The old saying "two heads are better than one" is my new mantra. I am involved with a fantastic Masterminds group that resulted from my involvement with the International Freelancers" Day Conference - my new copywriting group, Bhaskar, Jacque and Barb - the Kick A** MasterMind Group (KAMM). Bhas offers our 'international flavor' - a pun on words because he represents Assam where the incredible Assam black tea is produced in India.
I also have been lucky to collaborate and share with amazing colleagues such as Ms. Confident Copywriter/Social Media Guru-ess Victoria Ipri...my working partnership with Ryan Chambers and Joey Do from Adapt Marketing & Design...and the list goes on and on!
I've also moved beyond my comfort zone and am involved with a new "enlightened business professionals" group that meets this week via conference call (I met these amazing people through the Enlightened Business Summit).
As we push forward with our business goals, it's easy to put our noses to the grindstone and roam solo as we keep our eye on the prize. However, we forget about the potential partners and collaborators who could help and guide us with our business goals.
In this economy, it's easy to berate others for their successes and whine: "Why are they making more money than me?" "What do they have that I don't have?"
Well, it's time to stop the pity party and find out what makes them so great. Instead of berating them, collaborate with those you admire. After our KAMM meeting this morning, I felt energized and motivated to forge ahead with my week. I am very grateful and appreciative of their feedback and insight - truly, THREE heads are better than one (in this case!)
I know all the excuses whirring inside your brain when it comes to collaborating with partners - been there, done that. However, I learned I needed to move past my "I'm gonna do this on my own" mindset. It is OKAY to ask for help sometimes - we all need it.
They will steal my ideas! - No, they will improve upon them and offer you positive, helpful feedback you wouldn't receive otherwise
I know what I'm doing - I don't need anyone's help! - It's time to lose the ego. We all need a little help. Ideas grow stale and sometimes we get stuck. Collaborators offer us fresh, new perspective.
People just annoy me. I do better on my own. - Other people's energy motivates us. Human interaction is what keeps our creative juices flowing. So before you kick other people to curb, listen to what they have to say and maybe you'll learn a few new things!
I don't trust other people to help me with my business. - If you don't trust others, then why do you work with people in the first place? Collaborators and partners make good sounding boards to test new products or ideas. If you can't count on people, then maybe you should re-think why you're in business in the first place. You have to build lasting relationships with your customers and clients, so it makes sense to have a few trustworthy collaborators in your corner. Use sound judgment when it comes to collaborating with others, but don't put up walls either.
So remember...don't berate others for their success or shun the idea of collaborating with other people in your industry who can lend support and expertise. Networking is one thing, but collaboration takes your business to an improved, dynamic level. Don't berate...instead collaborate!
What have been some of your best collaborations and partnerships? Who has helped you along the way?
I also have been lucky to collaborate and share with amazing colleagues such as Ms. Confident Copywriter/Social Media Guru-ess Victoria Ipri...my working partnership with Ryan Chambers and Joey Do from Adapt Marketing & Design...and the list goes on and on!
I've also moved beyond my comfort zone and am involved with a new "enlightened business professionals" group that meets this week via conference call (I met these amazing people through the Enlightened Business Summit).
As we push forward with our business goals, it's easy to put our noses to the grindstone and roam solo as we keep our eye on the prize. However, we forget about the potential partners and collaborators who could help and guide us with our business goals.
In this economy, it's easy to berate others for their successes and whine: "Why are they making more money than me?" "What do they have that I don't have?"
Well, it's time to stop the pity party and find out what makes them so great. Instead of berating them, collaborate with those you admire. After our KAMM meeting this morning, I felt energized and motivated to forge ahead with my week. I am very grateful and appreciative of their feedback and insight - truly, THREE heads are better than one (in this case!)
I know all the excuses whirring inside your brain when it comes to collaborating with partners - been there, done that. However, I learned I needed to move past my "I'm gonna do this on my own" mindset. It is OKAY to ask for help sometimes - we all need it.
They will steal my ideas! - No, they will improve upon them and offer you positive, helpful feedback you wouldn't receive otherwise
I know what I'm doing - I don't need anyone's help! - It's time to lose the ego. We all need a little help. Ideas grow stale and sometimes we get stuck. Collaborators offer us fresh, new perspective.
People just annoy me. I do better on my own. - Other people's energy motivates us. Human interaction is what keeps our creative juices flowing. So before you kick other people to curb, listen to what they have to say and maybe you'll learn a few new things!
I don't trust other people to help me with my business. - If you don't trust others, then why do you work with people in the first place? Collaborators and partners make good sounding boards to test new products or ideas. If you can't count on people, then maybe you should re-think why you're in business in the first place. You have to build lasting relationships with your customers and clients, so it makes sense to have a few trustworthy collaborators in your corner. Use sound judgment when it comes to collaborating with others, but don't put up walls either.
So remember...don't berate others for their success or shun the idea of collaborating with other people in your industry who can lend support and expertise. Networking is one thing, but collaboration takes your business to an improved, dynamic level. Don't berate...instead collaborate!
What have been some of your best collaborations and partnerships? Who has helped you along the way?
Therese,
ReplyDelete"Two Heads" are definitely better than one. Collaboration adds another dimension to your work. Walking the road of freelancing can be a lonely journey. It helps to bring others along. It can only lead to good things.
Agreed, Jacque. Thanks for assisting me on this journey! :)
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