Trust Lays Groundwork for Partnerships

摘要

When it comes to getting what you need in business without overtaxing your resources, nature offers us a very successful playbook in symbiotic relationships. Think about your garden plants. The plant's mission is to replicate itself and perpetuate its species. A bee has similar aims, but needs fuel for the task. So the plant creates nectar to feed the bee. As the bee moves along the floral buffet line, it brings with it pollen from each flower which allows the plant to reproduce. Each party supplies a vital function that allows both to reach their goals. Strategic alliance has in recent years become the "buzzword" (pun intended) of the business world and although there are probably a half dozen definitions for the term, they all have a common theme―cooperation. "Essentially, it is when one organization is working with another organization and both companies receive a benefit or value," said Janice Twombly, co-founder of Rhythm of Business, Inc., a Boston, Mass. based firm that helps companies form successful partnerships. "Many organizations focus on that which they can do well and outsource what they are not really good at but the other company is."