Since publishing my recent blogs — Some Businesses Are Just Holding Themselves Back and Collaboration Over Competition: A Reflection on Industry Support and Misunderstood Intentions — I had hoped they might spark a genuine conversation. Instead, the business owner in Gloucester I referred to chose to instantly bar me from their premises without further communication or an effort to understand the point I was trying to make, especially since those posts were not written with them specifically in mind.
I genuinely wish they would simply communicate with me. My door is always open to feedback and honest dialogue. After all, meaningful business relationships rely on open communication and mutual understanding.
I would much rather be an ally to small shops like the one discussed than an enemy who’s not welcome in the shop on sight — but it is what it is.
If the anxiety caused by a simple blog post leads to such an overwhelming reaction, then perhaps it’s worth reconsidering whether running a public-facing shop is the right path.
After visiting their shop several times and speaking with them, I had hoped for a better understanding of how I communicate. My intention was never personal criticism but to highlight how a lack of collaboration and misunderstandings hold businesses back from growth and opportunity.
I could name the person and business at any point but shall continue to refrain from doing so, as I don’t believe it’s in my best interest nor theirs.
I still stand by my points and firmly believe that we are stronger when we support each other rather than shutting down conversations before they even begin.
The door remains open on my side — but true communication takes two.
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