The Ecosystem Model of Business (Episode 235)

<p>Pam Slim, business coach, speaker, and author of the new book <i>The Widest Net,</i> joins Charlie on the show to discuss how building your business from an ecosystem paradigm instead of an empire paradigm changes everything — from how you do marketing to your approach to partnerships. They discuss the importance of having a focused beacon in your work, getting into the flow of building partnerships, and how to successfully start and grow your business in collaboration with others.</p><p>Key Takeaways:</p><p>[2:07] An arc connects all three of Pam's books — <i>Escape from Cubicle Nation,</i> <i>Body of Work,</i> and <i>Widest Net.</i> She explains the trajectory of the reader going through all three books.</p><p>[4:51] Pam has experienced several different configurations of working since her first book. She shares more about her journey with work, and how she has built up her network of relationships.</p><p>[8:18] In her book, <i>The Widest Net,</i> Pam talks about some of the other elements of marketing that are more relatable and inclusive. At its foundation, <i>The Widest Net</i> is focused on shifting the paradigm from “building an empire” to “building an ecosystem.”</p><p>[13:51] A lot of marketing already happens within an ecosystem model.</p><p>[16:33] Whether you’re going deep in cultivating relationships or broad in reaching out to a large audience, you still have to do marketing, and you still have to do the work.</p><p>[18:22] There is a distinction between relational connections and transactional connections.</p><p>[21:21] As an expert within your field, you need to have a beacon. It is your responsibility to be really clear about what you do, your perspective, and your unique approach.</p><p>[23:32] Many of us want to showcase all of our talents and interests, and illustrate that we have range. However, this can be problematic from a business perspective. Pam and Charlie discuss how to build a better beacon for our work.</p><p>[28:33] You don’t have to let go of all your passions, interests, and d