Is Better Better?

Every day we face opportunities for growth and opportunities to teach. They are, of course, not always easy nor are they, typically, the message we want to hear. So, what do you do when the message you NEED to hear is not the message you WANT to hear? Well, usually, to be truthful, you just ignore it. Which is why the phrase of acceptance, "we learn by repetition" is so conventional. Because it is true. Sad, but true.

Last night I attended a "sunset mixer" put on by the local business association of which I am a part. The place was crowded, I mean, packed to the gills. Mostly, because it was held at a local business celebrating 25 years - entrance was free - no charge for food - the hope that booze would be served (it was not) - and the possibility of gaining a new paying or referring business contact. We attend because of hope.

I met two young men that had completed, not too long ago, the entrepreneurship program at the local state university. They were enthusiastic and loved what they had, thus far, achieved and were eager to make as many contacts as possible. They were fresh, untainted blood. They saw potential instead of drain. They saw opportunity instead of loss. What does it take to change another's perception? It may be too much for some.

These two young men not only offered an intriguing product and service; they also offered sound business advice: connect with your client, fulfill your promises, and make a difference. They made that difference because they weren't the other guy. They wanted success and promoted biz for their clients, as well as the other guy. There is plenty of opportunity to partner with others, one way or another.

A more seasoned business man joined our circle and declared just that: partner for success. When we promise to work together, to cross promote, to create an alliance, who actually hurts from this? Success waits for those who participate with enthusiasm and a passion for achievement. I have a question, do you believe competition is good for small business or is partnering the better way to go? Do you focus on how you are different or simply how you are better? Lessons line our business days. Is better better?

by rayannethorn

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Permalink Reply by Fran Hogan on November 19, 2009 at 8:15am

A high tide lifts all boats. I believe strongly in partnering. Sometimes my partners are competitors with the same clients and sometimes we partner by splitting job orders. We work together for the success of our businesses and the overall health of our industry plays no small part in that success.

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Ling on November 19, 2009 at 2:27pm

Partnering works wonders! When you help others succeed, they tend to tell their friends about you as well.

I've never understood the attitude of, I'm not going to help out someone because I do NOT get 100% of the benefits/results. That's actually a very common thread in the Internet marketing community as well.

Recruiters can partner with real estate agents (folks moving in need jobs, folks relocating need homes), the local Chamber of Commerce (offer free job hunting seminars), gyms (health is always important) etc.etc.etc.etc.

You just have to think outside the box.

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Permalink Reply by Joshua Letourneau on November 19, 2009 at 10:29pm

Rayanne, I noticed your link pushing back here to RBC, so I'll include my comment on FB:

Good question, Rayanne - IMHO, it's the ONLY way to compete with the 'Big Boys' that have a more robust solution suite today. What I can tell you from my early-stage tech days (prior to getting into Exec Search) is that there are many kinks to work out before rolling the alliance out, however. What happens quite frequently is that the Client gets confused over who is handling what, who is responsible for what, etc. Word of advice: Collaborate on rules of engagement and ensure everyone buys in . . . meaning the front line salespeople first and foremost! Before I run, here's one more piece of advice I learned the hard way: Have no more than 1 or 2 people handle the Client relationship - Clients want one primary POC, not one from each alliance organization. I can't tell you how many headaches this will avoid - trust me on that :)