Finding ways to increase sales this days is quite difficult. Resources are scarce and economy is slow. Finding good ways to increment business is just as difficult, but when things are tough, just make lemonade.

When I think of this aspect of business building, I am suddenly reminded of that phrase, "each others keeper" help each other succeed. I know that not many think this way, but it is certainly worth trying. I am talking about becoming a partner to other business that offer complementary services to your business.

A Personal Anecdote..

Picture it! WA State, about four years ago; I was trying to find better ways to secure extra money to feed my chickens. Of course I placed a sign the road side promoting fresh eggs, while that idea made some money it was not quite enough.

So, I asked the owner of the local grocery store if I could set a sign by the cash register to get more business, to what she replied "why don't you just bring several dozen eggs cleaned and packaged and I will fix a special place to sell them". I became very happy about the outcome.

I ran home and gathered all the eggs I had in the fridge already cleaned and packaged, brought them to the store and sold within 2 days time, and even got weekly orders.

The reason why I was able to find extra monetary resources was that I linked up with a store who happened to offer complimentary items to my product. By the way, my chicks lived happily ever after.

Find your Buddy, Everybody!

When you make a match between your business idea and another business which idea is supplementary to yours, you found your buddy. All what is left is to create a strategy that links the two of you in a sequel response that plays out when each promotes the other.

This strategy is not only going to give you exposure, but is an extra boost to business credibility.

How to make your match?

In my case and that of my chickens, the match became real when I reached out to a grocery store. In short, you choose a partner by selecting those who happen to offer other products that resemble yours or complement your brand.

If you deal cars you will need to partner up with car dealer ships, car garages, antique cars, car magazines and other car related sources. I talked to the local Chamber of Commerce and let them know about my business. The man in charge actually included my business name on their monthly newsletter.

Conclusion

Every time you work on SEO and Marketing for a business you make connections. Many times this connections open possible partnerships. We talk to many people everyday, and the relationship we build is in itself a partnership, take advantage of this and partner up with someone.