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Any book recommendations on change management?
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I'm not high enough on the totem pole to really know or have a relationship with the competition. I just clock in and do my job and let the more important people worry about that. LOL at NextDoor being even more boomer Facebook. This is scarily accurate.
Pro
Your "more important people" are doing both yourself and theirselves a disservice. Not only do I empower my entire staff to go above and beyond (and that means reaching out to the competition, looking at the websites of the larger stores, and giving the customer that information), I expect it from them.
That’s a solid approach. Building trust with the competition can actually make things smoother for everyone—less gatekeeping, more collaboration. Funny how a little consistency and respect turns “Who are you?” into “Hey, got anything for this load?” Real ones get it.
Pro
More detail about that NextDoor post. It was someone saying that their competitors were PAYING for negative reviews on their accounts. And I said there's enough business for everyone, and bad-mouthing the competitors will never end well.
But you are so right. Sometimes you get a client that, for myriad reasons, you just cannot help. But if you send them to someone who can, those people will remember, and will be compelled to call you when they get a client they can't help, but you can.
Beyond that, if I have an employment candidate that I don't have room for, or just isn't the right fit, but would benefit the competition, send them that way.
If nothing else, open communications and mutual respect will lead to less poaching (of customers and employees) and a better attitude when friction occurs. (in logistics that could be anything from helping out a broken down driver to finding a solution to disagreements over docking priority, amongst so many others)
I work at Home Depot, and we have a Lowe's right next door. You would think there would be bad blood, but we are always referring people over to them if we don't have something that they need. I don't think having poor relationships with competition helps anybody, especially the customer.
Pro
Especially the market leaders, right next to each other, If the management and staff get along, not only do you get to refer customers to each other when out of product, but you can warn each other if shoplifters are in the area, and just keep an eye out in general.
I don't think its a bad thing to build good relationships with your competition. I actually think that is really healthy. Its good to build relationships with everyone you can.
I thought Facebook was already the social media for Boomers? Lol I think Nextdoor is the Karen Facebook. Nosy people who are trying to call the manager on their neighbors. I guess I don't know who my "competition" is in this scenario. What's your role or what company do you work for? If I ever move to a new area, I'm normally looking for a new job.
Pro
Your competition is anyone who offers a similar product or service (in this case*) I am a manager for a regional retail company. Sorry, not going to say anything else publicly. That's the reason for anonymity. But if you want to DM me, would be happy to advise you on your situation.
*I've long said that your actual competition is anything that keeps people from coming into your store. Local football team doing well (obviously does not apply to the Cowbabies ;) ), school going into or out of session, big sale with the comptition. Heck, even a nice spring day can be competition.
Actually get along really well with my ‘competition’. It’s a big enough market, so that helps. Nextdoor, I haven’t been on a lot, but found some local FB groups that amount to about the same.
Pro
Pretty much any facebook is about the same ;)
And like I tell my employees, it's 2025. Everyone has a computer in their pocket more powerful than ALL the computers that sent men to the moon, combined. Your customer can look at your competition, their pricing, and their stock whilst in your store. Pretending they don't exist doesn't help. But if you offer to reach out and check with them, that is something people remember.