Need your advice: Best way to collaborate?

Kathy: Sometimes I think it's a bit of a crapshoot. In other words, you're going to kiss a lot of toads before you find that winner. Case in point. I'm in the midst of teaching a series of real estate classes with a great real estate agent. But if I had a nickel for every idea talked about, I'd be a very wealthy man! The key is to keep pursuing those relationships. Some of them will stick and you'll never be quite the same! Good luck to you.

Hi Kathy, I resonate with your question. I'm always looking for ways to improve my ability to network effectively.
My two current areas of focus where networking is concerned are:

1. Pay attention to the other person's story. Identify a connection, sometimes a way that I can solve a problem and be of service to their business or their clients, sometimes a particular aspect of their work that would be of service to my clients. When that connection is there, it's usually very specific and gives us a chance to talk more clearly about our work.

2. If you identify someone who is a potential good match for mutual referrals, cultivate the ongoing communication to build the relationship.

I have found that the relationship that leads to valuable referrals takes time but is ultimately so worthwhile. Best wishes in your adventures!

Kathy, years ago when I had my office in San Francisco I met with a graphic designer who showed me her portfolio and asked me if I'd refer business to her. I said I would if anything came along.

That's usually how far it goes. I forget her, she forgets me. And that's the problem, if we aren't reminded, nothing happens. But this graphic designer didn't let me forget. Every month she sent me a postcard with some clever idea about promoting one's business. As a result I sent a lot of business her way.

By all means, develop new connections, but never assume anyone is going to do anything ever. Keep them informed with ideas, case studies, examples of your work and how you helped your clients. Usually this can be accomplished with a regular email newsletter (but postcards wouldn't hurt either).

As to how to find other projects you can bring other people in on, you need to have a focused marketing plan with step-by step actions that will ultimately get you in front of the right people. Random marketing activities are not the way to go (this is what most people do) as they are very hit and miss.

This is more than I can cover here (I've written thousands of pages on this). If you want to learn how, here's the resource I offer than can help you.

There are also articles I and others have written on Biznik that discuss marketing plans and strategies that you may find useful. Just do a search on "marketing."

Cheers, Robert

Hi Kathy,

Art Oberto, who built Oberto Sausage Company into the largest beef jerky marketer and manufacturer in the USA, told me once that if you are bold enough to ask for what you want, you often get what you ask for.

With that said, one thing that works really well is to actually tell people what the perfect partnership looks like for you in as much detail as you can offer.

I am passionate about .... The perfect partnership is one in which ... My ideal client is ... This client sees the value in investing in ....

You fill in the blanks.

Share this message verbally at networking events and in text on your blog or website.

If you tell people what you love to do, how you add value, what you need and how you can help, folks will come to your aid. If you are too non-specific about it, folks don't know how to reply.

And always keep in touch so when the timing and opportunity are perfect, you are at the top of the consideration list.

Good luck!

Nancy

I always wonder if a particular graphic designer is right for someone... if they will match stylistically with the person I want to refer them to.

To help your contacts get over that hurdle, a monthly PDF with some samples of the range of work you did that month could help me pin down who to refer you to. (And it would remind me you exist!)

Regular contact, with a simple message, and total integrity. Those are the keys to developing your network.

I have a few collaborators that I send lots of work too. Re: indentifying good collaborators, the best way to not get burnt is to start small. Test with small projects, and have an agreement that allows you to part ways nicely if it doesn't work out. But do your research. Meet lots of people. Talk to potential partners extensively and do your due diligence as you would with an employee. Ask for references. Etc.

Good luck!

Wow! Thanks for the question, Kathy. Look at all the fabulous answers it generated!

I also wrote a blog entry on a resource that marketing expert John Jantsch suggested on how to approach a potential referral partner and how each of you can get super-specific on what you do and how you do it (and for whom).

Check out the short video clip.

Hi Kathy,

I agree with what others have posted. For me, it's really been about paying close attention to how my skills match up with others and then doing my best to show those others why we want to collaborate. I pick my partners carefully...they are people I need to trust...but I also need to earn their trust.

http://www.imagineyourreality.com

Wow Kathy, I am learning just from what other people have commented on! Thanks for posting the question.

Now to your request, once you are truly clear on the core demographic you are targeting for collaboration, I would then seek them out on Biznik and go to events that they are at to meet them and see if they really are a good fit.

You want to have the bold curiosity to ask and yet you need the bold awareness of what you want so you know what to ask for.

Build relationship that is co-created for mutual benefit.