Get Involved …with your Competitors!

By Jennifer Murray

We all need a helping hand once in a while. Sometimes we don’t realize that we need it until help has been delivered. I believe in the abundance theory – we only need to tap into what others have to offer. So, how do we get there? How do we know? Keep it simple. JUST ASK.

Having recently attended a training program for small business, I decided that I was going to make the best of what was offered. The program had wonderful information and knowledge. The experts were there for an obvious reason as well. Their expertise is in their own personal journeys and experiences available in glorious abundance! They all want to help and see us succeed!

On the first day, I shared an observation and then asked a question with the woman sitting beside me. “Can you believe each person here has a business idea to better their lives and others? How exciting! What is your business idea?” You can imagine the chuckle we both had upon discovering our mutual business idea. So much for taking the world by storm, however, this is where the help part comes in.

Instead of recoiling into our corners of competition we talked about our skills and how we were presenting our business to the world. It was amazing work. We HELPED each other. The abundance theory at work – there’s enough for everyone.

Yes, there is some overlap but it turns out there are significant differences between our expertise and having someone we can refer our customers to is invaluable. How many entrepreneurs have the opportunity to work along side their competitors and watch their businesses develop? How many entrepreneurs see those in their industry through the many business decision-making processes and get a glimpse of what the person is about? Since then, we have collaborated on a new networking group for our industry and plan on referring clients in search of our complementary expertise.

I’m pleased with my new friend, business colleague, and competitor. We’re in this together and it’s good to know we’re not alone. A funny thing happens when you ask for help or advice; you can help others as well; usually in ways you never would have imagined.

Jennifer Murray, proprietor of The Nimble Assistant is a virtual assistant providing administrative services to small businesses in Middlesex County. With eight years of experience and being able to manage multiple tasks with various schedules, Jennifer provides proficiency in a range of office services. Visit www.TheNimbleAssistant.com for more details. Published in Networking Today, July, 2006