Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

June 20, 2022

I follow several laser groups on Facebook - and honestly, I end up keeping my keyboard at bay more often than not, but once in a while, I can't keep my Minnesota-Nice contained.

This morning, a gal was asking for advise on lasering onto products brought to her from a customer. The said product is one that she also offers and the customer stated that she is in the process of getting her own laser and will eventually be doing all this, but she needed to fulfill this order in the meantime. This gal was insulted and outraged at the audacity of the ask. In her mind, the customer should buy the product and everything through her as she feels that work is being taken away from her.

Can I weight in on this - there are two sides: On one side.... yes, the gal and the customer technically will have some overlap on products (once the customer gets her laser set up and running). She feels that her town is too small to support two laser shops and is worried about losing customers and jobs. Valid thought - BUT look at the other side.

They can team up and HELP each other.
There are no two laser shops (or any industry that has competitors) that are 100% exactly the same. Each person offers their own flare on the end product.
Customer Service is always a different experience.
You can keep your laser busy without the overhead of stocking the product.
If you're ever in a bind and need a job ran quickly, there is someone close by to have your back.

Some of my best friends have overlapping business models - and you know what - it's GREAT! When we get together, we 100% talk shop. What's working, what isn't. Brainstorm fresh ideas. INSPIRE each other. Laser decided to bust a motor and you have deadline, no problem - shoot a quick message to Teresa to borrow her machine. I'm on the other side of it now, I just finished 175 mugs for a local golf tournament. Did I provide the mugs? NOPE. Did I communicate with the committee to make the sale? NOPE. And you know what, I love this arrangement. Chris can reach out to me tell me what he needs, when he needs it and I take care of it. I win because my machine is running and I'm making money - he wins because his stuff gets done on time and in a reliable and trustworthy manner - WIN/WIN!

Going back to the posters original concern - I get it.... but no one will ever do what you do exactly as you do it. There is so much room for everyone at the table. Be a friend. Be an advisor. Be a source for your expertise.