This document discusses the collaboration between designers Lisa Mende and Traci Zeller. It describes how they met online initially and later in person. Lisa then had the "crazy idea" to collaborate, which they pursued. They found that having mutual respect, complementary strengths, and a shared commitment to each other's success helped their collaboration work well. Their collaboration has led to professional opportunities like designing rooms together in a home showhouse. The document suggests collaboration can provide benefits like shared resources and lower overhead for small businesses or bloggers. It advises those considering collaboration to communicate, be flexible, and make a commitment in order to succeed.

1. Social Media: Roots for
Design Collaboration
Lisa Mende (www.lisamende.com, @lisamende)
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Traci Zeller (www.tracizeller.com, @tracizeller)

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Finding a “Swife”
and
Multiplying Your Impact
How We Met
What We Did Next
When to Take the Leap
Why Our Collaboration Works
Where Collaboration Can Lead
What You Should Consider

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How We Met: Virtually
… one or two logos ago

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How We Met: “Real” Life

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What We Did Next: Lisa’s “Crazy” Idea

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What We Learned: Art of Working
Together
(it’s all about the soap!)
showhouse pressure? trial by fire!

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When to Take the Leap: Traci’s “Crazy” Idea

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Why Our Collaboration Works
Mutual Respect and Values
Lack of Competitiveness
Desire for Other to Succeed
Complementary Strengths
Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath
Appropriate Structure
Separate Businesses
Joint Lease
Shared Pro Bono Projects
Continued Support and Dedication
“Blog One, Blog All”

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Where Collaboration Can Lead
we’ve grown separately and together … and had fun

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Where Collaboration Can Lead

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Where Collaboration Can Lead
We’ve
Come Full
Circle!
Traditional
Home
Showhouse
2015 in High
Point, NC
Lisa: Kitchen
Traci: Foyer

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Where Collaboration Can Lead
a new model for small design businesses and bloggers
The Practical?
Shared Resources
Lower Overhead
Better Work
Out of Office
“Coverage”
The Personal?
Friendship
Support
Fun!

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What You Should Consider
How well do you know each other?
Have you worked together before?
Is there a low risk way to “test” a collaboration?
What result do you want?
What does that result require from each person?
How are you going to get there? What if you don’t?
How should you legally structure your relationship?
There’s no right or wrong way to collaborate!
The key?
Communication! Flexibility! Commitment!