Networking with Your Rival
The business world is pretty competitive. It is natural to compete for positions, promotions and other things to keep yourself “in the game.” Likely you have one (or possibly more) rivals. It may be a person working for your company’s competition. Perhaps you have a rival working in your company, and you will see that person almost every day. In any case, this is a relationship to be managed, not avoided. Just because you and your rival are competing for similar clients or jobs, it does not mean you should be avowed enemies that never speak. In fact, there are good reasons why you should network with your rivals.
Why Networking with Your Rivals Is Good Business
Networking with rivals is beneficial because you can gain knowledge about a range of things, including new products and technologies on the horizon, resources for career development, changes in the marketplace, and career opportunities. Because you share similar goals, you can learn much from each other. In some situations, there could be the possibility to collaborate with an industry group or in another setting. Lastly, it is helpful to know what your rival is currently pursuing if you have your eyes on the same prize. You know the adage: “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” However, it is not a good networking practice to investigate a rival under the guise of networking.
How to Network with Your Rivals
A good place to start is to connect through LinkedIn. In the real world, don’t shy away from opportunities for face-to-face interactions. Like anyone in your network, build a genuine connection. Except for times when it would be detrimental to your career, be supportive of your rival as you would anyone else in your network. Competition is healthy. If you are confident in your ability, then you will not be afraid to allow rivals into your network.
Keeping Safe Boundaries
Allowing a rival into your network does not mean that you should give them full access to all of your leads and the beat on all opportunities that you are pursuing. This is business. Some information should be held close to your vest. For example, it’s great to share articles, news about upcoming conferences, or tips about industry workshops that are helpful. Do not inform them of new career opportunities for which they might be your direct competition.
The Bottom Line
Networking with rivals is like networking with any other colleagues. Be genuine, don’t take advantage of others, and share more than you receive. In any interaction, think carefully about any information that you share. Use the standard social media and real world forums to connect and communicate. Networking with your rivals allows you to find ways to collaborate and learn from each other.