By Rosemary O’Neill
âItâs a way more fun world when weâre all winning.â Liz Strauss, at SOBCon NW 2012
Attending SOBCon NW last year was a highlight for me (and you can still get in on SOBCon Chicago), and one of the most memorable quotes was the one above, from Liz herself.
She didnât mean it in a âkid sports team where everyone gets a trophyâ way. She meant that when we help each other achieve, we often find ourselves achieving our own goals along the way.
Give Your Gift Generously and Without Reservation
Of course, everyone has competitors. Particularly in the online arena, itâs exceedingly difficult to provide a service or create a product thatâs truly unique. But you know what canât be copied? You.
Your personality, your style, and your experiences donât belong to anyone else in the world. Your gift to your customers is your unique approach, based on your life and perspective. That canât be copied.
So itâs OK to share your ideas, suggestions, and support with those around you. Give a leg up to your fellow entrepreneurs, and youâll be surprised at how great it makes you feel.
Embrace Your Competitors
I have several people I count as friends who work for companies that compete in the same space with me. My daily task is to create a huge pie—so huge that we can all have big slices together.
In fact, if Iâm dealing with a potential customer who will be better served by the services of a competitor, Iâll send âem over. Call me crazy, but if Iâm the instrument by which someone achieves their vision (even if itâs with a competing product), then itâs all good.
You’re Not Alone
It can seem as if it’s you against the Internet sometimes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are so many smart, funny, generous people out there who are ready and willing to share their time and treasure to help you get unstuck. Since SOBCon Portland last November, I’ve stayed in touch with a lot of my fellow participants, shared business leads, offered support, gotten support, and kept my tank full!
Want to meet a huge group of amazing entrepreneurs and doers who will help you win? Register for SOBCon Chicago 2013.