Friends Who Work at Competitors

Question

One of my friends work at my company's main competitor. Basically every deal we compete against each other. However, I am never competing on deal against my friend since he sells to a different industry.

I have never asked or talked specifics on deals with him. One I don't like to talk about work and also I feel like it's wrong at times.

Has anyone used their network at competitors to gain more competitive info?

Accepted Answer

I think you are right to not solicit information from your friend, but if he mentions something off hand, that is on him not on you.

Answer

I want to. Especially for lead gen. But something inside keeps shouting at me:

Answer

i wouldnt talk about specific deals but i would for sure be asking how they do certain things.

Answer

Best to keep it separate, I'd say. Church and state..

Answer

Simply don't ask for any info that you wouldn't be willing to give him about your company. I would totally leverage a friendship like that. As long as you're willing to reciprocate, I don't see any issues.

Answer

I just keep work at work and don't talk about it in my social circle unless provoked. Even then, I don't give specifics.

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Probably ethical to not compete against your friend, would leave it be for peace of mind

Answer

Always. You can ask “how much are you charging for integration on deals like these” or “discounts killing your take home?” You find out who they are selling to and how. You will give a little as well, but not much. It’s a professional curtesy and you might be working for the competitor some day so you want to be seen a good person to work with.

Answer

I have asked for contacts over departments I know they don't sell into. That's it though.

Answer

I think the temptation is there as I have a couple friends that work at direct competitors, but feel its not the right thing to do to make the ask (and vice versa)

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I used to work at a company that was a direct competitor for an old army buddy of mine. We never talked about competing businesses and would make fun of each other for wins and the pains the winner had to deal with during the contract.

I'm happy not to be in that role anymore, but I don't think it ever had an effect on our relationship.

Answer

100% I have! Especially if it’s non competing industries. It’s a mutually beneficial support system. Do be cautious to not share information that would be considered highly confidential.

Answer

Probably best not to take the risk, especially if you care about the friend

Answer

Never had the chance. However, if I can get an edge why not

Kosta_Konfucius

Friends Who Work at Competitors

18 comments

Kosta_Konfucius

Friends Who Work at Competitors

18 comments

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