Urban Focus Shares Collaboration Practices for Entrepreneurs
As an interactive marketing firm, the team at Urban Focus has worked closely with all types of entrepreneurs as they build brand awareness and launch products. One of the fundamentals they've observed is the need to collaborate.
Lincoln, NE, May 29, 2015 (Newswire.com) - “One of the key myths surrounding entrepreneurs is that they’re self-made success stories,” noted Lauren, Urban Focus’ director of operations. “Successful business leaders have never gone the distance alone. Steve Jobs had Steve Wozniak, for instance. The companies that have thrived are those with founders who were open to collaboration.”
Lauren shared why collaborative efforts are fruitful. “No one can be an expert in everything,” she stated. “A good entrepreneur is keenly aware of his or her limitations, and where knowledge or skills are lacking. This is where having someone who can offset the inevitable gaps is quite valuable. For example, if you’re not an expert at accounting, you need to work with someone who is. Don’t just hire this person to do your books – you need someone who can review your bank statements and general ledgers to help you find ways to save money and pinpoint liabilities. Collaboration is like an extra set of eyes.”
"No one can be an expert in everything,"
Lauren , Director of Operations
“Fresh perspectives are incredibly vital as well,” Lauren added. “At Urban Focus, one of the best practices we’ve incorporated is to encourage team members to collaborate on campaigns and provide input from different points of view. Often, the team member working on a project may develop tunnel vision and lose sight of the big picture. It’s easy to miss important details, even simple mistakes, when you’re close to the situation. Collaboration allows someone who can come in from the outside to critique your work constructively. Diverse outlooks lead to tremendous innovation.”
Urban Focus Managers Discuss Successful Collaboration Practices
Lauren noted that there are many considerations when it comes to selecting someone with whom to collaborate. “First, you have to think about why you’re bringing this person into your business,” she explained. “What will his or her role be? Do you intend for him or her to become a partner or an investor? Is this person being hired to fill a specific role or gap in your business’ knowledge stream? Is this person serving as consultant or a coach? It’s important to understand this individual’s purpose.”
“Once you’ve decided on a role, determine the objective of the collaboration. You may be seeking business-planning advice from a coach while working with your accountant to determine cost-effective practices,” Lauren noted. “Each person brings something different to the table, so your job as an entrepreneur is to capitalize on the skills and experiences they have, especially those that are different from yours.
Lauren concluded by noting that the trust factor is most critical. “Remember, this is your business,” she said. “Above all, whoever you collaborate with is someone with whom you are entrusting your assets and your future. Choose wisely, but remember that collaboration has more benefits than risks. Good luck!”
About Urban Focus
Urban Focus is an industry-leading event-based promotional firm. The team’s innovative and interactive outreach initiatives are custom designed for every client the company serves, and they consistently generate enduring, mutually beneficial relationships between businesses and consumers. By fostering engaging and unique experiences for specific audiences, Urban Focus’ team members give the brands they represent a competitive edge in the highly competitive marketing sector. With a comprehensive training program, a mentorship approach, and an upbeat and empowering corporate culture, professionals are fully prepared to utilize progressive solutions that boost brand awareness, loyalty, referrals, and bottom-line results. For more information, visit urbanfocus.com.
