ImagesMagUK_January_2021

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT KB The power of collaboration If you’re searching for an innovative way to prosper in 2021, Marshall Atkinson reckons he has just the answer – and it’s probably not what you’re expecting A s we start the new year, every business owner the world over is looking for ways to make 2021 prosperous and significant. Will this article have the magic recipe? Quite possibly. I want to introduce you to a concept that you may have never considered: the power of collaboration. This means that you are not focused with a singular purpose on your own company, but you are partnering up with another entity to create something new. This article will explore some suggestions that, hopefully, will spark a few innovative ideas for you and your team to discuss. A common interest The key to this concept is to understand that somewhere out there, there is another business, in a completely different industry, which values the same customer base you do. You are not alone in your pursuit of these customers. I’ll bet right now you are thinking of a few instances where you know someone or a company that serves your same market. If you start noodling around with ideas and brainstorming, in a short amount of time you can probably come up with a strong list of potential collaboration partners. After all, you have a common interest. The customer. Starter questions Once you have one or more potential collaboration partners singled out, the next step is to get some discussion points together. Here are the questions that I would ask: 90 images JANUARY 2021 www.images-magazine.com