Comments on: Of Rethinking & New Possibilities: ‘Co-opetition’

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:42:44 +0000

Good points, Claire. I can see a lot of applications for this new “business model”. Creative thinking leads to innovation if various disciplines come together to realize it. Sharing resources in this manner is definitely the way to go. Any other ideas, DF readers? I know you have some. . .
Thanks for weighing in, Claire.

By: Claire Ratushny

Claire Ratushny — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:38:22 +0000

Good post, Ted. I think besides sharing competencies to launch cost-effective products, businesses might work together to develop truly innovative new products undreamed of today. Entrepreneurial businesses might even work within their communities to solve local problems. There’s nothing like having a local grasp of issues and taking a grassroots approach to solving them, is there? Here’s the thing: innovative ideas often come from entrepreneurs with real vision–rather than more risk-averse big businesses. Bringing those ideas to fruition is very time consuming and costly. But a willingness to collaborate and form a real “think tank” might lead to exciting new possibilities, and be cost effective to boot. It’s also true that economic downturns have been great incubator periods for innovation and new business ideas in the past. So what about now? How about it, people?

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:50:19 +0000

My pleasure, Neal. Good ideas should be spread, in my view. I’m hoping your collaborations with a competitor inspire other small business owners to think about doing the same. All the best to you and your business for continued success, Neal.

By: Neal Harris

Neal Harris — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:15:36 +0000

Hi Ted,
Thank you for your comments on the recent LA Times article about my business strategy.
My companies : Harris Fragrances,LLC and Scentevents are built around mutual collaboration. We have numerous alliances with other small businesses (and large) and often work with competitors to help them achieve their goals. Teamwork without Ego’s getting in the way is the key to our success,this strategy is proving to be very doable and we are actually having fun in the process.
Again thank you ,
Neal F. Harris
Founder : Scentevents and Harris Fragrances, LLC

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:26:17 +0000

Paul,
I hope we will see more co-opetition. Given the extraordinary times we live in, it would be great for businesses, large and small, to take a step back and reassess a few things. We all have plenty of competition. Regardless, forming alliances to share various disciplines, areas of knowledge and expertise make strategic sense. Glad to see this is taking place in your industry. Let’s hope others see the potential in this.
Thanks, Paul. Your insights are always appreciated.

By: Paul Barsch

Paul Barsch — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:54:22 +0000

Hi Ted, in the field I work in (high technology) we have no choice but to engage in co-opetition as M&A activity has really blurred the line between competitor and alliance. Your friend today on deal X might be competing with you on deal Y tomorrow. And this is just the technology side, I haven’t even mentioned services yet!
As industry players consolidate in this recessionary economy, I believe you’re going to see a lot more co-opetition.