Celebrating Others’ Successes in Rural Business

This week, I was reminded of something that one of my favourite clients once said to me.  I was approached by a cheesemaker asking if I might be willing to work with them on their PR and Marketing. I was wary of speaking to my existing client, Jill Clark, (who runs Connage Highland Dairy, makers of some of the most delicious cheeses in the world – www.connage.co.uk), because I feared that she would see this as me working for the competition. How could I promote two different cheese businesses that each wanted folk to be eating their cheeses as opposed to those made by somebody else? However, in her true, generous and yet pragmatic style, Jill said to me, “Anna, I’d be delighted if you worked for another cheesemaker. I just want everyone to eat more cheese!”

In the world of business, it can sometimes feel as though opportunities are scarce and that we can only ever fight our own corner. Whether it’s an award, a grant, or a big contract, the success of another business can trigger a pang of envy and sometimes we might even start to think that their win somehow reduces our own chances of success. But the truth is, the opposite is often true.

When one rural business shines, it casts a light on the whole sector. A local farm shop being recognised nationally, or a food producer winning a Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Award, draws attention not only to them, but also to the strength and quality of rural enterprise in general. Each success adds to the collective reputation of rural businesses as innovative, resilient, and worth supporting and of the wonders of what makes up rural Scotland.

It helps us to remind ourselves that other people’s wins are not our losses. Just because a neighbour has been given a grant of some kind or won an accolade, it doesn’t mean there is no room for us. Opportunities rarely disappear – in fact, they multiply when more people see what’s possible. Recognition for one farmer, crafter, or producer often inspires others to follow suit.

There’s also real value in being generous with praise. Celebrating a competitor’s success not only builds goodwill but often opens doors to collaboration and shared learning. Rural communities thrive on connection, and relationships are everything. You never know when that congratulatory message might lead to advice, support, or even a joint venture.

So, next time you see another rural business winning, take a moment to applaud them. Their success doesn’t put you further back – it brings us all forward. And who knows? The next win worth celebrating might be yours.

Have a great week.

Anna

P.S. Eat more cheese!

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