Partnering for Win/Win

Too many business leaders struggle to 'go-it-alone' when teaming up with others could substantially help both businesses

Imagine these partnerships

When a travel agent wanted to get people to book their honeymoon she put on a bridal show with the local bridal gown shop and held it in the restaurant next door to her travel agency. In this case it was win/win/win

When you want to sell books offer to brig a selection to local book clubs and win over customers by your extraordinary service

So your high end clothing store is quiet, why not offer ‘dress for success’ workshops in the evenings (you pay the rent so might as well use the space fully) and show people how to make a great impression when going for that job interview.

A variation on this theme is to offer one hour lunch time session for corporate clients most of them love to get free workshops on interesting topics.

Does your restaurant need a boost in sales? Think out side the box and ask a local author to do a reading or sign books between 4 – 6 and perhaps the customers will stay for dinner. Most people get trapped into thinking book signings have to happen at book stores. Not true. If you have a sporting goods store how about inviting a fishing guide to speak, or a member of the hiking club or BC Parks. Or take some sporting goods to the local angling club for their monthly meeting.

Your floral shop is busy filling orders but how about adding a weekly floral design class on Friday so customers can have a lovely display for the weekend. You will of course have the flowers you use ready for sale?

Your car dealership has a few clients who seem quite interested in buying, why not make it easy for them. Take the car to their home and park it in the driveway – there’s nothing like seeing it already ‘home’ to help cinch the deal.

Does you dry cleaner offer home/office delivery for the busy executive?

Does your grocery store do cooking demonstrations? Perhaps the local kitchen shop would be happy to come on site with some special serving dishes.

Classes are always welcomed by customers as they bring your products and services to life and usually boost the sales of the products used in the demonstrations.

Can your IT company join forces with a printer to show the computer design stage and the finished product?

Perhaps a resume preparation company can link up with an IT company and printer plus the clothing store to offer a ‘get a job’ fair with a final package, clothes selection, resume and business card.

Can your luggage store put on workshops for business travellers? How about ways to travel lightly and still be able to unpack so you look fresh for the meetings?

You get the idea…linking up with others and teaching or doing demonstrations often boosts the bottom line and it certainly expands your customer base.

Collect business cards for a draw and use the information to create a data base Hold customer focus groups. Customers love to give their input into how “their’ store could be improved. It builds loyalty too - but make sure they get a little something for their efforts.