Goodbye, Competition; Hello, Collaboration!

Goodbye, Competition;Hello, Collaboration!Have you ever wondered how vendors become more than just acquaintances? Rather than see each other as competition, we should view each other as small business owners, better yet, as “friendors.”While some local, and not-so-local, “friendors” primarily work solely in their industry, others have full-time jobs and follow their passion on the side. While this doesn’t mean one is less busy than another, it does mean that finding time to socialize can be difficult. What is the best way for vendors to come together? Through collaboration.A Collaboration of Creative PartnersAt an Inspire Smart Success Experience I attended with one of my lead planners, Cassandra Patrick, there was a great deal of discussion about professionals working together versus competing. Lifestyle guru and celebrity planner, Colin Cowie, was a speaker at the conference, and he said something that resonated: “We do not work with vendors, we work with creative partners.”After returning from the conference, I had a brainstorming session with Cassandra, in which the idea for a Collaboration of Creative Partners Luncheon was born. I wanted to create an opportunity for business professionals to come together, share the same air, and have casual conversations in which they could open up and bounce ideas back and forth, in which they could brainstorm and share past experiences to build new ones. Creating these luncheons created magic. Our collaboration opens doors to a whole new world of possibilities for vendors—whether inspiring new projects, styled shoots, or other fabulous ideas.Getting startedEach month, we hold these luncheons at a different venue, with different guests made up of local vendors. The attendees are handpicked based on compatibility in order to advance in their professional field and expand their circles. As the luncheon begins, guests are asked to introduce themselves with three questions in mind: What is your name? What company you are representing? And how did you get to where you are today?Collaboration is just part of what is created at this luncheon. During the event, partners anonymously answer prefabricated personal and business-related questions to understand each other’s beginnings, dreams, and goals on a much more intimate level than the casual conversation in passing—questions like, “Whom do you admire in the business world and why?”Next, the group, as a whole, attempts to pair answers with the correct attendees’ photos. These photos are displayed on your board of choice to facilitate a more organized discussion. Although, organization is not a key factor. The goal is to create tangents among the group’s conversation. This brings about inquisitive minds and creates a more thought-provoking atmosphere. Watching our partners meet for the first time and watching the networking in action is rewarding.Community over competitionWith the great friendships made and strengthened from the luncheon, endless possibilities abound, and collaborations are set into motion. Cards are exchanged and new contacts are made, which encourages guests to partner on future projects. When the collaborative partners luncheon facilitates a successful “Creative Collaboration,” we ask them to let us know. “Friendors” do this through the use of a coinciding hashtag (i.e.: #COCP2016) linking photos and posts of their post-luncheon success.Scheduling and creating styled photoshoots is also a byproduct of these luncheons. Going into a styled shoot, all vendors should be aware of the stipulations and guidelines put in place to ensure a production done at maximum precision. Follow-through is important to guarantee a beneficial outcome for all parties. Therefore, we highly recommend creating contracts outlining individual responsibilities. Once all collaborative partners have agreed on the terms of the ultimate goal, the magic begins!On the creative side, an overall concept is helpful. Assigning parameters to each “friendor” within their area of expertise guides you toward a more cohesive vision. Make sure to base your themes on your current target markets and submit to blogs and publications that would be beneficial to all of the partners involved across the board. Paying close attention to submission guidelines will enlighten you on many things, such as limiting post previews. Editors do not care to see content that they have seen before on different media outlets. Refreshing outlooks on up-and-coming trends is always appreciated.Credit where credit is dueCrediting those invested in any partnership is a high priority, bringing us back to our collaboration of creative partners. You rise when you lift others, and this has never been truer. So, take time to chat and dream up ideas larger than life. Be sure to spend time building up relationships, as opposed to competing and focusing on the social media contest. Remember, growing your community of creative partners can promote flourishing success for all.Colleen Bauer, Fairy Godmother Events, Bakersfield,Calif.