The Internet is changing the way we do business every day. It may even be facilitating more celebrity collaboration. In the headlines regularly are announcements like, New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys are going on tour – TOGETHER, Russell Crowe stars with RZA in a new movie and more. But collaboration is just not for the famous.
If you are an online entrepreneur or small business owner, you might have a website or a blog. If you are not connecting beyond this with social media because of whatever excuse you have – in the infamous words of Loretta Castorini, played by Cher in the 1987 Moonstruck, “Snap out of it!” Find the right online collaboration strategy and connect.
Social networks. Get connected now. Look first at the profile of your best clients. Where are people who serve them for different reasons networking online? What are there now, hundreds of social networking websites? Decide on a networking approach and then identify your top three online places to be.
Nurture the relationship. Having online rapport and taking the social network connection to email conversation will move things to further the friendship and trust. Invest time in a solid foundation in your relationships to strengthen collaborative conversations.
Advance value outside of collaborating. Take interest in people as people. If you have discovered something of personal interest with someone you are connecting with – maybe they enjoy red wines, and so do you – then comment about a fine Pinot Noir you discovered, let them know when you hear of a sale on such or ask about their favorites. Take interest in people like you might in a new neighbor.
Pick up the telephone or Skype. At some point all the social networking in 140 characters is decidedly ineffective. Make a decision at what point in such a limited communication mode you will either telephone or voice over the Internet with someone you believe you have some collaboration synergy. Email, telephone, in-person, meet and get to know one another in various ways.
“SNAP” yourself to begin to connect beyond an update status by answering “What’s happening?” or “What on your mind?” These limited conversations are about as useful as leaving a voice mail – you might get a return call and you might not. But if you connect on a real level, then you have something of value.
Introverts don’t usually relate well to celebrities. Maybe it’s because we can’t necessarily get close to them. But in the world of business collaborations, you must get close to potential partners. Some of the ventures will flop but others will be successful. So get started soon for more success.
Speaking of collaborations, venture over to Chef’s Table for Entrepreneurs Telesummit which has brought together 13 highly sought after entrepreneurial speakers in a collaboration event of the decade.
What are you doing to collaborate? How much success are you having?
Very good point!
“Pick up the telephone or Skype. At some point all the social networking in 140 characters is decidedly ineffective.”
Jim
#AddGoneWrong Space is limited to 100 people and we have exceeded that number of registrants often.
I don’t know any other way to get to know people at a deeper level – hear their voice, see their face and eyes.
Looking in a daze at 140 characters across a tiny box? Gotta be a pun for that Jim!
Thanks.
LOL. That is why I can changing my body shape shedding a few pounds… now I am going to drop until I fit in the box. 🙂