Tips For A Successful Joint Venture

By Christopher Freville

Team building for a business generally implies developing a company’s human resources to deliver the best possible results. However team building is not merely about developing your own company as a team, it is also about working as a team with other businesses. A joint venture, known more commonly as a JV, is all about teamwork with other businesses to further common goals and interests. A JV is all about business expansion, resource optimization and is not restricted in participation to just two sets of individuals or companies.

It hardly needs to be mentioned that when you choose a partner for a joint venture, it is best if you select partners with solid reputations, and are people you can trust due to their high levels of integrity. Joint ventures require a lot of effort in getting off the ground in terms of human resource development and team building as any relationship needs a lot of nurturing to grow. Trust and integrity are important keywords and both the organizations involved should stick to their promises, not do anything unethical and work towards building an atmosphere of trust.

Finding the right partner involves market research and you should only approach another party for setting up a joint venture if you are comfortable with entering a long-term relationship with them. You should look for organizations which have similar business practices to yours, for otherwise you will not be able to work with people with vastly different values and business ethics, or people who do not operate in as motivated and professional a manner you do.

You should spell out from the very beginning what it is that you expect to accomplish through your partnership. Only after you find that both your goals and those of your partner are mutually compatible and both of you agree on what it is you expect from each other, should you consider a joint venture.

Before entering into any contract, as always, you should ensure that all legal loopholes have been ironed out, like any special considerations for allocations, management issues and availability of resources, mutual gains and the sharing of the gains, any tax and any deductions based issues. You should also have a firmly chalked out business plan and which both the parties agree upon and then it should be followed to the letter, unless agreed upon mutually at a later point. A joint venture will help you to manage and allocate resources efficiently as well as optimize business policies.

When you propose a joint venture to someone you need to analyze to what extent is the venture going to benefit both parties. Only when it benefits both parties equally can you enter the venture. Also a big company will require very good reasons to enter into a contract with a smaller company or else the proposal of the smaller company will be declined.

Honesty and transparency are of the utmost importance and you have to learn with every step of the joint venture, so that you can develop future ventures in a better manner. Should any issues arise, it is best to talk openly about them and resolve them as soon as possible.

 

Contributed by:  Christopher Freville is one of the online businesses’ most successful entrepreneurs.  See how you can be like him too!  Click here now!  http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_J_Freville

Surrounding Yourself With Success

By Andrea Costantine

You might have heard that you are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most. This includes your income, your knowledge, your growth and your success. Who you surround yourself with in life and business directly impacts the results you see and create.

We all have a choice as to who we surround ourselves with. Why wouldn’t we surround ourselves with the best so we can be our best? While some feel that they need to do everything on their own, cannot ask or receive support, and may end up struggling for years, happy, successful people are more than willing to share in their success and spread the wealth.

Instead of trying to do or be it all for everyone else, we at Behind the Moon encourage you to embrace all of the help and support that is available to you.  Surround yourself with resources and power partners that can give to you, and to whom you can give back to as well.

Success doesn’t always happen alone, but your chances significantly improve when surrounding yourself with the right people, developing trusting relationships, and being committed for the long-term.

There are many ways to surround yourself with people who can lift you up, but first start by asking a few important questions:

1. What do I want to get from being a part of a group of powerful players?

2. What kind of commitment can I make to the other group members?

3. How willing am I to make some serious changes and listen to advice?

4. What can I give back in return, whether in time, money, or meaning?

Networking groups are one powerful way to surround yourself with great people. Other ways can include joining a mastermind, hiring a coach, finding a mentor, or creating your own group.

With a positive, upbeat, can-do attitude, Behind the Moon groups bring power partners together in both social networking and referral group settings. If you are looking to ramp up your year, check out the many groups and locations that are forming all around Colorado.  You too can surround yourself with people who will lift you up, inspire you, challenge and help you grow – all the while taking you and your business to higher levels of success.

Behind The Moon networking events calendar is at www.behindthemooninc.com/events/cfm

Behind The Moon Referral Group information is at http://tinyurl.com/BTM-Referral-Groups

(c) 2010 Behind The Moon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

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Feel free to share this article in its entirety and include the Bio information below along with live link back to this blog post.  Thank you.

Andrea Costantine is a writer, speaker, and wanna-be artist, focusing on the good things in life.  She is a perpetual optimist, lover of nature, yoga, travel, and new experiences.  Learn more about Andrea at www.andreacostantine.com.

Why Networking is an Essential Part of Growing Your Business

By Sabrina Risley

Whenever you desire to grow your business, it’s essential for networking to be part of your plan. There are many ways that you can work to grow your business and get more clients, but a proven way of doing this is through networking, meeting new people, and expanding your database of contacts, prospects and resources.

While I definitely recommend professional networking functions, it’s important to know that these aren’t the only places to network. However, because participants at professional networking functions are there to grow their business, they generally have quite a few contacts and could be a potential gold-mine for you and your business.

A common mistake many make with networking is thinking it only happens at professional meeting places or during business hours. Truthfully, networking can happen anywhere, at any time of day and at any location. The key is to look for opportunities to connect with others on a different level.  Think of all the places where you are surrounded by others with common interests – the gym, the ski lodge, hiking trails, community events, volunteer work, etc. – these all provide common ground that helps to easily build rapport with new people you meet.

Networking shouldn’t be about selling your services/products or pushing your agenda on others.  Instead, it should be about taking a genuine interest in others and looking to connect them with resources. Remember when you are there to build relationships which can sometimes take time and attention.  Selling and me-centered conversations puts up walls and shuts you out from the opportunity for others to want to get to know you.

Networking pays off when you are consistent, generous, and present. It works for those who put the work into building and maintaining relationships.  It is not a quick fix, nor an overnight solution.  But it can and will be a lucrative strategy for those who are willing to put in the effort.

(c) 2010 Behind The Moon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

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Feel free to share this article in its entirety and include the Bio information below along with live link back to this blog post.  Thank you.

Sabrina Risley founded Behind The Moon, Inc.® in 2003, a Colorado-based networking and referral group organization that sets itself apart with its motto “grow your business by helping others grow theirs.” Behind The Moon offers several networking events across Colorado’s Front Range, as well as referral groups that attract professionals who network to give rather than get.  You will find Sabrina speaking to audiences about effective networking techniques, the power of partnerships, and principles of service and giving as a means to grow a business.  To learn more about Behind The Moon, please visit http://www.BehindTheMoonInc.com. 

How To Find A Great Mentor

By Neen James

A career coach or mentor is a person who can guide you with the benefit of their experience. He or she may be someone more senior from within your organization or someone external to your organization who has been successful in the field or skills you want to develop. The right mentor can help you accelerate career, boost your self-development and improve your working relationships. And remember that a mentor is not only helpful in your career the benefits of having a mentor are relevant to all areas of your life – whether fitness, financial or lifestyle.

Decide what area you want help with. Examine your life and determine whether you want help with your career, your health or your relationships. When you know the area or areas you want to focus on you can begin searching for a suitable mentor.

Who are the top performers? Whichever area of your life you decide to seek a mentor for, find out who the experts are, who does it better than anyone else?

Where’s the hang out? Next, find out where your role models hang out – check out networking events and groups, industry events and conferences – make note of anyone who stands out and has the ‘presence’ you are looking for.

Look into programs. Many organizations now have internal mentoring programs that you can become a part of. If you work for yourself you can investigate Government programs that offer mentoring programs.

Select your mentor. When you identify the person you believe would be a suitable mentor, spend some time watching them in action. Ask around to find out what other people’s opinion of your chosen mentor are and find out all you can about their achievements, beliefs, values and way of operating. This will give you insight into them before you approach them about mentoring you.

Approach your mentor. Phone your prospective mentor and ask to make an appointment to see them. Tell him or her why you want to meet and schedule a time. It is important that your interactions are professional and show respect for your prospective mentors’ time. This demonstrate that you are committed to doing the right thing.

Have an agenda. When you do meet, have an outline of what you would like to discuss. Your agenda should include why you want them to mentor you, for how long and what you hope to gain during that time. If they do agree to mentor you, you can then work out how you can support them too – this should be a two-way process.

Make an agreement. If you both decide to proceed, set up an agreement with guidelines about how your relationship will work and what you both expect from each other.

Contributed by Neen James, a Global Productivity Expert.  More about Need James at http://neenjames.com/.

The Power of Networking when Job Seeking

By Sabrina Risley

A frequently overlooked tool for finding a new job is networking. People who attend networking events are generally well connected within their community, attend various events, and are givers.  They enjoy connecting people and helping others out, so when someone comes to find a job, networking participants are pretty interested in helping out. 

Networking groups range from business types to special interests and can be found through quick searches on the internet. Some groups have associated costs, but they’re worth paying for if it means connecting with key players in the community. You can also look for trade or association meetings, board meetings or other open events that allow guest.

Submitting a resume’ via  Internet job postings is one traditional way of gaining employment.  But nothing beats a personal connection made by someone who is obviously a go-getter (you at the networking event!). At a 2009 Behind The Moon networking event, two gentlemen got to talking.  One was an unemployed IT programmer, the other had a friend with connections at Microsoft.  Guess where that connection led?  Our unemployed gentleman got a year-long consulting gig at Microsoft!  Making a few connections with people who know hiring managers at local employers, and a simple phone call or email may very well bring your resume’ to the top of the stack and get your foot in the door.

When networking, be sure to have business cards available with your contact information.  You can print them yourself or order them free or for very little cost.  They don’t have to be anything fancy but they are necessary so the connections you make have an easy way to retrieve your phone number and contact you either should they come across an opportunity that might be suitable for you.  Also, when you network, offer your support in return by asking if there is anything your new connections need or could use help with and then introduce them to others who might be a fit for them. Lastly, networking is a waste of time if you don’t follow up.  So spend a few minutes the next day sending thank you cards and making follow-up phone calls.

If you are in the Denver area, be sure to check out the several Behind the Moon networking event locations that meet monthly at http://www.behindthemooninc.com/events.cfm.

(c) 2010 Behind The Moon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

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Feel free to share this article in its entirety and include the Bio information below along with live link back to this blog post.  Thank you.

Sabrina Risley founded Behind The Moon, Inc.® in 2003, a Colorado-based networking and referral group organization that sets itself apart with its motto “grow your business by helping others grow theirs.” Behind The Moon offers several networking events across Colorado’s Front Range, as well as referral groups that attract professionals who network to give rather than get.  You will find Sabrina speaking to audiences about effective networking techniques, the power of partnerships, and principles of service and giving as a means to grow a business.  To learn more about Behind The Moon, please visit http://www.BehindTheMoonInc.com. 

Integrate Online & Offline Marketing to Build Quality Relationships That Mean Business

By Andrea Costantine

A great way to market your business is to integrate both online and offline marketing strategies.  Let’s explore taking “offline” relationships, online. As we network, we meet many people. Many we “hope” to bump into again, leaving fate to take its course. But this is no way to manage new contacts.

The first key question to ask yourself is whether you have a solid, easy follow-up system in place to follow up with the people you meet in person? Most people do not, but one simple way to stay connected to your “offline contacts” is to invite them into your “online world.”

For example, after attending a networking meeting, search for the people you have just met and invite them to connect with you Facebook or LinkedIn.  You may notice for yourself that those you respond to online are people you have met in person. It’s the same for others… once they have met you and then connect with you online, they have a greater tendency to follow your postings and updates than the people who have never had the opportunity to meet you personally.

Using social media as a way to “stay in touch” can be instrumental in helping you build and continue relationships you have started in person. Let’s look at this in greater detail – connect in person, invite to online network, notice what they are doing, make comments, share their postings, and deepen the relationship. The more you pay attention to people online and respond to what they are doing, the more the person will pay attention to you.

Relationships take time. Don’t force it but rather let it flow naturally. More than anything, be genuine in your responses online.

Let’s take a look at the reverse… connecting online first, then in person.

First of all, be sure to strategically follow people you would like to get to know better.  When searching for new friends and followers online, don’t allow just anyone into your network. If you are a realtor, search for people in complimentary industries. It’s not a race for popularity, it’s about building quality relationships that really mean business and have significance.

Once you have targeted people into your network, focus on them.  People love attention! If you are on Twitter, re-tweet their postings, comment on their updates on Facebook, “share” what they are doing, and offer support.  Even a simple reply like “I think you are doing great things, I’d love to connect further” can easily get you a face-to-face meeting or phone conversation with someone.

Social media is the easiest way to meet even the most elusive person.  If you are looking to meet someone whom you personally admire, there is no better way than to make that connection online.  The majority of people do respond to people who reach out to them. So don’t be afraid to reach out and connect.

Here’s one last thing that should be mentioned. Relationship-building does not happen overnight. Sometimes it can take months or even years before your efforts pay off.  Just realize that what you are doing is not in vain, you are being noticed, you are being seen, be patient with the process and, as stated – be real.  Transparency is highly valued in the online world.  Show a little of yourself in both situations (online and offline) and you’ll soon see your efforts blossom.

(c) 2010 Behind The Moon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

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Feel free to share this article in its entirety and include the Bio information below along with live link back to this blog post.  Thank you.

Andrea Costantine is a writer, speaker, and wanna-be artist, focusing on the good things in life.  She is a perpetual optimist, lover of nature, yoga, travel, and new experiences.  Learn more about Andrea at www.andreacostantine.com.

Using Social Media for Job Searching

By Sabrina Risley

Social media sites can be a great resource for finding a new position. Twitter, You Tube, Linked In and Facebook has its place in the job market. Here are a few things to try when utilizing social media for finding a new job. 

Linked In: Connect with powerful connections through your contacts, ask for introductions, and initiate a conversation. Utilize the groups and search with keywords for your industry. Ask or answer questions in the Answers section to showcase your expertise, or even propose a job.

You Tube: This one may be a little out of the box, but perhaps make a video as a video applicant for your industry or maybe even find your new employer on here by searching what’s going on in your field.

Twitter: Search the advanced twitter feature for job postings, tips, and strategies. Connect with key players in your industry and join in on the conversation. You never know a simple @ reply could literally get you an interview.

Facebook: Join Facebook groups related to your market, participate, and get connected with other job seekers. You never know what job they may have heard about that is not a fit for them, but just might be the job for you.

(c) 2010 Behind The Moon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

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Feel free to share this article in its entirety and include the Bio information below along with live link back to this blog post.  Thank you.

Sabrina Risley founded Behind The Moon, Inc.® in 2003, a Colorado-based networking and referral group organization that sets itself apart with its motto “grow your business by helping others grow theirs.” Behind The Moon offers several networking events across Colorado’s Front Range, as well as referral groups that attract professionals who network to give rather than get.  You will find Sabrina speaking to audiences about effective networking techniques, the power of partnerships, and principles of service and giving as a means to grow a business.  To learn more about Behind The Moon, please visit http://www.BehindTheMoonInc.com.