The Power of a Partnership
In 2010 I started my first company, a business called Bump Club and Beyond, which I grew to 3MM users per month and 7-figures YOY. I did this based on one underlying principal: PARTNERSHIPS. I grew my business by sharing audiences with others, and I am continuing to do the same with Dear FoundHer…and my new marketing consultancy.
This picture here? This is one of my greatest partnerships created through my first company. Jamie Grayson is a baby gear expert. A manufacturers introduced us and we created an event partnership. He provided the content and promoted the event, and we paid him, promoted him and introduced him to brands we were working with (if he wasn’t already working with them.) Together, we leveraged our platforms, shared our air-time and helped each other grow. (The biggest bonus was that Jamie and I became close friends—-and that is the greatest takeaway of all.)
Never underestimate the power of the people who are right in front of you. Last week alone I've had a half a dozen opportunities (all different kinds!) come out of simple networking conversations. Whether it's today or ten years from now, the world put people into your orbit for a reason. So many of you ask me for best practices for networking...and here are my top tips:
Email everyone you know. Tell them what you are doing. Ask them to follow you on social or sign up for your newsletter. But even more important? Ask them to reach out or pass along your info to anyone who can not only benefit from your services but who may want to work with or partner with you for growth. I am STILL getting emails from the email like this that I sent in August.
Make a list of associations, non-profits, schools, ANY entity NOT on your contact list but within your vertical who serves others that could benefit from your services. Email them and put yourself on their radar. Make it short and sweet: Introduce yourself, share a sentence about your experience, talk about what you are doing now and HOW you can help the people they work with. ASK THEM to keep you in mind for opportunities in the future.
Make a list of the TYPES of businesses which compliment yours. For example, if you’re a home organizing business, who else could be in your space? Movers, realtors, home cleaners, etc. Do you see where I am going with this? When I started Bump Club and Beyond and targeted expectant parents I reached out to prenatal fitness, maternity stores, baby gear stores, etc. I found business entities who were reaching the same audience as me, BUT not competing. Go out and find specific businesses/brands/people who fit the bill that you would want to work with. Email them, ask them to partner, but make sure to take into consideration my next point…
When you reach out to anyone to work together, be specific, tell them how you envision the partnership, and how it benefits each of you. Be VERY transparent about your reason why. Savvy entrepreneurs can always tell when something isn't right. ALWAYS be up front and honest.
Start reaching out and make the time to talk to people. I have talked to multiple people on @dearfoundher who schedule a set amount of networking meetings or calls every week. I try to do the same. Going for coffee, having lunch, Zooming with others can have the most incredible outcomes when you least expect it.
Don't ever underestimate the power of your network---including your connection to me! CLICK HERE and schedule a time to connect. I'd love to help you to start tapping into your own network for amazing results.
