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!