Compliment the Competition

The value of competition has often been debated. Is it healthy? Does it breed greater results? More innovation? Or does it discourage? A few weeks ago I received an email newsletter from Adkins Arboretum, inviting me to take a trip with them to Grounds for Sculpture. Now, I've never seen an ad from Harris Teeter, asking me to come check out Publix with them. I was intrigued. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Here's a few reasons to team up with your nearby similar orgs:



1. Your patrons will enjoy it. 

Seems pretty simple, right? You're offering an event that you know will appeal to your patrons. If they enjoy your garden, they'll enjoy another nearby.

2. It's an opportunity to partner.

Maybe the organization you take your members to will want to return the favor and offer trips to your organization. You could even each offer a couple complimentary passes with a certain level of membership. Other organizations can offer additional value to your members.

3. You might learn something.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Maybe you notice a large after-work crowd when you visit a neighboring organization - perhaps you should extend your hours. Or the admission line moves really quickly because they are running one line for ticket holders and a separate one for ticket buyers. That could work well for your org as well. No harm in seeing what is working for other organizations and trying it out!

4. You could make friends.

Want someone you can exchange ideas about a membership promotions with? Or want to make sure you're not hosting your biggest fundraiser the same time as your neighbor? Talk to employees at similar orgs with similar roles. It's a great way to find out what's worked for them, what hasn't, and talk through ideas you're working on.

So, maybe instead of viewing those nearby gardens, museums, and theaters as the competition, think of them as allies; supporters you can count on to help you achieve a common goal - promoting the arts and bringing beauty to your city. Time to pay the competition a compliment; maybe they'll return the favor.