The Power of Partnerships
Guest Blog Written By: Julie Nichols
2023 was a very hard year. I lost my job, cared for my friend as he died, and I struggled to find employment. When I decided to go all-in on my new business, I could have felt scared and alone. But I didn’t. I had the power of some truly incredible partnerships that had already started growing and lifting me up before I even made the formal announcement. Without my partnerships, I don’t even want to think about where I’d be today.
I’ve been working in small business marketing for most of my career. Marketers are a pretty competitive breed. We work hard and we play hard. We are creative, bold, passionate, and have big ideas. And with that comes just a bit of drama. Let’s just say that marketers aren’t typically known for partnering with other marketers.
But why not? There is more than enough work to go around. Every single marketer has something different to offer. Different ways of working, different styles of communication, different eyes for design. Even if I do the same kind of work as another fractional CMO, I’m me. You can’t bottle this up and sell it. Each of us is unique and brings something special to the table that can’t be replicated. I feel like I want more of that in the world. I want to surround myself with other creatives who challenge me, help me to grow, and cheer me on.
Partnerships, both in and out of your industry, are so critical to finding success. Partnerships have 10x the power over any marketing channel I’ve ever known. When I partner with other marketers, I know that I’m going to do my darndest to connect them with their ideal client. Because I want them to succeed. It all comes around. If you put opportunities out there for others, the opportunities are going to come back at you. I’m not really a crunchy woo-woo type person, but I truly believe that the positive energy you exude in making connections resonates around you and attracts more of the good. I put authenticity and genuine kindness into all of my interactions and people notice that. They want to exude the same back to me.
The partnerships I’ve made through the Inner Circle are some of the strongest in my Rolodex (remember those?) It’s because of those partnerships that as soon as I announced my business launch I had three members lined up to work with me. And within a week I had a half-dozen toasty-warm leads come through from those partnerships. I’ve never found that kind of response in any other networking group. That’s when I tell people I officially “drank the Kool-Aid” on Inner Circle.
The support that I’ve found at the Inner Circle has carried me through this inaugural year and it keeps growing. I reconnect with my power partners on a regular basis and we brainstorm ways we can help each other out. It’s truly a give and get situation. I make it a point to bring new connections that I meet outside of Inner Circle into the Inner Circle. I, selfishly, want all my favorite people in one place! And I want them to benefit from the incredible support I have found in this group. When I find something special, I just can’t keep it to myself. I have to shout it from the rooftops.
As I reflect on 2023, it's clear that the adversity I faced was not a roadblock but a catalyst for transformation and growth. The partnerships I've built have not only been a testament to the power of collaboration but have also highlighted the boundless potential of genuine, supportive connections. The Inner Circle, a beacon of support and opportunity, has proven that when we choose to unite and share our unique talents, the possibilities are limitless. It's through these connections that I've been able to turn a year of challenges into a year of unprecedented success and personal growth. As I move forward, I'm not just hopeful but confident in the strength of these partnerships and the opportunities they will continue to bring. My journey is a reminder that even in the darkest times, the right community can light the way to a brighter, more successful future.
Julie Nichols is a dynamic Fractional Chief Marketing Officer and the visionary behind Julie Nichols Marketing, where she leverages over 13 years of expertise in marketing strategy, content marketing, search engine optimization, brand messaging, podcast production, and online event production. Her mission is to empower small business owners with digital marketing knowledge and guidance to drive more organic lead generation for less cost. Julie's approach is deeply rooted in her passion for supporting small business owners as their personal marketing advisor and guide, helping them to amplify their brand and attract targeted customers through custom marketing strategies and clear brand messaging. Connect with Julie at julienicholsmarketing.com and on LinkedIn.