Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I own a childrens entertainment company, we provide clowns, magicians, and various characters for children's birthday parties, santa claus, easter bunny, etc.... Last month I approached the owner of a jumping castle rental/pinata shop, about referring customers to each other since our services complement each other and our markets are the same. It was supposed to be beneficial for both our companies.... I didn't get anything in writing. I have now found out that he is telling his customers that he is part owner of my company. This can't be legal, but I cannot find any advice regarding this matter. How do I get him to stop? I have tried cutting all connections with him, as I realized he was not someone I wanted to do business with. I'm worried he is tarnishing my company's reputation. Thanks for your input. I don't want to sue, but do I have other options?

Why don't you tell him that you know he's saying your company is his? Tell him also that you're happy that he feels your company as own and that you'll be doing the same thing if that's the best approach to attack the market. You can add some cynisism to the conversation if you don't like this approach and will still work :)

Apart from that, and thinking it twice try to think about the market and your target customers. Is it really a problem that he is saying that he owns your company as well? For the people, would it be a problem for him if you say that you own his company? Do you know how many companies are all around the world and we have no idea, or the customer doesn't care who are the real partners, but they just want a services or product to buy?

I'm trying to thinking about the good things that this approach can bring. Apart from knowing that there's nothing better that talking things directly without beating around the bush, I think that if you convert this into a strategy could be even better for you. One last thought: if he is saying that is his company, you can make sure that he's not going to try to soil your reputation.