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Easily Said & Done

Put 'Er There, Pardner

Published about 2 years ago • 2 min read

I'm following up with everyone who has expressed interest in becoming a contributor to my weekly email with their expertise and experience.

If you missed the opportunity to complete my survey and would like to discuss becoming a contributor, reach out to me, and we'll take it from there.

At the same time, for the first time in over 7 years of teaching for New York City's Small Business Services, I'm coordinating with other instructors to share guests and our own areas of expertise.

It's all very exciting.

When I mention to a client the value of actively engaging in partnership development on a regular basis, she is significantly less enthusiastic. Here's a snippet of our conversation:

You know, Lauren, on an intellectual level, I get it and I want to do it, but in reality it just ends up feeling like another thing I have to add to my already out of control to-do list.
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I hear you, so, let's set up some simple systems and workflows to make it easier and less time consuming for you, because this is a key strategy for expanding your audience and your opportunities.

Here's what that looks like:

  • Draft a few simple invitations with your calendar link based on whether you're connecting via social media DM, from a warm introduction via email, or following-up from a networking event. Cut, paste, add some minor customization, and you're done.
  • Set up your scheduling program to restrict availability for these types of meetings—I usually recommend 2 days per week max.
  • Limit the number of these types of meetings that can be scheduled per day to keep it manageable.
  • Include a few key questions in your scheduling form to determine ways your businesses might align and support each other to help you evaluate opportunities and focus your conversation.
  • Come up with 2 or 3 opportunities you can offer new contacts, such as warm introductions, guest invitations or collaborations on blogs, podcasts, social media or virtual events, etc.
  • Draft a few simple follow-up email templates to support your action items from these meetings.

I have seen amazing partnerships develop in my own business and for clients and students, which have led to new revenue streams, prestige speaking engagements, rapid mailing list growth, direct sales, and so much more.

I've said it before, entrepreneurship is lonely. Having a community of partners isn't just good for your business, it's good for your mental health and wellbeing, too!

And, to be honest, a little upfront strategizing and tactical implementation seems a small price to pay for a pipeline to endless opportunities. Wouldn't you agree?

Depending upon the tools you're already using in your business, setting up automated workflows to manage and track partnership messaging and opportunities may be significantly easier than you think.

Get help with this by booking a session with me. We'll figure it all out together with a simple action plan to set you up for partnership success in no time.
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Until next time,

PS - If you missed it, last week I explored why so many of us think We're Not Worthy!​
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Easily Said & Done

Why grow your business alone?

I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?

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