A History Lesson: Community and Collaboration

Being an appropriate time of year - and being of partial Pilgrim and Native American descent - I'd been thinking about how we can all learn from some of the metaphors in the stories of the original settlers:

1. Particularly in a new market or surroundings, look to your peers for support. I've found our own industry - especially through trade associations and groups - to be generally quite helpful to each other. Newcomers can benefit greatly by getting involved, and can learn much from others in their field, from referrals on freelance help to advice on positioning and finding clients. The "enemy" need not always be seen as a threat; when on their familiar turf, they may actually be one of your best allies.

2. Collaborate. Just as with an old-fashioned barn raising, nothing gets done faster and more efficiently than teamwork. Every day we see smaller shops pooling their resources and best talents on a project - effectively also narrowing the field by one less "competitor" - with both shops reaping the rewards.

3. Trade/barter. OK, maybe we aren't exchanging horse shoes for sacks of grain these days, but the analogy is the same. Perhaps you or your company has a particular service you might offer someone in exchange for something they may offer. For example, rather than give something away on spec or pro bono, offer to trade for something of equal and useful value. Perhaps design services for marketing consulting, or help with strategy in exchange for Web or multimedia development. There is much value to put on the table in situations where no actual money needs change hands - particularly when there is no budget.

4. Know your neighbors. Be a dynamic component of your industry and market. Open the doors and get outside a little. Meet others in your field and learn their names. See who's doing what, and for whom. Have an open house. Attend a conference or local trade meeting. Join a panel or board. Send press releases. Have lunch or dinner with clients and your peers. Consider joining a good online business networking group, such as the outstanding LinkedIn. And when the world needs you, they'll know who you are and where to find you. Stagnation does not breed energy; it breeds anonymity.

The overarching lessons to be learned center on two common things: the senses of community and of collaboration. And these apply in not just our businesses, but in our everyday lives. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and thanks for reading.