Is there value in talking with my competitors?

[delight]

Hi everyone!

I have a couple of situations lately where friends want to introduce me to someone else they know who works in my industry. I'm not fully satisfied with where I am, but I think it has more to do with my skills and abilities than the company I work for. Has anyone ever switched to work for competing companies? What did you take into consideration before making the switch?

Also, even if I don't switch, is there a purpose to having coffee and meeting some of these people in my industry or am I just substituting ineffective action for appropriate action?

Thanks for your input!
D

[floodworks]

There are a couple of ways of looking at this. One is from a networking and educational standpoint. You can always stand to learn from your competitors, either by what they are doing right or doing wrong. You can learn from Earl Nightingale, who wrote in the Strangest Secret (I'm paraphrasing here): To be successful, look at what everyone else is doing and do something different.

The other is to take the teachings of Tsun Tsu from the Art of War. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

When you have the opportunity to expand your network, do it. After you meet the person, you will know whether or not it is worthwhile cultivating the relationship. We realize the full beauty of the rose after it opens up.

Good luck,
Paul

[logger1223]

Hello,

Yes, it would be nice to talk to the competition. In fact, there are appropriate venues for that and it should be part of your job to be talking to them.

You mentioned that you are thinking of moving to another company (a competitor), and that you have doubts about your skill set and abilities. What is your focus then? What do you want to happen? What's the best and easiest way to do this (the straight line)?

Just remember to keep those questions in mind. Moving jobs between companies in the same industry is normal and for the same reasons that you have. Don't fret about it. That's part of the distraction.

I hope that helps.

[mike_powers]

How did it go for you?

The one thing I learned over the years is to always take advantage to grow your rolodex of contacts. You expand your reach and knowledge.

I got lazy with this and it has cost me when I have had great business ideas.

Good luck to you!