Ways to partnering with the competition

You’ve heard the phrase “community over competition” but what does it mean and how does it relate to getting more social media reach? 

Why partner with your competition
In order for you and your business to succeed, you need those in your area of business to be doing good as well. By shouting out your competitors, you’re curating an ecosystem in which you both thrive, attracting attention, customers and creating more buzz for both of your businesses. 

When you work with your coopetition, you can share trends, roadblocks, data and resources that are mutually beneficial to both of you, saving time, money and headaches.

How to get started with partnering with your competition?

Ask them to coffee, lunch or a quick Zoom meeting chat if they are not in the area. 

Be clear, that it’s a get to know each other chat and you’d like to discuss ways to work together in the future.

At the meeting, learn about their ideal client and share yours as well. 

Then establish some mutually beneficial ways you could support each other’s business by setting clear expectations and make honesty and transparency the cornerstone of your potential partnership.

Ways to collaborate with your competition

If you’re unsure on how you’d like to collaborate with other business owners, here are a couple of ways to help each other out.

  • Follow their social media handles and comment, like and engage with each other

  • Go live on social media with each other talking about a common struggle with your ideal client

  • Host a training together on a common struggle of your ideal client

  • Refer business to each other. Not everyone is a good fit for your business BUT it may better fit for their business

  • Consider a referral bonus. A monetary kick-back isn’t required but appreciated. Co-opetition should always be a win-win.

  • Partner to give some love to a non-profit organization. Join forces and shine light on a cause you both love.

  • Share best practices that have worked. Yes, you may be spilling some of your secret sauce but they may also have some trick that will help your business grow as well

  • Not only meet one but meet often.


ACTION STEP: Write down 5 competitors to take to lunch and send some emails off today.