How to Collaborate to Support Community Connections

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

Before you can even think of collaborating, it’s important to find businesses that align with your niche. The more closely that their business aligns with yours, the more natural a partnership will feel to your customers and clients, and the more likely it is that the business will be receptive to working together.

One good place to start is to find businesses that are already working with similar companies. I love to GOOGLE and search for businesses in the same geographical area as me. Think about people you like spending time with and who it is that you may desire to work with. Dream big but also stay realistic. Make a list of all the businesses you could approach.

Start to check out their website and social media pages. Begin to follow and engage with them. Comment on and "like" their posts. Tag them on something you think they'd want to know about. Shout out the products you love or the good work they're doing in the community. Be social!

Once you’ve found someone you want to work with, you have to make an ask. I suggest crafting an email or message that highlights the necessary information they need to understand about you and your business. Introduce yourself, your mission and let them know why it makes sense to collaborate. State the value of working with you. Be creative and unique. Let them know your intentions with this connection.

Here are a few more easy ways to collaborate with other businesses.

Have a space to connect with and share business ideas with other professionals. I find that this is super motivating and can keep you learning and growing as a business boss! Think a Facebook Group type of set-up or monthly in-person coffee chats.

Check in with each other. Running a business is intense and while rewarding it can also be demanding and draining. A text or message to say hello and encourage can mean the world to a person.

Promote one another. Like and share the posts you see. Just a little time spent doing this interaction can increase both parties reach. Be sure to partner for promos and events. Share blog posts and content for email newsletters and maybe run contests and give discount codes. It could be a short-tern boost with long-term benefits for both parties involved.

Participate in your community by seeking out ways to donate to causes close to you. Offer a gift card to your shop, put together a raffle basket or lend your services and expertise to a charity event.

Collaborating with other businesses isn’t just a nice thing to do. I believe it is vital for rebuilding after the Covid shutdowns we have experienced over the last year. Reach out (kellyjpramberger@gmail.com) if you desire to brainstorm more ways to work together. This is one of my most favorite things to do!

Meet Kelly Pramberger

Kelly is a multi-passionate fan of women-driven businesses, B Corps, and a lover of coffee until it is time for kombucha. She is living a sparkly and authentic life in Western Massachusetts with her husband of 17 years, their teen son who was adopted from Guatemala, and their mini Goldendoodle. She loves cheering on women entrepreneurs and helping them find meaningful collaborations. Follow her on Instagram (@kellypramberger).