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Are Small In-Person Events the Future of Business Networking?

Posted on by Adrianne Phillips

Are Small In-Person Events the Future of Business Networking?

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The coronavirus pandemic managed to obliterate gatherings both large and small for nearly two years. Now that in-person events are returning, some protocols will need to be addressed. To prevent the further spread of the virus, many companies are looking to have smaller, more intimate networking events. What many don’t realize is that you can still grow your business by developing relationships during these smaller events.

Keep It Less Than 100 People

For the foreseeable future, many people will prefer to attend these smaller, more intimate events. Besides the obvious health concerns, people want the chance to have meaningful interactions with other attendees. It is suggested to keep the number of attendees less than 100.

Have A Strategy

It is best to have a specific goal at your event for both your company and your attendees. Define what it is you are trying to accomplish with this event. Are you looking to find new clients, have quality connections, or create strategic partnerships?  Choose your invitees based on your goals. You can add value to your network when you choose the correct attendees for your event, as your guests receive this benefit, too, and no one’s time is wasted.

Avoid Hybrid Events

During the various pandemic lockdowns worldwide, Zoom meetings became the trend in business. This was to accommodate people who could not attend in person. The issue with this event type is that people on Zoom are not really included in the loop but are more like observers. Now that in-person meetings are coming back, it is best to avoid these hybrid events.

Make It Memorable

You will need to make your event something special and memorable for your attendees. After all, this time was isolating and lacking in real human connections, so people need a way to really connect again. The standard happy hour in a bar isn’t going to impress anyone anymore. Think of something to make your event stand out. Can you incorporate a theme, unique venue, or special guest to feature at your event? If you can find something to make your event worthwhile, you are sure to generate interest.

Promotora Systems Inc. can help small business entrepreneurs develop relationships to grow their businesses. We can show you how to make your business profitable through networking. Contact us today to get started.

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Meetings of the Future: Virtual Meetings

Posted on by Adrianne Phillips

Meetings of the Future: Virtual Meetings

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The coronavirus pandemic greatly impacted the business world. The frequent lockdowns around the world forced most workers to stay home. As a result, virtual meetings took precedence to keep worldwide commerce moving forward. In 2020 alone, Zoom saw an increase in users to nearly 300 million.

For many companies, virtual meetings are the best way to continue their business without the interference of any external factors. This appears to be the best way for these companies to continue networking events, find new clients, create collaboration opportunities, and build win-win relationships.

The following is a list of virtual meeting types that are increasing in popularity in the business world.

Virtual Reality Meetings

Virtual reality (VR) is where attendees are transported via headsets to a digital world with others instead of attending an in-person meeting or even a conference on Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype. The participants have numerous options for their VR experience, including customized shared office spaces and the ability to create their own avatars. Each year, this VR technology is becoming more accessible and affordable. In the near future, look for VR headsets to become as common as the smartphone is today.

Other Types of Virtual Meetings:

Business Meeting – This is still the most popular form of virtual meeting. It basically uses a video call to replace the traditional business phone call. In this meeting type, all participants wear headsets and enter the video live stream.

Conference – Conferences involve more people. It is similar to a Zoom meeting except that it is much more interactive. Participants can choose customized avatars while the host sets up the meeting.

Remote Collaboration – This type of VR meeting is quite different from the others. Besides having a VR conference, meeting participants can actively complete their tasks online during the meeting. There is no limit to the number of participants you can have working on your collaboration, and they can be located anywhere worldwide. This digital environment allows for great creativity and innovation.

Virtual Workspaces – These are similar to remote collaboration but on a much larger scale. This is the ideal setup if most of your workforce is remote. This virtual workspace can also be like a traditional office break room, where your employees can chat, make plans, and share ideas.

Promotora Systems Inc. can help set your company up with these new VR meetings and facilitate bookings with relevant connections and leads. We can also provide your company with coaching programs and a business development strategy to help grow your business. Contact us today to get started.

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7 Tips for Networking Online

Posted on by Arif Raza

7 Tips for Networking Online

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We know networking is important for business, but we don’t always know how to network effectively online. The key is to use your current network and grow those relationships, but that’s easier said than done. This week we’ve put together 7 tips to help you network more effectively online.

#1: Do an online audit

Ensure your social media accounts are current and that they show the information that you want to present to the world. You are your own brand, and potential new contacts are going to check you out online. An audit and, if necessary, an edit of your web identity will help you make the impression you want once you get started with online networking.

#2: LinkedIn is your friend

LinkedIn is a great tool to help you grow your network. The free version is great, but if you want all the bells and whistles, then you’ll want to invest in the premium version. This small fee each month will give you even more access and information about the people you want to connect with. If you set aside a few minutes each day to share content and create meaningful connections, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your network will grow.

#3: Participate in virtual events

There are tons of online communities that do virtual meetups, such as a morning coffee or happy hour. These events are typically free to join and give you an opportunity to meet people online in a stress-free environment using Zoom or another video conferencing platform. While these meetups don’t allow for the same level of intimacy as in-person events, it is a good alternative, especially if the people you are looking to network with are outside of your city or state.

#4: Participate in online chats

Facebook and LinkedIn have many groups you can join that will allow you to network with hundreds, even thousands, of people you wouldn’t have the opportunity to network with in-person. A simple search on the platforms will populate a list of groups that might be of interest to you. Just search out the groups with people in your career field or a topic you are interested in, and your options for networking will be limitless.

#5: Reconnect with your current network

While you are busy building new connections, don’t forget about your current ones. You will want to keep those connections fresh so that they can help introduce you to their network. Always be looking for opportunities to help people within your current network. This will show them that you aren’t just interested in what they can do for you, but also what you can do for them to help them grow.

#6: Take your time

Building your network is a marathon, not a sprint. You will want to take your time forming connections and nurturing them. This is an ongoing process and not something that you’ll be able to accomplish in just a few days. Take the time to get to know your connections and give them an opportunity to get to know you.

#7: Don’t wait to get started

Start focusing on growing your network now. Since we know it takes time to cultivate a relationship, you’ll want to start making those connections. Online networking makes getting started a breeze; all you have to do is create a profile and reach out to a few people you know. As you form connections with people you already know online, you’ll start seeing more and more people you’d like to connect with. So, the sooner you get started, the better.

These are just a few tips to help you network effectively online. There are many different approaches you can take, but it’s important to remember that forming genuine relationships with people in your network takes time and effort, so make sure you are ready to make that commitment. If you need help getting started, contact us and we can help.

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How To Generate Leads on LinkedIn

Posted on by Adrianne Phillips

How To Generate Leads on LinkedIn

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The social platform LinkedIn is one of the best ways to find new clients and grow your business. If you are wondering how to generate leads on LinkedIn, we can show you how. We have some tips on how to use LinkedIn to develop relationships.

Add Relevant Connections to Your Network

When you see the “people you may know” list in your network feed, spend a few minutes each day and connect with them. Your connections will see that you are broadening your network. Remember that anyone you speak to or interact with during a business day is a potential LinkedIn connection.

You have to make sure, though, that you identify relevant connections and connect only with them. If you do not know this person, ask to be introduced by your other mutual connection. It may actually work against you if you add people just to increase your numbers.

Build Out Your Lead List

You only need a few minutes a day to find quality connections on LinkedIn. Do a little investigating of the connections you don’t know but would like to meet. Begin with the recommendations and who are the best connections of the LinkedIn members you are viewing. If you do ask one of your connections for a recommendation, it is best to do it outside of LinkedIn via email or telephone.

Post Frequent Updates

Post a daily update to your LinkedIn network. The update can be anything, from a relevant link, post or video will do, as long as it adds some value to you and your business. With each update, your post gets displayed in the news feed that your connections will see. Just be sure to add value for your connections, do not just post an advertisement or sales pitch for your business. Give your connections something to take away from your post.

Join LinkedIn Industry Groups

A fantastic way to grow your business with LinkedIn is to join industry-related groups on the platform. LinkedIn allows you the ability to connect with people in your joined industry groups. This is one of the best ways for excellent exposure for you and your business. In the groups, you can share posts and insights, and build out your network even more with more prospects.

Continue to Follow Current Clients and Prospects

Each day, spend a minute or two checking in on your current clients and potential prospects. If they have a company or group page, follow it and keep tabs on it. Whenever you find an appropriate context to comment or share, do so. This will keep you on the radar with these clients and prospects.

Write Recommendations

If you are wondering how leads on LinkedIn can develop your business, recommendations are the way to go. The key to building profitable relationships is to offer up a recommendation for a colleague. This is where you hope the rule of reciprocity will come into play, and you can ask that colleague to return the favor.

Keep LinkedIn Activity Consistent

As you continue to develop your business through LinkedIn, it is important to keep your activity on the platform consistent. This means to post at regular intervals and to connect with others’ posts and pages. You don’t need to post daily (though we recommend it), but it has to be the same cadence, such as every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Promotora Systems Inc. can help you grow your business with LinkedIn. Our lead generation consulting services can help you with all your LinkedIn networking needs – contact us to learn more.

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LinkedIn Lead Generation Secrets for Beginners

Posted on by Arif Raza

LinkedIn Lead Generation Secrets for Beginners

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If you are not sure how to use LinkedIn to develop your business, we can advise you on how to generate leads on LinkedIn and build win-win relationships for the long haul.

How To Generate Leads on LinkedIn

Define Your Lead Generation Goals

The lead generation process is a long-term, ongoing task. You need to have a goal other than just to get more leads, and putting a pitch out there blindly can be counterproductive. Since lead generation takes time, you will need to keep track of your goals. Make a definitive list of goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to keep your focus clear.

Keep in mind that when you define your goals and focus on them, it helps you identify relevant connections and what type of content you want to create to convert them.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

To begin the lead generation process, you must first build your brand. You accomplish this by optimizing your LinkedIn profile. A well-constructed profile heightens your credibility and professionalism. Your LinkedIn profile should contain:
  • Basic profile information such as a professional photo, work experience, special projects, achievements, and more.
  • Testimonials and recommendations from clients, colleagues, or former employers, which are added to your LinkedIn profile.
  • Add relevant SEO keywords to your headline, experience, about section, and all content.
  • Search for and connect with prospects.

Actively Engage With Your Connections

Once you make your quality connections, you must engage with them consistently on LinkedIn. When you actively engage with your connections on LinkedIn, you increase your profile views and receive more invitations to connect.

One of the best ways to remain active with connections on LinkedIn is by joining industry-related groups on the platform. Nearly every profession and niche is represented in LinkedIn groups. Post and engage with other members of the group regularly. Add comments and like others’ posts to increase your visibility even more. This is also the best way to generate even more quality connections.

Build Your Content Strategy

Do not forget that your content strategy is directly connected to how to generate leads on LinkedIn. When your content is authoritative, it nurtures your relationship with your current connections and will draw new ones in. Pick a topic that you consider yourself an expert. You want relevant connections to be a part of your network, so tailor your content to attract those you want in your professional circle.

LinkedIn Outreach

To have lead generation on a wider scale, consider running an ad campaign on LinkedIn. If you run the right campaign, it will increase your company’s message and visibility even more. LinkedIn makes it easy for you to target your ad campaigns based on your connections because the platform has all the pertinent information about your target audience.

Promotora Systems Inc. can help you with lead generation consulting and assist you with your LinkedIn networking strategy to find new clients and create strategic partnerships. Contact us today to get started.

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Top 5 Reasons Why Business Collaboration Helps Grow Businesses

Posted on by Arif Raza

Top 5 Reasons Why Business Collaboration Helps Grow Businesses

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Collaboration is a great way for a small business entrepreneur to create strategic partnerships, find new clients, and facilitate your business development. In this article, we will explain how collaboration fuels growth for your business.

A Different Perspective

 

When working alone, it can be quite easy to get into a routine or a rut with the creative process. Collaborators can breathe fresh life into the project. When you work with others, it can inspire you to get past any “blocks” you may have with moving your project forward.  Collaborators can brainstorm with you and can provide inspiration, provide a new angle in problem-solving and add a whole new perspective.

 

It Grows Your Network

 

The average business person knows approximately 600 other people. When you collaborate with someone, you open the floodgates to an entire new network. Out of that pool of people, there can be a significant amount in your industry that can be future collaborators.

 

When you collaborate with others in your industry, you are continually growing your network. For instance, if you collaborate with a colleague that you met on LinkedIn, you can tap into that collaborator’s own network. Your contact may know of other collaboration opportunities, and your mutual connection can introduce you to some relevant connections. Either way, your collaboration is one of the best ways to get more exposure for your business.

 

Co-Opetition

 

Co-Opetition is a concept where businesses work together to co-promote their products or services. A good example of this is if an airline teams up with a luxury resort and offers a bundle package to consumers. This is a win-win relationship for both companies as both stand to make a profit from the co-opetition.

 

Saving Money By Combining Resources

 

When collaborators work together, they can also reduce costs for each business by combining their resources. The shared resources can be used in many ways including the costs for any rental spaces at trade shows, or splitting the overhead costs for the entire project.

 

Collaboration Only Adds to Your Expertise

 

When you create collaboration opportunities, you build win-win relationships, but it also adds to the overall credibility of your business. You also get the added value and insights from the collaboration that your business gains, as well as all their expertise.

Promotora Systems Inc. has many coaching programs to help small business entrepreneurs build relationships and empower their success. Contact us to begin your journey.

A Different Perspective
When working alone, it can be quite easy to get into a routine or a rut with the creative process. Collaborators can breathe fresh life into the project. When you work with others, it can inspire you to get past any “blocks” you may have with moving your project forward.  Collaborators can brainstorm with you and can provide inspiration, provide a new angle in problem-solving and add a whole new perspective.
It Grows Your Network

The average business person knows approximately 600 other people. When you collaborate with someone, you open the floodgates to an entire new network. Out of that pool of people, there can be a significant amount in your industry that can be future collaborators.

When you collaborate with others in your industry, you are continually growing your network. For instance, if you collaborate with a colleague that you met on LinkedIn, you can tap into that collaborator’s own network. Your contact may know of other collaboration opportunities, and your mutual connection can introduce you to some relevant connections. Either way, your collaboration is one of the best ways to get more exposure for your business.

Co-Opetition

Co-Opetition is a concept where businesses work together to co-promote their products or services. A good example of this is if an airline teams up with a luxury resort and offers a bundle package to consumers. This is a win-win relationship for both companies as both stand to make a profit from the co-opetition.

Saving Money By Combining Resources  

When collaborators work together, they can also reduce costs for each business by combining their resources. The shared resources can be used in many ways including the costs for any rental spaces at trade shows, or splitting the overhead costs for the entire project.

Collaboration Only Adds to Your Expertise

When you create collaboration opportunities, you build win-win relationships, but it also adds to the overall credibility of your business. You also get the added value and insights from the collaboration that your business gains, as well as all their expertise.

Promotora Systems Inc. has many coaching programs to help small business entrepreneurs build relationships and empower their success. Contact us to begin your journey.
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How Collaboration Among Ideas Creates A Powerful Network

Posted on by Arif Raza

How Collaboration Among Ideas Creates A Powerful Network

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When a small business entrepreneur collaborates with you, it brings about a myriad of ideas to the table. This collaboration significantly helps to identify relevant connections to create an outstanding network. In this article, we will tell you how you can empower your success and build win-win relationships through collaboration.

How Collaboration Fuels Growth for Your Network

Collaboration Brings New Ideas to the Table

Your network can be a wonderful source of new ideas. While you collaborate, new ideas get exchanged. Your collaborator may want to consult with someone else in their circle. This, in turn, will bring them into your fold as another valuable person to add to your network.

Raises Your Business Profile

Collaboration raises your business profile no matter the circumstances. When you begin a collaboration, try to broadcast your new alliance on the relevant social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other industry websites. This also helps build your company’s reputation by showing your professionalism, knowledge, and expertise. You may find yourself getting attention from people in the loop that may eventually approach you with offers and opportunities.

Gain More Industry Knowledge and Peer Support

Collaboration coinciding with networking is the best way to gain access to new and valuable information. This opportunity is often overlooked as a benefit of collaboration and networking. Peer support is another great benefit of collaboration that helps build your network. When you discuss common industry challenges and opportunities, it leads to some sage advice and guidance on the next steps to take.

Collaboration Strengthens Business Connections

Networking is all about sharing, not just taking. Collaboration builds trust as you work toward your common goal. When you engage with your connections and offer any assistance, you are planting the seed for your company’s growth. You will earn a reputation in your industry as someone who likes to help others. The chances are that the rule of reciprocity will come into play later on when you seek assistance.

Collaboration Builds Confidence For Your Network

When you collaborate, it gives you the confidence to create a powerful network. The priceless social skills you learned while collaborating can help you increase your comfort zone in the future. This can help you approach others and build relationships to grow your network and make it stronger.

Promotora Systems Inc. has many coaching programs that can assist you with network management and discover collaborative projects. Contact us today to get started on all your business development needs.

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Finding Collaborators: Tips on Finding the Right Partners to Expand Your Business

Posted on by Adrianne Phillips

Finding Collaborators: Tips on Finding the Right Partners to Expand Your Business

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Many of today’s most successful businesses began through collaboration and partnerships. The most successful partnerships often involve people that have worked together previously, but many also evolved from a small business entrepreneur finding the right partner. In this article, we will help you to identify relevant connections and create collaboration opportunities.

Tips to Build Relationships and Create Strategic Partnerships

Find Someone Who Shares Your Values

A great partnership begins with people who share the same overall values. Our individual values serve as a footprint to our actions, not only in business but also in our personal lives. Decide if the person you are considering partnering with would be someone you would have as a friend. Most friendships are based on shared values.

Find People that Share Your Vision

It is important from the very beginning to make sure you and your potential collaborator are on the same page as far as your vision for the future. The vision or goal is what the organization as a whole wishes to accomplish. If partners have different visions, it can lead to a disconnect. This vision needs to get established early on with a set of actions to reach that goal.

Look For People with A Complementary Skill Set

A truly successful partnership consists of each individual possessing different and complementary skill sets. You will eventually be using these complementary traits in tandem to achieve your vision.

The Rule of Reciprocity

Business partnerships are give-and-take just like any other relationship. A successful partnership is when each partner feels that their rewards are equal to or even exceed the efforts they put in.

Proactive Conflict Management

Even if you and your partners have shared values and beliefs, occasional conflicts can still occur. When any conflicts arise, there should be a conflict management strategy in place. Successful relationship strategy approaches to conflict management include compromise, accommodation, and even collaboration to resolve the issue.

Have An Exit Strategy

The last element in this relationship strategy is how this new collaboration and partnership will end. If you do not have an exit strategy in place, you can be faced with decision-making at a time when you may be under pressure and may not be completely level-headed. Every contract that you draft for a partnership should include a specific exit strategy in writing. If the partnership becomes better than expected, you can always renegotiate a new contract for partnerships with modified terms if they apply.

Where To Find Collaborators and Business Partners

There are many ways you can go about networking to find collaborators.

Trade Shows and Conferences

Trade shows and conferences are not only great places to find new clients, they are also plum locations to find collaborators, especially in your industry.

Local Gatherings

Believe it or not, local gatherings are a place to find collaborators. At these gatherings, you can build win-win relationships with people in your community.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the most popular social media platform for finding collaborators and business partners. It is very easy to use LinkedIn to develop relationships and find collaborators and business partners.

Promotora Systems Inc. can be your guide to building profitable relationships through collaboration. We can help you optimize your networking skills and empower your success. Contact us today and ask about our various coaching programs.

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Top 6 Tools to Generate Leads on LinkedIn

Posted on by Arif Raza

Top 6 Tools to Generate Leads on LinkedIn

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We all know LinkedIn is a great tool for growing your network, but did you know you can also use it to generate leads for your business? There are a number of tools you can use to automate this process and make it even easier to grow your business. Here are our top 6 tools to generate leads on LinkedIn.

#1 – Dux-Soup

 

This tool is a Google Chrome add-on that can help to automate some of the key activities you need to help grow your business and generate leads on LinkedIn. Some uses of Dux-Soup are to maintain customer data, view prospects, endorse skills, send personalized messages, and automate drip emails. This tool even allows you to download profiles directly from LinkedIn and add them to your CRM.

 

#2 – LeadFuze

 

LeadFuze gives you access to the contact data of professionals from more than 14 million organizations. You can even filter your leads based on various data such as company size, location, and more. Using LeadFuze’s AI-powered Fuzebot, you’ll be able to generate your lead lists automatically.

 

#3 – Skrapp.io

 

This tool allows you to find bulk B2B emails of your contacts using LinkedIn or LinkedIn Sales Navigator by searching public web pages based on LinkedIn account information. Skrapp.io combined with Sales Navigator is a quick and easy way to get leads and emails in bulk. There is also a Google add-on that can scan web pages for B2B emails.

 

#4 – Octopus CRM

 

Octopus helps you with prospecting new leads online and has built-in automation tools to create sales funnels and manage all of your CRM activities. Octopus also learns more about your business and your lead generation needs the more you use it, so it only gets better with time.

 

#5 – Scrab

 

Scrab is a lead generation tool that helps to automate your lead capture process. You can also automate your outreach by messaging new leads, visiting profiles, and making genuine connections. Scrab also allows you to manage your lead information and details online.

 

#6 – LeadGrabber Pro

 

This tool lets you save time by quickly building targeted lists full of contact information that is stored on an easy-to-read spreadsheet. You can then export this information directly to your CRM to have easy access when you need to contact a decision-maker within a company.

 

These lead generation tools are great additions to your marketing strategy and will help to boost your efficiency on LinkedIn. Using one of these tools will help you save time and grow your business. If you need help getting started with LinkedIn lead generation, contact us and we will be happy to help.

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Why Collaboration? Collaboration Helps Professionals and Businesses Grow

Posted on by Adrianne Phillips

Why Collaboration? Collaboration Helps Professionals and Businesses Grow

Why Collaboration?

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Collaboration is important for business development and your overall business growth. 

In this article, we will explain why project collaboration is important, and how collaboration fuels growth for your business.

Why is Collaboration Important?

  • The Foundation of All Work Processes
    Collaboration is what binds all your departments and teams together.

  • Teams Collaborate on Common Goals
    An organization is a group of people with one common goal: to deliver the product or service to the customer in the most efficient way possible.

  • Helps Team Members Achieve Individual Goals
    Collaboration also helps individual team members stay focused on their own tasks. When someone works on their own, but in tandem with team members, they will know that they are on the right track.

  • It Drives Motivation, Innovation, and Growth
    Most organizations are driven by motivation and innovation. When you have a collaborating team, it allows for a free exchange of ideas. The team members can then weigh in on these new ideas with their own expertise.

  • It’s Paramount to Your Business Success
    Your business success will mostly depend on how your team collaborates. It is the most basic element of teamwork. It does not matter how you execute the collaboration; that all depends on your company and the size of the team. Larger teams may need to collaborate on an online platform in order to have their team efforts in sync with the common goals.

The Benefits of Collaboration

  • Improved Flexibility
    The ability to be as flexible as possible is beneficial to any work environment. When it comes to team collaboration, flexibility helps the team adjust to any sudden emergencies, new technologies introduced, or customer preference changes. Collaboration makes it possible for all team members to be more flexible and prepared for the unexpected.

  • Better Employee Engagement
    If you get your entire team involved in your collaboration, it will help engage the individuals to do the best work they can.

  • More Productive Meetings
    The one thing that can demotivate your team is to force them to attend long, dull meetings. When a company has collaboration as its top priority, fewer of these meetings are needed. Most of your team members would be happy with discussing and collaborating with other team members online. This way, in-person meetings can be reserved for times when the subject matter needs proactive engagement. This will save time for your team members to work on the project.

Promotora Systems Inc. can show you how project management can help build relationships. We have several coaching programs that can assist you to develop a  relationship strategy and build win-win relationships through project collaboration. Contact us today to get started.

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