Friendships and business can get tricky. Sometimes your best mate starts competing with you. It’s not a disaster—it’s a chance to get smarter and stronger.
With simple steps and some help from Australian tools, you can protect your business and come out on top. Here’s how, with a story so cool even an alien would stop to check it out.
The Switch
Say you’ve got a little business maybe handmade soaps or cool bags. It’s doing great. You tell your friend everything—where you buy stuff, how you price it. One day, they say, “I’m starting my own thing.” Their idea? Adding a scent to something like yours.
You think, “No big deal.” But then they launch same style, same customers. No fights, no drama—just a surprise. You don’t panic. You plan. Here’s how.
Easy Legal Steps
You can’t stop someone from trying, but you can keep what’s yours. Here’s what to do:
- Lock Your Name
Go to business.gov.au. Sign up your business name with ASIC—it’s fast. Then get a trademark with IP Australia. It costs a little but makes your name and logo yours alone. No one can use them. - Keep an Eye Out
Got your trademark? Look around—check social media or local shops. See something too close to your stuff? Send a friendly note. Most people stop quick.
Win big with govt help
The Australian government has free stuff to help you beat the competition. Here’s the plan:
- Save old messages with your friend—ideas or tips you shared. It’s proof if you need it. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has easy ways to keep your online stuff safe like new passwords. Simple and smart.
- You know your friend and how they think. Peek at their prices or posts. Use Google Alerts to stay in the loop. It’s not hard.
- They’ve got their thing, you’ve got yours. Make yours stand out—better service, cooler ideas. Business.gov.au lists free money you can get like grants. A bit of cash can make your business pop.
- If they try something, you try something else. Look at AusTender for jobs from the government like selling them stuff. It’s extra money while they’re still planning.
- Don’t argue—shine. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) helps with client problems or getting paid faster. Focus on cool deals or ads instead.
Extra Tips to Stay Ahead
Laws and tools are great, but you’ve got more power. Here’s how:
- Things changed—so what? Put that energy into your business. Make it bigger and better.
- Next time, don’t share everything. Keep your best ideas to yourself. It’s just business.
- See them copy you? Save it—texts, pictures. It’s handy later.
- Their idea gives you a push. Come up with something new and awesome. Beat them by being you.
The Big Win
This isn’t a problem—it’s a boost. Your friend turning rival? It’s a chance to grow. With Aussie help—like trademarks, cash, and tricks—plus your own ideas, you’re unstoppable.
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What do you do when your best friend turns into your biggest competitor? It’s a tough pill to swallow, but here’s how to protect your business. News, Business Dynamic Business
