Creativity By Necessity - Partner With Other Businesses
When I ran my bookstore, people often remarked about how creative we were with our promotions and approach. As a small business competing with chain bookstores, it was often simply a matter of necessity.
Mary Emma Allen, my co-blogger at Home Biz Notes in High Gas Prices Change Business Methods & Stimulate Creativity suggests partnering with another business. I have long been a fan of this concept.
Partnering with complementary businesses makes a lot of sense. A hairdresser could partner with a nail salon for special joint promotions.
But Mary Emma suggests another option for home business owners. She points out that to save money on gas,
Shoppers combine trips, doing a number of errands in one area at the same time or car pool.
Is there a way you can offer a discount if someone shops at your at home business while shopping at a nearby grocery, etc.?
Can you partner with a business on a geographic basis, not necessarily one related to your focus? So a home hairdressing salon may partner with a local supermarket. Any other suggestions?
- Which businesses in your area could you approach to partner with you - complementary or otherwise?
- If you’ve done this, we’d love you to share your experiences.
© Image courtesy of Yvonne Russell at Grow Your Writing Business.com
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3 opinions for Creativity By Necessity - Partner With Other Businesses
Debbie Yost
Mar 30, 2008 at 5:08 am
I’m trying to begin a sewing business making mostly baby items. My neighbor sells purses and diaper bags (the brand name of the bags escape me this morning). Anyway, she is doing a craft fair for baby items and her bags don’t always get a lot of attention because the diaper bags don’t really look like diaper bags and people often pass her booth up. So she asked me to give a few bibs and brochures to set out at her booth. It’s a win/win for both of us. I don’t have to pay for a booth or spend my day at the fair and she has an item that will bring attention to her booth and give her the opportunity to sell her bags.
Yvonne Russell
Mar 30, 2008 at 5:58 am
Hi Debbie
This is a great solution… As you say, a win win for both of you.
Something like this can also lead to further partnering.
Thanks for stopping by to share your approach.
Beth from Avenue Z
May 16, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I’m really looking for another small business person to share my office to help combat the isolation issues. But I hadn’t really thought of partnering. Great ideas.
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