Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on April 16th, 2018

In this episode, I share how the power of collaboration and community over competition, especially in the business world.

The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/i-dont-have-competitors-i-only-have-colleagues/

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 20+ years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

More WebCami links:

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To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I've been good at making friends since I was a kid. I hung out with various groups in school, always finding something in common with everyone. This thing about being super competitive in business, especially with others in your field, never made sense to me. For 12 years, I was part of a BNI group where I met a bunch of other designers and graphic artists. Most of the time, it was great. Sure, there was one weird exception, but that's just one in 12 years.

About ten years back, I started working with a client who had a web designer from Duvall hosting her site. I called her to let her know I needed hosting access, and that's how I met Ann Marie Gill from Cascade Valley Designs. Fast forward to today, and she's one of my best friends. We help each other out all the time. She's been fantastic with coding advice and support, and I send clients her way whenever I can. She's been a real gem in my life.

We even attended a women's business retreat in Costa Rica last October. Since then, we've been co-working every Friday, focusing on our businesses and supporting each other. It's been super productive for both of us.

Even though I'm not in BNI anymore, I still attend local business events. Just this week, I sat next to another web designer from my neighborhood at a women's networking event. We talked on the phone a few years ago, so meeting in person was great. We're planning to grab coffee soon. I'm hoping we can refer clients to each other, especially for things one of us might not offer.

I've always believed in sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues, even just by showing up for them. Meeting your competitors can be a good thing. In my experience, they often turn into friends.

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