Your competition is your friend.

You may disagree but let's talk about it first.

I'm not saying you need to be going out for cocktails or beers with them but some light networking will take you a long way.

Think about it;

Have you ever had a customer that asked for something that wasn't in your zone of genius or a friend that asks if you know someone who can support with 'X'?

Whilst you may not be able to support them, how great would it feel to be able to pass on a name that can support them. You keep friends and clients happy and you can support a fellow business owner trying to make their stamp on this world.

What's in it for you?

Other than gratitude, they will likely return the favour and recommend you out to people they know. Being on good terms with your competition will also come into play when either of you are fully booked because you can pass work amongst each other.

What would I recommend? Building referral partnerships with your business networks.

This way you can both benefit from referring clients to each other! Also a bonus I missed out - if you make friends with your competition you have someone to lean on when you're struggling! The next time you see your competition instead of shying away reach out and say Hi! You never know where it could lead to.