Business collaboration can be energizing, expansive and, occasionally, exasperating. At our most recent round of Lioness Networking, founders shared what it really takes to collaborate well: finding the right partner, setting clear expectations and launching the exit plan when things go off-track.
We’ve highlighted some of their hard-won wisdom below — but you can watch the full recording above. (Be sure to sign up for more Lioness Networking, too!)
What makes a great collaborator?
Across the board, attendees agreed: trust is non-negotiable.
“There needs to be fundamental trust in each other’s abilities from the start,” said Maartje van Krieken (The Business Emergency Room). “If that’s not there, I don’t think I could work with anybody.”
Michelle DeNio talked about building collaborations that go beyond a quick referral or passing along a name. She, like many others in the session, prefers partnerships where both sides actively help clients make meaningful connections, such as setting up an initial consult. That extra step prevents people from slipping through the cracks.
Other founders echoed the value of relationship-building. “Collaboration is a relationship,” said Orly Zeewy (Zeewy Brands). “I don’t refer people willy-nilly. I want to support and be supported.”
Collaboration in action (AKA: real-life wins!)
- van Krieken shared how a surprising local referral led to a successful joint grant proposal for a charter school master plan in Louisiana.
- Halima Muhammad turned lighthearted art-world banter into a new client and a potential licensing deal with that same client’s artwork.
- Debra Driscoll (The BeHER Collective) built a referral-based partnership with Empowerography podcast host Brad Walsh. After appearing as a guest, she began sending him new interviewees, and, in return, he’s introduced her to other podcast and summit hosts.
- Virtual partnerships were everywhere. Several attendees credited long-distance, online-only relationships with speaking gigs, client work and reliable referrals.
(If you’re working with a remote team or virtual partners, check out this webinar for strategies on how to strengthen those relationships.)
Contracts, red flags and exit plans
Business collaboration can lead to incredible opportunities. But when it goes wrong, it can really go wrong. A bad partnership can waste hours of your time, derail projects, ruin professional relationships and damage your reputation. In some cases, it gets even messier: lost revenue, legal battles or stolen intellectual property.
To protect yourself, put everything in writing.
You’re probably picturing a formal contract — and, in some cases, that’s exactly what you need — but it doesn’t have to be. As our EIC Bobbie Carlton says, “It can just be a Word table: I do this, you do that. But we’re both signing off.”
Written terms can protect against the horror stories of misunderstandings or stolen work, but they won’t save you from a bad fit. Before you commit, look for warning signs. Avoid partnerships that feel one-sided or overly transactional, like the one DeNio described, where a potential collaborator seemed more interested in her audience than in creating mutual value.
Other red flags include unclear expectations, vague commitments, poor communication or incompatible working styles. (If your collaborator works in a completely different timezone and your project needs fast turnarounds, you’re setting yourself up for frustration.)
How to spot a good collaborator
The best collaborations tend to have a few things in common. Clear, open communication. Mutual effort and follow-through. Respect for each other’s time, boundaries and expertise. Look for partners who are generous with credit, honest about their capacity and proactive about resolving conflict. Bonus points if they actually make the work feel easier! A good collaboration should build momentum, not drag you down.
Final tips from the Lioness community:
- Dare to dream, and reach out to that aspirational partner. You might be surprised who says yes!
- Charge what you’re worth. Underpricing just hurts you in the long run.
- If you’re ready to collaborate, declare your intent. Name what you’re looking for, go to more events and post about your goals. Opportunities start showing up when you do.
- Revisit your partnerships regularly. A quarterly check-in (a business “prenup”) gives everyone a graceful exit ramp (if needed).
- Don’t check your inbox first thing in the morning. We know — it’s hard! But the stress reduction is worth it. Take a walk, do some deep breathing, anything that’s not answering emails from bed.
Next up: let’s talk productivity at November Lioness Networking!
Left unchecked, your to-do list never ends. Ready to turn it into something that actually gets done?
November Lioness Networking: Sane Productivity Systems
Monday, November 17 at 11 AM — 12 PM ET
Join us for a hands-on networking session where fellow founders share practical productivity systems that actually stick. We’ll cover batching, time-blocking, prioritization, delegation, simple automations — and much more. Come with one task you keep avoiding and leave with a plan!
Lioness Networking is your monthly opportunity to expand your business network and connect with female entrepreneurs like you. Join us for enriching insights and camaraderie. Through a series of engaging breakout rooms and guided discussions, we’re here to provide valuable support for founders everywhere.
Add Comment