This month, I’m providing a ham radio contest tip-a-day (along with other posts) to help you trigger your own contesting activities.Today’s tip: Compete with a Partner.Being competitive -- as in being number one in the world in a contest -- is exceptionally difficult to do. Practice, willingness (and money) to travel to the most advantageous locations for a contest, and good old skill are needed to have a shot at world number one.So what is a contester to do? My answer: compete with a partner.One of the most enjoyable aspects of belonging to a local radio club (of any sort) is that you will normally relate to those that are also into contesting as part of their ham radio experience.One of the most enjoyable aspects of this relationship is that each can pick a contest and "compete" with the other person in the club. When I have done this in the past, it always got me more fired up to do better during the contest weekend simply knowing that another LOCAL person was working hard to compete with me in the contest.Scheduling a few off times -- or having a two meter frequency to chat -- to talk through what each of us is experiencing during the contest is a great builder of friendship.In your next contest, try and compete with one of the brothers or sisters of your local ham club. You'll find it a completely different -- and enjoyable -- experience.Scot, K9JY