Partnerships.

Last winter I turned to Rob and my sister and said, “You know what? this year, for me, it’s all about partnerships. Finding the right people to work with.”

I’ve always been somewhat of a loner. When I was a competitive figure skater, I refused to have a “boy partner” because I wanted to skate alone and enjoy the wins (and cry about the losses) on my own terms. I was nine years old. That same attitude carried me through my teen years (try getting me to work with a partner on a book report or science project – no chance) and that same I-work-alone preference has even carried well into my adulthood (case in point, my last post on how I don’t nurture a whole lot).

Over the last few hours, I’ve been thinking a lot about partnerships – marriage, sisterhood, business. But this isn’t a coincidence. In the last two weeks, I’ve had my mind wrapped around three partnership opportunities: I asked, I was asked, and then there was a bit of both. Nothing has been finalized on all three, but all three are very much in the works. Whether they’re a-go or a no-go, the fact of the matter is that, yes, they’re on the table. And I’m ready to turn that table on its ass and make good things happen.

I used to wonder why celebrities like JLo, JayZ and Lady GaGa traveled with an entourage, and then I realized that these aren’t just awe-struck groupies, these people are business partners for these celebrities. Each one has a role and function in the leader’s success; and, when he/she succeeds, the pack gets a pay-day. Simple. And simple is often genius; in fact, I once read that genius is taking something complicated and simplifying it, which is exactly what these entourage-clad stars are doing: they’re taking the guess-work out of being rich and famous and breaking it down, one person (or partner) at a time.

On my List is returning to my entrepreneurial roots. I worked for myself most of my early 20s until I decided that I needed to “settle down and get a real job”. It took exiting my 20s to realize that working for others just isn’t how I roll. I admire those who do, however; those who enjoy their work and see progress and success in all places. I admire those who are content in striving to move up a ladder instead of building one (like me). I admire it, but after having done that for the last five years, I know it’s not for me.

I’ve been assembling tools to build my ladder (courses, reading, market research) and now I’m looking for people to build it with. Funny enough (but never coincidental) I can empathize with each person in my potential partnership endeavors: I’ve been the asker and the askee. From this experience I can safely say that anticipating not only your needs but the needs of a potential partner is a big step towards great things (and yes, you can apply that to relationships, too.)

I’ll keep you posted.