The Surprising Power of Partnerships

As a once young, aspiring entrepreneur with dreams of changing the world, I had believed that the only path to true success was coming up with my own, unique “Big Idea.”

Those who have that ability have become industry icons: Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and Mark Zuckerberg, to name a few. Although these visionaries may lead the charge, their success is ultimately predicated upon the team they build around them, as well as the individuals and companies they forge partnerships with.
Recently I was wrestling with whether or not I would attend an Internet Marketing trade show. Business was trending well for the New Year and I already had a good team in place, so why would I need to spend the time and money attending a trade show, when I could be in my office doing business? Couldn’t I just go to the trade show’s website, see who was exhibiting and contact them directly? Was there any real value in attending?
Reluctantly, I shelved my doubts, packed my bags, and headed to the Vegas hotel the show was held at. I am so glad I did...
What I discovered is the most important part of business is just showing up. Physically attending the exhibit hall, being present at the host hotel and having drinks at the conference lounge was invaluable: the connections I forged have the potential to pay back big dividends.
To start, this was a great chance to make new relationships while also revisiting old ones. Our conversations first centered on the big picture -the opportunities we sought and deemed vital to our future success. As our dialogue progressed, we began to break down our individual business needs and discover ways our own companies could fill these vital roles for each other, a mutually beneficial realization that will bring us closer to our goals.
In the end, the event was not about trying to materialize that elusive “big idea” out of the ether. It was about that small conversation and the handshake. In an age where Smartphones can instantly exchange information, the time-honored tradition of swapping business cards still trumps all; partnerships built through person to person contact will never become obsolete.
Stay tuned... The Power of Partnerships Part 2: 5 Elements of a Truly Valuable Partnership, is up next.

Jordan Finger will be moderating The International CEO Roundtable on February 17th in Manhattan. This unique and timely CEO roundtable is designed to produce informative discussions between business leaders that operate in the international arena. Attendees will walk away with new ideas and the latest best practices from other CEOs which they can implement into their own businesses. To request an invite to this event, visit www.nyreport.com/roundtableinvite.