Communities | Dr. Ivan Misner®

The idea of working together to achieve better results is a concept that has been around for centuries. Whether it is in the context of a family, community, or workplace, the notion that a group of people can accomplish more than an individual working alone has proven to be true time and time again. I have certainly seen that in BNI^® where groups of business people work together to achieve far greater results than they would achieve by working separately.

Two key ideas underpin this concept. The first is the notion that the sum of the whole is greater than the individual parts. The second is something my friend Sam Horn likes to say, which is: “Sometimes 1 + 1 = 11.”

The Sum of the Whole is Greater Than Individual Parts

The idea that the sum of the whole is greater than the individual parts suggests that when people work together, their collective efforts are greater than the sum of their individual contributions. In other words, a group of people can accomplish more together than they could individually. This concept is often seen in team sports, where a group of athletes working together can achieve a greater level of success than any one of them could on their own. The same can be true in the workplace, where a team of employees can collaborate to create innovative solutions for complex problems.

Sometimes 1 + 1 = 11

The second idea that underpins the concept of working together is the notion that 1 + 1 = 11. This idea suggests that when two people work together, their combined efforts are far greater than what they could achieve on their own. This concept is often used to describe the synergy that can be created when people collaborate. When two people work together, they can bounce ideas off each other, challenge each other’s assumptions, and build on each other’s strengths. The result is a level of creativity and innovation that is impossible to achieve when working alone.

Benefits of Working Together

There are many benefits to working together to achieve better results. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to leverage the strengths of each team member. When people work together, they can pool their knowledge, skills, and experience to create a more effective solution. This approach allows each team member to focus on their strengths and contribute to the team in the most meaningful way possible.

Another benefit of working together is the ability to learn from each other. When people collaborate, they have the opportunity to share ideas and perspectives, which can lead to new insights and approaches. This also helps to build trust and understanding between team members, which is essential for effective collaboration.

Working together also has the potential to increase efficiency and productivity. When people work together, they can divide tasks and responsibilities in a way that allows them to accomplish more in less time. This approach also helps to reduce the workload for each team member, which can lead to better work-life balance and increased job satisfaction.

The idea of working together to achieve better results is a powerful concept that has proven to be true time and time again. Within the context of families, communities, or the workplace, the benefits of collaboration are clear. By leveraging the strengths of each team member, learning from each other, and increasing efficiency and productivity, teams can achieve success that would be impossible to achieve when working alone.

The sum of the whole is indeed greater than the individual parts, and when people work together, 1 + 1 really can equal 11.

I would love to hear your thoughts and stories about working together.

Local communities and organizations–be they service clubs or professional groups–depend on sponsorships to make ends meet at some of their events. This is also true for association trade shows and exhibitions. In most cases, the dollar amounts for sponsoring events of this sort are modest–ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

How many times have you been asked to be a sponsor? How many times have you offered to sponsor a select event in order to help out someone in your network? Both situations have the potential to give you huge exposure if done well. In addition, sponsoring an event for someone on your word-of-mouth marketing team enhances the relationship, because you are helping that person meet a goal.

When you consider which people you will network with and where, you’re being selective. Choose carefully, too, when you’re thinking about sponsoring an event. Is it a good investment of your time and money? Whether you’re being recruited or are volunteering, ask yourself the following questions before deciding . . .

What is the target market for this event?
What kind of exposure do I get for my investment?
Can I get this kind of exposure without this investment?
Do I get direct access to the audience?
Does it make sense for me to be there?
Which business or networking goal does it help me complete?
Are other sponsors my competitors?
How does this enhance my credibility with the person I’m helping?
Why wouldn’t I do it?

All of these questions help you determine the value of a sponsorship opportunity. Now, imagine one day being in charge of putting on a huge event. Suddenly, someone from your network steps forward to offer you a substantial sponsorship because she heard through the grapevine that your event needed money. How would you feel about that person? You can create that same feeling toward yourself in someone else by offering that exact gift. Be selective, and offer your support in person. In effect, you are making a tidy “deposit” in your relationship bank account. This act of generosity definitely comes back to you in time, but for now it simply nurtures the relationship by helping someone in your network meet her goals.

This week, think of the people in your network. Who do you know that is planning an event–a conference, an open house, a 10K fundraiser–who could use your financial support? To strengthen your relationship with this individual, offer as much help from your business as you can provide.

Have you sponsored an event in the past? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience and how it impacted your relationship with the person in charge of the event. Please share your story in the comment forum below. Thanks!