ur office is based in San Diego, California. While America’s Finest City boasts almost perfect weather year-round, every summer and fall, we have to deal with wildfires due to our desert climate. Currently, many parts of Southern California (and northern California) are being hit hard by a series of wildfires spurred on by a heat wave and high-gust winds.
It reminds me of a few years ago when I saw a parade of fire trucks from Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Montecito heading north. They were brigades of brave fire fighters who had traveled hundreds of miles to help our San Diego crews battle the flames during the worst of our local fire season. I was deeply moved by the fact that these “strangers” had risked their lives to help our city.
It got me thinking about the power of collaboration. In business, there are only rare occasions when two minds are not better than one. And the outcome of an idea, decision, project, or can only grow better and stronger when the right people are invited to participate.So, here are 3 Easy Ways to leverage this power of collaboration:1. Network and Refer.
Yes, we all know what the term means, but do we do it intentionally? For small business owners, especially, we should be paying close attention to people we meet at business events and social gatherings alike. Exchange business cards and set up an informal coffee meeting, Skype call or Google Hangout to get to know each other. You never know who may be your next all-star vendor or potential client! If you know of someone else who could use their services, share their contact info as a resource.
(Note: forwarding a contact doesn’t have to mean that you’re necessarily endorsing their services.)
2. Be Direct and Ask.
If you meet someone who could potentially help your business, don’t be afraid to ask them to do just that! Explain how their expertise can help you, and communicate the mission of your business or project with passion. Even if they have a full-time day job, they may be willing to consult or freelance on the side. My favorite graphic designers all happen to moonlight.
3. Trade Services.
If you have a product or service to trade, then offer that as a means of compensation for a product or service in return. Be sure to outline expectations up front before any trading takes places so that you and the other party are on the same page. Whether it’s simply offering an opinion on your new website, or brainstorming fundraising ideas for your next fiscal year, this is a great (free) way to improve or grow your business.
What other collaboration techniques do you use? How has collaboration benefitted your business?
Image credit: Socialchorus.com