Cooperate to Collaborate to Create to Succeed

Did you know that the United Nations has dubbed 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives? Yep. Click here to find out what a cooperative is (you probably do business with them regularly and don’t even know it).  

What does this “cooperative” thing mean in the grand scheme of things? Well, it means that cooperation and collaboration are going to be hot, hot, hot in 2012 (and hopefully beyond). In the world of business – and even in our personal lives – cooperation is essential to getting things done. Cooperation leads to collaboration. Collaboration leads to creation. And creation is an important seed for success. You see, when people cooperate – be they co-workers, teammates, business partners, or family members – they tend to think of amazing ways to collaborate, to bring their greatest skills, talents, and knowledge to the table. And what do they do with all of that skill, talent, and knowledge? They create. 

It’s amazing to consider the inventions, products, solutions, businesses, and yes, books that have been created through cooperative collaborations. And most often, they lead to success. In fact, a colleague and guest blogger at “Write Your Life,” Vanessa Lowry, introduced me to the concept of collaborative books just last year, when she spearheaded a project with six authors. It was a huge success! (Note: You can buy the book Publishing as a Marketing Strategy by clicking the image to the right). From that one experience, I gained an appreciation for the quality product authors can create when they collaborate. 


What all of this means for Write Your Life is that there are some very cool collaborative book projects in the pipeline, and I’m really excited about them. I’ll have to keep them hush-hush for now, but I’d like you to consider the groups with which you collaborate and cooperate. How can you create a great book with these colleagues, friends, church members, neighbors, or family members? What common bond joins you that could be combined to tell a phenomenal story? What cause do you all believe in? What audiences could benefit from what your group knows? How can you turn your collective skill, talent, and knowledge into profit, awareness, help for others, funds raised, a brand ... oh, the possibilities are limitless! 

Let’s hear from you. If you have a group that might be a great fit for a collaborative book project, email info@writeyourlife.net and put “Collaborative Book” in the subject line. Or, “Like” Write Your Life Program on Facebook, and mention your group and/or idea there. I’m really interested to see what you come up with. 

Here’s to a wonderfully cooperative/collaborative/creative/successful year!