Why Collaborating In Business Makes Very Good Business Sense
July 23, 2010 Entrepreneurs, Small business, business No CommentsAs a solo preneur you’ve probably experienced the frustration of being a one person band and if you’re like me you have also wished, on more than one occasion that you could clone yourself!
The problem with that is you’d still end up with your own shortcomings and while it’s only human to have them it’s not going to solve your problem.
Collaborating in business makes very good business sense and I’m talking here about a solid Joint Venture partner. Someone invested in the outcome as much as you are. Someone to watch your back
as you will theirs.
Here’s the rub. There are things you are naturally gifted at and then there are things that drive you nuts, slow you down and generally take the fun out of it. True? It’s the same for everyone.
Even with team, outsourcing and delegating can only carry you so far. And while brainstorming with like minded colleagues is tremendously valuable (and I wouldn’t be without that) it’s just not the same if
they’re not involved and vested in the outcome.
So this got me thinking and taking action on collaborating with a business colleague and teaming up with someone who has the skills and nature to complement mine. I suggest you think about doing the same.
The trick is to find the right match so don’t leave that to chance. Give it some careful thought and you will be well rewarded.
Here’s 6 steps to guide you on your way.
# 1
Think about what’s on your plate right now and check in with yourself where you are procrastinating or feeling overwhelmed. You know the tasks that take you forever and you have to push yourself to do because you really don’t like them. You’ll easily recognize these because they pull your energy down.
Make a list to refer to later.
# 2
Now it’s time to visit your ‘wish list’ of products or programs you want to launch – if only you had the resources. Being the creative entrepreneur there are probably quite a few things here that may never see the light of day and that would be a shame. There’s lots of energy around these tasks if you only had the ideal partner to help you birth them and take some of the labour pains away!
Make a list to refer to later
# 3
Take a long hard look at yourself and assess where your strengths are, where you excel and are connected with your brilliance. What areas of your business energise and excite you – basically what brings you joy?
Make a list to refer to later
#4
Conversely, take another hard look at yourself and assess where your weaknesses are where you know you’re not at your best. What areas of your business drag you down, overwhelm you but you know are important so they can’t be ignored?
Make a list to refer to later
#5
Now, think about the people in your network that you admire. Then think about exactly what it is that you admire about them. What qualities do they have that you would love to have yourself. What are their strengths?
And just as importantly – what are their weaknesses, in your view. It’s OK remember we’re all human!
Make a list to refer to later
#6
Time now to take out your lists. Set the intention to find a perfect business collaborator and take yourself out of the office. Read them over. Dream a bit! What if? And see what comes up for you.
By now you should be feeling excited about the possibility of finding your perfect collaborating partner. There’s bound to be at least one project and one person that you can combine with that will be a win-win for both of you. Not to mention your clients.
Then simply pick up the phone and sound them out.
My advice is to start small and get started.
Love to hear your view on collaborating or joint venturing and whether there’s a place for that in your business – please leave a comment


That’s me on the left, then Colleen Quinn, Yvonne McIntosh and Marina Jacoby (Danette Hibberd and Belinda Jackson were unable to make it on the day).
was radomly surfing the net that coaching even came onto my radar. Afterall I was a marketing consultant and gave my clients advice and strategies and even implemented their marketing programs for them. But coaching?



Meet my new Private Platinum Client, Lourdes Elardo-Gant.




