MADE Maven Special Women's Issue April 2018 | Page 17

MADEINC
being comfortable being uncomfortable.
Approach someone, be friendly, be genuinely
interested in what they have to say and most
importantly, don’t make it all about you. Ask
questions to learn about the person. Once
you’ve learned more about the person, see
if there is any synergy between what you
both do. For example, if you own a skin
care line and the person is an aesthetician,
offer to give her some of your best-selling
products to use on his/her clients. Clearly
state that you are giving her these products
for feedback and with hopes of a wholesale
partnership. Most of my long-lasting
connections have been made this way, where
the partnership is mutually beneficial. If you
are approaching people with the intention
of getting free help only for yourself, those
types of connections are never long lasting.
Lastly, follow up! Make sure you get an email
or phone number so that you can follow up
and cultivate a partnership long term.
HOW TO MEET AND APPROACH
NEW PEOPLE
Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris
I am definitely an introvert, but I
know that being a “wall flower” will
get me nowhere if I want people to
know about my business. If you are
an introvert, you will have to start
HOW TO COLLABORATE LIKE A BOSS
Aaja Corrine Magee
Be clear on your value proposition
Collaborations and partnerships gone
wrong almost always have something
to do with one party not holding up
their end of the bargain. Effective
collaborations are mutually beneficial.
Before initiating a conversation about an
opportunity, or pitching yourself for one,
be sure to get crystal clear on what you
are bringing to the table. This also helps
to ensure that you don’t end up with the
short end of the stick.
Think outside of the box
A collaboration in itself is a great way to
generate new news and fresh interest
around your offerings, but creative
collaborations will generate another
level of attention in being something
out of the ordinary. One that comes
to mind is Apple’s collaboration with
luxury goods brand, Hermès, for a
collection of watches that feature Apple
technology and Hermès aesthetic. The
synergy is that both companies appeal
to a consumer with premium taste, yet
the out of the box thinking is the joining
of technology and fashion. Consider
collaborations with brands that appeal
to your same demographic and at the
same time, complement what you have
to offer.
Market your collaboration like a Boss
Usually collaborations are only in effect
for a specific period of time, so max out
on marketing while the collaboration
is hot! This positive press can help to
extend the life span of the collaboration
as well as provide momentum for your
other endeavors.
#mademaven
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