If you are an entrepreneur it's likely you have either tried or are considering collaborating at some level. Online some of the common ways to do this are: guest blogging, affiliate programs, cross-promotion, product reviews, bonus contribution, co-authoring articles and eBooks, and co-producing teleclasses.

This month, my Canadian joint venture partner (a higher level collaboration) and I have been asking successful entrepreneurs:

"What is your top lesson learned from collaborating, to consider future collaborations?"

Would you be interested in learning from these lessons? I thought so! After all even introverts don't need to have all lessons be first-hand experience.

Business Strategist, Dale Little, has this to offer from her experience:

    The top lesson I've learned from collaborating is that you must communicate openly and clearly from the beginning of the relationship. Initially, communication will revolve around goals, expectations, and strategic planning. As the relationship develops so will the communication. Effective communication will begin to focus on review and evaluation of methods and processes as well as continued planning, often with plan revisions. Communication must be courteous and respectful. There will be times when constructive criticism may be required, but partners must always remember to be constructive and professional. There is no room for emotional outbursts or destructive language in a professional alliance. Partners must be clear when communicating their plans, ideas, and concerns. These offerings should be accepted with questions and discussions that will not only provide additional insight, but also further develop the initial thoughts. As a strategic relationship grows, it may seem there are fewer opportunities for communication. Schedule specific times to discuss the business and/or projects that you share. This prevents glitches from becoming catastrophes. Never underestimate the power of face-to-face conversations. Email, texting, phone calls, and FAXing are fine for the transfer of much business information, but they can never replace the insight and intuitive benefits of face-to-face communication. Keeping the lines of communication open will ensure a productive and positive collaboration for all involved.

Does anything jump out to you as an introvert that you can feel comfortable in doing?

Here are two key things that struck me:

How about - goals, expectations, and strategic planning? This is in your head kind of work. Do you like this? You bet. Can you do this? Pretty easily and it's enjoyable.

Then Dale said,

"Partners must be clear when communicating their plans, ideas, and concerns." How do you communicate? If you are like me, it's after listening and contemplating. By then, things are pretty darn clear.

What jumps out for you that would make you consider more collaborative efforts?

And if you can't wait until the next collaboration discussion, or maybe you are ready for a joint venture experience, sign up now and receive the webinar recording, Joint Venture Matchmaking. Monique and I are pretty excited about helping you build your entrepreneurial empire.

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