I may get a little rambly in the video above, but competition versus collaboration is very near and dear to my heart.

Now, I’m no stranger to competition. I started playing competitive soccer for 20 years starting at five years old, and I’ve fought for job offers with the best of them. However, the older I get, the more I learn about the true meaning of competition.

There are two ways to flex your proverbial muscles. You can either help lift someone up, or you can push them down.

In business, as in life, the more you extend yourself to help others, the more they help you right back.

A little over a year ago, I left Heart of Business, after seven years of working as part of this team, it was time to branch out on my own. It was important to me that I not leave any of my colleagues without adequate notice and decided to give notice four months in advance. Yes, I was nervous, not knowing how the owner, Mark Silver would respond, but I wanted to act with as much potential for collaboration as possible. You can see the end result here –) Goodbye to Jason Stein

Fast forward to now, and, after 10 years of service, I have decided to leave my position as the Chair of Professional Development at OCOM. The standard in a position such as this is to give anywhere from 2-6 weeks notice. I chose three months.

Why? Because I truly believe that Together is Better.

If you’re in business and constantly competing with everyone you have put yourself in a position of having to work harder, and faster…until you have nothing left to give.

Fortunately, there is another way. There will always be others in your field who want to succeed. But there are thousands, if not millions, of people that need the products and services you offer. So, find your ideal clients and don’t be afraid to refer others to those who you know that might be a better fit.

This week I invite you to form a collaboration. I did with George Kao, who is both a friend and mentor.

George is offering a smoking deal on his Authentic Facebook Marketing class. No, it’s not hundreds of dollars, or a lot of hype. Forty dollars is all he is charging (although he could charge way more) and if you place STEIN in the promo code you’ll get it for $30. Can’t make the LIVE recording. No worries. He’ll send you the replay. Now, I’m not one to collaborate with anyone. You have to earn my trust, and George has done just that. I recommend you get in here.

I’m sure you have a zillion other things to do, but if you are using FB for business at all, it will be well worth your time.

Together is Better,

Jason