Building Zero Cost Knowledge-Based Business (II)

Have been busy lately, it took me such a long time to blog again. Anyway, I hope to finish this series as soon as possible.
The Power of Collaboration. Many knows that collaboration and partnership is important for businesses but do not exactly know how to benefit all parties involved in a collaboration. There are many ways to work on a collaboration but I am only going to mention one of the most crucial collaboration or start-ups--resale.
When you have a knowledge-based business, the value of the solution is intangible and subjects to the importance of your clients' encountered problem. Packaging your solution with some existing goods gives your customer an impression of "value-buy". For example, you can package your solution with Windows Server software license, server hardware or even a data hosting subscription. Collaboration with distributors in such cases, will help you to solve a lot of software and hardware related problem as those problems can be directly directed to your vendor/partner. Furthermore, software/hardware sales commissions are quite lucrative and will be able to boost your company's profit. Packaged solution also gives more revenue to your business which provides a good track record for financial institutions if you need any facility.

So , how do you start your first collaboration? Here's some tips for you:
1. Google for software or hardware from overseas which complements your product/solution. Approach the contact person and strike a partnership. Why overseas? Overseas products normally hopes to get some sales rep/agents to expand their business to other regions of the world. If you are genuine, they are more than willing to work with you. For example, Flekx.com, a Malaysian FREE Calls provider collaborates with PORTSIP to distribute their free calling software. This allows Flekx to concentrate on free calls solution while leaving the soft phone features development to PORTSIP.
2. Brainstorm on how you can benefit your potential partner with your current solution before approaching them. This will help you to convince your potential partners.
3. Provide updates to your partner. Updating your partner with the latest development gives more confidence to your partner and encourages them to promote your solutions more aggressively.
4. Demographics. If your partner comes from a different region or industry, share and exchange your market demographics with them to help both parties to expand faster.
5. Distributorship. Seek for distributorship of your partner's product if you think their product is robust and strong. This will provide you with a lucrative side income for a start. However, never forget that your solution is still your core business and always stick to your business goal.

The final chapter, I will talk about Client & Investor, source of your income and capital. Watch out!