I can't tell you how many phone calls we get about this topic. It's number one on everyone's list ... who is the competition? How do I beat them?  They're going to take all the clients!!!

NOT TRUE.  Plenty of business out there for everyone folks.

Let's take a look at the realtors in your town. How many are there? I'll bet you five dollars that none of them are stepping on each other's toes and that there is plenty of business for them all. One company couldn’t possibly handle all the business in one town … they would be overwhelmed and would soon be out of business.  Trust me on this one … this has happened to a few clients of mine. They were one of the only concierge in town and advertised their business ... and WHAM!  It worked!!  However, they soon became overwhelmed with all the business and had to close down for a few months while they re-organized. Clearly one company can't possibly handle all the business.

Here’s another way to look at it … what would McDonalds be if Burger King hadn't come on the scene??

Wendy's?  Taco Bell?

Think they spend their time sending each other hate mail?? I was first! You can't set up your restaurant! It was my idea!!!

See my point? PLENTY of business for everyone. One town can certainly handle more than one company offering the same basic services with no problem at all.

I think competition is good for the soul. It forces us to do better and offer a better product. I also firmly believe in building relationships and working together towards the common good. Working together will get us farther than working apart.

And yes ... I practice what I preach. I've actually trained a few of my competitors (although I'll admit I didn't know it at the time) and have even given them some referrals. Should I get mad every time someone publishes another book on the Concierge industry? No ... because it’s a big world out there and there is plenty of business for everyone. I think the more books out there on the subject, the better!

My advice to everyone is to bless your competition, shake their hand and welcome them to the neighborhood. Say positive things about them and build a relationship with them. Don't judge them for what they do or not do. Instead, greet them warmly and let them be.

Now why would I want to do that? You might be thinking as you read this.

Good question ... one reason might be that it's the last thing they'll expect you to do. It will certainly shock them for a minute!

The real reason is this ... there is a universal principle that states what you put out into the world will bounce back at you like a boomerang. I know that you’ve all heard this one. Well, if you put out honesty, integrity, love and respect … they will bounce right back at you and will only make your business better and more prosperous. If you put out jealousy, anger, fear and hatred then please learn to duck because it’s coming right back at you.  Treat your competition as you yourself would like to be treated.

Love will always get you farther than hate.

Copyright © 2005-2010 by Katharine C. Giovanni

About the Author: Katharine Giovanni is an international Concierge Training Expert, Award Winning Author and consultant, Certified Concierge Specialist (CCS) and Speaker. She is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of ICLMA - The International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Association as well as President and co-founder of Triangle Concierge, Inc. Katharine can be reached via her website at http://www.triangleconcierge.com