CO:LAB Pensacola

Collaboration is crucial in a knowledge economy. It's how we generate new knowledge and shared value. However, the process of developing collaborations needs more clarity. It's helpful to distinguish among coordination, cooperation, and collaboration, and we now know enough from the “swampy lowlands” of real world practice to provide more precision. THE STATE OF PLAY IN THE SCHOLARLY LITERATURE In 2020, two scholars in the Journal of Management presented a systematic review of definitions from nine top-tier management journals covering 1948 to 2017. They concluded that the existing confusion and lack of clarity in the definitions of collaboration, coordination, and cooperation within the scholarly literature has led to overlapping meanings that undermine conceptual precision. To try to clarify the concepts, here's how they defined the three terms: >> Coordination: Jointly determining common goals in inter-organizational relationships. >> Cooperation: Implementing the common goals established during the coordination phase. >> Collaboration: Voluntarily helping other partners achieve inter-organizational relationship common goals or one or more of their private goals. From a practitioner's viewpoint, it's all a bit muddy. TIME TO PRESS THE RESET BUTTON We can eliminate the confusion by focusing on three critical dimensions of working together. 1. Outcomes: Are the outcomes of joint work individual or shared? Are outcomes clear or indeterminant? Do we already know how to do the work? Or are we starting from a position of creating something new from assets at hand? 2. Conversation Patterns: How frequent are the conversations between partners? How structured are they? Are conversations limited to sharing information, or are partners also sharing ideas and co-creating knowledge? 3. Trust levels: Do partners expect each other to behave reliably and support their joint work? Does fairness characterize the relationship? Are partners behaving in ways that build trust and mutual respect? When we focus on these three dimensions, we develop the following definitions: >> Cooperation: Partners exchange information while each pursues their separate outcomes. Trust levels are minimal. >> Coordination: Partners modify their behavior toward a shared, clear outcome. They know what to do. Their communication is more regular. Trust is sufficient to include sharing and co-creating knowledge. >> Collaboration: Trust levels are high. Partners share assets to generate new solutions through recombinant innovation. Their outcome is shared and indeterminant. The graphic below provides a summary. #strategicdoing evolved from a core question: How do we collaborate when no one can tell anyone else what to do? Over 15 years of testbeds at Purdue University, we developed simple rules to increase the volume and velocity of our collaborations. Now, our open-source practice is spreading globally to generate solutions to complex challenges.

Thanks Ethan, for taking time to visit and make connections here. Our tagline is worth noting, "Pensacola is the Western Gate to the Sunshine State, where thousands live the way millions would like to". While the thousands keep growing here, the community has always been welcoming and friendly to those who pass through, and eventually some return. Two other thoughts for readers. A well worn cliche we use for returnees, often veterans, is that once you get the sand in your shoes, you can't get it out. And, as I explain to folks all over the USA on Zoom and phone meetings, we are in Central timezone, even in Florida. I always finish up a first time meeting with a question: What is the Best thing to come out of ____________ (their current state of residence)? After pausing I add, Interstate 10 East to the first and best beach on your right. Folks from California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississipi totally laugh. But they remember that. Come visit, seafood lunches available at locals only places, upon satisfactory due diligence completion...

We’re In This Together. CO:LAB is a business incubator and growth accelerator. We have one goal — to help entrepreneurs reach their next level. We do it with a community of mentoring, participating, caring, giving and collaborating. Together we grow. Together we improve our internal community and our Pensacola community. Together we learn that which we lack and give of that which we have in abundance. Together we become more. We are a catalyst helping innovative companies continue their climb to reach their potential and to ultimately create high-wage jobs that will sustain long-term economic growth for Pensacola. #colabpensacola #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entreprenuership #growmindset #smallbusiness #growyourbusiness #pensacolaentrepreneur #launchpad #thinkoutsidethebox #coworkingspace #downtownpensacola #mentoring #business #entrepreneurlife #pensacolasmallbusiness #pensacola https://colabpensacola.com

It was an exciting update from 1 Million Cups meeting on economic development in Pensacola! Timothy Ryschon of Sail Pensacola gave an inspiring update on Pensacola’s impressive growth within the global sailing community. We're thrilled to see our city making waves and positioning itself as a hub for the industry. Looking forward to Foil Week coming up in February—it’s going to be a major highlight for Pensacola! ???? #PensacolaProud #SailPensacola #EconomicDevelopment #FoilWeek Dave Murzin Brian Wyer Garrison Warner

Please help us welcome our new office manager, Annie Rose, to CO:LAB! A Pensacola native, Annie brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to CO:LAB and a burning desire to see Pensacola grow. An entrepreneur herself, Annie has owned her own businesses and has worked to help launch other business and non-profits. She’s also been heavily involved in the community — currently a member of Leadership Pensacola 2025 and Pensacola Young Professionals. With a background in everything from marketing to office management, we’re excited to watch her help grow CO:LAB and continue to promote its relevance in the community. “What sold me on CO:LAB was working with small businesses and helping them grow. My dream for CO:LAB is to see more integration with the local colleges and universities and to develop building and program upgrades like you’d find in bigger markets. I’d also like to bridge the gap with the arts and creative industry and see a larger presence of that sector here.” ~Annie Rose

Who says there's no fun in the struggle? Sure “entrepreneuring” can be tough, but at CO:LAB, we find time to blow off steam, create a chill vibe and enjoy life. CO:LAB is a hive of entrepreneurs, dreamers, thinkers, leaders and visionaries. They’ve started a company and are seeking knowledge from those who’ve been there before. Down the line, they’ll help other budding entrepreneurs. At CO:LAB, we celebrate entrepreneurs! So, here’s to the rebels, the misfits and the wild ones. The risk takers and deal makers. Here’s to the Entrepreneurs. Ready to make the leap? DM us for more information about launching your company at CO:LAB! #colabpensacola #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entreprenuership #growmindset #smallbusiness #growyourbusiness #pensacolaentrepreneur #launchpad #thinkoutsidethebox #coworkingspace #downtownpensacola #mentoring #business #entrepreneurlife #pensacolasmallbusiness #pensacola #creativecommune #techinnovation #mentors #expertise #challenges #community

TONIGHT! Empower Black Entrepreneurs! Join us for the upcoming in-person event "Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: Pathways to Success in Contracts, Financing, and Strategic Growth" where you'll learn how to secure contracts, access capital, and use cutting-edge tools like AI and digital marketing to expand your business. Take advantage of expert panels, interactive Q&As, and valuable insights that can propel your business to new heights! Gain practical strategies from industry experts Network with other Black entrepreneurs and leaders Learn modern tools for sustainable growth Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 Time: 4:30 pm-5:00 pm CDT: Pre-Event Networking 5:00 pm-6:30 pm CDT: Main Event Location: Pensacola Improv Event Center

Chamber Members and friends - Listed below are details of the Speakers and Agenda items. As a reminder, ALL businesses can gain insights from event. This is a wonderful networking opportunity that is free!! https://lnkd.in/gCcyNVtE Empowering Black-Owned Businesses: Strategies for Contracts, Financing, and Growth with FPL Date and Time: Thursday, October 24, 2024 4:30 pm-5:00 pm CDT: Pre-Event Networking and Hors d'oeuvres/Drinks 5:00 pm-6:30 pm CDT: Main Event Location: In-Person Event | Pensacola Improv Event Center, 375 N Pace Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505 Confirmed Speakers: ● Moderator: Jessica Garret Modkins, ○ Hip Rock Star Advertising ● Verdell Hawkins ○ Manager, Economic Development, Florida Power & Light Company ● Master of Ceremonies: Brian Wyer ○ President/CEO, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce (GCMCC) ● Amanda Mitchell ○ Assistant Vice President, Branch Leader II - Pensacola Main, Truist ● Grover C. Brown, Jr. ○ Director of Lending, Community Enterprise Investments, Inc. ● Lloyd Reshard ○ Board Chair, Kukua Institute ● Laurie Stearmer ○ Procurement Specialist, Florida Power & Light Company ● Quinn Breaux II ○ Leadership Pensacola Program Director, Pensacola Chamber of Commerce ● Cory Nestor-Hubert ○ Accredited Investor ( 5 Exits ) - Portfolio Manager & Owner of Consilient Investments/E70 Investment Syndicate - Level 3 Certified Business Coach at Kukua Institute, Data Scientist In-Residence/FSU ● Erin L. Wilmer ○ Financial Advisor, Wilmer Financial Group INC ● Katrice Johnson ○ Executer, Bantucola Panel Discussion: Tips and Strategies for Black-Owned Businesses: Marketing, Financial Literacy, AI, and More In this comprehensive panel discussion, industry experts and successful business leader will share valuable insights into key areas crucial for Black-owned businesses aiming for growth and sustainability. Attendees will gain practical advice on marketing strategies, financial literacy, and the integration of AI technologies to enhance business operations. This session will provide actionable strategies to address everyday business challenges and foster innovation and profitability. Presentation #1: Pathways to Contracts and Partnerships with FPL ● This panel discussion will delve into the essential strategies for Black-owned businesses to secure contracts with Florida Power & Light (FPL) and other large corporations. Attendees will learn about FPL’s contracting process, the qualifications and compliance requirements, and how to cultivate long-term, strategic partnerships. Presentation #2: Maximizing Financial Opportunities: Effective Strategies for Securing Capital and Accessing Bank Financing ● This panel will explore the financial strategies Black-owned businesses need to overcome barriers in securing funding. Local Resources Speed Dating and Networking Workshop

Thanks Ebe! Keep coming back and adding your valuable content for attendees. We appreciate your continuing contributions to our entrepreneurial ecosystem development in the region.