Don't Tell the Competition

Yesterday I was an event where I was previewing another professional's services. The main reason I went was to be able to talk better about this person's services when I have the chance to refer him in the future.

Of the four people at this session, two of us happened to be Certified Networker grads and two were not.

At one point there were comments about competition.

The two who were not CNers, looked at competition as the enemy, holding all information away from these devils.

The two who were CNers, explained that the person who was leading the session could be considered competition to both of us, but that we understood that we could cooperate and refer because he doesn't do exactly the same thing that either of us do. We are not afraid of him.

For me, that snippet of conversation really cemented the value of what I do, which is to lead the growth of Certified Networker in Ohio. I know that I am changing the way business gets done here in NW Ohio. My vision is to change it for the whole state of Ohio.

You see, when people cooperate with each other and think of how they can help each other, less energy is spent on negative activities. People working together, helping each other, can accomplish a lot more in a shorter time.

I call it positive economic development!

All I Can Say Is, Wow!"

Now, I ask you how many of you would willing share the stage with your competition???

And let's take it a step further.

How many of you would be willing to let the spotlight shine on your competition as least as much time as it shines on you?

And let's take it a step further.

How many of you would be willing to give this person a major role in an event you are planning?

The reason I ask the above questions is that my friend Deanna Tucci Schmitt, Executive Director of BNI-Western PA did that just last week. As I have already written , I attended their International Networking Day celebration. In my opinion Deanna understands the two words "team" and "inclusive" better than anyone else. For this huge event she brought people from many groups together and each one of them received recognition as being a part of the team.

Tom Reda, TSBN, is Deanna's direct competition and he acknowledged it very nicely from the lectern. I didn't look at my watch, but I think Tom had more visibility time on the podium than Deanna did. Doesn't matter because no one was counting. In the professionally-crafted program we received, Tom had an ad that said, "Pittsburgh's Most Unique Networking Group congratulates BNI, the world's Largest Networking Group for creating the first annual International Networking Day." The ad ended with, "A special thanks to Deanna Tucci Schmitt for her vision, leadership and generosity." Tom, also was one of six people who was asked to write an article for this program.

BNI philosophy is Givers Gain. Could there be any better example of this than how Deanna gathered the team that created the successful event attended by over 300 people all having paid around $50 to attend????

My hat's off to my friend, mentor and idol. Deanna, I hope I can be like you when I grow up.

Who do you want to emulate when you "grow up?"