You Can't Create in a Vacuum

08.16.10

So you're finally out on your own - at first the elation of independence and self-actualization is overwhelming. The adrenaline pumping, you're all fired up to succeed "your way" at last. This can keep you going for a good while, but not forever.

Without fresh outside influences, like Plato's cave prisoners in the Republic making up stories about the shadows playing on the walls, we risk becoming ensnared by our own finite versions of reality.

When I first struck out on my own I was no different from most new entrepreneurs. I was thrilled not have to work with people I never would have chosen for my team. I can't tell you the number of times I looked around a conference table with rising frustration, realizing that, despite our differences, our collaborative efforts were the bar by which my raises and reviews would be judged.

I worked independently for many years. But in 2001 I changed to a collaborative goal because I found I got exponentially better results teaming with complementary inspiring clients. I learned that in order to keep creating work that is innovative, compelling, and really prosperous, you need to combine your "secret sauce" with others'. The chemistry often combines to create an unexpected, but wonderful new compound.

Paul Simon is a famous example. After his sixth solo album, the relatively unpopular "Hearts and Bones," the singer/songwriter became inspired to team with artists as varied as Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, The Everly Brothers, and the South African group Ladysmtih Black Mambazo for his next effort. The result was "Graceland" - which is Simon's best-selling album, and is ranked among the top 100 best albums of all time by both Rolling Stone and Time magazines. Paul Simon has said he considers the title track to be his best song ever. (Thank you Wikipedia.)

Among my own clients, an impressive example is the white paper co-authored by Tom Scearce and Kathleen Malaspina, who got the idea after working together on a recent project. Titled "How To Increase Demand For Medical Devices In Today's Challenging Market," the white paper is promoted on both authors' websites, doubling the exposure for both it and its authors.

So when inspiration flags, remember that you can choose your team now: look to your community of colleagues and clients - your best new collaborator may be a phone call away.