It's a match! - Partnerships and collaborations!

One of my favourite elements in all my very diverse jobs is when I had to make successful matches: I was intrigued and beguiled by the process whether it was a brand with a national audience, or a performing arts festival with national and international brands and sponsors, or several breakfast forums, each specific to either medical, legal, or general business ethics.

Each opportunity translated into bespoke items for specific brands, I was always excited to make a match. I take my job as a matchmaker very seriously.

Think about introducing a good friend to another close friend. You want to be sure they have the same values, share similar interests, have some chemistry, and most importantly there is a long-term feasibility to their relationship.

It is no different when matching up markets with products and services. You just won’t convince an authentic hippie to go on a date with a Wall Street yuppie – Not. Going. To. Happen. (Unless they meet on neutral ground and out of “uniform” – then it’s kismet and that is a whole other story!)

The excitement of finding sponsors for an event is something I relish. That joy of finding a brand that exemplifies all the brand and product/ service does, is just magical. It really does feel like I have achieved something incredible.

Some pairings are obvious and aren’t quite as invigorating, but they still work. Any good relationship works if there is a logical connection between the parties from the get-go. That doesn’t mean there is no work to be done thereafter… nay-nay! There will always be effort to be done on a relationship, any relationship, to maintain its success. The question is how much energy it deserves. What are the returns on the investment? How much investment of time and effort do I make in order to achieve my sales’ targets? One might argue that this could be answered simply. What do each party want to happen in the long run? Where do they each see themselves in five years? Ten years?

Effort is required. Long term goals are required. Consistent upkeep and replenishment of new and exciting methods to keep the “romance alive” are necessary. Doing the same thing repeatedly IS boring! However, what never gets boring is good value, honesty, openness, and altruism.

Are you out there “playing the field”? Or, have you made the effort to research your most suitable affiliates – whether they be customers, clients, employees, or future investors? Ask your branding team to do the extra due diligence required to get the best outcomes!

Peace. Out.

Taly Gee.