In many businesses, the competition is cutthroat.

That's much less so in the speaking business.

Whatever your speaking topic may be, chances are good that you won't be the only person in your lane.

I speak about business storytelling and I can rattle off the names of a number of excellent speakers who also talk about storytelling.

And if there's a selection process, we all hope to be the one who comes out on top and gets booked.

But that's where the competition ends.

Some of my fellow storytelling speakers have become friends and mentors.

I've helped to edit their books and materials.

We've shared ideas and advice on calls.

I've read some of their books and attended some of their programs.

And not of them ever said, “I can't help you, Dave. You're my competition.”

Conflict is an unproductive energy-suck.

Help your competitors shine and don't be surprised when that buys you support, friendship, ideas, strategies, and referrals.