Community Over Competition & The Joys Of Collaboration
Hello, welcome and happy May 1st! We are thrilled to have you here this evening and even more excited for tonight's blog from Sara Jewell, an Edmonton photographer. Recently, Sara, her friend Chelsea, owner of Allure Beauty by Chelsea and the ladies from Caramia Caramels, Alysia and Tammy, collaborated! All Edmonton residents, this is was one of our first YEG collaborations and we couldn't have asked for a better collaboration. Tonight Sara talks to us about community over competition and the importance of collaboration as a win-win situation. So without further ado he is Sara Jewell, read and enjoy!
"A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others" - Ayn Rand
Community over Competition and the joys of Collaboration
There is power in collaboration - YEG is all over it. Since arriving here just over 2 years ago, one thing was certain - the essence of small businesses leveraging creativity, experience and resources through collaboration was tangible, whether over a cup of coffee and a chat or through product launches and photo shoots, I could feel this community. This is totally a win-win situation where like-minded entrepreneurs join forces and rise together. As an entrepreneur of a one-manned-show, it is easy to feel isolated if you don't put yourself out there to connect with other businesses in your community.
Photos by Sara Jewell Photography
This collaboration with Local Laundry, the Caramia Caramel Girls and Allure Beauty By Chelsea, was a pure example of community over competition at its finest - pooling resources, advice, expertise and connecting.
Photos by Sara Jewell Photography
Although competition can be good for business, as they say, I believe community is even better. As a right-brained thinker, where creativity and artistry dominate, I find myself drawn to those who are left-brain dominate - the logical, business brained thinkers. They have something I don't have, but together, magic. With a 'community over competition' mindset, local businesses become enriched by these strong relationships. The benefits of ditching the competition for community are many; here are some to highlight:
1) Educating and advising each other - this is obvious, we all have our strengths and we all have our weaknesses, so instead of asking Google, ask a local expert!
2) Simple Inspiration - just chatting over a cup of coffee with like-minded individuals can create an avalanche of exciting new business ideas.
3) It's resourceful - pooling resources for an event or when needed is always beneficial and cost saving. Plus it feels good to share!
4) It feels good to connect and grow a network - whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, it is human nature to want to connect with others - to have someone to vent to, hash things and ideas over with and to be understood is grounding and healthy.
5) Cross promotion - simply put, promoting others is heart-warming and grows the gratitude of the universe. Heavenly.
Photos by Sara Jewell Photography
How to begin growing your community? Join a group the meets regularly, join a virtual community on Facebook or Instagram, invite your Instagram business crush for a coffee or pay if forward by offering your resources to help another local business. You can only win.
Photos by Sara Jewell Photography
"If you send out goodness from yourself, or if you share that which is happy or good within you, it will all come back to you multiplied ten thousand times. In the kingdom of love there is no competition; there is no possessiveness or control. The more love you give away, the more love you will have. - John O'Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book Of Celtic Wisdom
Photos by Sara Jewell Photography
Back to Kathleen here! If you are someone you know would like to be a guest blogger on our blog drop us a line! Chat at chaaa next week Calgary - stay local!
PSST, I have a brand new blog up on my personal blog ‘That Awkward Dating Moment’ and if you’re already lurkin’ on social media follow me on Instagram @kathleensmiles_
