Ya ya dai, ?

Have you watched the movie "Friends With Benefits"?

Well that's the first thing that crossed my mind when I was thinking of a topic for today's newsletter...you can watch it on Netflix *shines teeth*

Today's newsletter is about the thrid thing I learned from hosting the Tourism Women Luncheon 2.0, which is how to partner with brands for your projects.

If you missed reading the last ones, just search for the last two emails I sent.

Why should you partner with brands?

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller

One major thing I have learned in my entrepreneurship journey is the 'Art of Collaboration'.

Collaborating with individuals and organizations in my industry has opened many opportunities for my brand.

When I was planning for TWL 2.0, I knew that if I wanted it to be a success, I needed to reach out to brands that would be willing to add value to it.

Here are three (3) things you need to know when reaching out for partnerships with brands:

#1. Work With Brands You Like: The most important thing about partnership is this: DO NOT work with brands you DO NOT like. Sebi you don see how I highlighted the "Do not" in bold red. The matter is serious. And this is why. If push comes to shove, that is, if things don't turn out as planned, will that brand still work with you, and vice-visa? While planning for TWL 2.0, I couldn't meet up with the original plans with one of our partners. But because of our relationship (I am one of their customers), they still went ahead with the partnership. Partner with brands you like and like you, and ones you can vouch for, .

#2. Why Work With Them: There are brands you really like but unfortunately your project may not align with what they are offering. So it is important that your partnership aligns with your project goals. For example, our TWL 2.0 venue, Zolene Restaurant, was the perfect place for our luncheon because their environment and food connected with our Afrocentric theme. Make sure you understand why you want to work with a certain brand...tie your project goal(s) with what they can offer.

Souvenir Partnership with Rezuna Craft (Jigsaw Puzzel) and Jojo Naturals (Black Soap & Oil)

#3. What's In It For Them: What do these brands stand to gain by partnering with you, ? It is not enough to like their brand or have patronized or referred them countless times. What is in it for them for this project? One of the benefits I gave my partners was visibility to about 50 potential customers. People that if they loved what they offered at my event, they could become direct customers to them. Your project must give something back to the brands that are willing to partner with you.

#Bonus. The 50-50-50 Rule: I decided to add a bonus *wink* This rule means make sure your partners, your guests and you gain from this partnership. While I offered my partners visibility, I got either discounts or trade-by-barter from them. While my guests got satisfaction from attending the event. Everybody has to win from this partnership, .

A huge shout out to the following brands for partnering with us for the TWL 2.0 *lifts hands in da air*

, do not try to do things alone.

If you want your project to be a success, reach out and find out how you can partner with others who resonate with what your brand stands for.

Look around you and discover who your brand can help and vice-visa.

Next week, I will be sharing my final lessons from TWL 2.0, which is how to get 50 people to attend your event.

And how to say "No" to others who want to attend *chuckles*

Your event is not for everybody, , and I will be explaining why next week. So keep your eyes peeled!

Don't forget...

Life is short, live it to the fullest, *smiles*

Ka o di *waves*

Your Wanderluster,

Ajala Nene

P/S: I recently cleaned and updated my email list. If you do not want to be getting newsletters from me, please do feel free to unsubscribe below. Honestly, no hard feelings *hugs*