Recently, while listening to a podcast on the best tips for collaborating with other authors and businesses, I realized that I’m not comfortable with collaboration. Although the communication, the teamwork, and the community required in good collaboration are all part of my core beliefs — I’m just not up for collaboration. The give and take. The mutual gains. I’m just not that into it.
In a creative world of social media, inundated by “DM’s to collab” and “boss babe” alliances, something is missing for me in all of it. As I contemplated the ideas in the podcast, it hit me.
I want to be a giver. I am filled when I give.
I’ll admit, this is relatively new territory for me. For much of my life, I gave in an unhealthy way. When I give from what’s already empty, or I give desperately hoping to be seen as attractive or acceptable I am not giving. I am seeking and will surely be left disappointed. On the other hand, when I give generously and freely from a heart that is being renewed, I am filled.
I’m realizing that I don’t want to put a lot of energy into collaborations, which means weighing the pros and cons and looking for mutually beneficial relationships. I do want very passionately to give and to take risks and to believe in people and to fuel creativity in myself and with others.
This year we are making community over competition a central part of how we operate and how we use our resources. We are taking risks and reaching out to big names and big venues, but we are also giving back and opening the barn for pop-ups to those who are just embarking on their journey. When we need to make a choice between opportunities that are “sure” dollars and opportunities that open us up to engaging with more people, we are choosing people.
I am saying no to the “shoulds” so I can say YES to the meet-ups and hangouts with people who inspire me and make me laugh and encourage me to stay true to our vision!
We don’t want to merely fill homes, we want to fill hearts.
When it comes time for us to work together or do life together…I will cheer for you, brainstorm with you, work with you, cry with you, learn with you, laugh with you, share your page, tag you, mention you, pray with you, sell with you and sit with you. Whether we’ve never met or we spend time together each day — that’s the sort of partnership and teamwork you can expect.
This is community. This is empowerment. This is the free and risky giving I’m into.
Want to be intentional about building these authentic & life giving relationships? Then let’s connect. One opportunity to do just that is April 15th. Get the details here about our spring social!
I love your heart, Tenneil. People over tasks every day!
And this is why I love you. I knew from that first meet your heart was a beautiful one!! And why I have loved getting to know you. This is exactly what we need more of. You include everyone and make each person you meet feel special. I see a lot of ‘clicks’ in this business, but R7 brings out the beauty in everyone! God shows so wonderfully through all of you!