January Blog Brunch Recap: Collaborations
Hello Everyone! We are absolutely thrilled with how our last Brunch about Collaborations went; here are some of the highlights! For more information, or a full transcript please visit this link.
1. Name what you feel are the key elements of a great collaboration.
Chevronseclairs: Key elements would be organization and consistency
HitchDesign: Being open and receptive to giving and receiving ideas. Being humble, kind, and responsive
Sister_mag: I find an open communication really important! Changing thoughts without the fear of “stupid ideas”
ParkerEtc: Honest communication, shared common goals, embrace the others unique perspective, sense of shared responsibility & have fun!
Amandagenther: key elements=people from similar backgrounds but with different strengths. I think this avoids headbutting
aQuickStudy: Definitely clear expectations and organization
inredlipstick: Fluidity and being organic. Definitely key elements.
Calliopeboutiq: an inspired idea, of course. Strengths that complement areas of improvement. Ideas that feed on/build on each other.
Decormusings: collaboration requires drive/passion, stellar ideas and a willingness to compromise at times.
pure2raw: staying true to yourself while being open to new ideas, being honest and being motivating to others
4loveofexplorat: A team that encourages and inspires each other to execute 1 goal with the same heart and enthusiasm!
Thee_AOF: Collaborating with those who don’t compromise your own success by having different goals and intentions.
Janeklementti: partnerships work best when different skills are combined to get the most out of each partner
Melaniebiehle: Remain open to your idea changing as the collaboration progresses. Don’t get too attached to how you think it should be.
2. How have you found the right people to collaborate with?
Dcoopsd: YES! Twitter has brought to me some amazing people to work with, to bounce ideas off of.
Imwaytoobusy: I look for bloggers who inspire me and seem to have authentic passion. Nothing beats collab with people that motivate you!
HitchDesign: Each time I have been approached by people to collaborate. for whatever reason I must appear to be open to it!
Youstirme: blog world has been a huge resource! Find people who inspire you and reach out to them, build a true relationship with them!
Mspinkandblue: Twitter has been great! That’s how Megan and I met also @linkedin, @elance are great resources too.
KateLainey: i believe friendship starts before collaboration…finding someone who inspires you and makes you a better blogger
ParkerEtc: Don’t be afraid to ‘dream big’ in your collaborations & whom you ask to collaborate. Ppl want to a part of a great idea.
Writerobinson: The key to collaboration is trust & recognizing the mutual interest is > the individual. Expand the pie instead of hoard.
MyCraftyHomLife: Reach out to people who comment on your blog!
3. How have you found it fair to split up work, money, etc?
HitchDesign: Usually someone is better at something than someone else so it always find a way of evening out.
Inredlipstick: Even appreciating what you love about a blogger and what they do can open a relationship that can turn into a future collab!
ArtOfTheSpa: it’s so funny my main goal in doing twitter was to meet folks with like interests - turned out to be so much more!
Blushandjelly: All depends on the collaboration and what each person has to offer. Find out what are the strengths of your collab partner
mspinkandblue: I say 50/50 in terms of work load & money- its good 2 think of a project as potential business who know where it can take u!
ThN26987: Money = performance based … however it IS hard to track that still
SavvyYoungSarah: I think the idea of splitting money and work holds some ppl back from higher levels of collaboration
aQuickStudy: With money, all I can say is open conversation, up front clarity and good planning. And TRUST.
JessicaLNewell: I think what matters beyond the split is that both partners truly trust each other. Just a thought.
PassageHill: Folks more experienced at collaboration should also be willing to take newbies under their wings, and encourage fresh talent.
decormusings: I’m still learning but discuss details from the beginning and it’s important to speak up if you dislike anything.
Inredlipstick: Don’t be vague in whats expected or leave out detail. Talk about everything. It’s best to be clear upfront then surprised later.
Thee_AOF: Sometimes it’s worth it to make a bit of an investment, at ur own cost - but it’s important to be aware of all biz matters
decaporter: Collab for free —> An exchange btwn both parties can exist other than $ exchange. That would be ideal but always other ways
eatdrinkshopluv: It’s about about the relationship not the money.
4. Is there any software, apps or file sharing systems that you use for collaborations?
5. What collaborations have you seen work in our community? Why do you think they have worked?
ParkerEtc: @kinfolkmag is a great example of likeminded, gifted people from differing industries collaborating for an amazing product
HitchDesign; I thought @amandagenther features of bloggers going to #altsummit were awesome!
Thee_AOF: The best collabs are when both brands have faith in the other, and fully support each other.
dcoopsd I love Selby’s though. The photos of the interiors and those gr8 hand drawn pages. AWESOME
Lostphotographs: artists and businesses are great collaborators because they bring different things to the table
JessicaLNewell; I think its neat to see bloggers who have a similar vision but a completely different skillset/experience work together..
tkpleslie: I have reco’d formal blog collabs for our clients with @quintessenceblg @abcddesigns @A_Interiors @decaporter
melaniebiehle: Have you seen THE GLOW? It’s like The Selby for creative moms. I’m obsessed with it.
Loveandreason: I love @designlovefest’s closet & casa on @ohjoystudio, or @habletextiles and rinne allen’s handmade books!
Youstirme: @magrouge is another great collaboration! loving all the online mag prettiness! so inspiring!
