It took me 58 years to learn a truth I wish I’d embraced sooner: just because you’re a solo entrepreneur doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. For years, I believed that running a small business meant wearing every hat, juggling marketing, sales, strategy, and fulfillment in isolation.
And let me tell you—it gets lonely in that bubble.
Even when you're passionate about your work, it’s easy to stall out, second-guess every move, or burn out from trying to do too much with too little support.
But then something shifts. Another creative entrepreneur shares a fresh idea, offers a new perspective, or simply says, “Want to team up?” Suddenly, you remember: you don’t have to build your business alone.
That’s the power of collaboration for entrepreneurs—sharing ideas, energy, and even audiences. It’s not only made my business stronger, it’s made it more joyful, sustainable, and connected. If you’re looking for a smart business growth strategy, start by reaching out. You never know where a partnership might lead.
Why Collaboration Works (At Least, for Me)
When I connect with another small business owner or creative whose energy just clicks with mine, something unlocks. We bounce ideas around, share each other’s audiences, get more creative—and honestly, have way more fun. I walk away from those partnerships feeling inspired and supported.
Here’s how I’m putting collaboration into action this season:
1. Gift Bundles with Heart
This fall, I’m partnering with other women-owned businesses to create thoughtful friendship gift sets. I’m combining pieces from my Take Care of Your Tribe ornament collection with their gorgeous, complementary products. It’s a meaningful way to co-create something special that speaks to both our audiences.
2. Cross-Promotional Packaging
Every time someone orders one of my gilded gold leaf ornaments, they might find a little something extra inside—a discount code, postcard, or special offer from another small business I love. It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect our communities.
3. Shared Pop-Ups and Trunk Shows
I’m planning a few holiday pop-ups where multiple W4W members will share a space, invite their customers, and create a vibrant, collaborative shopping experience. These events generate more energy (and sales!) than going solo.
4. Blog & Substack Collaborations
I’m also writing shared blog posts with other creatives—talking through our process, what inspires us, and what it really looks like to build a business from the heart. Two voices, one story, lots of insight.
5. Cross-Discounts
You offer my audience 10% off, I do the same for yours. These cross-promotional strategies are easy to implement and a great way to introduce new customers to our shops.When I connect with another small business owner or creative whose vibe just clicks with mine, something shifts. We bounce ideas around, share each other’s audiences, get more creative—and honestly, it’s just more fun. I leave those collaborations feeling inspired, energized, and supported.
Collaboration Isn’t Just About Sales—It’s About Support
Whether you’re a maker, artist, coach, or service-based entrepreneur, collaboration offers so much more than exposure or revenue. It offers relief. Encouragement. Momentum.
That’s exactly why I created Women for Women (W4W)—a community for creative business owners who want to grow through connection, not competition. Inside W4W, we share ideas, energy, resources, and remind each other that we’re stronger together.
So if you’re feeling stuck, tired, or simply curious about what’s next for your business, start by looking around. Who could you collaborate with? What could you create together?
You don’t have to do this alone.
Just say it with me: Let’s team up.
Book & Podcast Recommendations: Business Collaboration & Co-Marketing
BOOKS
Power of 2: How to Make the Most of Your Partnerships at Work and in Life
Authors: Rodd Wagner & Gale Muller
Explores the science behind effective partnerships—with business case studies. Great for understanding why some collaborations thrive.
Co-Branding: The Science of Alliance
Authors: T.C. Melewar & Charles Dennis
A deep dive into brand partnerships (from fashion to food). Covers how companies like Nike x Apple or BMW x Louis Vuitton succeed through shared audiences.
We-Commerce: How to Create, Collaborate, and Succeed in the Sharing Economy
Authors: Billee Howard
Focuses on collaboration in the modern marketplace. Includes examples of how brands grow through co-creation and community partnerships.
Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits
Authors: Debbie Millman
Includes interviews with top branding minds (like Seth Godin & Malcolm Gladwell) discussing how partnerships and creative alliances drive modern marketing.
Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose
Authors: Raj Sisodia, Jag Sheth, and David B. Wolfe
While broader than just co-marketing, this book features companies that prioritize collaboration—with employees, customers, and partners.
PODCASTS
🎧 Podcast Recommendations for Collaboration & Co-Marketing
1. Masters of Scale (Hosted by Reid Hoffman)
This celebrated business podcast uncovers how founders scale their companies—often through powerful partnerships and co-branding strategies. Each episode offers entrepreneurial lessons rooted in collaboration.
Apple Podcasts+3YouTube+3Apple Podcasts+3YouTube
2. The Partnership Playbook (Hosted by Phil Hayes-St Clair)
A practical podcast focused on building high-value partnerships for growth. Great for learning systems around partnership strategy, trust-building, and co-marketing.
Apple Podcasts
3. Partnership Unpacked (Hosted by Mike Allton, from Agorapulse)
Packed with insights, this series dives into how partnerships work, why they matter, and how to execute collaborations effectively.
Tomo 360+15Agorapulse+15Kwanza Jones+15
4. Successful Small Business Partnerships
A down-to-earth conversation with small business owners sharing real stories, lessons, and tips about forming partnerships grounded in trust and respect.
The How of Business Podcast & Resources
👉 Browse my ornaments and creative collections on my website.
👉Visit my new “home” - booth #4012 at Westside Market in midtown Atlanta.
👉 Curious about Women for Women? There’s always room at the table.