Keys to a Happy Partnership
There are two key themes that most relationships can benefit from. So, whether it’s a client and vendor partnership, or internal team members working together, here’s how you can ensure a happy relationship.
There are two key themes that most relationships can benefit from. So, whether it’s a client and vendor partnership, or internal team members working together, here’s how you can ensure a happy relationship.
My columns tend to be inspired by what’s happening in my life and, whether it’s work or personal, I often find correlations to the world of marketing automation. In the past of I’ve pulled lessons from yoga and hiking (two of my favorite pastimes). And recently, I’ve gone through a major rite of passage…marriage! This past August 4, I married the one and only David B. Levy.
When I think about my relationship with Dave, there are many reasons why I love him and why our relationship works so well. However, there are key themes that I think most relationships can benefit from. So, whether it’s a client and vendor partnership, or internal team members working together, here are two keys to a happy relationship…er, partnership.
1. Share Similar Values
It’s important that both people or parties have similar values and ideas about what’s important and what’s not. For example, I’ve seen relationships fall apart when they realize one person wants to have children and the other person doesn’t. Before making a big commitment, it’s important to get each other’s core values out on the table to be sure it’ll be a good fit in the long run.
A value discussion is also necessary in the business world. You should discuss things related to your potential agreement or the way you’ll be working together to be sure it’s a good fit. Here are a few values I recommend discussing before going into a business partnership, whether it’s with a marketing automation platform or an agency:
If your ideals conflict, you need to rethink making a commitment or how you can make it work for the short-term. “Never compromise your values.” – Steve Maraboli
2. Communicate Frequently & Openly
It’s difficult for me to express just how important communication is to any relationship. Friends, lovers, partners, co-workers….we can’t expect each other to just know what the other person thinks, feels, or needs at any given time. Sometimes we may just know but, most times, frustration can arise from a lack of communication. And it’s important to not just communicate but to do so frequently and openly.
Here are some tips to help make your communication frequent and open:
“Assumptions are the termites of relationships.” – Henry Winkler
Relationships and partnerships can be very dynamic. Hopefully you’re happy in your partnerships or are able to use these tips to get back on track. What other tips would you add to this list?