“That person has no clue how to do a good job.” “He’s a snake.” “She’s an amateur.”

“They’re overpriced and do shoddy work.” “That company is all about quantity of sales, not the quality of their products.”

These are slightly edited comments I’ve heard from business people about their competitors over the years. In fact, there are businesspeople that have said much worse about their rivals to myself and my colleagues.

This isn’t some internal conversation amongst people at the same company – which sometimes happens when sharing information about the market or potential competitors – these are insults being shared with people they are doing business with (or at times are looking to do business with).

As well, I’m not saying don’t vent frustrations to true confidantes or loved ones – I’m speaking mainly about people who are in business together or are attempting to be in business together.

If someone says something nasty about a friend, or a person I hold in high regard, I will defend them to the extent of not getting into an altercation since in most cases, I’m in a working environment.

In other situations, I’ll say, hey, so and so has always been good to me, or I’ve never had an issue with that company. It’s a good and non-aggressive way to show you don’t appreciate the disaparaging talk without the offending party getting their back up.

Plus, who knows what those people’s relationship is. If they’re fierce rivals, it very well could be true from this entity’s perspective.

Now, I would never break their confidence and share who said those things, and particularly not share who they are about.

However, I’m sharing this much because it’s become almost the “thing to do” in certain circles: putting down your competitor’s services, expertise, products instead of promoting your own. It shows a lack of respect for all involved, including yourself.

And I’m hearing from colleagues in various circles about the same thing being done to them: companies and businesspeople trying to curry their favour are bad mouthing competitors.

It’s a bad look people. It will make people wonder what you say about them when they’re not around.

A long time ago, a person much wiser than me said it’s better to speak highly of everyone (including businesses) and see the positives, or at the very least not speak poorly of, rather than take the low road and say nasty things.

If there is any one thing you can learn as you get older and wiser, it’s the above statement. Which is basically saying, take the high road and be the bigger person.

Look, I’m not saying that some people, businesses, products aren’t crappy and if you’re a customer or client with a legitimate beef (legitimate being the key word there), then I understand a bad review.

Personally, I would recommend trying to deal with the offending party directly to see if a resolution can take place. Often they will be happy to help you.

If they won’t or can’t resolve your issue, and you still feel strongly about it, take the concern to the Better Business Bureau. They can probably help as well.

However, if you’re a rival company or agent or tradesperson, it’s best to let your work and your abilities and your products do the talking.

Bashing your competitors only makes you look petty, unprofessional, and arrogant. These are unattractive traits and usually pushes potential clients away.

Instead, be proud of what you can do and focus on being the best you can be. If you’re competitors come up in conversation, either say something nice or don’t say anything at all.

That’s it for me! Ciao for now!