All businesses compete with like businesses. You compete with providers who provide similar services and offer a similar product. Whether you acknowledge that or not does not negate the reality of it. A smart consumer always compares products before making a purchase. I cannot imagine it being any different in the land of P4P. Additionally, competition doesn't have to be and isn't always cut-throat. For example, I am friends with people in my industry who run businesses similar to mine. We compete for resources and opportunities. We're still friends but we acknowledge that there are limited resources out there at times and when that happens, may the best business person win. Originally Posted by johnnylongcaulkingI understand where you come from. But I'm sure there are differences between you and your colleagues, which makes very few you can call actual competition, depending on the industry you're in, which also determines available business and resources. But this is an industry where my clientele is virtually ANYBODY. Of the millions of men that woke up this morning, I try to envision the percentage of them who are taking the plunge with a companion, and even for the first time, or the first time in years. I'm pretty sure a woman like me was on more than a few of their minds.
So let's get to the competition. It's Friday, it's payday, and the possibilities are endless. Am I in competition with every busty woman? Am I in competition with every Black woman? No, because due to the variances in the different parameters our VAST available clientele makes their decisions, it's a toss-up.
You are right. This is a comparative industry. Shopping for us is like shopping for cereal. You've got your major companies, and then you've got store knockoffs. Some cereals are just good, regardless of price with small boxes, and the best ingredients. Some cereals save you money by nixing fancy wrappers and advertising campaigns by imitating others. I'm pretty sure it ticks Cinnamon Toast Crunch off that I buy Cinnamon Toasties in the bag, but until they make their cereal a better bargain for me (since they taste the same or better AND has more cereal) I'll continue to buy the way I do. But it so happens when I'm in the mood for Fruit Loops, the knock off brand is not as good. I will not compromise when it comes to Fruit Loops. The knockoff brand of Raisin Bran has more raisins. We all like different things. The possibilities are endless for a shopper.
If we went on the general numbers, some of us would never be in the race. Considering African American women are the least chosen race, considering my body type isn't the most popular, my income potential should be severely limited. So now you got the preliminary variances out of the way, now you have to look at the variances in a lady's business. My presentation, rates and offerings is going to AGAIN limit my clientele. Hell, I should just go home. Or better yet, use these set of unique properties to my advantage. A store can't sell 20 brands of corn flakes.
In respect to Kaylee's original topic, seeking wise counsel is always wise. When it comes to networking with my colleagues, I have been both pupil and teacher to the same women that vary by age, race, size and from the low end to the high end. I have taken and given valuable nuggets from women in all walks. What I have learned is that there are no wrong ways to do business. The only right way is the one what works for ME. If a lady is not making the money she wants to in this business, she should not seek to blame another lady, but she should look inward and change what needs to be changed.
