Let’s talk about collaborations. Or, more accurately, let’s talk about how people are getting them completely wrong.

You’ve heard it:
“Let’s collab!”
“Let’s go live together!”
“Let’s do something fun for both of our audiences!”

It sounds great on paper. But if you’ve ever walked away from a collaboration feeling like you gained absolutely nothing? You’re not alone.

Because here’s the truth: most collaborations are a massive waste of time when they aren’t set up right.

A Real Collaboration Is a Win-Win-Win

If you’re going to collaborate with someone, it has to be a three-way win.
You win. They win. The audience wins.

Otherwise, don’t bother. It’s not worth your time.

I’ve seen this play out on my podcast over and over again. I get pitched constantly: three to five pitches a day, minimum, from people who want to be on the show. But most of them never share the episode with their audience. They’re not collaborating. They’re using it as a platform to reach mine. Period.

And I’m not here for it.

Yes, I’ve brought in guest experts before. Inside the Focused Visionary Accelerator, I bring in people all the time to teach on topics that I don’t want to teach, that I’m not an expert in, and that I don’t want to be known for.

But here’s the difference:

Those collaborations help my clients. Which helps them get better results. Which helps my program grow.

That’s a win for everyone involved.

What Collaboration Should Look Like

If you’re feeling burnt out on collaborations, this is why. Because most people throw around the word “collab” like it means something… but they don’t even know what they’re offering. Or they’re showing up expecting you to do all the work so they can walk away with the results.

Here’s what I’ve learned (and what I want you to think about):
Before you say yes to any collaboration, ask yourself:

• How do you win?
  
• How do they win?
  
• How does the client win?
  

If you can’t answer all three? It’s not worth it.

How do you create a collaboration that’s actually worth it?

• Define your boundaries. Know what kind of collaborations you’ll say yes to and why. Have a list. Be clear.
  
• Set real expectations. “Let’s talk about it” doesn’t cut it. Come to the table with actual ideas and structure.
  
• Ask about their audience. Don’t be fooled by vanity numbers. A small list with an 80% open rate beats a huge dead list every time.
  
• Offer clear options. Can you do a freebie swap? Guest expert spot? Joint workshop? Spell it out.
  
• Know your win. Don’t just say yes because it sounds fun. Know exactly how you’ll benefit.
  

You Don’t Need 1,000 Collaborations

A couple strong, strategic collaborations that repeat or build over time? That’s where the gold is. You don’t need to do 800 Facebook Lives with people whose audience doesn’t even engage.

And if you’re giving your time, energy, and content, get something in return.
A name. An email. A next step. Something.

Let’s normalize fair exchange.

Here’s Your Move

Create a list.
“What does a win-win-win collaboration look like for me?”

Decide:

• What formats work for you
  
• What value you need in return
  
• What’s worth your time
  

Then lead the conversation.

Because if you don’t define what success looks like, you’ll keep saying yes to collabs that do nothing but drain your energy.

Want to strategize the right collabs for your business?

Let’s make sure your next partnership actually pays off. Check out Back Pocket Insights, a collaborative community that celebrates, challenges, and supports each other.