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I'm not a business person at all, so don't mind my reply if it's useless.

But when I read your post it made me think of my doula. She was one of the only doulas in my area, and worked in a much larger region so she could get more business. However, she needs to be in touch with her "competition" so they could potentially serve as a back-up in case something happened in case she missed the birth! I think she would also give out the other doulas names if she couldn't take on a new client.

@lizzywiz: What would you say to her "hey, I'm planning on trying to compete with you for the limited business that's available in this area, just wanted to give you a head up". I think that unless there is a BUSINESS benefit to both of you for you to have a relationship, then I wouldn't approach her.

@lizzywiz: I probably wouldn't... but it depends on what you are doing I think.

@lizzywiz: i would reach out, but in the friendly way @mae: wrote. i'm also a photographer and although the market is saturated, there are still times that i pass on my "competitor's" information and they pass on mine!

@lizzywiz: My only concern is that if the customer pool is limited in the first place, is there enough of one to require two businesses in the area? How would yours be different from hers? Does she have an office whereas you'll be doing house calls, for example?

@lizzywiz: this is very germane in my life right now! I spoke with my dad (businessman) about how two people I've spoken with have taken my idea and run with it. I guess I'm too enthusiastic and encouraging about it! And I feel lazy that I haven't put more effort into it, so that's what I'm focusing on now. Anyway, we talked about how it can be good to share ideas, but you need to be smart as well. Would it be possible you would end up referring clients to one another?

I wouldn't. If there's only two of you, people she wouldn't be able to take on would find you anyways. If there were a larger number of people in the area providing the service then it would be a benefit to form an alliance but it just wouldn't make sense if she is your only competition.

Besides, what if she takes your outreach the wrong way and starts a smear campaign against you? It would be hard to recover from that. Develop your own client base first before you do any communication to her.