Admit it! You’ve thought about it long and hard. We’ve all thought about it! If you have a brand or business at least. For those of you who haven’t, and even if you have, stay tuned to read more about business collaborations!

November 9th, 2019 Antoine White of Young Black Entrepreneurs hosted The Collab. His goal was to create an event in which people could not only network, but create new relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, and even collaborate on a project together this month! Mr. White did an excellent job gathering panelists from varying businesses to be candid about the challenges they have faced in the growth of their business! They spoke on collaborating, business etiquette, and good Ol fashion elbow grease and drive.

Photo of Mr. Tony of The Juice Box posing with some of his fresh pressed juice!

When starting a business, or even looking to attract new customers to your existing business everyone considers collaborating with another brand.

Question is: “which brand, and what does collaboration look like?

During my time of my personal development I have learned a thing or two about businesses, brands, and their identities.
A major theme I have seen that hinders most starter brands is their “why”.

They have not established the purpose of their business. Not defining clear purpose with your brand can hinder your growth and progression.
I am learning this myself, and working to clarify my position with Goldendoesit!

Do you know the purpose of your business? What challenge or issue does your business solve?

I use photography to capture my culture, and create positive narratives with the photos I take!

Teresa offering her amazing candied pickles!She told me it tasted like Jolly Rancher and she did not disappoint! — Teresa offering her amazing candied pickles!
She told me it tasted like Jolly Rancher and she did not disappoint!

Knowing your purpose makes your business a lot easier! I worked with a brand in which I was creating their day to day social media content. One day I realized how difficult it had become. Not difficult because I could not do my job, but because the owner did not have the content prepared. It seemed as though their vision did not align with what they were selling.

Mr. Tony of the Juice Box said it, “It’s not about you, it’s about the product” and in this instance, the “you” can obviously get in the way of your product.

Another major point that was established during the The Collab was the etiquette of business. This ties into knowing what you have to offer as a business.

Each business owner noted that you must be clear in your business ideals, and have your goals defined when wanting to collaborate.

Ask yourself the following;

Does my brand align with this fellow companies values and goals?
Can I deliver the audience to meet specific goals when requested? Am I adequately being compensated for this collaboration? Is the other party compensated fairly?

Mr. White the curator & moderator of the event listening to a panelist discuss their experience in business.

The Collab, for a fact was a success!
I learned a lot from my fellow businesses owners and brands. One thing I won’t forget is the conversation I had the moment I walked into the building with Mr. White. He spoke about the importance of building relationships. Building relationships are more effective for long term growth, as opposed to networking and forgetting someone existed. This is a gem I’ll carry like it’s an Drivers License.

Are you thinking about collaborating with any businesses or brands? Don’t be afraid of failure when shooting your shot! Just have your i’s crossed and your t’s dotted.

Well, the other way around. Just be on your game when it’s time for The Collab! Stay in tune with Mr. White as he’ll be bringing you more events to build your community! Make sure you check back for more blog posts, photos, and other content regarding the development of YOU!

Follow me on both Instagram & Twitter @Goldendoesit and follow the other businesses in this thread! Their info will be below! I’ll also include a few vendors that were in attendance!

Antonie White of YBE - @kingtoine86 on Instagram Host / Curator

Mr. Tony of The Juice Box - @thejuice.box

Teresa of Koolaid Pickles or Pineapples takes orders through text @817-966-6143