Should You Be Stingy With Your Supplier To Other People?

I was in Makati last Sunday for my 2nd workshop this year and I had a fantastic time. I can't wait to start making my own candles. The teacher presented slides for the class and we were taking pictures every time a new slide turns. She found it funny and reminded us that she'll send the notes in our e-mails at the end of the day.



With the previous classes I've been in, I remember there was a teacher who was hesitant to mention her supplier or at least a store where we could get similar items she has. We all had a hint that she's afraid of the competition once we've decided to turn this into a business. I can't help but compare her to one teacher that said if she's scared to let the class know, she could be insecure that we'll be successful and that our success could be bigger than hers eventually.

And for me, how can you be a teacher if you don't 'teach' or point us to where we could get the supply? How can we even make one if we don't know where to get? It's not like everyone will turn this into a business. Some people just want a new hobby or make them as gifts.

If the student does make it a business one day, I believe business owners shouldn't be scared of competition. I think competition should encourage you and motivate you to diversify your business, to make it grow. And I believe each person has a different target market. The products and marketing strategies may be similar but you should know your brand. What makes you different from others? What makes you stand out?

My parents had a t-shirt printing business for many years, including some smaller projects my dad had like producing corporate giveaways like umbrellas and tumblers. It was our bread and butter. The income was used to pay for our tuition fees, buy food, pay rent, etc. When silkscreen printing was relatively new in our neighborhood, we had many clients come in until people realized how easy it was to start a graphic design + t-shirt printing business. Everyone knew where to get the supplies too, so you'll see a handful of printing press within the area.

My dad was the brain while my mom was the hands and feet of the business. It means she's the one facing most of the clients and going to buy  When heat press became a thing, it was difficult for them to keep up because consumers wanted it quick, although there are people who still appreciate silk screen now but it isn't made for that because it gets expensive. Also at one point, couple shirts were a huge thing. Silk screen isn't the best option for retail pieces — heat press is.

Eventually, our business closed. Not because of competition but because of the disinterest in continuing it. When my parents separated and later on my dad dying, we thought it could be saved but nobody actually took responsibility of it. The boards and screens are still with us though, just in case.

To conclude, let me share this wisdom I've learned: Instead of seeing people as competition, look at what you can do to beat them. Try things like choosing a certain niche that you can excel in. This creates value for what you're selling and helps you better compete against the competition. Are you pursuing your own path of improvement by learning about your competition, so you can make your business excellent? Or are you ignoring the elephant in the room, and settling for status quo?