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The Power of Joining Forces

by Angela Phebus

I often say that 'old school' business strategy is to stake your claim and then spend the next 40 years going to war with anyone who looks like they might get near your 'turf'. If you live in a community with a lot of business owners who've had their businesses for 15+ years, don't be surprised if you feel they're ready to attack you with a pitchfork. Sadly, too many people continue to feel that they need to be isolated and prepared for battle to build their business.

The better way of building your business is joining forces with other smart, like-minded entrepreneurs. Yes, they may be hard to find but keep your eyes open. Together you can find cheap and effective ways to build your businesses. By joining forces, you'll gain leverage, momentum and frankly, is much more fun than fighting a war!

How can you cross-sell for another business? How can they cross-sell for you? Maybe you can hand out coupons for their pizza shop to everyone who comes into your dry cleaner and they do the same for you. If you have a large email list, maybe you offer one of their coupons to your customers and in return, they do the same for you. Maybe you get all the merchants in your area to support a 'First Friday sidewalk sale' or a 'Super Saturday Sales Spectacular'. In doing this, you join forces because everyone is advertising to get folks into your area during the same block of time...maybe you even pass out coupons for each other during the day of the sale.

Where do you find these business owners? Where do business owners in your community network? Is it through the local Chamber of Commerce? Maybe through a networking group? You may have to try several meetings or groups to uncover the forward-thinking business owners you're seeking.

When you meet them, have a plan. Some people think 'networking' is just another word for 'professional socializing'. Be prepared to talk about more than a general review of what your business. Learn the skills of networking that will help you build you business without spending a fortune on marketing. I'll tell you now, not every business owner is open-minded and will be willing to consider working together. Remember, those who have given up on their own dreams will discourage yours. Surround yourself with positive, encouraging and cooperative people who work WITH you to grow your business, your success and your wealth.