Ask the Experts Business Competition Q&A

A customer of mine told me that a competitor was bad-mouthing my business. We're in a small town, and I know the competitor. What should I do?

- Patti

From a marketing perspective, when two people or companies are engaged in a competitive ''war,'' they both lose. Going back and forth wastes resources, and if it's done through advertising or public relations, customers can become confused about who's saying what and why. 

The best way to handle your competitor's bad-mouthing is to ignore it completely. The fact that your customer told you about it probably means that she cares about you and has a good relationship with you. 

Maintaining relationships like that are the key to successful sales over the long term.

- Dr. David Weiman