Collaboration

Over the years, I have recognized that working with others has numerous benefits. For best results, it is important to make sure you are working with those who understand how to cooperate and collaborate,   as well as manage your expectations of the results. If you are volunteering on a benevolent effort like a soup kitchen or a church project, it is assumed that the volunteers are there to help others and can take direction to achieve the goal. But in business, collaborating with others can get confusing for some. Everyone should benefit in a collaborative effort, but nothing says that the benefits will be equal.

A good business collaborator will gather together other progressive business owners to work on a larger project that can benefit all. Usually it is a marketing effort and sometimes it is a political effort to protect the local lands or a business practice. Whatever the reason to gather these business people together, they need to consider the needs and goals of all. So much more can be accomplished by being a bit more of a giver rather than a taker.  (This applies to politicians on all levels as well, but I am not going to dive into that realm!)

I have been working with our county's rural economic development team for over 12 years now. There are many different business sectors as well as conservation agencies and government agencies. We all agree that keeping the land open and farming will benefit all. There are lots of issues that go along with this fundamental premise but as each of us in the group see the bigger picture, our businesses and organizations gain from the group's efforts.

Our winery has Temple Hall Farm Park next to us on our country road. We are working with them to develop a plan to help us both. The park wants more people to be aware them and what they offer in the fall. We at the winery are looking to help our customers with young children get the most from their visit with us without sacrificing the focus on our wines. Stay tuned for how our efforts turn out.
I also believe that good collaborators share their successes and challenges with others in order to make good models for other folks. Each effort that we have should have some lessons for others to gain from in order for them to solve their challenges.

So solid collaboration takes vision to see others peoples needs. You need to be a "giver" of time and energy recognizing that this sets a leadership example. It also take patience as getting everyone on the same page will take some time. Remember that all boats lift in a rising tide, and in many parts of the world, we have some ability to adjust the tides. We just need to learn how to work together.

  Raspberry Merlot:

 

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"The Angry Italian"
Spicy tomato & Asiago dip with fresh baked baguette


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"Take the Cannoli"
House-made cannoli dip with waffle crisps