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MJ · 01-20-2005, 01:53 AM

I admire you for trying to reach out locally. Some salon owners feel very threatened by these situations. Understandable...trust is a factor.

I personally think being "friends" with your competition is close to impossible. Any salon over 5-10 miles from yours -- possible. It is good to be on a friendly basis with your local guys... But FRIENDS as the term is commonly used....nope.
It would be difficult at best. I am certian you meant Business associate...correct?

I have a few of those myself.... with (almost a little too close)local salon owners...have over time, grown to friendlier relationship.

But would not be considered a great friendship. We have on occasion split lamp orders to save ching, both helped each other when the timer, bed, or CC machine was down. Even helped each other with back ordered lotions when a client really needs on NOW, pass on the shared and bounced a few ideas off each other etc.

It's not like I would be inviting them over for dinner with the 'Fam'anytime soon.

But a friendly exchange, touch base now and then, helpful advice or emergency help with issues.... I see nothing wrong with that. Just know what is appropriate and what is not to disclose with your local salon owner.

There are certian lines that should not be crossed of course. Most will respect these lines. Unfortunately most salon owner do not feel this way. That is why we will always be a divided industry at best.
What comes to mind is the cartoon Wilie Coyotie (sp) and that Sheep Dog that you can't see his eyes...
Well..the particular cartoon I am talking about is--
When they punch in and start doing what comes natural...Wilie trys to take his sheep and the dog kicks the crap out of him.

Then the lunch bell rings, they stop what they are doing, chat have lunch. Then go back to work, finish the day-- clock out and walk home together.
I love that cartoon! LOL
The moral was..for those of you who missed the point...
Business is business ~ and never forget that when dealing with your competitor.

If you don't get it..you probably never will.

Does that mean they are not associates - friends outside of work?
Of course they're not Friends!!!
They are friggen cartoon charactors!!
J/K

Seriously--
The point is they both know their rolls.

As for you and this guy stocking similar --identical lotions probably not a good idea. JMHO

If you guys are that close and seeem to be on the same page...why not just be partners and take over the entire market. or just PL.
Just a thought.

_________________
Jane... You Ignorant Sl*t!!![ This Message was edited by: MJ on 2005-01-20 01:58 ]

01-20-2005, 01:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
MJ Join Date: Jan 21 2002 Posts: 3,060 Rep Power: 8	I admire you for trying to reach out locally. Some salon owners feel very threatened by these situations. Understandable...trust is a factor. I personally think being "friends" with your competition is close to impossible. Any salon over 5-10 miles from yours -- possible. It is good to be on a friendly basis with your local guys... But FRIENDS as the term is commonly used....nope. It would be difficult at best. I am certian you meant Business associate...correct? I have a few of those myself.... with (almost a little too close)local salon owners...have over time, grown to friendlier relationship. But would not be considered a great friendship. We have on occasion split lamp orders to save ching, both helped each other when the timer, bed, or CC machine was down. Even helped each other with back ordered lotions when a client really needs on NOW, pass on the shared and bounced a few ideas off each other etc. It's not like I would be inviting them over for dinner with the 'Fam'anytime soon. But a friendly exchange, touch base now and then, helpful advice or emergency help with issues.... I see nothing wrong with that. Just know what is appropriate and what is not to disclose with your local salon owner. There are certian lines that should not be crossed of course. Most will respect these lines. Unfortunately most salon owner do not feel this way. That is why we will always be a divided industry at best. What comes to mind is the cartoon Wilie Coyotie (sp) and that Sheep Dog that you can't see his eyes... Well..the particular cartoon I am talking about is-- When they punch in and start doing what comes natural...Wilie trys to take his sheep and the dog kicks the crap out of him. Then the lunch bell rings, they stop what they are doing, chat have lunch. Then go back to work, finish the day-- clock out and walk home together. I love that cartoon! LOL The moral was..for those of you who missed the point... Business is business ~ and never forget that when dealing with your competitor. If you don't get it..you probably never will. Does that mean they are not associates - friends outside of work? Of course they're not Friends!!! They are friggen cartoon charactors!! J/K Seriously-- The point is they both know their rolls. As for you and this guy stocking similar --identical lotions probably not a good idea. JMHO If you guys are that close and seeem to be on the same page...why not just be partners and take over the entire market. or just PL. Just a thought. _________________ Jane... You Ignorant Sl*t!!![ This Message was edited by: MJ on 2005-01-20 01:58 ]