Collaboration in the New, New Economy

Picture this, you’re reading your local news or even the WSJ and somebody you know, has gone further, faster, toward YOUR dream.  Instead of saying… That proves it can be done, or well done , how can I to add to that fabulous idea, instead your competitive thinking jumps in first to  say, “S/HE will succeed instead of me! ”   

That way of thinking about your competition is the old guard thinking – it’s was about crushing your competition because otherwise how would you get your piece of the pie?

Part of what keeps people from implementing their ideas is that they are still trying to re-enter their same field, grow their business in the same old ways, or beating their heads against the wall repeating old tactics that don’t work.

Hello Collaboration! The way we do business is changing. The old business models and strategies are not working anymore and may be doing more harm than good. Are you ready for the coming economic shift in how you’ll conduct your business going forward? By 2010, the days (and ways) of doing business via simply supplying your clients with the right information, at the right price, are going to be gone.   The new social era of consumers are smarter and they are looking for smart suppliers -  empathetic  businesses and individuals that can deliver innovative, one stop shopping solutions – creative solutions – that are based on what their ‘heart’ tells them versus what their ‘head’ used to dictate was right.  In the new, new economy I submit that the consumer/purchaser can “smell out” a business that is operating from old guard thinking.   They just don’t want that any more and they will pay more if the the value is there.  Collaboration should bring value for all.

I liked what author, Julia Cameron refers to as the Entrepreneurial Compare and Contrast school of strategic thinking – Julia opines that it may be fine place for critics or self-critics, but it’s  not 21st Century thinking which is what is required for entrepreneurs  in the act of creation – of implementing new and innovative programs and products. 

When We Compete With Others, We Focus our Creative Concerns on the Market Place Only 

And…. that’s the sprint mentality of the Old Guard.  Instead of thinking just short term win – try thinking in terms of long-term gains for you, your collaborators and yes, your customers/clients and the planet!  Think with a solutions-focused lens AND think with the Collaborative Factor in mind. 

To think BIG as entrepreneur – you need to shift your mindset to THINK BIG.  Collaborative thinking is an awakening.  Awaken to the fact that you and your company are not alone – seek out  other professionals that have a real interest in your success because they have a passion for their own success.  There is a matrix of possiblities when you creatively and intelligently think collaboratively.  (Hint: my business focus and online collaborative community)

Create platforms for collaboration that are open, transparent, and accessible.  The success of the my company including the online network and the other programs I run design for organizations – is found in my seeking out to experiment with new ways of collaborating and partnering to achieve greater influence, spread innovation, and support one another to thrive and survive in the new world economy.

What does collaborative thinking mean to you? How are you applying those principles and are you seeing results?

Are You Ready for A Collaborative Alliance?

Collaborative Alliances can be a great strategy for expanding your visibility and  profits while creating positive impact for all parties involved.  While there may be no legalities involvled in creating this type of alliance, there should be plenty of  preparation, discovery, intent, and written objectives if you are to experience a truly successful collaboration.

Alliances need to be both intelligent and value focused if they are to be one of the anchors to building a truly powerful expansion strategy.  Intelligent collaborative alliances focus on creating an even playing field for both you and your alliance partner.  You and your potential partner need to be crystal clear on what you want and want you will  contribute to the alliance.

Think with the Collaborative Factor in Mind – beginning with a framework for  assesing a win-win alliance: 

Assess:  Do you have a clear and articulated understanding of what you want from the alliance?  How will this alliance serve your target markets, customers, etc.?

Locate:  Locate venues and other networking opportunties that will allow you to meet like-minded potential collaborative opportunities.

Evaluate:  Apply a process for evaluating the success and collaborative-ability(TM) of your potential alliance that includes:  Objectives, Roles, Resources, Reach& Access, Metrics, Legalities.

Implement:  Do you have a way to effectively deliver and manage the alliance including communication among the alliance partners?

Collaboration is about cooperation with your competition as well as complementary marketing but one thing collaboration isn’t is staying “silo-ed” or working in a vaccum.  Collaboration obviously won’t happy alone – you need step into the mindset of a Collaborative Leader.

ABOUT Janet Wise:  is the Founder/CEO of The Collaborative Factor.  An online collaborative community and NYC based entrepreneurial network for small business, solopreneurs and those interested in leveraging the power, acumen and support of a select group of entrepreneurs working together through inspired action so that big ideas don’t just double they explode – exponentially.   A former corporate training and development expert with a Masters in HR development, Janet was responsible for managing global leadership and professional development and high potential leaderhsip programs at Fortune 500 companies; she is skilled professional facilitator and natural collaborator.  www.wisesolutions4u.com or www.wisepowernetwork.ning.com  for more information.

Collaborative Alliances (a/k/a strategic alliances) are quickly becoming the accepted business tool to grow your solo practice or small business without committing yourself to expensive formal expansions into new markets.   As a solopreneur or small business owner you should be looking for complementary offerings for your clients -and  look for synergies and value among building a collaborative alliance with an existing client or customer.

Let’s begin with a working definition of the term:  A collaborative alliance is a mutullly agreed upon arrangement whereby two or more businesses agree to exchange and/or share something of similar value for the sole purpose of increasing visibility and profits of each entity.

There is much thought, time and due diligence that needs to go into creating a a successful collaboration strategy, and careful consideration must be allowed when building an alliance with an existing client or customer.  The reason is that these types of alliances change the chemistry and working dynamics of the relationship. 

 To ensure a successful collaborative relationship:

1. Keep the lines, roles and responsibilities clear.   Distinguish client work from your collaborative alliance.  In other words distinguish between the product or service you’re committed to delivering for your client and the Collaborative exchange.
2. Place the exiting and established relationship first.  Don’t sacrifice a good client relationship for the potential success of a collaborative alliance. 
3. Keep your side of the street clean.  Inother words, be hyper-responsive and fix even the smallest hint of a problem or conflict immediately.  Demonstrate respect for the alliance, but think in terms of preserving the current relationship.
4. Make your “partner’s”  value shine.  Credit this person with making the alliance happen and acknowledge any internal champion of your alliance.
5. Think BIG – Start SMALL – Create and commit to an alliance exchange that is easy to deliver (mutual display, teleconference or program) and that has a short term end date.   You can always “renew and expand”

About the author:  Janet Wise , MS is Founder/CEO of The Collaborative Factor.  A NYC based entrepreneurial network for small business, solopreneurs and those interested in starting their own business.  Offering  facilitated networking events, business and personal development programs, subject matter experts and a vibrant ONLINE Collaborative community.   Her signature program,   The Collaborative,  uses poven techniques, resources,inspiraton, support and accountabilty – and a new proprietyary business development model to show you how to effectively use Collaboration as powerful business expansion strategy.  Janet is a former Corporate Training & Development expert responsible for managing global leadership, client focus, and professsional development programs at Fortune 100 companies.   For more information visit: www.wisesolutions4u.com or Tel 718.776.0957

 
Connect. Collaborate. Capitalize.

From my own experience I know how exciting, rewarding, and profitable it can be to collaborate with other inspired entrepreneurs. I have built my success both personally and professionally by leveraging the talents and power of many and you can too.

I also know how challenging it can be to understand the leadership, mindset and dynamics of identifying, nurturing and implementing a successful collaborative alliance – which is why I created the Collaborative Factor.

Alliances need to be both intelligent and value focused if they are to be one of the anchors to building a truly powerful business expansion strategy.

To best leverage your collaborative alliances, you need to become a Value Focused Collaborator. That is, creating an even playing field for both you and your alliance partner to get the most from your relationship. Know what you want and understand whay they need.

Think with the Collaborative Factor in mind: When faced with a potential collaborative opportunity, ask yourself:

• What are 2 to 3 assets my potential alliance partner has that can help me and what are 2 to 3 assets I have to help them.
• How do we produce a “win” together?

 Rather than focusing strictly on the income potential think how can you help others achieve their success?  Just like with networking, building effective collaborative relationships takes time, intent, analysis, and intelligence – but the results are worth it!

You may reprint this article with this information:
By Janet Wise, Founder: The Collaborative Factor, collaborativefactor.com or janet@collaborativefactor.com