What's the etiquette when setting up - do I tell my competitors?

[mybabyweightiseightyearsold]

I'm a physiotherapist, going back to work after eight glorious years of shovelling shit and wiping bogies.

Oddly, no-one wants to give me a term-time, school hours contract (whodavthunkit?) so I'm going to freelance.

There are loads of private practices in my area, but very few people doing private home visits. My speciality is Elder Care, and I'm hoping to fit it in roundabout school runs. In theory, this will be Perfect...

However, there is one physio focusing on domi visits - and, she's in my postcode. There are also two based-from-home clinics who aren't so keen on home visits, but will do them.

I have never worked for myself - and don't want to upset the established physios...thus, the stupid question:

Would it be mannerly to write to my competitors and tell them of my plans -
or,
is it up to them to keep up to date about what's going on?

thanks in advance.

All is fair in love and war me dear. Don't tell them. I wouldn't dream of telling the competition what I'm up to - you are highlighting a gap in the market that they could take advantage of with their established reputation while you are getting off the ground.

It is up to them to see what is going on. These people are now your competition for work, and you really don't want to be giving them any edge over you.

Good luck!

I wouldn't tell them but they'll find out when you advertise anyway.

Good luck.

I have discovered that competitors can also provide resilience, as well - if you can't take a client, or need sickness cover, it can be really handy to be able to pick up the phone and ask someone else in the trade if they can cover

I certainly wouldn't inform them in advance that you are setting up in business; establish yourself in your market niche first but perhaps seek out an opportunity to meet them - local business networking, trade fairs and the like - and get chatting?

Thanks guys. I'm hoping to get a few patients for a few months before I start advertising - I don't want to be too busy until October when the smallest weight will be established in school.

But, like you said, Disney, I would like to keep them on board - we've got to do professional training and stuff so it'd be good to pool resources.

Sound advice, folks - I'll do my own thing and once I've got something to offer I'll speak to them.

Right, am away to Not Order More Stuff On Vistaprint...
x

I'd agree with the other posters.

Plus as a freelancer I try to take the view (when I am feeling positive) that there is enough work to go around everyone as long as they are good. Esp in your field, the old are living longer, they'll need more of what you are doing.

The more enlightened amongst your competitors, will see the potential in collaboration as you do, so once you get going you could connect but I'd agree get going first. You might find a niche that you aren't keen on them finding out about!

Good luck.

i wouldn't tell 'em! Hammer don't hurt 'em!