A warm and Merry Christmas to everyone

During this festive period, we thought we would share the true story for business owners of the classic film “A Miracle on 34th Street”. In particular the 1994 remake with Lord Richard Attenborough

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, we have a classic independant department store, Coles, that is struggling and under threat of being taken over and shut down by a global faceless conglomerate (boo hiss go the pantomine calls). They hire a Santa, calling himself Kris Kringle. The story unfolds over whether or not Santa Claus exists and the truth that miracles can still happen regardless of your age and regardless of what others may tell you otherwise…

However the true meaning for business is the truth of Co-opetition. i.e. co-operation with your competitors.

In the story Coles Santa informs the shoppers of where they can go to obtain the best bargain for the particular present they are looking for. On the face of it, the owners and manages of the department store would be horrified to learn that here is an employee, steering customers away from what they wanted to sell and actively advising shoppers to go elsewhere for business.

What Madness!

The truth is they used this as their USP (Unique Selling Point). If Coles Dept store hasn’t got it , we’ll find it for you. It is an overnight success and Cole’s once more becomes the highlight for every child at Christmas and for the grateful parent who will receive some sound advice this yuletide.

Now given the current climate, we all need help with increasing sales and business, wouldn’t you agree? Instead of working against one another, what would be the result if you worked together with your competitors for mutual benefit?

Of course, you need to be clear on the rules and boundaries and agree on a plan of action, but would the benefit outweigh the risk of going it alone?

So ask yourself, which competitor if you were working alongside, would actually help your business? Just like Cole’s department store, think of how your prospective client will react and not to allow your own fears to get in the way of some powerful business oppurtunities…

We have faciliated these discussions and know that they work, if all parties have the courage and determination to allow business oppurtunities to come their way. As we say at Templeton Green, it is your choice, what will it be?

Enjoy what remains of the year and enjoy the holidays with friends and family

From everyone at Templeton Green, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.