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Would You Feed Your Hungry Competition, Or Let Them Starve To Death?

by Allen Graves
12 replies
Hi Warriors,

I am stuck in somewhat of a business/moral dilemna. You see, I have developed a successful business model in a niche which shall remain nameless.

There is no other direct competition. None. Zero.

Actually there is a brand new site that would compete, but I don't think it is going to succeed because the model they are using has failed miserably many times in the past. My model is original and is standing the test of time...so far at least.

Anyhow, as people discover that my business model is succeeding, they are trying to find out exactly how I did it. Sounds like a great opportunity to write an eBook and make a million dollars, right? Well, not really.

You see...the problem with my business model is that the client is only going to choose one vendor for their needs. If someone comes along with a better product, chances are that people will go there. So I would like to keep my successes a secret.

So my question is, what do you tell the folks who ask you how you did it? I can tell that their intentions are genuine and they're not really trying to put me out of business, but the less competition, the better for me.

I don't want to seem like an ass, but I don't want to be throwin' it all away (Phil Collins tune comes to mind).

What would you do?

Allen Graves
#competition
  • Profile picture of the author Marian Berghes
    if I was in your place I would make it limited so that you don't get too much competition...maybe like 1000 copies or something like that. I don't know how much competition can you get by selling it this limited...
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  • Profile picture of the author getsmartt
    hmm... Quite a delima, the only thing I can tell you from experience is look at Toyota. They perfected Lean Mfg (Toyota Production System) started schools to promote it, even went into a joint venture with GMC to teach them how to do it. I think Toyota still won
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  • Profile picture of the author Allen Graves
    Good points.

    I have to say though, that the original point above was not to sell them information (that was just a little joke), but whether or not to tell them at all. You know? Look like an ass and keep my mouth shut or risk letting someone take over the niche.

    AL
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    Every day I check the obituaries. If I don't see my name there, then I know it's going to be a good day!
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
    Who says you have to tell them anything? Unless they are paying you for the information, it's none of their business.
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    • Profile picture of the author garyv
      I would keep it to yourself for as long as possible. Then at the first sign of legitimate competition, offer up an ebook.

      Is this something that you can get affiliates to sell for you - like through clickbank?
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  • Profile picture of the author Amy Bass
    ok you sold me... write the dang WSO so I can know what it is!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan_Taylor
    Hey Al,

    That's a tough one. I've been in similar situations, but not exactly like you describe.

    You don't want to create enemies with someone that could be a potential partner, but they should respect that you are a business person and that you have trade secrets that can't be shared. All businesses have these.

    At the same time, if you were to tell them are they capable and willing to actually do exactly what you do? And if so, would they really a risk to your business?

    Just something to think about...
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    • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
      Tell them.

      They'll work it out anyway and the potential for good will and joint ventures down the road will be extremely valuable to you.

      You may consider charging for the advice and guidance if that's appropriate both because it's worth it and to ensure they do the job properly.

      You don't need half assed competitors in your niche. They tend to make everyone look bad.

      Kindest regards,
      Andrew Cavanagh
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      Old School Copy Like This Is BACK & Converting Like Crazy!
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  • Profile picture of the author Allen Graves
    Thanks. The opinions are mostly one way or the other. I guess I was looking for something in the middle...but perhaps there is no middle ground here.

    The competition in the article directory field is pretty fierce. You cannot get any help or assistance or guidance from any of the top directories. They pretty much ignore any requests for guidance or opinions from other article directory owners. And my opinion on this swings both ways too...they are asses for not sharing, but at the same time they are smart because they are not sharing.

    Hmm....

    AL
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    Every day I check the obituaries. If I don't see my name there, then I know it's going to be a good day!
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  • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
    If you have all the money you need for life, become a philanthropist and give the method to anyone who wants to buy it. If not, clam up and keep earning money quietly. At least more quietly than on this thread

    TomG.

    Originally Posted by Allen Graves View Post

    Hi Warriors,

    I am stuck in somewhat of a business/moral dilemna. You see, I have developed a successful business model in a niche which shall remain nameless.

    There is no other direct competition. None. Zero.

    Actually there is a brand new site that would compete, but I don't think it is going to succeed because the model they are using has failed miserably many times in the past. My model is original and is standing the test of time...so far at least.

    Anyhow, as people discover that my business model is succeeding, they are trying to find out exactly how I did it. Sounds like a great opportunity to write an eBook and make a million dollars, right? Well, not really.

    You see...the problem with my business model is that the client is only going to choose one vendor for their needs. If someone comes along with a better product, chances are that people will go there. So I would like to keep my successes a secret.

    So my question is, what do you tell the folks who ask you how you did it? I can tell that their intentions are genuine and they're not really trying to put me out of business, but the less competition, the better for me.

    I don't want to seem like an ass, but I don't want to be throwin' it all away (Phil Collins tune comes to mind).

    What would you do?

    Allen Graves
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author Adam Kenzington
    Allen,
    When they ask you how you became so successful, tell them through hard work and trial and error. Don't go into specifics. Tell them "Everyone must seek their own path..." (go Airy-Fairy on them. Make it sound Metaphysical in nature, sound like a flake/fluke) If pushed to expose all, tell them for $5,000 you will mentor them for a month. That will weed out the tire-kickers. Most wouldn't part with the cash. They want to know your secret, but most people are too cheap to want to pay for their nosey-ness.

    But, bottom line, be vague in your answer.

    Adam
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    "I can" is much more important than I.Q.

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Taylor
    You're not going to be an ass for keeping it to yourself. You don't owe anyone the information or opportunity you've discovered.
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