The Power of Collaboration
Why collaborate?
Collaboration can be seen, as the exchange of values and it is one of the most powerful things to do in business.
When you collaborate with others you can make use of each other’s network and also reach more of your ideal clients than you would do by yourself. But not only that! For sure you can learn from each other. Collaborating with someone that can offer something that you can’t and who will support you in your self-development.
What about your client? They should be of course at the top of your thinking. How can you offer them additional value even though you don’t have the capacity or knowledge? Exactly by collaborating with others that can!
Who to collaborate with?
In the previous paragraphs I already hinted at some points. The main thing is that you collaborate with people or companies that give additional value to you and your clients.
Maybe you are also working on a project that scares you a little because it is too much work and you cannot or don’t want to do it alone? This is a great opportunity to collaborate.
What are the things you cannot offer to your clients but might be of additional value? And who could offer it? I suggest you start making a list of services and people now!
When I think I want to collaborate with someone, I take small steps to test each other to see if it is a good fit – from both sides – and to see how the other person works and what that person knows. Here are the steps I am doing before collaborating on a bigger project.
Where to find people to collaborate with?
Now that you have a better idea who to collaborate with, where can you find those people?
Look into your existing network. Who do you know that seems to be a good fit?
Check out groups that you belong to. Are you part of Facebook or LinkedIn groups?
Which networking groups are you part of? These groups are usually a good start to meet people and get to know them better.
LinkedIn – of course you can search on LinkedIn for people that fit the profile that you have created of your ideal collaboration partner.
Recommendations – Ask in your network if they can recommend anyone that they know. This way these people are at least already checked out by someone else.
If you want to know more about how to create collaborations and building a community, check out my book ‘Authentic Marketing for Start-Ups’