A few months ago, I was passing by the store L’Occitane with a few of my friends (both massage therapists) and we spoke briefly to the salesperson standing outside of the store offering free samples of their amazing Shea Butter moisturizer. One of my friends, mistakenly, mentioned how Lush had great products too, and then we had to endure the salesperson almost turning purple and bashing on Lush.
Well, if you hadn’t read about my obsession with Lush previously, needless to say I was a little taken aback by this complete breach in professional integrity. It’s never a good idea to bash perceived competition… because who ends up looking petty for it? Probably not your competition. Probably you.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I did a party with another reader from my area… I had picked her up and we were driving to the venue, and the topic of “competition” came up again, and it was a relief to hear that her philosophy and mine synched up… I called it the dreaded C word, because really, there is no such thing as competition between readers. If there is, or if I ever feel I’m in competition with a reader, then it’s ME that’s doing something wrong.
I don’t believe there should really be the term “competition” used between readers. Let’s use another “C” word instead: Cooperation. Statistically, there is no way I’m a good fit for every single client out there, and vice-versa. I refuse to even play that game. So why would I not link someone up with a reader that’s more right for them? It’s really not taking anything away from me, and any perceived “loss in business” will be evened out by other readers referring people THEY can’t read for to me.
In the end, my goal is for any prospective client to have a positive experience with the tarot, and sometimes their greatest experience with tarot may come through another reader and not from me. This is part of the reason why I love having tarot colleagues and not tarot competition: there is room for all at the tarot table!
Blessings,
~*~Hilary~*~
www.tarotbyhilary.com
Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
How do you view competition? Is it cooperation, competition, or cutthroat? Share your experiences in the Comments section below.
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Hey Hilary,
I could not agree more… this happens in so many industries. It must come down to that feeling of “lack” in the world. Resources are limited so I must ‘C’ word myself when really there is so much for so many!
Thanks for this. Leah
Leah, I really loved this: “Resources are limited so I must ‘C’ word myself”! Yes, let’s turn it into a yucky verb… because using the word “competition” definitely invokes a scarcity mindset. Thanks for your valuable comments!
I couldn’t agree with you more on this subject. I feel the same way about teaching. I have had people try to tell me, “Well, they are your competition.” When I explain, and as you say in your blog, “No, there is no competition when you perceive it from a place that allows the client to get a good fit.”
Chanah recently posted…A journey has begun
Chanah, YES! Especially in teaching… when I hit the point where I feel I have nothing to learn from my students or other teachers… yikes, that’s when I have to stop teaching AND taroting.
Awesome and timely post, Hilary.
My opinion: there is no competition. There is room for everyone – and we all bring something different to the table! I love having a great group of colleagues – there is always someone to refer people to if they are looking for something different than what I offer.
Theresa | The Tarot Lady recently posted…Are Tarot Readers Psychic?
Theresa, having colleagues is an invaluable resource. Business dilemmas? Your colleague has probably experienced them and is more than willing to help you not make the same mistakes. Polishing your professional edge? Colleagues can help you with a spit-shine. Colleagues can really keep you in check and help you get to the next level in your business… and in your life! Thanks for your comments!
Totally agree! I like to call it “community” rather
than “competition.”
Yes, Diane, “community” is a great replacement word for “competition”! Thanks for commenting!