Nathan Exposed » competitive nature

This is a topic I’ve never discussed on my blog before, so here goes…

Am I a competitive person? I wasn’t certain, but I was recently faced with a situation.

I’ve had this client for 6 years. They were planning a big new project for their website and I was obviously the one that would handle it. They made that clear many times.

Then now some amateur designer popped up, offering my client this ridiculously low priced bargain if they drop me. They even played dirty and made up stuff about me.

I was furious, and ready to bring out the boxing gloves. In fact, I could have been extremely competitive and crushed those little peons.

My client scheduled a conference call for me to explain why I was the better candidate. My pride was really bruised at this point, but I decided to give it a go. I played fair, I presented myself with dignity, and I was not competitive. I simply explained why I am an effective designer, and what I could offer them with their new project.

2 weeks passed, and I received a phone call from the client congratulating me for a job well done. They chose me! I was very happy, and very relieved that my calm confidence had paid off.

So I guess I’m not competitive afterall. Hmm… it feels weird saying that. I just think competitive people are a turn off. If a client really wants to work with me, he will. If I force him to hire me, the relationship is going to fail somehow.

I’m really happy with the results, and feel proud for earning someone’s business by being my true self, and not some shark.

What are your thoughts on being competitive? Do you act that way regularly and what are the results?

Sat, Mar 31, 2007 @ 11:06 pm | Filed in Abundance | Permalink

5 Comments

It’s all about balancing competition with your heart. And your gut instinct. Sometimes, you are most competitive with integrity and honesty. Most of the time (in fact). Sometimes, it is about giving yourself an edge where you need to.

You are learning so much! Love, NephD

Posted by DanNation on Sun, Apr 1, 2007 @ 3:24 am

DanNation is spot on. It comes in many different forms, at different times, and in different ways. Some would say just by participating in the conference call that you were being competitive….some would have said “no thanks….I’ve already put my figures in front of you.” Plus, if it’s something that’s high on your priority list versus a low-priority item, you’ll tend to be more or less competitive about it. I don’t tend to think of myself as competitive, but sometimes I am…I just know it. For example, I hate games….dont’ like to play cards or games….I just hate having to think and scheme…..PLUS, and here’s the deal, I don’t care if I win or lose. In fact, I’ve been known to cause myself to lose just so I can get out of the game and off to do something I want to be doing. Terrible, I know.

Posted by Lewis on Sun, Apr 1, 2007 @ 8:38 am

We regusarly come up against ‘fly by nighters’ that can under charge us or try and torpedo us on contarcts.

Because of the size of my company I can survive the crap and choose to sometimes not pursue projects were I think the client is expecting too much for the money, has unrealisic expectations or will just be a huge pain int he butt and yes there are a few!

In business it really is dog eats dog though and you have to be prepared to really “sell” yourself, that does not meanyou have to resort ot illegal, immoral or nasty tactics

It just means you need t be better then everyone and remember to ’show’ this not just mention or tell it!

PS how r u finding working from home?

Posted by superdrewby on Sun, Apr 1, 2007 @ 3:37 pm

Competitiveness arises from our attachment to the idea that we’re better than others. Un-Buddhist on soooo many levels : )

Posted by Jon on Mon, Apr 2, 2007 @ 8:55 am

Hmm, are you sure you’re identifying it correctly? It’s totally normal to feel threatened and even angry in that situation, but that’s not the same thing as being competitive. You WERE competitive in that you went ahead and reauditioned for the job, even though it had already been promised to you.
I’m glad you got it though, because you rock.

Posted by DEL on Mon, Apr 2, 2007 @ 5:00 pm