Recently I met with like-minded local businesses to discuss hosting a networking evening themed around ‘Collaboration’.
The event was held under the banner of the Warragul Business Group. Along with April Pyle from Factory One and Erika McInernay from Mac&Ernie Social Media Training, I shared some of my personal experiences of ‘Collaboration”.
I spoke about an opportunity that Nerida’s Interior Plantscaping was given to stock Factory One retail space with indoor plants. Of course, I early agreed even though retail was not in my ‘Business Plan’ nor was it something I had planned on venturing into.
The networking evening ‘Collaboration’ was a huge success for all involved and I was excited to share with my local business community that the evening’s sales exceed my expectations and how thrilled I was that Nerida’s Interior Plantscaping was exposed to a new group of potential clients.
I am now able to direct enquiries for indoor plant sales to Factory One, increasing the number of customers walking through the door of their retail space but most importantly saving me time!!
Co-collaborator Erika McInernay facilitates Mac&Ernie Social Media Training workshops in this inspirational green setting space and the workshops also bring potential customers through the door. Erika promotes the stunning home wares, indoor plants and all of the latest events happening in this space through her vast social media network. Win, win, and win!
This is just one example of collaboration. I have many more that I could share and believe we all do it in our own businesses, perhaps without even thinking about it. If you have any stories of ‘Collaboration’ you would like to share please forward them!
This led me to think about how Interior Plantscape Association membership is also a form of collaboration where we come together to work towards a common goal. In the case of IPA, our goal is to increase the professionalism and profitability of our businesses through training and education, and to promote our industry and the benefits of indoor plants to the government, business and the general public, resulting in greater opportunities for us all. If our industry is doing well, we all benefit. Networking with likeminded businesses is also a huge bonus and leads to individual collaborations where we pass on leads that we are not able to service ourselves for various reasons.
Together we are certainly stronger and I look forward to working with not only IPA members but also other likeminded groups and individuals to promote the benefits of incorporating more greenery into our lives.
Until next time…….
Nerida