Envision Creative Collaborations

When managers and executives think of collaborations, they often think of businesses and organizations that do similar work; we tend to think of who we can partner with in the same industry or market to strengthen our delivery. Collaborations do not always have to be with those who are similar, however, and by considering creative ways to partner with other companies, businesses, organizations and individuals, we can really start to think progressively about expanding and growing our businesses, products and services.

Differences can be exciting-especially when it comes to creative partnerships between two or more entities that seem somewhat unlikely. Why does it have to appear an obvious partnering? Consider partnering with a nonprofit organization even if you are a major corporation (or a small business); consider ways that you can use collaborations with other entities to expand your outreach into new and uncharted markets or to strengthen your penetration of your existing target market. Spend some time brainstorming what might seem like outlandish collaborations in order to free up your thinking around the unlimited possibilities of creative collaborations.

An example of a creative collaboration could be a Newspaper publishing company that decides to partner with local schools. By donating copies of the newspaper, and providing some lesson plans for how to use the newspapers to support reading, current events, or other learning subjects, they are not only supporting education but it can be a way to expand their marketing outreach into these students' homes. Perhaps instead of donating the copies of the newspaper, the publishing company charges a small amount for the papers-this means they are still generating income and expanding the marketing outreach, as well as doing something positive to support community efforts.

Along the lines of thinking creatively when envisioning collaborations, consider thinking beyond partnering with ONE other company, business or entity and think of a multiple-entity collaboration. Why not expand efforts even more by connecting with multiple collaborative partners and really get something exciting and progressive going. Just be sure to take the time for adequate planning and make sure that the benefits for your interests are measurable. It is important not to get so caught up in "new and creative" that you forget to focus on the bottom line too.