Dilema - what would you do.

[jintygers]

My business is in an industry that has a high demand so whilst i have competitors there is far more work around for anyone of us to manage on our own. Therefor we have built a good network based on co existance and mutual respect. We pass work around and the whole thing is very friendly and amicable.
My dilema is that it has come to light that a quite large regular client does not understand the benefits of the whole co existance idea. They instead take the better than all the rest public image and as a result are upsetting the community right left and centre. This approach is having an effect on our reputation by association. What would you do? Continue to supply them and follow the regular income. Or see more value in a network of helpful friends.

 

[Mr D]

Work around them. Nothing requires them to coexist with you, or work with you.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Sorry but if there is high demand then its time to expand and grow, forget this be nice to all and co-operate its only a benefit to the weak

If things turn around and there is not enough work for all, will you all share things and go down together

 

[jintygers]

Thank you for your advice

 

[Cube Digital]

Treat it like any other business challenge. It is not personal.

How can you work around it?

 

[Hash and Bash]

Watch out that you don't get accused of running a cartel - i.e. don't get too cozy with your competitors.

 

[jintygers]

Following on from my initial post. I was witness to a very public and damging bad mouthing by the client in question of another supplier who I know to be very good. After some consideration we decided that we could no longer continue to work with them without trust that is now completely gone. We notified them that we wished to end our supply but would honour all dates we had agreed to. Since that time they have on two occasions caused harm to events we have hosted.
Our final date of supply was on Saturday and threats were made of their intention to harm us further.
Is there anything I can do from a legal stand point that will not cost and enormous amount of money to stop them from damaging our business.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Sub contracting, co working , co operatives and collective networks are all very well but customers don't always like it They often prefer to be seeing members of the company supplying them long term

 

[jintygers]

Thank you for you comments they are very much appreciated. I anticipated a backlash before I made the decision, but came to the conclusion the best way forward for us might not be the easiest option.