I learned very early in my career in Product Development that partnership was essential to getting my job done. Much like a movie producer, I was the hub of all of the processes that needed to be completed to get a project finished on time and on budget, and my vendors, department counterparts, and manufacturing facilities were all the spokes. 

That experience has served me well as an entrepreneur as I build power partnerships in my business.

Power Partnership is based on three fundamental principles

• Network with intention: You’re looking to see where you can provide greater value to your client base than your offerings alone, magnifying the benefits of working with you.  

• Collaborate to expand your network: You’re not looking at cultivating this relationship from the point of purely client acquisition, but for your business to provide value far beyond what you would be able to reach on your own. 

• Lead with value within a community: Bring your natural gifts and talents to the relationship, give more than you get, and become invested in your partner’s success.

As you begin to build power partnerships, ask yourself how can you support them?

Spend time getting to know their needs and ask specific questions like:

• “What type of client would be a good referral for you?”

• “What should I tell a potential referral about your business?”

• “What’s the best way to send you those connections?”

Follow them on social media, amplify their message, use your platform to allow them to be a guest for your audience.

And as your business evolves, evaluate your power partnerships from time to time to see if they are still serving you and your clients.