Partner up…

Small partnerships need to do more networking; and I don’t mean attending lunches, trying to gain new business over nibbles and business card exchanges; although that is a useful tool…

No, what I mean by networking is building your own network of complementary enterprises; forging links with people who have the skills and expertise to increase your profitability as a business. A network of suppliers, partners, service providers (whatever you choose to call them) that complement your business will enable you to share clients, share experiences and grow profits…together.

Every successful small business has a distinct set of skills in house; take us for example. Our skills are in web design and development, copywriting, brand consultancy and project management; we don’t claim to be a ‘Jack of all trades’, but what we have done since our arrival in Arizona in 2006 is get to know people. We’ve formed links with Social Media specialists, PR partners, E-Learning consultants, Designers, Database developers…the list goes on and will continue to grow.

Why? Because as a small business operating in this economy, it’s hard to have to say ‘no’. But equally, we don’t want to sell skills that we don’t have; that’s not how long term client relationships are built. If a client trusts you, he/she will trust you to bring in skills that you trust to get the job done; you can use your skills to manage that process or just take heart from a referral, hoping that it will be reciprocated one day.

So whether you’re a Landscaper who wants to incorporate a Pool service, or a Tax Specialist who’d like to offer clients monthly Bookkeeping…partner up. The great thing is, if you pick your partners well, the relationship will work both ways.