You should work WITH your competitors
Why would you help your competitors?That’s what one person asked me when we talked about working with other photographers in Phoenix. “Because, we are not competitors, we are a community” was my short and sweet answer. Entrepreneur online has a great article about it as well, 5 Reasons You Need to Work With Your Competitors,
In the context of networking groups, people who adopt this philosophy dedicate themselves to giving business to their fellow networkers rather than making their foremost concern getting business for themselves. In doing so, other people naturally become eager to repay their kindness by sending them business in returnI learned a lot of a similar philosophy from my friend, Christie Ellis, who through Bob Burg and his Go-Giver movement share a similar philosophy
In 2008 a “little story about a powerful business idea” took the business world by storm with its message: that shifting our focus from getting to giving (constantly and consistently providing value to others) is not only a fulfilling way to live life and conduct business, but the most profitable way, as well.
Photographers can learn from each other
“A rising tide raises all ships”It means if we all work together and elevate the profession then we ALL benefit. It’s ok to admit we don’t know it all, I certainly don’t. It’s ok to admit another photographer is better than you, I know photographers that are better than me. We as photographers, business owners and humans all do better when we work together, help each other, and support each other. This is all very similar to shopping and supporting local companies, it’s such a huge impact to the local Phoenix community when that happens. So last night at the ASMP Phoenix meeting I had a great time, networking, chatting, speaking and meeting many other photographers in Phoenix. I certainly hope I get to know and work with many of them in the future as well.
Special thanks to ASMP Phoenix, Scott Farence, Cusi Taylor and Nick Pappagallo with Parkwood Photography Studio in Phoenix, AZ.
I LOVED the article, just as you knew I would. Fantastic, Everardo! Thanks for being such a shining example for all of us, and for living on the creative plane of life and business. You’re awesome!
Bob…read this article. I think you will enjoy it 🙂 Everardo Keeme – I am always inspired by your talent and creativity. I am so grateful to know you and truly appreciate this mention 🙂