Having a great business idea might seem like the be all and end all when you first set up your own company. After all, there is no business without a great idea or a solution to a problem. Maybe you had a Eureka moment during which your idea came to you, and you have since developed it into a fully fledged business. It can be easy to think that when your company is up and running, there isn’t much else to do to secure its success. After all, if the concept is good enough, surely the business will run itself? But that is not always the case. As much as the business concept itself is vital to your success, you cannot expect to achieve great things in your professional life without the help of others. Collaborating with other people and businesses within your sector can open many doors for you, as two heads are often better than one. So, with that in mind, just how do you go about finding people and companies to work with – and once you’ve found them, how do you persuade them to join you?
Networking
Networking is a huge part of modern business, and it can come in many forms. Sometimes there are official networking events you can attend, which can vary in formality. Trade shows are also a popular choice for business owners and investors looking to collaborate with other people. If you can’t find any of these in your local area, however, why not consider setting up your own? It doesn’t need to be hugely formal. You could simply rent out a cafe or a bar for a couple of hours after office hours and invite local people who you consider to be of influence. Market your event on social media, and you will quickly see it pick up traffic.
Arranging a meeting
When you have found someone you would like to work with at such an event, arrange a meeting with them to discuss things further. Try and meet in person if you can, as Skype calls are very easy to rearrange and forget about. Remember to get what you want, you need to make a good impression, so here’s how to keep your professional conversation fresh and flowing. There needs to be something in it for them as well as you, so make sure you explain clearly how coming together can benefit both your businesses.
Choosing your collaboration wisely
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘keep your friends close, and your enemies closer’ – but just how true is this in business? For example, can it ever actually work if you attempt to join up with a business you were previously in competition with? This all depends on the context of your collaboration. It is unwise to join forces with a clear market competitor, as sooner or later your conflict of interests will come into play. But, if you are collaborating together on something a little more light-hearted, like a charity event, there is no reason why you cannot work together – and that’s some pretty good PR.