Business alliances are often overlooked or not given much consideration by small businesses, yet they can be vital in helping a company grow and prosper. All too often, small businesses think alliances are just for big businesses; as a result, they neither explore nor pursue them. However, they can be just as beneficial for small businesses as they are for large corporations. If a small business is serious about gaining access to new markets, capitalizing on technology, growing profits using shared resources, they should consider a business alliance.

It’s no secret, businesses that share resources can create greater efficiencies and become more profitable. Business alliances can increase synergies and mitigate potential risk, while allowing companies to work together toward common goals as they maintain their individuality. There are several types of business alliances, each with its unique attributes.

Now is the time to assess what your business brings to the table. What assets, either tangible or intangible, does your business possess that when leveraged with another company can unlock greater potential for each business?

Alliance opportunities can be developed with suppliers, customers, investors, complementary businesses and friendly competitors. Some alliances are natural matches, while others require some creative thinking. I’ve listed the different types of alliances below, along with a description and example of each. When reading through them, think about how your business can create the benefits of a win-win proposition with another company. Read the rest of this entry »

Pros and Cons – Online Business Alliance is a business where members sell information and advertising spaces.

Members join by purchasing one of the $5.00 e-books created by business owner Dave Gray. These are professional, well written documents that reveal much needed information about internet marketing that you won’t find anywhere else.

All Members then have the option to resell the pre-created information products for 100% commission. In OBA’s back office members are also presented with the Opportunity to lease advertising space from their sponsor. These advertising spaces are a one time only fee. Through OBA Ad Space Leasing program members build a strong reoccurring income from the programs advertised in the ad spaces. Members succeed by utilizing the open forum Dave provides. All members work together to make the program the success it is today. Read the rest of this entry »

A strategic alliance is when two or more businesses join together for a set period of time. The businesses, usually, are not in direct competition, but have similar products or services that are directed toward the same target audience. Below are ten reasons to create a strategic alliance.

1. You could offer your customers a larger variety of products or services. This will allow you to spend less time and money developing new products to sell.

2. Your number of sales people will increase because you’re combining with other business. You won’t have spend to time and money hiring new employees.

3. Your marketing and advertising budget will increase. When you form a strategic alliance with other businesses you both will share the advertising and marketing costs. Read the rest of this entry »