Joyful Collaborative Partnerships
Inspiration, Wednesday Wisdom, Advice for Women Entrepreneurs, Women in Business, Small Businesses
Deep pink petunias, red maple tree saplings and stone bird baths adorned the grass walk way under the wooden trellis past the carved stone outside cooking counters in the thirty year old landscaping business purchased seven years ago by a young couple. Pelican water fountains and nostalgic bird baths welcome both humans and creatures into their midst when summer heat is scorching. Strawberry plants dangle with fresh fruit and wild beach grasses sway in the gentle wind waiting to inhabit someone else’s home. As the owners and I walked through this vista talking about their business, I was enveloped in beauty.
Collaboration in a competitive marketplace might not be the first thing a business owner contemplates when trying to improve their traffic flow. Every business wants a big piece of the sales pie. Opening avenues with other businesses isn’t for the faint of heart if paranoia and competition is an entrepreneur’s mindset especially in a smaller market. Just like salmon swimming up river in the height of the river’s forceful downward flow, there can be success in going against the norm.
I’ve always believed the more open you are in sharing another’s business with your own customers, the more benefits you receive back. This attitude requires a trusting, giving and reciprocating outlook. Strong business relationships need trust as the first building block and a willingness to both give and receive. Cross promotion of two businesses services, products, and special events are an excellent way to collaborate in today’s economy lending valuable marketing exposure to both companies.
Monday the owners of Evergreen Landscaping and Design Center gave me a tour of their beautiful business grounds, showcasing their lovely vista for a simple free “party in the garden” for my members and other women entrepreneurs and women in business tomorrow at their business. As they salute the strawberry season in food and drink provided by Diamond Catering with live music for all of us, they reminded me that business owners can work in joyful harmony providing valuable resources to each other.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is to remind you cross promotion and collaboration with another business is an excellent way to share contacts, marketing expenses and promotion for mutual benefit. Small businesses will find powerful results when they connect and co-share events and advertising to similar, but different audiences, to attract more customers and sales revenue. Ease your worries and start working together with like-minded entrepreneurs to share the wealth.
As the relaxed days of summer start this week, remember you can relax your worries about competitive businesses by embracing collaboration and cross promotion.
P.S. Come to the “Party in the Garden” tomorrow too!
Women TIES 
What a great sentiment Tracy! I too believe that helping and promoting other businesses takes nothing away from your own ~ it, in fact, enhances it! Thanks for feeling the same!
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Thank you Kim for your comment. You and I have a nice collaborative relationship from afar although we haven’t met each other yet! It is nice to know that women who have not met before can find common ground and support each other. Cheers to you! Tracy
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