Collaboration not Competition

Baby boomers were raised to compete. They vied for everything from spelling bees to who could be the coolest. Today’s children are raised to believe that showing up is enough. Every child on a team gets a ribbon or trophy regardless of effort. As in all things, reality lies somewhere in the middle.

The Boomer’s competitive focus on their perceived competition was about winning but not about excellence. A competitive focus is outward directed. Everything the other guy does is a threat, something to act against. There are inherent problems with this mind set. It presumes that you have nothing to learn; winning is everything; and the other guy has the potential to beat you.

In spite of a Quaker upbringing Richard Nixon was the poster boy for professional competitiveness. He had a successful first term as President. He was a shoe-in for re-election. But during the campaign season he took his eye off of his strengths and weaknesses. He turned his focus on George McGovern. It wasn’t enough to beat him; Nixon wanted to annihilate McGovern. When annihilation became the goal principles and ethics fell by the wayside. A smart man with unparalleled skills threw away his legacy to compete against someone who had little chance to win.

Collaboration is cross-focused. It presumes that that someone in your market or others with a similar business offering might have something to proffer that could enhance your business. It presumes that by joining forces you could enhance both of your businesses. We have many wonderful collaboration models in our market. The Historic Inns of Rockland work together to drive calendar events and to promote their businesses. Maine wineries sponsor a state wide wine trail that features all of the wineries. Our art galleries do simultaneous openings to maximize viewing of shown artists’ works. The businesses mentioned collaborate to minimize costs and to maximize exposure. They join forces to set quality standards and customer satisfaction levels. They learn from and teach each other.

It’s about everyone winning but unlike the trophies for everyone crowd it’s about more than showing up. It means doing your best and sharing your knowledge. It’s an exchange of ideas and constructive criticism. It’s about being an individual and a team player. It’s about winning in a new way.

Forty-eight hours in Rockland

The current issue of Maine magazine has a six page spread about Rockland. It highlights thirty-seven businesses around town. That’s impressive by anyone’s standards. It is another indication of the vibrancy of the mid-coast. The vibrancy is a year round trait, not one that is fueled only by tourists for a brief season. Yes, the businesses listed profit from tourists but a healthy business environment has to serve its residents as well as its visitors. The restaurants, shops and inns are open all year. The business owners are active members of the community. Many are members of the Downtown Alliance, most are chamber of commerce members.

A key factor to local success is collaboration. Take the historic inns as an example. They work together to plan events, offer promotions and set a standard of quality to ensure customer satisfaction. They do so without losing their own identity or uniqueness. When you see businesses in the community who offer comparable services to yours try to view these business owners as possible alliances who with you can better serve the community. Through collaboration you can work to raise the bar for your customer base and improve your contribution to the vibrancy that is the mid-coast.

Collaboration is Key

I had a meeting today in Augusta on behalf of Midcoast Magnet with our partners for Juice 2.0. This was our wrap up meeting to identify success but maybe better opportunities for improvement. The meeting started off with a bang with Donna McNeil from the Maine Arts Commission (MAC), a true whirling dervish of a force, said "we are in for Juice 3.0 with the same resources and financial commitment." What a great way to start our meeting.

In attendance was a good crew from Midcoast Magnet, also a good crew from MAC and then the Maine Development Foundation or more specifically Ed Cervone. We talked about what worked with Juice 2.0 and where were the opportunities to make the next Juice even better. We focused in on goals, opportunities, quality, and direction. Excellent points were made as to how to hone in and produce a better quality conference in 2011.

As much as I suspect we all need a break from Juice, the positive energy around the conference was such that we are all willing to jump on board now. That is amazing to me. And even if we don't each have the drive personally right this second, together Juice 3.0 will be more than amazing. That is energizing, rewarding, and something to look forward to.

Thanks to our Juice partners. Thanks to successful collaborations. Time flies, look for updates for November 11 & 12, 2011.