One of my Vistage® group friends asked me to consider joining the newly forming local chapter of a national networking community for professional service providers. I sat in on two of the organization’s meetings to test the waters and thought, “This is great!” I saw it as a really good opportunity to expand my network and was excited about taking the next step to becoming a part of the local group.
The very next day, the Regional Director called and politely told me they were turning me down because there is another business coach who will be part of the group. They feared I would be in competition with him.
It knocked the wind from my sails, and to be honest, it ticked me off. Not all business coaches handle the same types of clients or have similar approaches. The other coach in the group is not an EOS Implementer®, so we wouldn’t directly compete. And if the other coach were an EOS Implementer, we both would have been fine with having each other in the group because we embrace a culture of love and abundance versus one of fear and scarcity.
We co-exist symbiotically in professional close quarters all the time. For instance, I just helped at a Great Boss Workshop with approximately 70 business leaders in attendance. Two of my EOS® colleagues hosted the event and about 10 other EOS Implementers and I were there as facilitators. With the room full of potential clients, we were there to work together and help the participants and each other, not compete.
I literally told the group’s Regional Director, “You guys are missing the boat.” I would have brought a spirit of cooperation and collaboration to the networking group because I know the immense value and benefits that a culture of abundance and love offers.
Since I’m so used to our EOS Worldwide Community seeing opportunities for all, it struck me as narrowminded that the group was so quick to restrict membership.
While I feel disheartened and rejected, I also feel sorry for the local networking group chapter because they are essentially shooting themselves in the foot. The networking group is doing a disservice to their members and missing out on opportunities to bring people in who can refer clients to their members. I have clients with needs beyond what I can do for them, and I would have actively referred them to members of the group who provide the services and expertise they need. Had the group taken the time to learn more about me and the EOS mindset, they would have learned I am not in the business of poaching business from other professionals.
Sadly, operating in the realm of fear and scarcity is not uncommon in organizations.
I urge you to assess your culture. Here’s a visual to help you:
If your M.O. is grounded in fear and scarcity, you likely resist getting too close to your “competition.” But the sharing of best practices, collaborating about process improvements, brainstorming on how to overcome issues, and referring clients to each other when you’re not the ideal fit effectively transform a competitor into a colleague. And you’ll both reap the rewards from that approach.
There are far more opportunities than any one of us or our businesses can handle. With a culture of abundance and love, your business has boundless possibilities.
Don’t shut the door on people because you fear they’ll take away your bread and butter. Instead, remain open to connecting and collaborating with people who do similar work. Help each other and enjoy the fruits of that camaraderie.
Are you struggling with creating a culture that opens opportunities instead of closing doors? I’m here to help. Schedule a call!
