Occasionally, someone asks me, “What about JoeBlow? He’s your competition, right?” I usually do know Joe as coaching is a small world but never really give competition much thought.

My take is that people choose to work with me because who I am fits their need. What I provide clients is the result of my training, education, work, travel, and life experiences. JoeB may offer similar or the same services, but brings different knowledge, experience, and perspective based on his own unique past. So no, I don’t worry about competition and even send people to other coaches if they are a better fit.

These days, connection, collaboration, partnerships, and community are where true power and ultimately success are found – not in fearing or beating the competition. Further, I know this is an abundant world brimming with opportunities.

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian keynoted a business breakfast I attended last fall and said (something like) “Don’t worry about your competition, they will not defeat you; only you can defeat you.”

Tru dat.

My real competition is my tendency to procrastinate and to never execute those great ideas. The real competition is between the voices in my head – one saying I’m crazy to be in business for myself and the other certain that having my own coaching practice is genius.

Linda Ford in her recent Huffington Post piece captures it perfectly when she describes entrepreneurship as the ultimate journey of self-realization.

Competition? It’s my least concern.

 

What do you think about competition? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

My goal is to write 30 blog posts in 30 days the month of September.

#30in30