Competition Can Be Good…Even Helpful…For Our Great Industry

By Sid Chadwick

“We measured our success not just by how much money we made, but by how much we contributed to the community. …It was a two-part bottom line."….Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield of “Ben & Jerry’s”

INTRODUCTION:

When I read separate recent Letters -- explaining…“Rejection of a Proposed Merger”… between Printing United and our Regional Affiliates, I felt sadness…even bitterness.

Somehow… “political tribal thinking” had morphed into our great industry…. “Our way.. or the highway”. (No compromise…no sharing of resources for the common good….no middle ground to move the ball forward.)

I know of Affiliates with significant bank balances, who will not pay top educational presenters… to inspire and educate their members…on much-needed Business Development initiatives.

I know CEOs -- who have embarrassingly confessed in our Peer Groups --that they could not believe that their local, ongoing “Affiliate-sponsored Social Events” –  had “0” Educational Content.

And then I stepped back, and realized, that what we have here is a true “Market Test” – allowing Members with ambitions…and commitments to their dreams –  to “Vote”--  with their Membership -- and Program Attendance – for “Who’s Providing The Best Content… especially for Developing New Business…and Members’ organizations’ performance.”

SUMMARY:

For years, we’ve advised clients to try to never have only one bank – ‘almost always works better for the banking customer to have two supporting banks – for better terms, and service.

Several clients experienced the wisdom of that advice when their “primary bank” told them their “PPP Quota” was already filled, and “We’re so sorry.” (That’s a tough moment to turn and call the banker -- who’s been calling on you for part of your business – for several years.)

As you survey your options, think and evaluate who’s providing the most and best substance – for what you want to achieve.

“There are two kinds of people…those who do the work… and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.”…..Indira Gandhi