Day 10/30 Partnerships

Embracing the Partnership Nitty Gritties: Navigating Round Two as a Founder and Mother of Two

As the new year begins and you find yourself pushed into or excited to jump back in , hope in the in the midst of your own beautiful chaos, you have had time to reflect. Today, I want to share a bit about my journey as a founder and mother of two, particularly in the realm of partnerships and all the doors it opens for you. Most importantly what doors you know to close before a tsunami strikes out. Buckle up for the ride!

When I began my journey, It was Left, Right Centre Saying YES! I was testing the market, I finding what worked, who I liked to work with and I was scared of the opportunity lost If I did not take that chance!!

Eventually I learned, I wish I had learned faster to say NO!

"If its not a hell yes, Its a hell NO"

Know it that opportunities will always present. But knowing your "Opportunity Cost", both for yourself and your business makes the huge difference!!

Identifying My Priorities:

As a mother, time is always of essence and less of because we want to do it all!! When every decision feels like a balancing act, its time to set priorities and start with identifying what truly matters to you, both for your business and your life. I wanted it all ( atleast I wished for).. and I started to explore partnerships. Wanting to see if the load can be shared, the business to grow and to be beyond a hamster on a wheel catching it tail, ( as my current business partner Camille says to me now).

Back then, it was always about finding partnerships outside the operations of the company, it was he collaborations that could align not just with my business goals but with the values and aspirations that shape my family life.

How I Went About Finding Partnerships!

I started Networking with Purpose. It wasn't always about business cards and elevator pitches. It's about finding opportunities. I've connected with incredible individuals by attending networking events, coffee catch-ups, seminars, conferences, industry events, and diving into online communities. Seeking out partners who understand and appreciate the unique symphony of being a founder and a mother, were some of the connections that built into meaningful partnerships over the years.

What was I seeking?

I was always on the Lookout for collaborators who bring to the table a mix of skills, experiences, and perspectives to share and offer combined by one attribute: GIVING VALUE!

Transparent Communication, Agreements and Handling Disagreements!

Open and honest communication is my secret sauce. From the get-go, I make it clear what I can contribute, and any potential challenges on the horizon and keep the partnership in two stages. Stage 1: Flow . Stage 2: Find.

Stage 1: Flow: Many times, we don't know , how a partnership will shape even after we say yes. Running Trial Runs multiple times also helps iron out the knics and makes the decision clearer if to pursue or not.

Stage 2: Find: Once you have tried a partnership flow with the business or person, you know there can be deeper opportunities to explore. Then it is time to find these opportunities and set the stage for understanding and collaboration ( with an agreement in toe)

Are your Disagreements conversations like - "Have it my way or take the HIGHWAY??"

If you are unable to have a healthy conversation with partners on topics that you disagree on, the idea is not to just follow through, but to be assertive keeping in mind you do have a difference of opinion to your partner's point of view. How conversations where ideologies are not aligned, negotiations are required, where it's not about being righteous, but rather open and respectful to a difference of opinion.

When it's not about either my way or the highway,

when it's not about having one over the other,

when it is about finding the by-lane that solves what needs solving

and when its the gumption to get the task done,

that is when real partnerships bloom!!

Defining Roles, Expectations, and Groundwork to be done!

In the partnership symphony, everyone needs to know their notes. Define roles and expectations early on. As a mom with two little ones, having a support system that respects my family commitments was non-negotiable. Clear responsibilities ensure everyone contributes effectively while acknowledging each other's limitations. From partner's to freelancers, to support staff and collaborators, it is important to know boundaries and expectations of what can be achieved or rather, if what needs to be achieved is aligned in similar priority for the outcome.

Evaluating the Partnership's Impact:

Success isn't just about hitting business targets; it's about the impact on my family and personal life. Regularly assessing how the partnership influences both aspects helps me measure its true success.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

Life, especially with kids, is unpredictable. Successful partnerships understand and embrace this unpredictability. Flexibility and adaptability are key to accommodating the ever-changing nature of my roles as a founder and a mother. Together, we celebrate victories and learn from setbacks. It's a constant learning curve, and the ability to face challenges head-on strengthens the partnership for the long haul.

Promises and Heart Breaks

Sometimes, many times, there are moments when the intention is right but no execution follows through. I have had instances when some partnerships failed, and some became a disaster. To be fair to others and yourselves, it's important to tackle them head-on and then to disassociate from such partnerships respectfully, taking the learnings from them. Sometimes you may be ghosted after confirmations, and sometimes taken advantage of AND sometimes you would not be able to fulfill your promises. It's important to know

If it isn't meant to be, it mostly isn't meant to be!

BECAUSE EVERY PARTNERSHIP IS NOT BINDED BY THE EXACT SAME BOND, REASON, AGENDA OR OUTLOOK.

Measuring Personal Well-being:

Success isn't just about business metrics. I've learned to evaluate my personal well-being and work-life balance. A successful partnership contributes positively to my overall happiness and fulfillment in both roles. Understanding what calls to me and if it is serving me enough has made me realize over the years, eventually what I wish to achieve with the partnerships and if it serves the initial reason why it happened in the first place.

Learning:

Building partnerships as a founder and mother is like a delicate symphony – sometimes challenging, often rewarding, and always a journey worth taking. By prioritizing clear communication, adaptability, personal well-being, and one common goal, I've found partners who have enriched both my business and personal life.

As I step into 2024, I carry with me the lessons of my journey in building partnerships, sometimes ironclad by written agreements, and at times testing the waters with personal conversations!

Here's to the next stage of understanding and dealing with the "human" side of partnerships – may they be even more harmonious and joyous, even if it comes with a pinch of salt!