Written by: Vickie Sullivan | June 30, 2022
How to Create Cool Collaborations
Starbucks is expanding its menu way past coffee and pastries and into—wait for it—electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This could be a lesson for all of us about growing value.
By partnering with EV charging companies, the coffee giant creates another reason to stop and stay a while. And this raises questions for all business owners: Can we concoct new reasons for getting people to choose us? Can we create cool collaborations? In a word, yes.
2 Places to Seek Collaborations
Helping prospects solve unrelated problems can boost your appeal, too. Here are two places to explore ancillary challenges and create collaborations:
• Your network. Who in your network can help your marketplace in ways you can’t? Go beyond referral exchanges and consider subcontractors or partnerships. Yes, those relationships require robust vetting—and a contract is a must—but they can open new doors.
Listen: What All Great Collaborations Have: Specific Roles and Similar Market
• Your markets’ stakeholders. How can you help prospects with their marketplace? How can you help with recruitment or retention? Your clients’ market can be a target-rich environment.
A lot of us expand our appeal by deepening connections with clients. That’s a valid approach. But if you consider why folks approach you before the sale, you create demand beyond traditional places. It’s worth thinking about during your next strategy revamp.
Now Read This:
- Collaborations Must Be Strategic. Here’s Why
- Strategic Sounding Boards Give Real-World Advice for When the Rubber Meets the Road