Focus on your own business.

Over the last month, I’ve been out with three girlfriends on three separate occasions—all hospitality leaders and business owners. We chatted about the latest restaurants opening and local winery news. Before long, each one of these highly accomplished women started questioning themselves, wondering if they were doing enough to be seen and heard as the other ones we discussed.

I tell you this not to shame them, but to emphasize how frequent and common I see this among hospitality leaders, particularly women—so many of whom are high-performing perfectionists and pleasers. While those can be super-power qualities that allow them read the room better than anyone and create unforgettable experiences, on the shadow side, these qualities make them susceptible to self-doubt, comparisons, and feelings of inadequacy.

Having worked around the United States and in France, I’ve had the good fortune of perspective. I’ve seen how regionality plays a role in hospitality and what is emphasized, place to place. I’ve seen the way different cultures and gender roles play into the way we serve customers and run our businesses. And I’ve also witnessed offerings so diverse that to compare feels silly. However, when your business is one location, despite where you’ve worked in the past, it’s easy to start looking over your shoulder at what others are doing.

Healthy competition is good; it keeps us on our toes, makes us aware of what works and what doesn’t and where consumer interest lies. It can also serve as the rising tide that lifts all boats. However, when you look too long at what your competitors are doing, you risk playing copycat, ceasing to be unique and more focused on outcome than process—a death sentence for creatives that make the wine, food and travel industries compelling.  

In times of market flux, noticing what the competition is doing can be useful as a starting point. After that, it’s time to start looking at your own business. Doing what you do best—and only you—is more important than any reinvention or new offering. Novelty and innovation are essential, but they are no substitute for quality, authenticity or expertise.    

If you’re looking to tap into your creativity, intuition, and expertise—without following someone else’s roadmap—coaching may be right for you. Book a 30-minute chemistry call to see if we’re a good fit.

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