The Power of Partnerships and Collaborations

When it comes to business as a female entrepreneur, you might be used to going it alone and it may be tough giving up control. The irony is, we rely on each other more than the rest of the world. In the past entrepreneurs won the game by relying on themselves, but that only takes you so far. That is why we are creating a new type of community for entrepreneurs.

One of the most powerful things you can do for your business is to form partnerships and collaborations.

Partnerships and collaborations are two words that are thrown around a lot in the business world. But what do they really mean? And why are they so important? Let us agree that “to partner” means to join forces in pursuit of a shared goal. Coming together as colleagues, friends, or partners with others on this journey may not always be easy; but it can yield incredible results when we put our differences aside for something greater than ourselves!

Think about it this way: when you partner with another business or individual, you’re sharing the load to reach a wider audience.  You can bounce ideas off each other, collaborate on projects, and support each other in your business ventures. Forming partnerships and collaborations can be a bit daunting, but it’s worth it when done right. 

Another benefit of partnerships and collaborations is that they force us to step outside our comfort zones.

When we partner with someone, we often have to learn new skills or ways of doing things in order to make the partnership work. This can be challenging at times, but it’s also an incredible opportunity by expanding our skill set.

Finally, partnerships and collaborations simply make good business sense. In today’s competitive landscape, it’s more important than ever to form strategic alliances with other businesses. By working together, we can create a more powerful force that can take on even the biggest challenges. And when done right, partnerships and collaborations can lead to some of the most rewarding and satisfying business relationships. 

Partnerships and collaborations mean that you are generous and you give more than you ask. So for example, before you ask a question in a group, go and comment on two other people’s questions and give them an answer. So give more than you get, be generous, but also be appreciative of each other’s time. If somebody is generous with you, appreciate their time, their expertise, and their energy. Anytime they’re helping you, be appreciative and practice gratitude. 

Collaboration also means that we’re abundance thinkers.

We know that there’s enough for everybody. We’re not competing with each other. We are happy for each other’s success. It means integrity. Integrity is all about being honest and being transparent with one another. It’s not conditional. We are respectful. We don’t earn respect. Rudeness is unacceptable. This means no  gossip–meaning no discrimination whatsoever. It also means that we’re not afraid to speak up if we see injustice.  But we do it in a way that has class and in a way that is kind and not done rudely. 

In partnerships and collaborations, we share similar values. These values apply to all of our communities, but especially in a defined partnership or collaboration because this is much more of a closer relationship or business model. It reminds me how starved for real community most of us are. We put so much attention on “looking the part” that we fail to connect personally. But when we build real connections and friendships with others in our industry, business opportunities naturally evolve. 

In these unprecedented times, we are reminded how important it is to prioritize community.

Building relationships will give you the edge. Does the real secret to health, wealth, and happiness come from a sense of contribution with no ego-ing and no posture-ing?  It gives you the feeling like you can do ANYTHING, because the connections are real. It truly is the start of something special.

It’s such a refreshing experience to be part of a group that is a ‘real’ community. Our biggest breakthroughs and the biggest ROI comes from the insight when we prioritize the relationships we build. As entrepreneurs, we’re used to going alone, but it doesn’t take us to the level we want. 

As female entrepreneurs, we are unique.

We see a need and we fill it. We see where there’s a problem and we do things better. There’s a way to build relationships and actual connections. This can be the incentive to work together, create opportunities together in a way that builds friendships that is selfless, and genuinely wants to see everyone win.

It’s time for entrepreneurs to do things differently and there is a way to do it. Partnerships and collaborations inspire you to do things differently. Creating community is the way it is going forward, bringing more meaning and more profit. To connect, to serve, and to give to one another is a smart strategy in creating your legacy.

What do you think of this article? Do you have any questions? Ask them below!

Lisa Carmichael ~ Owner & Creator of EPIK Mastermind
lisarcarmichael.com