A Best of Barry: Think like a zebra - forge partnerships

In the wilds of Africa, it's common to see zebras, giraffes and baboons working together. It's a sight to behold, but it's also a great example of partnership. They don't compete; they protect each other with their unique talents. The giraffe can see far distances. The zebra is fast. The baboon is aggressive and fights well. They can be a formidable team when attacked. The enemy is the lion or the wild dogs, not each other.

In business, our suppliers, associations and partners can protect us - if we realize that they can play that role and promote that opportunity.

It's key that we don't go it alone, that we work together to help others so that they can help us. Our suppliers have a mutual interest in seeing us as well as themselves succeed.

In nature and in business, we have our enemies, our predators. We need as many allies as possible.

Barry LaBov
Originally posted 08/18/09
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