Powerful partnerships require trust, integrity and support.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I symbolically closed the business I served in for more than thirteen years at the end of 2015. And, in 2016, I re-branded, re-tooled and re-launched my new business focused on business and sales coaching. I was quite intentional in my re-launch. I hired a coach and connected with colleagues as accountability partners. Additionally, I sought out powerful partnerships for collaboration, joint ventures and co-sponsoring. I learned a few lessons along the way.
Tales of the possibilities of powerful partnerships
A little innocence and naivety happen naturally when you venture into any kind of partnership. When I asked for promotional support for an upcoming event, one of my partners told me, “I have to focus on my own stuff.” This was disheartening for me since she sought me out to be her accountability partner which meant she often ran some of her biggest business decisions by me. I hoped some reciprocity would be there but it wasn’t.
Despite my disappointment, I chalked it up to a lesson learned: Self-absorption and reciprocity do not co-exist in a partnership. A certain chemistry forges the connection and assures that the relationship is properly cultivated. It just doesn’t work if the desire to cultivate the partnership is going in one direction. Can’t we BOTH win?
A speaker contacted me about my upcoming event. I’m glad she did because we were able to co-sponsor and thus, co-create a win-win scenario. Not only is she serving as a digital presenter for my event; but, I’m serving as master trainer for her eight city tour across the United States. I’m delighted to know we’ve partnered to serve while making money, too! How kewl is that?
Recently, I wrote a blog post featuring some amazing experts I know. In the post, I shared a link to either their website, or to a podcast episode where I was featured. Before it was published, I wrote each of the people featured to let them know it would be coming and to ask if they would post a comment and share with their networks.
Is thank you enough?
One person posted a comment on my blog saying thanks. At the time, I didn’t know there was an error loading images from my blog. I noticed it when she posted it on Facebook. A different person who was also featured, seemed excited and couldn’t thank me enough. Thankfully, he noticed the error on my blog and sent me the link to resolve the problem. He posted his link so readers would see the correct image once the fix was in place.
Now, I’m grateful for the simple expression of appreciation to the post. Truly, I am! If that’s the least I get as a response, I’ll take it. Imagine; however, how absolutely thrilled I was that the second person actually took the time to identify the fix and share it with me. Wow, that was awesome!!
Powerful partnerships are…
Based in deep rapport – Be genuinely interested in knowing, liking and trusting each other.- Founded in connection – When you have chemistry, you’re equally committed to creating a powerful partnership.
- Reciprocal – Believe and expect that your partner is willing to do whatever you do in the relationship. That’s how reciprocity works.
- Steeped in great communication – Talk freely and confidentially.
- Supportive – Respond to opportunities to support one another because you have a vested interest in the relationship AND because you care.
Have you ever heard the expression that people come into your life for a reason, season or lifetime?
Together, we always win
As you approach collaboration, strategic alliances, joint ventures, peer partnerships or accountability buddies, be open to how the relationship unfolds. You may think it’s a reason that turns into a season or a lifetime. Whatever the mix, lead with your unselfish desire to connect so you can enjoy a powerful partnership that lasts. Remember, together, we always win!
Wendy Y Bailey
WendyY Bailey is often called a Force of Nature and a trendsetter in the coaching industry and for good reason. With more than 20 years of experience, she brings fearless innovation and bold strategy to entrepreneurial leaders, coaches, speakers, trainers, and consultants across the globe serving clients across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Spain, and Italy. Affectionately known as “WendyY” by clients, business associates, and colleagues, she’s also lovingly called “Auntie” or “Mama Coach” for her signature blend of Southern charm, fierce wisdom, and deep coaching insight. That special mix helps her clients double, triple, even quintuple their bottomline profits. WendyY is an internationally recognized thought leader, award-winning coach, two-time bestselling author, and sought-after business mentor.
Wendyy, you know people are funny, especially when it comes to showing appreciation. I try to take on the Will Smith attitude. I saw an interview with his wife Jada Pickett-Smith where she said that he told her just be glad that they still want to take a picture of you. That stuck with me. So I am always humbled and excited when someone else notices what I am doing and then even posts, comments, or shares. Its like the life-blood of our business and our online currency.
Thanks for sharing, Carol. I love your liberating perspective and expression of gratitude when it comes to how partners show up. My takeaway: Be grateful for all things great and small.