Whether you call it an affiliate program, a cross promotion, a joint venture or a partnership, these are various forms of collaborating. Since I’ve experienced each of these, I know it is true that LABOR is a common point they all share. That is, you have to work for any to work for you. Here’s what Derrick Hayes has to say about what this means for your success.
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In the word collaborate you will see the word LABOR. The top lesson that I have learned from being in partnerships is that you have to be willing to work. There are 5 steps to making team work payoff.
L – Listen to your partner. When they have ideas pay close attention to your front line and their thoughts have an effect on your bottom line. Never think you are the only with great ideas. Get feedback from them on what you can do better and how you can implement it.
A – Act on things immediately. After you and your partner have a terrific brainstorm session pick 1 to 3 ideas that your company or organization can put into effect in the next 21 days. Urgency can keep your business out of the emergency.
B – Be alert to your industry. Go to networking events and do research on and off line to find new trends and opportunities in your field.
O – Offer encouragement. There will be up and down times in any business. It’s not how you go down, it’s how you get up. Empower each other with positive works and uplifting feedback. If you keep them up they will rarely let you down.
R – Review results often and make adjustments. Set up a meeting weekly and see where you stand. Did you meet your sales goal? If not, find out what you can do next week to improve? Average people stay in the same places and above average people make the adjustments and take off like a rocket.
These 5 steps will help any partnership go from LABOR pains to LABOR gains.
There’s a trend in the collaboration theme and what top lessons people have from their own partnerships. Have you noticed it?
Communication is key! In being clear you minimize mistakes, build trust and are able to get things done.
What do you think about Derrick’s ideas to turn labor pains into labor gains?
Derrick Hayes, an alumnus of Tennessee State University is available for small and large meetings, church events, academic speaking engagements and workshops. Please visit Derrick’s website at https://www.DerrickHayes.com or send an email to info@DerrickHayes.com
Pat, you hit this one out of the ballpark. I love what you and Derrick have said here. I can see thinking of those 5 points as stars to navigate by.
Having principles makes it easier to know when your spot on and when you’re wandering off course.
Thanks.
The Energizer Bonnie
If it’s got to get done, I can help you make it fun!
Pat,
I agree with Bonnie. I cannot add much beside a pun.
Some music stores are in a CD part of town. #pun
And I bet you know which one strongly resonates with me don’t you Bonnie?
Jim, your puns are always appreciated because as you know seven days without a pun makes one weak. #pun
Oh, Pat, I’m guessing the one on results. Please confirm or correct.
I love connecting with you and Jim here in cyberspace.
Great conversation, great energy.
Thanks.
Jim, thanks for your puns!
Close Bonnie. I’m for acting on things! Otherwise what is the point?
Posted this now at http://communityandbusiness.groupsite.com/discussion/topic/show/309550
Duh, of course, results are the results of actions. It starts there.
Actually, as we’re discovering in real life, action is the results of what people perceive and then how the process the info – how they think and feel about it.
Maybe it’s like what Stephen Covey says, “Start with the end in mind.” Coming up with clear desired outcomes requires honest and clear communications. Collaboration is required. Open heart and mind are required. Willingness to learn, to honor and respect others for their opinion, seeing things through their eyes, blending things into something new… all require collaboration.
Once an agreed upon foundation of where we’re going and how we’re going to work together (agreements) has been established, now we can collaborate on an action plan to get there.
Then the results… ya think?