Why compete, when you can collaborate?

Many years ago - hate saying that as I feel it ages me - Regardless, many years ago when I was working in film and the concept of the DSGN network was but a twinkle in my eye I came to realise a bad trend within the film industry.

At the time I was working as an editorial apprentice and a freelance editor.  Often, when I was seeking clientele or opportunities to work with a studio I was often met with concern, aggression and quite often rudeness.  Apparently, the only reason I wanted to work alongside someone was to steal their clients and their profits!

When I moved back to Kitchener-Waterloo I felt that the market would be much more open and receptive to collaboration.  I approached many small video and design companies around the area, and to my surprise the response I had received in Toronto was echoed here.  Needless to say, I was a little shocked that businesses could have been so closed minded about expanding their opportunities.

In early 2009 I decided to retire the original name of my multi-pronged business concept and rename it under a more to-the-point DSGN network moniker.  I was determined to find those whom were not afraid of working together to a common end.  Surprisingly, there seemed to be a change in the air.  I started meeting businesses and freelancers who shared my vision.

What has been the foundation of the DSGN network's original concept, seems to now be a rewarding theme in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.  Many businesses, which some would consider to be my direct competition, now are open to the idea of helping me develop the network, and even better, business owners are open to collaborating to improve everyone's company.

So as the title states: Why compete, when you can collaborate?

In the design industry it seems, we all have skills that we consider to be our own strengths.  The downside, and old mantra, is businesses used to try to do EVERYTHING to maximize their revenue.  Personally, this is both counter intuitive, and counter productive.  At the core, I consider myself  a vision person, so branding is what I gravitate towards.  Does this mean I am a web developer? A Social Media consultant? A photographer? Strategist, etc? I think you get the picture.

The answer is no.

Why would I try to sell myself as a jack-of-all-trades when there are talented people out there who DO specialize in those areas? Find someone who you enjoy and can work with to expand your skill set.

Collaborate, don't compete.

The next time that a business, be it the DSGN network, or someone in a completely different industry comes to you and puts forth an opportunity to work together - consider it.  I am not stating that every opportunity is going to be a good fit, or will work, but why not give it a chance? I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

At the core of the DSGN network is a heart of collaboration.  I want to succeed of course, don't we all? With the talented freelancers and businesses that I am, and will work with down the road; my success goes hand in hand with your success.  To me, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Is this what the corporate world has really come down to?

You know, I have had this blog for awhile now and have been struggling to find content that I feel would be relevant or interesting to spout off about.  While an event today has provided me content, let me start by saying it comes at a cost that I am not happy with.

"When did I become a number?"

Today, a good friend and colleague of mine was let go from her position.  Let me preface this further: She was let go one week before she was supposed to, on a contract that unexpectedly got condensed by four months.  Apparently to the mucky mucks of the company she worked diligently for, a contract means nothing as long as you're the one who drafted it up.

Strangely enough, today this wasn't the only incident I have heard of unhappiness in the workplace.  Colleagues and friends across various fields and industries all talk about low morale, no personal or professional growth at work and fear of the unknown future.

When did the balance tip? When did the hardworking body of people providing the support, foundation and ultimately, the workload suddenly be reduced to a commodity so easily cast aside?

Years ago I can recall reading an article about employment happiness.  At that point, I myself had gone through a less-then-favourable situation with an employer when I was working in film.  The article spoke to me because the author seemed to "get it" about what the working man needed to be satisfied in the workplace.

1. They have to enjoy the work they do, and to be challenged
2. They have to enjoy the people they work with
3. Monetary gain

Low and behold, money wasn't at the top.  Why is this a concept that eludes so many businesses? It's pretty straightforward and goes something like this: People want to feel important, to feel of value and to feel challenged by their job.  THAT is what gives them purpose in the workplace.  Today, my colleague and friend had those values improperly taken from her.  No wonder she is feeling confused and upset and now has to begin the process of hunting for a new position.

If there is a ray of hope to all of this.  I know my colleague will find another position, one that is worthy of her talents and abilities.  For me, this is a clear line of why so many of us head into the freelance and entrepreneurial world.  We are tired of being hindered.  Told what to do, or how to do it.  We want to carve our own paths and our own vision.  We would all rather work collaboratively with people we want to work with, and who want to assist us in our successes and to share in theirs.

To everyone who has felt unappreciated, demoralized or undervalued - Now is your time.  Just remember, should you one day be the man at the top; never forget about how important everyone of your employees are.