If strategic alliances are not part of your business growth strategy, now is the time to consider it. They are a vital part of a successful business regardless of size. You are not too small to consider developing strategic alliances to build your business, and in a challenge economic environment they are an even more favorable approach to growing your business.

So, what do I mean by strategic alliance? A strategic alliance is a relationship that is formed to increase visibility and generate new business in a more cost effective and efficient manner. These relationships can be as formal or informal as you want. My suggestion is to start exploring these opportunities on an informal basis. It will keep it cost effective and efficient for both parties. For the purposes of this article I will focus on non-competitive alliances, they are easier to start and maintain.

The value of strategic alliances
Here are five key benefits:

1. A proven system to generate new business
2. Exponential growth in revenue
3. Increased visibility in shared markets
4. More cost effective and efficient approach to growing business, sales, and client base
5. Low cost/low risk

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Like many new business owner, you are probably working out of your home and space is at a premium. All of the available closet space and room under the bed has already been claimed by clothing and household items so that there is not much space for a small file cabinet let alone an archive box containing active files. Hence, the most practical solution is to create an electronic filing system for your documents.  If you are a member of the paper generation, the prospect of minimal or no paper files is rather stressful.  However, by following some simple guidelines, even those most committed to the “old school” approach to filing can have a system that works while allowing them to be more environmentally conscious. 

As I mentioned in my blog about creating a paper filing system, there will always be some paper.  The objective for those utilizing an electronic filing system is to minimize the amount of paper.  One of the easiest ways to do this is to avoid printing out unnecessary copies of documents that are readily accessible on your computer.  Keep in mind that the less paper you have to discard…especially in cases where shredding is needed…the more time that you’ll have to work on your company’s marketing strategy. 

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