Nika - great sentiments!  I definately find that focusing on my own business is far more productive.  At the same time it is important to know what the competition is doing - keeping informed.  Just don't confuse being informed with watching their every move or obsessing. 

True -- to both of what you ladies have to say, I do agree, something better is out there id something goes to your competition -- for sure, you just need the room to make it so sometimes. Lovely Universe.

Melissa, I hardly have time to figure out what everyone else is doing... seriously. I have a few staging buddies not in my immediate area that I catch up with and glean inspiration from every now and again, and I am perplexed from time to time when I know those lowball staging jobs are "winning" ... but then, that is really the wrong term, the way you win in this business is consistancy, growth, and referrals!

I do not believe it is productive to constantly be looking over your shoulder.  At best, to check on competition, it is time consuming and frankly you won't really find what your really looking for.  I have always felt it was better that you set the pace and then let the competition catch you.  I can't imagine that there is anything you would want to know that you cannot find right here from the SIF members.

It is important to remain positive about your business.  We can either be negative and complain about competition, finances, clients, etc.  Or we can be proactive in our approach and see what we can do differently that will improve our situation.  It's all how you look at it.

The eternal optimist... 

Always but always think positive, what you think about will happen. "if you think it so..it will happen"..Ok so now I will get o ff my soap box and back to work !!!

Nika,

Thank you so much for this post, we all need to be reminded now and then that we are unique, our gifts are special, and there is enough out there for everyone! You are such a sweet person.

I'm, with you on this Nika - having been in business many years - and being a 'too' sensitive person - I have found it most beneficial to focus on my work, do it the best I can, putting positive energy into it. I try to remain aware of what others are doing also, but not as a focal point.

I don't really need to 'deal with competition'!

Nika, I very much liked this positive post. Too many of us have limiting beliefs. If we focus on our strengths and have confidence and then target what we are good at, we will excel. You gave a tremendous reminder to others to get out of their feeling of scarcity and head over to the abundance side.

What a nice and inspiring post.  I think good competition can be positive.  My goal, however, is to stay so busy that I don't really have time to know what other stagers in my area are doing!  I am staying focused on my team and making sure we are doing all that we can for our clients.  Thank you again for this lovely blog.

I agree with Tracy's comments.  As long as we continue to improve our craft, and give our best to clients-that is plenty to focus on!