepreneurs need, you’ll find that embracing the competition is the way to go. I hire and engage regularly with those who are my competitors. There can be an interchange of knowledge and encouragement to keep going in the ever changing world of the virtual worker. So next time someone in your industry or sector catches your eye because they’re a competitor: introduce yourself, embrace them and even offer help, if you have the time. Of course you don’t have to give away all your thoughts and ideas to your competitors. However, take my advice, open up to your competitors. You will be less stressed and may even learn something that helps you in your business.
This is Shilonda Downing, signing out for Virtual Work Team LLC!
Excellent advice, Shilonda!
Thank you my friend!
I want to apologize for being late in responding, you know how much I value your comments and always want to answer them personally. You know as well how swamped I’ve been LOL! I truly appreciate you adding your comments and I’m glad you like the advice! All the best to you my friend. I’m sure we’ll be chatting soon! 🙂
Shilonda Downing
Virtual Work Team LLC
First I would like to say that I feel blessed that you embrace your competitors, otherwise I would not have learned all that I have from you. You truly are a wonderful mentor and I am honored! I also feel the same way you do though. I feel that there may be a time when my business gets so big, or I may not have the skills required for a client that I would need to pass the work over to another VA, therefore having interacted with some of the best in the business I can hand these clients over and know that they are in good hands.
There is also the learning aspect of things. Personally, I am always learning in the business, and I can learn many things from my competitors and they can learn from me. We have all made our mistakes, and learned from them. Why not share those things?
Thank you for so many insightful blogs each week. I look forward to them in my inbox every Monday.
Teri thank you so much!
You are truly one that knows I practice what I preach. Mentoring you and having your work on our team as well is an honor. I appreciate your comments; they are always valued. I’m so sorry I was late in responding, you know I’ve been swamped beyond belief! 🙂 Thanks for your continued support and I’m glad you love and visit our blog and share your thoughts with us as well. Have a fantastic day!
Shilonda Downing
Virtual Work Team LLC