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pagal
November 16th, 2007, 01:09 PM
Ok, I have a question for you ladies.

To make a little extra cash and becuase I was so impressed with the product I became a consultant for Heritage Makers (www.heritagemakers.com).

After selling some books adn doing a few parties, I asked my friend Joy if she would like to couple with me since she was an excellent photographer. It ended up not working out becuase after one client (my friend) I ended up doing most of the work, she got quite greedy and I felt it wise to not go into business together after that. Regardless, I got her all set with her business cards, forms, marketing material etc. And I gave her 4 of her first clients. I encouraged her to keep at it.

Meanwhile, becuase these are PHOTO books I sell, I began to find that the niche was to make up for the 20% you make on the books by adding some extra income with photography. So, becuase I began to actually enjoy it and was encouraged from some friends, I NOW offer photography along with my books. It took me a long while to get the guts to tell Joy I was offering photography becuase I think she liked the idea that I gave her clients and since she's got a real ANGER problem I didn't think she's like I wasn't going to be passing any more her way. Whatever:idunno

My friend who we worked with asked ME to do her next photoshoot and I denied saying that wouldn't be right considering Joy had her as a client. I told her I'd rather he have someone else than myself to avoid a conflict.

BTW- she knows my friend is a multi-millionaire and she charged her MORE than she did my other clients simply becuase she was wealthier. SO WRONG.

Now, Joy lives in a rural neighborhood about 40 min from here. I live in a very upscale neighborhood. (not bragging, I've got a townhouse!)

There is a Santa Parade here that goes to all the local housing developments on the fire trucks and throws out packages of candy. Local businesses put their flyers in there and donate candy for the kids.

HERE"S THE PROBLEM:

Joy calls today and KNOWING I am competition now she says, Yeah, let me know about that Santa parade in your town becuase I'd like to advertise in it.

1. Why would she advertise here when I LIVE HERE?? That is so rude and will just cause friends to be competitive.

2. She's advertising here becuase there are wealthy people here and rather than choose ANY other location - she wants to tap into what would honestly be MY market of clients. Just becuase they have money.

It just get's on my nerves how she's always looking out for herself. I can't stop her since she has the right to advertise anywhere she chooses but I think it's still not the friendliest choice to make.

I was considering not giving her the info and if she asks me for it - I should mention this??

HELP:thinking

MochaMel
November 16th, 2007, 03:44 PM
Um i wouldn't give her the info. Is that awful or what of me...

BUT why would she think this would be okay to basically take money out of your pocket.. That's my thoughts on it..

prairiedog
November 16th, 2007, 03:49 PM
Never go into business with friends or relatives (if you get a choice in the matter).
:hug

pagal
November 16th, 2007, 05:02 PM
But am I wrong about this kinda being "my territory". I don't mean that boastful but practical. Come on, this is my neighboorhood, my friends, my church etc. She lives 40 min away!!

SO- I probably sound like a spoiled brat but I dunno. She had a celebration for me with HER friends and family and I sold them all books. She did their photography. Now that we're not working together, I wouldn't send them info about ME doing photography becuse well, that's her territory. ??? Why does she think she should do this parade up here??

So, even if I played the "may best businesswoman win" game and have us both submit flyers in the parade- I think it would cause COMPETITION which isn't good for a friendship.

So, considering she is going to ASK me about it and wants ME to give her all the info what should I say???

Just be honest?? In a gentle way??

LupusMommyto5
November 16th, 2007, 08:50 PM
I have an idea, you could always supply her with the addresses of those who have told you no, or in areas you haven't had any luck with, and tell her that the areas you do have volume in you feel claim to. That way your not really telling her she can't do it, and you're not giving up your areas. Let her know you won't give up your areas, and if she's a true friend she'll understand.

I would at least let her know your feelings, she may not know you feel that way.

Nannette (a.k.a. LupusMommyto5)

homesick9748
November 16th, 2007, 09:04 PM
She's intruding and I think she knows it. She would have to be extremely dense not to realize it. I think she's counting on you telling her the info because you don't want a confrontation. It's your territory. If she has the guts (which obviously she does) to try to take business from you and if she asks you why you didn't give her any info, just tell her that it's your territory and that if she needs advice on her territory that you will help her. I'm sure she would be very upset if you tried to horn in on her territory. She's a bulldozer and you don't have to manage your own business and hers, too.

Solo Fide
November 16th, 2007, 11:06 PM
She's intruding and I think she knows it. She would have to be extremely dense not to realize it. I think she's counting on you telling her the info because you don't want a confrontation. It's your territory. If she has the guts (which obviously she does) to try to take business from you and if she asks you why you didn't give her any info, just tell her that it's your territory and that if she needs advice on her territory that you will help her. I'm sure she would be very upset if you tried to horn in on her territory. She's a bulldozer and you don't have to manage your own business and hers, too.

:thumb I second that post! And to top it off I think she sees you as a softee or a sucker who can be used for her personal gain- she's no friend! Some people pose as friends just to find an opportunity down the road to use you- especially if it appears as if you have money. And sometimes greed just takes over- sorry, this lady values the almighty dollar over your friendship- her loss.:tsk

LupusMommyto5
November 16th, 2007, 11:10 PM
I must be even softer I kinda go with the benefit of the doubt.

Solo Fide
November 16th, 2007, 11:41 PM
I must be even softer I kinda go with the benefit of the doubt.

You're still young aren't you?

Deepcallstodeep
November 17th, 2007, 11:07 AM
Ask Joy if she'd help YOU advertise in HER area too... :heh