Everyone's a partner

Wouldn't it be wonderful if businesses truly, madly, deeply, partnered with each other? Of course, we often come across those who spout on about 'partnering with clients', but you can bet most organisations who bang the relationship drum are not connected with their so-called partners in any meaningful way.

But it strikes me that as soloists, we are in a unique position when it comes to creating partnerships. Just as we don't have to call a meeting or draft internal memos to move the ship in a different direction, we don't need to follow unnecessary procedures or protocols when it comes to enlisting the input of others.

Here at FS HQ we have been fortunate to attract some wonderful individuals who support our business and it simply wouldn't be right to think of them merely as suppliers. They are our support team, our partners. They are involved.

Every quarter we have a 'team' meeting where ideas are discussed and developed. Everyone who is there knows it's more about involvement than directive.

Whether it's technical support, design, administration, finance or whatever, we aim to foster a sense of partnership with those who support our business.

Partners are people you really care about. You know about their lives, their families and their interests and you work to build each others business.

What's more you know and respect their boundaries, recognise and acknowledge their worth and cannot help but foster a respectful and mutually satisfying relationship.

If you would like to develop a fresh, new way to present how you work with others, why not create a 'partnership manifesto' with me?

I’ve added my thoughts on what's essential to a healthy partnership via a comment. Have a read through the comments to get an idea of what may your own manifesto may comprise of.

Until next week.

Love your work,

Robert Gerrish is Flying Solo’s managing director and founder and works as a business coach, professional speaker, business commentator and consultant. He’s the co-author of Flying Solo – How to go it alone in business.

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When partnering it's essential to discuss and establish BOUNDARIES - how do you like to work? What communication method do you prefer? If there's a crisis how do you like to hear about it? What turnaround times are to be expected? Robert Gerrish from Flying Solo | Read my articles
When partnering it's essential to discuss BEHAVIOURS - do you have an area of weakness and how best can we support it? How do you respond under pressure? What behaviour in others really bugs you?......you get the picture, what do you have to add? Robert Gerrish from Flying Solo | Read my articles
When partnering, it's essential to discuss VALUES - do you share the same philosophy of what is important to you in working with clients? How are those values expressed in your work together with clients? How will you communicate those values ? Lindy Asimus from Newcastle Australia
I think agreeing on LANGUAGE is important in partnerships. For example, do we want to allow absolute type language? i.e. "this is the way" as apposed to "I think this is the way". Perhaps a mild difference for some but critical to us and our partners as the later keeps minds more open - we think. Steve Sherlock from Oodles.com
If you've ever read The ClueTrain Manifesto or Gonzo Marketing, you'll truly believe that a partnership mentality is the fundamental essence in any success. I think partnerships bring with them an ingredient of respect that other relationships somehow don't have. It also gives you room to maintain your own business flavour without ending up with a muddy soup of flavours. I think of partnerships as a garnish on the central offering - the things that add value, real presence and the khutzpah that makes the sale. Sometimes I'm the garnish, sometimes another solopreneur is. It also makes sure that you never become adversorial or competitive. Every business has their strength and sustainable value proposition. Being in partnerships is sometimes critical in finding out what that is. What does each party bring? How do those things work together? What roles can each play? These are all questions that help define who we are and yet, the sum of the parts adds up to more than the individuals alone. Nice huh? Jess Tyler from Hobart | Read my articles
I believe CULTURE COMPATIBILITY is an important part of business partnerships, and often one that business owners seek without knowing it. (This may overlap somewhat with VALUES).
It's interesting to note that in the world of web 2.0, businesses are getting smaller and more nichified, and therefore not afraid to show the opinions and beliefs of their people.
When I look for partners, I don't look for a company that will service anyone - I look for a passion, people who would do what they do even if they weren't paid for it. If that passion matches or complements mine, it's a partnership! Simon Young from Auckland, New Zealand

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