One of the most popular myths we hold about buisness is that competitors are the enemy, and that marketing is a battle with them ~ one that we must win in order to be successful.

Traditional marketing is full of techniques to do just that.

That view is based on the belief that there aren’t enough clients to go around, and that we must be the biggest and best in our field.

After all, we’re taught from early childhood that being number one is all that matters. There’s no glory in second place. That’s a whole other subject, but it does explain why we have the mindset around competitors.

We have a bit different perspective, however. And it serves just as well, if not better, in creating success in your business.

We view others who offer competitive products and services as our partners. And mentors. And marketing people. And research associates. And we love them for all the help they provide.

That sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it? After all, we are competing for the same clients.

So, how does that work for us?

Obviously, we watch what they do to see what works and what doesn’t. That’s just common sense.

We take it a bit further, though. We actually applaud them for the marketing they do, and the presence they create, because they’re saving us a lot of time and money.

How so? They are out there educating our future clients on the features and benefits of what we offer. They are actually laying the groundwork for us!

Here’s the perfect example of this: When I became a Web developer in 1995, I was among the first wave. I learned the skills, and understood the potential of this new medium. And for the first 6 to 7 years, I spent most of my time educating potential clients about what I was offering. It was quite a relief me when so many others entered the field and began doing the educating for me! It allowed me to finally focus on doing what I started out to do.

To this day, I am thankful for all the competition, and my business has continued to thrive through all the ups and downs as the Web has grown and matured.

As more and more people entered the field, I was challenged to be creative in making myself stand out from the crowd, to learn new skills, and to grow in all ways.

I may look like just another Web developer to you, and certainly there are many who are more skilled, have more resources and knowledge. Yet I continue to be successful - and to grow.

I attribute much of my success to the beliefs that I hold about competition:

• there are enough clients out there for everyone
• my competitors’ success is good for me and them
• as long as I focus on providing service to the best of my ability, I will be successful

Take a new look at your competitors - view them as partners - and see how that fuels your success!

Just Imagine That!