5 min read
(Before you read - I created a free guide to go with this article. Don't forget to download it HERE!)
In our last blog, we discussed how to overcome the fear of competition. That article explains why fear of competition happens, how to overcome it, and how to create an abundance mindset.
If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to go read it HERE (+ download the free guide) first.
Now that you’ve embraced an abundance mindset and see local practitioners as collaborators (instead of competitors), you’re ready for part 2! Let's uncover the actual HOW to create collaborations with other professionals in your area.
Attend Events
What’s the best way to meet new people? Get out there!
If there are horse people in your area, there are sure to be events. What local equestrian events can you attend?
Horse shows
Clinics (auditing is a great way to network)
Workshops
Conferences
*Note - Attending events like 4-H and Pony Club are a great way to meet other horse owners. But for networking, you’ll want to be strategic about which events have other professionals there.
Take the initiative to get out there and start conversations with other professionals. Be sure to bring business cards so you can swap contact info.
Meeting new people isn’t manipulative or from a place of ‘trying to get ahead’. Instead, think of it as connecting with other professionals in your area. If you’re meant to collaborate with them, then the opportunity will unfold naturally.
The goal of attending events is to get out there and take the first step of forging in-person relationships.
Case Studies
Struggling with a challenging client case you can’t seem to crack on your own? Those are the perfect opportunities to form new collaborations.
(With the permission of the client, of course) reach out to veterinarians, trainers, farriers, saddle fitters, or any other professionals who would be a good fit. Explain the case you’re facing, where you’re struggling, and why you think they’d be a good fit. Ask them if they’d be interested in collaborating with you on the case.
*Note - The other professional should be compensated their regular price for the expertise they bring forward to the case study. This isn’t about asking people to help you for free. Instead, it’s about both parties working on the horse and sharing their findings.
Bundled Services
Equine professionals all bring their own unique ‘flavor’ forward to help the horse. And sometimes, things just go better together (peanut butter and jelly anyone?).
Who in your area offers a service that your offering would be a great complement to? Reach out and see if they’d be interested in putting together a bundled combo day. Clients love combo sessions, and they’re a great way to leverage each other’s audience.
→ Could you work with a trainer for a combo day of eyeballing horses and releasing restrictions during riding lessons?
→ Could you bring in a PEMF provider for a massage + combo day?
→ Could you attend shows and work together?
Working together to bundle services can be a great way to ‘amplify’ effects while having fun collaborating on the horse together.
Another idea for bundled services is to host joint workshops. Both professionals can showcase their businesses + expertise while working together. Joint workshops are a great way to leverage each other’s audiences and promote yourselves as the go-to businesses in the area.
Referral Networks
Creating a referral network is as simple as having a list of professionals to turn to when you need to refer a client elsewhere. Reach out to professionals in your area to see if they’d be interested in joining your referral network.
Usually, this approach creates a reciprocity effect. That professional then refers to your business too. Referral networks can be a powerful way to open the door to future collaborations.
Social Media Engagement
Social media is one of the most powerful tools for networking AND it’s free. It’s a great time to be alive.
Join equine groups in your area and follow other professional’s pages. Join in on discussions and actively with them. The goal is not to hijack their social media posts, but rather to contribute and begin building trust and warm them up to you.
When you’re ready, you can reach out to them to see if they’d be interested in any collaboration opportunities.
You also can use social media to share other practitioner’s success stories. If they share a post about a neat case, share it! Celebrating each other knocks down walls, removes the fear of competition, builds trust, and fosters collaboration and a sense of community. It’s a win-win.
Conclusion
Networking and collaborating may feel scary, but I promise - it’s simpler than you think. It comes down to:
“Hey! You’re pretty cool. Here’s how we can help more horses together. Are you in?”
Put yourself out there and meet other professionals on social media or by attending in-person events. Introduce yourself, build relationships, and offer collaboration opportunities - from case studies to referral networks, to bundled services.
The only limit to collaboration ideas is your imagination.
Remember, equine professionals can create a thriving community that puts the horse first. Together, we can achieve more than any one of us ever could alone.
By the way, I created a free guide to help you dive deeper into the concepts of this article. Be sure to snag it HERE and get to work!
“Competition makes us faster. Collaboration makes us better.”
“None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” -Mother Teresa
“Don’t let the spirit of comparison and competition take you somewhere fast when the spirit of collaboration can take you someplace far instead.” -Cleo Wade
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.”