A problem shared….is a problem halved.

I’m glad I wrote the blog ‘Am I being stalked’ – Instead of dwelling on the issue, I got not just support but also a response. The founder of the business herself emailed me. I had never been in contact with her before. It takes a big person to make such an apology below.

“Dear Naomi, First and foremost, an introduction of who am I. I believe you have heard of the company called XXX – and this company is very much inspired by Red Balloon & Red Letters.

Seeing two very successful woman take off in this business has inspired me very much to start something similar. I understand that I’ve become too consumed in trying to be these two very successful women (yourself and Rachel Elnaugh) that I may have accidentally tread on the wrong road path – a path that is not my own.

I would like to apologise if I have cause any kind of unpleasant feelings on your end. I’m very new to being an entrepreneur, and quite frankly – am looking up to you and Rachel as my role model.

XXX is totally based in XXX – and have no intention at all to penetrate the Australia market. We’re here to introduce the concept to people who are dwelling here – to buy experience gifts for their friends and family who lives in XXX.

You have given me a wake up call indeed – a call for me to finally realise I have to create my own personality rather than duplicating you. That is something that I will now focus on. Once again, I’m truly apologetic about my distasteful actions and I would appreciate your understanding on this.”

And here is my response….

“Hello XXX, Thank you for this apology it is appreciated and accepted.

I have mentored many people and supported them as they commence their business journey. (In fact I just met with a young fellow in Spain who is about to start an experiences business and I was most happy to share my years of wisdom with him.)

You are in a different geography… And I wish you well – experience gifting is very exciting and a fabulous business.

I have one request – and that is that you cease using balloons in your promotion or even with the gifts. The world is a small place and there are many expatriates between each of our countries. I would hate people to think inadvertently that we are one in the same company.

You have a beautiful concept – perhaps you could make it more of a feature. Getting big luscious ribbons produced in a signature shape – so that every one knows it.

I’d appreciate you letting me know that you have removed the helium balloons from your activity.

I do wish you all the best and lot’s of fun on your entrepreneurial journey and I’m sure that we will meet in person at some time in the future.

Kind regards Naomi”

I love a happy ending… and a problem shared brought the best result. Thank you