Blogging Challenge - Working together to the greater good

Collaborative Work.

I couldn't run my business without the trusted support network that I have round about me.  Other service providers who I know I can trust and who know how I work.  These range from designers to PR specialists to accountants to photographers to restaurant owners you name it I've probably got a supplier somewhere for it and if I don't I'll know someone that will.

Yeah but that's what you do I hear you say. Well  yes that is what I do but you too can benefit from having a network of people.  Whether it is building your own or tapping into someone else, people you can work with on collaborative work are invaluable.

But be careful! It takes time to build a good network of trusted suppliers.  So my tips to you when building your network are:

• Don't just go with the first service provider that you come across, find a few in the same market, explore their style of working and see who suits you and your work best.  Never ever shop based on price alone.
• Spend time networking and building your network of contacts.  Networking events can be daunting but its good to make contact with people out with the working environment as you get to know them as a person not just someone you are working with.
• Talk to other business owners about things, who they use, who they wouldn't use etc learn from the mistakes others have made.  Dont take one opinion as gospel though but if a few people are saying the same thing this is generally the case (positive and negative)

It is important to set out specific guidelines on what both parties have to do within the project and that they are both aware of each others expected levels of quality.  I will openly admit that I am the worst customer anyone will ever have, especially if they are working for a client of mine.  I work hard to build a relationship with my clients and they come to expect a level of quality from me.  I will not allow anyone to destroy that hard work.  So do not allow any service provider to lower your standards they should always endeavour to exceed them.

But last and by no means least, collaborative work can be fun and a learning experience.  You can get behind the scenes in another industry. You can learn hints and tips that you can use in your business or personal life.  I've been art director on a Filming shoot, design assistant to a rebranding/new website, photographers assistant and Make up assistant at a launch.  

So don't be scared to work with others on projects but set the boundaries and have fun - collaborative work is fun!