Most likely, you are frequently bombarded with requests to partner, become an affiliate, or provide a free gift to enhance someone’s endeavor. In the early stages of business it is quite exciting to be asked to contribute to better-known entities. You feel as if you are at least arriving if have not yet quite arrived.
However, as time and progress march onward, you begin to question what will be the benefit of joining forces. Will you receive close-to-equal exposure and will it elevate your business plan?
Recognizing the relationships that are beneficial
A few years into business, I began to realize that many of the opportunities were fairly one-sided. I also recognized that no one can build my business for me no matter how exciting the proposed venture may be. In some cases the alignment with my focus was not even close, so I began to slowly decline these offers in order to concentrate on my purpose, my calling. I remained steadfast in remaining true to my priorities for self and business. Nothing would be allowed to disturb this.
Note, once in a while “the wind” blows in a new direction. To my great pleasure, my husband and I were invited as guests to a fundraising event. The Palace Hotel in San Francisco features elegant old world architecture. Upon entering the lobby, I knew I was about to partake in an event never before experienced.
My sponsor, Pearl McFarland, treated us as if we had donated large sums of money. As we entered the room, we heard a band playing one of our favorite songs. The evening continued to improve. It wasn’t just an event. It was an entire experience of many extra special components comprising the event. Most of all, Pearl checked with us frequently to ensure we were having a good time because we mattered.
The beginning of a new and compatible partnership
A few weeks later, Pearl explained how she was able to get much of the evening contributions donated for the charity to which she was committed in raising funds. It was hugely successful.
To my amazement, I heard her say, I’m going to form my own 501C, and I want you to be my first client. Laughing, I said as much as I am honored that you want me to be your first client, I could never afford your services. The qualification proved fruitful.
Pearl admitted she used the wrong word. Instead I heard, “I want you to partner with me. I like the work you do teaching people how to interview best and with my fundraising activities, together we will raise funds, teach many, and we will begin at the Palace Hotel.”
This opportunity as described spoke to everything I ever envisioned and was 100% in alignment with my purpose. My personal brand will capture the element of building communities as I further build business. We are in the process of getting the word out on behalf of our April 27th event, “An Evening of Inspiration ~ Be Inspired to Get HIRED!”
Should you know anyone in career transition such as looking for a job, changing jobs, or advancing their career, please send them to this page. There is a small $65 fee for a very large return on investment. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Sherland Community Organization Foundation. We hope you will join us and we all enjoy the Smooth Sale!
Author:
Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”, Sourcebooks and the best selling career book, “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews”, Career Press. She provides team sales training, private coaching and highly acclaimed inspirational keynotes for conferences. Elinor is available upon request for consultation.
