Howdy Partner!

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I think it would be fair to say that it hasn't been a good week for the concept of partnerships here at WA. There has been the high profile reporting of a partnership between 2 WA members which went badly wrong and this has led to all sorts of warnings about the dangers of being scammed online.

None of us (or very few of us) know the full details of what went on between the 2 members in question. I certainly don't know anything other than what I have read here so I am certainly not going to pass any comment on it, other than so say that I think it is very unfortunate that it has worked out that way - both for the 2 members involved and any others who might have been considering something similar.

Partnership

In the last year I would say that there have been 3 things that have had a major influence on the growth of my online business.

Last year I decided to pay for some personal mentoring from a successful internet marketer and it was hugely beneficial for me. I learned a lot about the mechanics of building a digital business as well as some great strategies which I am currently working on.

I also joined Wealthy Affiliate. I joined primarily for the top-rated hosting package we get but the training available here as well as the terrific community of fellow entrepreneurs has been a massive bonus on top of the great hosting.

However the biggest boost to my online business in the last year has been the partnership I have created with my great friend and fellow WA member, Heidi. One of my biggest struggles in building my business has been the long hours working alone and wondering who to turn to for help or inspiration when problems arise or you feel uncertain about what to do next.

Having a partner to work with means sharing everything.

  • Dividing up the workload
  • Planning ahead
  • Creating written content
  • Creating videos
  • Creating graphics - Pins, Twitter images, banners, PowerPoint presentations
  • Webpage design
  • Setting up affiliate programs
  • Product creation
  • Marketing

And so on...

Doing all these things yourself can feel like a never-ending chore sometimes but when you can share the work and divide things so that each person works to their strengths then things get done quicker and to a much higher standard.

We both know what things we are good at - Heidi is a fantastic writer and a very capable graphic designer and I have more experience with technical stuff like web page design and video editing. Our skills complement each other and it works well.

The financial side of our business operates on trust. You might think we are naive or foolish but it works for us. We took time to build our partnership. It started out with just helping each other with a few things, grew into a joint venture to co-author a book and then flourished into a business partnership.

Is it worth the risk?

In the aftermath of the recent events here we talked about what might have happened if we were currently only in the early stages of our partnership. We acknowledged that it may have caused us to be more wary of getting involved in working together. That would have been a real shame.

Look at it this way. Every day there are terrible accidents on the roads in which people are badly injured or worse. Does that mean that you never get into a car again?

Every so often there is a terrible tragedy involving an airplane crashing with many people losing their lives. Does that mean you never get on a plane again and never get to experience the joys of traveling and seeing the world?

I hope not. Every day involves taking some risks. We should always carefully consider risks and do whatever possible to minimise them.

In the same way, because 2 WA members had a failed business partnership does that mean that it's not possible to have a successful one?

In the digital world there are of course people looking to scam you or take advantage of you. However, there are many, many more people just like you who are looking for a way to make this digital marketing thing work.

This environment here at WA is an ideal place to find someone to work with. You don't have to turn it into a full-blown partnership, you can start with some simple arrangements like finding someone who will comment on your posts in return for you reciprocating for them.

Maybe you are a great writer but struggle with creating graphics. Perhaps you could find someone who creates awesome graphics and ask them to create some for you in exchange for writing articles for them or proof-reading and updating their existing work.

Sharing skills and sharing workload is a great way to start and who knows where it might lead to.

Be honest, honorable and trustworthy in your dealings with others and hopefully they will treat you the same way.

Best wishes

Dave

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Recent Comments

101

I agree Dave, establishing partnerships - especially here with other like-minded individuals is what makes us all successful.

Each of has a skill or talent that can be of benefit to SOMEONE.

In fact, for anyone who feels they have nothing positive to contribute should take a closer look at this community.

For several months I've been going at this pretty much solo - my online activity here was basically non existent. I chose this path because I didn't feel there was anything "out there" to learn.

Since then I've learned differently! Just in the past month alone I've learned that I have missed quite a bit during my absence.

It's tough finding the hours in a day to do everything I want to accomplish but I feel making the effort, at least to remain active here on WA and post more consistently on my website, outweighs what I lose when I don't...if that makes sense.

Have a Great Week!

Hi Susan
I know how it feels to be struggling to find time to grow your business and it’s important to try to get something done rather than let days pass with no progress. Checking in to WA even to just try to get some tips or ideas is good.
We definitely all have something to offer and finding someone to share the load with is a big help.

Thanks
Dave

I kinda learned that the hard way! I don't think I'll let so much time pass before checking back in again!

Even fitting in 10 mins now and again on your phone - over breakfast, while commuting or on a work break - just helps to keep in touch and stay motivated.

I didn't hear about the failed partnership. Guess I must have been asleep. But I am glad yours is working out well, and I wish you continued and exponential growth and success. Both you and Heidi have become dear friends even though we live so far apart. Actually, I could say that of many others who have reached out to me and encouraged me. Thank the two of you and all the rest.

Hi Earl
You are lucky to have missed it. It’s a fairly depressing story.
I’m very happy to hear that you consider us friends 😀. It’s great that WA enables such good relationships to develop.

Thanks
Dave

It wouldn't scare me away to enter into a partnership here on WA. In fact, I would welcome to work with someone to share ideas and programs. I am more a big picture person and always have delegated the execution of details. You are right, it is overwhelming to do everything yourself and it is holding me up, because my mind is already on the next thing.

I am hoping that my first referral I have in mind will work out like a partner. I am just hesitant to get her in now when I haven't finished all the training modules. I clearly don't know enough yet.

Hi Petra
I'm glad to hear that as I think a lot of people have lost faith in others as a result of the unfortunate story recently. Finding someone to work alongside is a big help so hopefully your referral will be an option for you.

All the best
Dave

Hi Dave,

Great post and I agree with your sentiments.
It would be naive to go through life consciously generalising every situation, (although we do it unconsciously). Every moment is different, as is every partnership.

You and Heidi are lucky to have found the appropriate skills in one another.
I love your confidence and how you bring to fruition those around you who aren't yet so fortunate. In other words, you're great at motivating folk.

I've experienced business partnerships in the past. And one thing I've experienced is how "money" can change folk. (The greed factor comes into play).

Again, great article Dave, and all the best for your future, (both of you).

Cordially
Dedo

PS: I've subscribed to your email list, and I love your strategy.
I'm delving into email at the mo'. So learning from you both is quite an honour.

Hi Dedo
Thanks for your feedback and kind comments.
I'm glad you see the motivation in what we do as helping others is the main ethos of our business.
I'm also glad to hear you are on our mailing list too and enjoying our content. I can assure you there is lots more to come!

Thanks
Dave

Nice post. It sounds like you and Heidi have a great partnership.

Any partnership can be challenging. One look at the divorce rates proves that. Similar to marriage partnerships, Business partnerships can be equally challenging.

They can also be very rewarding. That is why so many businesses have more than one owner.

If someone is asked to put money in a partnership, they should akways be extra cautious so as to not get scammed. Scammers typically want your money. Not your time.


Very true

Hi Sondra
Thanks for your contribution to the discussion, Yes there is no doubt that a partnership can have both challenges and rewards. It's one of the reasons that we spend time discussing what each of us is doing to build our business.
The beauty of building an online business is that there is only minimal financial investment required to get it started. The main investment is time and hard work.

Cheers
Dave

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