I was talking with a beloved colleague, Doug, today about one of our upcoming collaborations (we are going to do a very cool free webinar for all of you in a few weeks, so stay tuned!) When we met, I thought instantly “he is one of my peeps.” We had an immediate connection and it was clear that we were aligned philosophically when it came to business and life. It also became clear very quickly that we had all 6 of the key ingredients to creating a powerful Strategic Alliance, a.k.a. “JV Partnerships”. (if you want to read about those 6 C’s, read this blog post).

During our conversation today, he thanked me for everything that he had learned from me and told me how it has helped shaped him and his business going forward. Wow – how cool is that? My heart really swelled up in that moment.

I share this not to brag but because that is what great Strategic Alliances do for each other and so many entrepreneurs simply do NOT have that experience with Strategic Alliances. Alliances like Doug and mine is like 1+1 equaling 4 instead of just 2. Our businesses are better because of our collaboration, and we are better business owners and human beings walking around this planet. As an example, when I had my video symposium in March, Doug decided to send an extra email out to his list about the event. He didn’t even tell me about it but I saw it there in my inbox and felt so supported to get that unexpected boost. When I thanked him for doing that, he simply said he was really behind this event and wanted to support it in any way possible (my heart swelled then, too).

Isn’t this the way the world should work? Absolutely! Is it the way that most people operate in Strategic Alliances? Unfortunately, no.

Unfortunately, a lot of the Guru Star methods being taught out there come from the “tit for tat” mentality when it comes to “JV Partnerships”, or more appropriately called Strategic Alliances. “If you do this for me, I’ll do this for you.” On the surface this looks like an equal energy exchange, but when the energy commences from a place of “I want you to do this for me and if you do,  I’ll give you something in return,” it has a very different impact then entering the conversation from the place of “how can we both support each other.”

When you start a Strategic Alliance conversation (or even continue one), make sure you come from a place that supports what you are trying to create, and that the person you are collaborating with is coming from that same energy.  I’ve had people use the language “how can we both support each other” when the energy was clearly “I want you to do this for me…”  It is important is that you and your partners really hold a stake for creating an equal energy exchange.

For many of you, you want to help others as a primary mission in life. A lot of coaches and healers are naturally supportive, giving people. As a result, they often willingly give of themselves and not get anything in return. Remember that Nature loves balance and when things are out of balance, it isn’t good for the Planet and our individual well being. How can you hold a stake for equal energy exchange with your potential and current Strategic Alliances?

I would love to hear about your Strategic Alliance experiences. What has worked well for you and why? How have you had relationships go awry or have had missteps, and what did you learn from those experiences?

With appreciation,