Anyone who has ever played a sport, auditioned for a school musical or entered a contest knows what it’s like to compete.  We hope to ‘turn on the switch’ at the right time to perform at our optimum level to pummel   the other guy so we can win….or at least that’s what I thought.

A few years ago, I was working as a marketing director for a big, national accounting and consulting firm, RSM McGladrey.  Things were going pretty good, we had just launched the brand in Kansas City, created a ton of buzz, partners were happy.  Then I got a phone call from Amy Hoppenrath.  She had just joined one of our competitors, CBIZ, in a marketing leadership role. She was new to the accounting firm environment.  A talented marketer in her own right, Amy knew that to be successful she needed to quickly grasp the dynamics of working with accountants and consultants.  Fast.  We met for lunch, got to know each other, and quickly began talking about similar approaches and ideas we could take to our firms.  Not once did we disclose confidential information about our firms or expose strategy; our goal was simply to challenge each other on ideas, try out a few new ones and support each other. We became co-opetitors, Amy’s term for two competitors who align themselves. 

Years later, I shifted to a marketing role in technology and ultimately to launching my own firm, Wing Consulting Group, which focused on helping professionals with marketing and public relations strategies.  Amy was in the middle of moving her firm forward. We reconnected, began referring clients to each other and ultimately started jointly working with clients.  We both had the epiphany at the same time:  We have the skills, connections and passion for our clients. Let’s join forces.  Eight weeks later, AccelerAction was launched.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m still pretty competitive on the tennis court. But I have learned that co-opetition in business can be an important strategy approach that more professionals should consider.