Co-Opetition In Retail

I believe it is within us, a trait that most of us have and were born with that causes us to compete, think and lookout mainly for ourselves.  I also believe because of that we have to stretch our hearts and souls to do just the opposite when it comes to living and being around people.  By nature and if I owned a business, I probably am going to give over to that particular trait, therefore my first inclination will be to compete, and win at all cost.   If I was in retail especially, dominating and ruling through my own business and community might be my modis operandi making sure there is a “winner and loser”. Myself being the winner.

There is a New Way of Thinking
There is a new generation of business owners on the rise leading the charge.  There are no so-called “clubs” to belong to in community or online. Thought-patterns are shifting as we progress into the future. New entrepreneurs are working together to collaborate.  It is a new way to think about business and creating value in the market and in our economies from what use to be. 

• Collaborative marketing means more businesses are working together, AND that causes businesses to succeed.

• Co-opetition--With a duality in business, both are competing to bring traffic through their doors; they are cooperating together. 

In this paradigm the success for most businesses is dependent on the success of others. Therefore this makes for the argument, let local businesses market each other. Let’s NOT wage war on your neighbor’s business and definitely DO NOT think of it as ‘us’ versus ‘them’.  A whole new way of doing business is Co-opetition and Collaboration.  By working together; businesses succeed.  

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​Why can’t a store with shoppers mention when leaving their store, “Have you tried the ice cream store down the street?  Or “there is another boutique around the block.” OR go so far as to say “have you had your meal yet, there are two businesses in town you can eat at.” Help promote each other and KEEP the consumer's business in town. What a deal! 
 
When businesses team up, communicate and promote together, the likelihood of pulling traffic off the highway or shoppers taking side trips, grows because of collaboration and more places to shop and eat at.  

So now when Holiday Open Houses' are happening or special events -- work together and work as a team. Then get your heads together for the next season or month.  It brings success for all involved! 

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​Fiercely Loyal,
Joan

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