Partnering businesses

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     Partnering with other businesses can help you grow and expand your own business. Two businesses coming together to hold events can attract much more attention than one business acting alone. 

     Events can take many forms. Popular types are open houses, informational meetings, seminars and workshops. People want to learn, ask questions, and discuss the subject of the day. Meanwhile, you have introduced your business to a new group of future clients. 

     Example: A computer expert partners with a local cafe. Everyone has questions about computing, networking, social media, and getting hacked. And everyone needs to eat. An early morning breakfast meeting is set up. While the cafe serves eggs and toast, the computer expert gives a brief talk about how to use social media and answers questions from the audience. Nobody minds the nominal charge, and both businesses benefit.

     Example: A hypnotherapist partners with a local book store. It's a free event. The hypnotherapist talks about the value of hypnotherapy in tackling stress, pain, addiction, and more. The book store sets up a display of books on the subject, as well as current best sellers. Sales of books are made to attendees and the bookstore makes new friends. The hypnotherapist walks away with new clients. 

     Example: An attorney partners with a financial planner. They discuss all sorts of legal and money problems people have. The attorney talks in general terms about what to do when you get sued, how to handle traffic tickets, types of business organizations, wills, and other matters. The financial planner talks about retirement planning, inheritance set-ups, how to deal with the ups and downs of the stock market, and more. Both take questions and set up appointments with potential clients. 

     Example: A landscaper partners with a garden center. They set up a series of workshops, showing homeowners how patios are built, how fish ponds are installed, designing specialty gardens, how to build fences and gates and more. The garden center offers all the needed materials. These sessions are free and they attract more customers for both the landscaper and the garden center. 

     Partnering with other small businesses can attract attention, build excitement, spread the word, and get new customers and clients. People like to go to events where they can learn something and ask questions. 

     To get started, make a list of possible partners. Talk with each of them. If you find interest, set up an event and get the word out on social media.