Collaboration is another aspect to consider in my series about shifting from Entrepreneur to CEO.  Previous posts in the series focused on your strategic action plan, and shedding toxicity.

In this post, I share my thoughts about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who align with your model for collaboration.  These partner-worthy pros have skills that you don’t have and offer you an opportunity to share your expertise in kind.  You’re able to create a win-win relationship for sharing in the work and growing your businesses together. Collaboration is kewl partnering way to connect to others, gain a following, become the expert in your field, and create lasting relationships with reliable business professionals.

With the many experts available, it’s important that you identify people willing and able to promote a favorable climate for collaboration.  Invest the time getting to know more about how they work to gain a sense of the chemistry you have with them.  Connect to people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work in action WITH you.  These go-getters recognize progress and productivity as a means for exponential growth. They totally "get" your style and embrace your collaboration fully to get things done.

Get clear about what you seek in your collaborator by creating a profile of their values, skills and characteristics your collaborator must possess. The word "must" may seem a bit strong and it is.  Having the right values, skills and characteristics guarantee the relationship will withstand any bumps in the road.  In that event, it is totally a MUST to know you’re right for each other before the collaboration begins.  When you approach your potential partner, share your vision for success so you both know where they fit into it.  Remember that you are the captain of your ship and you want the relationship to be advantageous for everyone involved.

Execute a non-disclosure agreement with signatures from both parties. You’re working with proprietary information from their perspective and yours. This is a great way to ensure you’re all equally protected.  Your success in the collaboration hinges on trust and your collaborator will support you in this process.  Like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, you’re creating the
space for a lasting and profitable relationship founded in promise and connection.

How are your win-win collaborations working?