How to fight an unethical competitor? Slander, unfair accusations and other forms of bullying can be really difficult to handle. React quickly, remain calm and do only what is necessary to protect your reputation. These recommendations are the best things to do, according to the Open Forum website, which has interviewed entrepreneurs who had similar unpleasant experiences with their competitors.
1. Quick reaction
You have to quickly determine how harmful the competitor’s actions are to you. Everything is quick and while it used to take months to bring a competitor down, now it takes just hours. Customers are now less interested in the firm’s history. Past relationships are not the key factor for them anymore. Decide quickly; even if the eventual decision will be to just ignore the competitor.
2. Stay professional
It is possible that the competitor comes after you for personal reasons, but you don’t want to get involved in such a fight, especially if your rivalry becomes public. Rise above the situation and stay calm. Usually, you don’t need the drama. If you don’t let the situation get to you, you have removed some of your rival’s ammunition.
3. Defend your reputation
If your former employer tries to slander you and scare off your clients, sometimes it is best to threaten a legal action. Sometime nasty comments can encourage your clients to stick with you, provided their experience with your services is positive.
4. Take it as motivation
Most of the entrepreneurs interviewed agree that efforts by their former bosses, who are now competitors, to force them out of the business just motivates them to work harder to succeed. However, if your competitor is suing you it can be really difficult and expensive, but stay on the course and you will win.
-jk-