Start with Collaboration: A Proven Path to Success

by Lois Sonstegard, Aurora Winter (foreword)

AWARD-WINNING NEW BOOK. Discover how to increase profit, win loyal customers, grow market share, and retain superstar employees through collaboration. Collaboration is the surprising solution to many business challenges.

Successful serial entrepreneur Lois Sonstegard reveals startling facts about the increase in profits, productivity, and innovation sparked by the right kind of collaboration. Discover how to solve complex problems and turn problems into profit!

BOOK AWARDS Outstanding Creator Social/Political ChangePinnacle Book Achievement BusinessOutstanding Creator BusinessFirebird Book BusinessInternational Impact Book Management
Start with Collaboration you to collaborationteach you the benefits of collaborationhelp you identify problems collaboration can solvegive you building blocks to develop successful collaborationsguide you through the collaborative process
BOOK REVIEWS

"Collaboration could save your business. It could save the economy. It might even save our planet. The ideas in this book are worthy of your time, consideration, and implementation." - Aurora Winter, bestselling author, Turn Words Into Wealth

"This book is a must-read if you are an entrepreneur or intra-preneur and want to grow your company while achieving massive personal success in 2024 and beyond." - Goodreads Reviewer

"An enjoyable read, and a must-have resource for the challenging times in which we live." - Steven N. Adjei, author, Pay the Price

When you Start with Collaboration , you are following a proven path to success. Grab your copy of today!

Genres: Business

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2024

Reviews

[Claudia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Start With Collaboration" is a constructive guidebook, offering individuals valuable insights and practical tools to navigate our rapidly changing world. Penned by the "Queen of Collaboration," Lois Sonstegard, PhD, the book caters to businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the transformative power of collaborative relationships.

It presents the "Start With Collaboration" blueprint, highlighting the importance of a win-win mindset and focusing on identifying, pursuing, and building collaborative relationships. Readers gain insights into the meaning and benefits of collaboration, its role in addressing complex problems, fostering innovation, and driving change. The content covers various topics, including neuroscience and collaboration, overcoming resistance, avoiding pitfalls, selecting collaborators, designing a blueprint, and initiating collaboration.

Recognizing collaboration's vital role for middle-market businesses, the book underscores its impact on overcoming obstacles and driving business growth. Amid the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, Lois identified solutions overlooked by others, firmly believing in the transformative power of collaboration. Through interviews with industry leaders and extensive research, her intuition was confirmed, compelling her to share these insights in the book.

Supported by research demonstrating its positive impact on metrics like employee satisfaction and profits in North America, the book echoes Charles Darwin's wisdom that those who learn to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed. Its powerful message may inspire leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs to embrace transformative insights, potentially revitalizing businesses, uplifting the economy, and contributing to the preservation of our planet. By sharing best practices and fostering strength, improvement, and intelligence through collective engagement, the mission is to create a world where collaboration is a cornerstone of success.

Overall, "Start With Collaboration" is a well-written, well-structured guidebook, offering practical tools and insights into the transformative power of collaboration. Whether you're a business leader, government official, or nonprofit manager, this book is an essential resource for driving positive change through collaboration.

[Deborah Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start with Collaboration: A Proven Path to Success by Lois Sonstegard is a remarkable read for anyone needing inspiration. While collaboration may seem like a possibility in some circumstances, Sonstegard asserts that to survive a significant shift in the economy, it’s not only a good idea but essential to thrive in today’s business world. All entrepreneurial goals must adapt to succeed in the long term, and this book dives into the importance of incorporating collaboration as a significant tool for growth and stability.

What I appreciated about this read was how Sonstegard illustrates how flexible you can collaborate with other entities and from various sources for a greater visibility and success. She begins by outlining the importance of building relationships and cultivating ideas with new and existing people and organizations. The author explains why networking and building teams to achieve goals, both in the short and long term, is essential and how it can create a strong foundation for the future.

I enjoyed how Sonstegard kept the material straightforward, so you can easily reference each chapter while learning the practical benefits of team-building and collaboration for business owners, employees, and freelancers. It’s easy to apply all the principles of this book to a wide variety of business models, which kept me interested. Sonstegard offered realistic, easy-to-follow advice that anyone can apply, whether you’re an artist looking to collaborate on a project or a high-level executive working on a new corporate marketing campaign. I also appreciated the statistics and references to the economy, which only further support the advantages of collaboration.

Start with Collaboration: A Proven Path to Success by Lois Sonstegard is a relevant, practical read that can benefit anyone at any stage of business ownership or career path. I highly recommend this book for its upfront approach and simple breakdown of using networking and teams to achieve your goals. It’s a fantastic manual for anyone interested in boosting their opportunities for sustainable success.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can appear sometimes like the world is changing rapidly. That certainly might seem true for some business owners. Individuals running companies have a lot on their plates, and it’s easy to feel the pressure. The answer to many of the issues facing business entities is simple, though. It’s collaboration. The concept and implication of collaboration can save many businesses from some of the most pressing problems facing them, including supply chain quandaries, staffing shortages, and more. Learning about the best collaborative methods and putting them into action can save many companies and propel them to greater success than their owners ever imagined.

That is the premise of Start with Collaboration, by Lois Sonstegard. This is a relatively quick nonfiction read packed with information about how collaboration helps companies get ahead.

It’s obvious to anyone with a good head on their shoulders that companies must collaborate to survive in the modern world. Their collaborators might include the entities from which they source their raw materials, the companies that ship their products, and the brick-and-mortar stores that stock them. Strong relationships with all of these must be in place for any business entity to thrive.

This book expands on these notions and brings them into sharper focus. The author doesn’t just talk about why collaboration is necessary in a general sense. She gives many concrete examples of how and under what circumstances the best of collaborative relationships in the business become established.

This information should prove invaluable for any business owner or operator who feels that they’re on shaky ground with their business model. The other thing that’s so nice about this book is that the lessons it presents are universal, and not connected to any specific niche.

Sonstegard has produced a book that business owners can use as a paint-by-numbers manual to solidify their standing within a particular industry. Since that’s presumably what every company wants to do, this should be required reading for every owner who’s feeling anxious about national or international commerce and its rapidly changing landscape.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today's rapidly evolving and interconnected world, the challenges facing businesses are increasingly complex and multifaceted. From disruptive technological advancements to global pandemics and environmental crises, organizations must navigate through uncertainty and volatility. We have seen the effects of COVID everywhere. In such a context, the traditional approach of relying only on internal resources and competitive strategies is no longer sufficient. Collaboration emerges as a quite potent antidote to the myriad challenges confronting businesses, offering a pathway to resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.

My own experiences have shown me the transformative potential of collaboration in driving positive outcomes. Whether working within interdisciplinary teams, forging partnerships with external stakeholders, or leveraging collective intelligence through networking and knowledge sharing, collaboration has consistently proven to be a catalyst for success. By fostering an environment of trust, openness, and mutual respect, collaboration empowers individuals and organizations to harness diverse perspectives, skills, and resources in pursuit of common goals. I appreciated how well-structured and easy-to-follow this book is. Sonstegard has written her book in such a way that you can jump through the chapters and revisit a different chapter for reference at any time. I also loved the design of this book, as it contains bullet points, statistics, and great chapter divisions. Sonstegard's advocacy for collaboration resonates with me on a deeply personal level, as it reflects my own beliefs in the power of cooperation and collective action. In a world characterized by increasing interconnectedness and interdependence, collaboration emerges as a fundamental principle for addressing complex challenges and driving positive change.

[Candice Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I don’t have a business, there are many books that can help with your endeavors. I know, for me, in particular simple books are the best when I need help. Even though I am not starting my own business it's interesting to see there are many books out about businesses. One of these books is called Start with Collaboration. The title of the book is simple, which makes you want to dive into the book. The book starts with a personal story which helps people grab the audience. A woman named Lois is interviewing her about experience within the times of the pandemic. She went along trying to find solutions during that time. What I like about the set up in this book, is that certain pages are a certain color. For instance there is a page which discusses External and Internal relationships. It shares what they are. This page stood out to me because of the color of the page. If it was a white page, I don’t know if my eye would have gone to the page. While reading the book, I also noticed a few charts which help you to see the benefit of collaboration. The charts are simple to understand. As I continued reading, I learned a lot from stories. Stories help me to understand collaboration from personal experience. When you tell someone you collaborated and not back it up, they may not believe it can be successful. In this book, you see which possibly helps someone to want to collaborate. I am glad this book was written so that others can see collaboration can be a good tactic for their business. Start with Collaboration written by Louis Sonstegard is a great book. Collaboration may feel like a group project but it may help your business succeed.

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start With Collaboration offers an eye-opening perspective on the fundamental role of collaboration in the modern business world. This book is a great inspiration for professionals and small business leaders who are determined to grow and develop. It presents an in-depth look at how effective collaboration can drive business success.
The reading is complex and develops the subject in detail, paying special attention not only to the data it conveys but also to the fact that the information is reliable and verifiable. The figures are based on research and experience and incorporate many statistical results that add a great deal to the development of the book. 
What I liked and what inspired me most about this book are the four words that structure it from beginning to end: resilience, improvisation, connection and collaboration. They are four very broad concepts that perfectly encompass the fundamental aspects that a company needs to grow and develop successfully and in a short period of time. 
Author Lois Sonstegard, is a great business leader, has a lot of experience and as a result has managed to write successful books that inform readers of these topics in a way that quickly becomes a guide to follow-up, learning and development. I will definitely be reading more of her books. One of the book's greatest strengths is its clarity and practicality. I have found it very easy to understand and follow. It is very well written and the experience of the author can be perceived in every page.
This book is a satisfying read and I learned more than I expected.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across eight chapters, the book demonstrates that effective teamwork often yields better outcomes than individual efforts. Nowadays, we live in a society where accomplishments on an individual basis are frequently credited with success; we always keep in mind the importance of reaching the target regardless of how we do it. This book is a potent reminder of the amazing things that may happen when individuals band together for a shared goal. One thing I really liked about this piece of work is that it includes real-life examples making this book an invaluable resource and easier to relate the theory to something more concrete. Another aspect that I find more than interesting is the deep connection between the author and the reader. On more than one occasion, I felt as if I was having an intimate conversation with her in my living room. This speaks of her innate talent to reach the reader in an extraordinary way. The distribution of information is adequate and well organized. Initially, the book presents general definitions and theoretical concepts, followed by a gradual exploration of specific topics.
The book maintains a balanced approach, providing sufficient data without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details, resulting in a surprisingly quick read due to its agility. It is both delightful and informative, encouraging readers to seek out joint venture opportunities. This was my first experience with this author's impressive and insightful writing, and it definitely won't be the last.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m trying to be a better leader and have a real impact on my employees, and in Start with Collaboration, I found an indispensable guide for today's business. This book helped me to face common challenges that are presented day by day, from labor shortages and supply chain disruptions to the broader issues of economic instability and environmental crises. I think the best part of this book is that it made me understand that the individualistic approach to problem-solving is no longer viable in addressing the complex problems businesses encounter today. Instead, the author proposes collaboration as the cornerstone of modern business strategy, essential for driving profit, productivity, and innovation. What makes this book particularly impactful is Sonstegard’s ability to blend compelling evidence with practical advice. She not only champions the concept of collaboration but also meticulously outlines how businesses can implement collaborative strategies effectively. Through real-world examples, it illustrates the transformative potential of collaboration when executed with clarity and purpose, and for me, it is the best part; just seeing the theory is important, but reading these examples makes this book so important and relevant. The book serves not just as a theoretical exploration of collaboration's benefits but as a hands-on manual that walks readers through identifying collaborative opportunities, developing the necessary framework for successful collaboration, and guiding them through the process.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a comprehensive perspective on the intertwining of business practices with contemporary global trends. It captivates with practical advice and information relevant to today's dynamic business environment. The central theme of collaboration resonates throughout, supported by real-world examples and scenarios that illustrate its vital role in achieving success. The author's approachable style and straightforward narration make the concepts accessible, fostering a pedagogical environment conducive to learning about business strategies. One of the book's strengths lies in its applicability beyond the business realm. The ideas presented, particularly about collaboration, attitude, and diversity, are relatable and can be applied in everyday life. A noteworthy chapter delves into the significance of choosing the right collaborators, emphasizing the need to understand one's objectives and limitations before engaging with others. This point is particularly impactful, urging readers to reflect on their own goals and boundaries.
The book is a valuable resource, dense with insights that invite readers to engage actively—making notes, revisiting sections, and applying its teachings. It seems especially beneficial for young adults and adults preparing to navigate both business and life challenges. Start with Collaborations prompts a thoughtful reevaluation of conventional approaches, leaving readers with lasting, thought-provoking impressions.

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to learn how to collaborate to get success!

This book insightfully examines the integral role of collaboration in navigating today's complex business landscapes. It astutely recognizes that individual efforts alone are insufficient in the face of rapidly evolving challenges and emphasizes the collective pooling of knowledge, skills, and resources as a key driver for innovation, creativity, productivity, and profitability. The book particularly highlights the crucial collaborative efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, showcasing how government and health industry partnerships expedited vaccine development and distribution. This example serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving significant societal and economic advancements. Aimed at readers with an interest in business dynamics, growth strategies, and the impact of innovative collaborative models, this book provides both theoretical insights and practical examples. It showcases various companies that have successfully embraced collaboration, leading to significant project advancements. From a personal standpoint, I found the book to be enlightening, offering clear and brilliant ideas. It encourages a mindset shift towards embracing new methodologies in collaborative projects. This read is especially beneficial for those seeking to understand the dynamics of partnership and teamwork in the business world and their broader societal implications.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

"..lack of alignment within a team impacts the outcome of tasks or projects."


I am familiar with the concept of collaboration, but this book has deepened my understanding of it. The book has many great chapters, including developing your blueprint. Sometimes, we are reluctant to ask or give help to others or even share our ideas. This chapter guides us on what we should expect, the goals we must set, and building our collaboration ecosystem. This book emphasizes the gravity of who, where, and how to choose collaborators for your business, which is crucial in collaboration. I understand the value of building and maintaining trust, not only for your brand, the process, and the people you choose to collaborate with. The collaboration warning lights were very insightful, and I see myself printing that out to determine what to look out for. The saying" teamwork makes the dream work " is embodied throughout this book.
I appreciate the layout of the book. The school of fish is the best illustration to characterize the goal of this book. Every page is masterfully curated to make sure that you know what chapter you are on. The author sets clear and compelling goals at the beginning of each chapter, which I appreciate. fun tidbits of facts and figures were a delight to read. This is a well-researched that I will read more than once.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonstegard's main aim in Start With Collaboration is to convey the power of collaboration in various spheres, including business, the economy, and environmental conservation, suggesting it can be a transformative force in these areas. The author encourages readers to not only engage with the material but also reflect on it and consider applying these principles in their own contexts. The author’s writing style is approachable and interactive, incorporating questions for self-reflection, graphs for data analysis, and bullet points for clarity, all presented in a reader-friendly format. This variety ensures that the narrative remains dynamic and accessible to a wide range of readers. One of the book's key strengths is its ability to quickly broaden the reader's perspective, especially regarding the future and interpersonal relationships. Sonstegard advocates for a shift from hierarchical to more horizontal relationship models, emphasizing collaboration over competition. Readers may find themselves inspired, viewing collaboration as a vital part of shaping the future. The book posits that we all play a role in co-creating our collective future and emphasizes personal responsibility in this process. Sonstegard's message is clear: collaboration is not just beneficial but essential, and embracing it is not as daunting as it might seem.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting points of view to analyze.

This book is a result of Sonstegard's extensive research, inspired by her observation of how businesses could thrive through mutual support, especially during challenging times. The narrative posits a thought-provoking question: What if collaboration extends beyond crisis management? The book argues convincingly that in our rapidly evolving world, where challenges are becoming more complex, the lone efforts of an individual are often insufficient. Instead, sharing knowledge, skills, and resources can lead to more comprehensive solutions. Sonstegard's book is not just theoretical but offers practical guidance. It explores the broader benefits of collaboration, addressing how it can solve complex business challenges and contribute to addressing significant global issues. Moreover, the book functions as a guide, providing best practices for effective collaboration. These insights are particularly useful for readers who might be accustomed to a singular approach in business, highlighting the potential growth and innovation that can come from exploring diverse perspectives and alternatives.


Start With Collaboration serves as more than a business book; it's a transformative guide that reshapes the reader's perspective on collaboration.

[Lauraforero · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for a leader!


Author Lois Sonstegard provides readers with such an interesting book that touches upon how working together can help people succeed, both in their personal and professional lives. The author leverages her expertise as a coach and consultant to delve into the multifaceted dynamics of team collaboration. The book's strength lies in its blend of practical guidance and real-life anecdotes that vividly illustrate the significance of collaborative efforts. Sonstegard effectively demonstrates how teamwork can enhance creativity, productivity, and problem-solving capabilities. A key insight from the book is the value of diversity in team composition, highlighting how varied skill sets can foster innovative thinking. As a reader, I found the book's pragmatic approach particularly enlightening. The use of concrete examples serves not only to underscore the importance of teamwork but also offers actionable strategies for leaders and team members alike. This makes the book an invaluable resource for both existing leaders and those aspiring to be part of high-performing teams. Whether at the onset of a professional journey or seasoned in leadership roles, readers will find relevant and impactful advice in these pages. Sonstegard's work is a compelling read for anyone keen on cultivating a collaborative and inclusive workplace environment.

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having delved into "Start with Collaboration" by Lois Sonstegard, I am genuinely impressed by its insightful exploration of collaboration as a transformative business imperative.
Sonstegard skillfully navigates through the intricate web of contemporary challenges, illustrating how collaboration is not just a choice but a necessity for businesses facing multifaceted problems. The book's ability to present startling facts about the tangible benefits of collaboration on profits, productivity, and innovation is both convincing and inspiring. What I appreciate most is the practical approach, providing readers with a clear roadmap to identify, understand, and leverage collaboration effectively.
The author's emphasis on collaboration as a solution to diverse problems resonates strongly, making a compelling case for its adoption in today's dynamic business landscape. The building blocks presented in the book offer actionable insights, empowering readers to embark on successful collaborative endeavors.
As someone seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of the modern business world, "Start with Collaboration" has been a beacon of wisdom. Lois Sonstegard's writing style is engaging, and the book serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to transform challenges into opportunities through the power of collaboration.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a result of Sonstegard's extensive research, inspired by her observation of how businesses could thrive through mutual support, especially during challenging times. The narrative posits a thought-provoking question: What if collaboration extends beyond crisis management? The book argues convincingly that in our rapidly evolving world, where challenges are becoming more complex, the lone efforts of an individual are often insufficient. Instead, sharing knowledge, skills, and resources can lead to more comprehensive solutions. Sonstegard's book is not just theoretical but offers practical guidance. It explores the broader benefits of collaboration, addressing how it can solve complex business challenges and contribute to addressing significant global issues. Moreover, the book functions as a guide, providing best practices for effective collaboration. These insights are particularly useful for readers who might be accustomed to a singular approach in business, highlighting the potential growth and innovation that can come from exploring diverse perspectives and alternatives.


Start With Collaboration serves as more than a business book; it's a transformative guide that reshapes the reader's perspective on collaboration.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Message is Clear, Collaborate!
Start with Collaboration: A Proven Path to Success by Lois Sonstegard is a compelling and insightful read that emphasizes the critical importance of collaboration in today's fast-paced and interconnected world. The book skillfully blends theoretical insights with practical examples, illustrating the transformative power of collaborative efforts in various contexts. It's particularly adept at highlighting both the benefits of collaboration and the risks of its absence, using real-life scenarios and research. I found it interesting that the author doesn’t touch upon the topic of collaboration as only in the workforce like a corporate job or in school but she also touches upon the government, marriages, non profit organizations and many other collaborations. Sonstegard provides readers with an abundance of information backed by research making her book a great resource. This book would be a valuable resource for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of collaboration on success and innovation. It's a testament to the idea that collective efforts are often more impactful than individual endeavors in addressing complex challenges.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonstegard's Start with Collaboration is a compelling and insightful read for anyone navigating the complex dynamics of modern business. The book's strength lies in its straightforward, fact-based approach to collaboration. Sonstegard moves beyond simply advocating for collaborative efforts; she presents a convincing case backed by concrete examples, showing how collaboration can lead to increased profits, heightened productivity, and significant innovation. What sets this book apart is its practicality. It's more than just an exploration of collaborative theory; it's a hands-on guide. The author provides a range of strategies to effectively identify problems suitable for collaborative solutions, build successful partnerships, and skillfully manage the collaboration process. The range of topics covered, from the foundational aspects of collaboration to more advanced techniques, ensures that there's something of value for every reader. Reading Start with Collaboration gives one the impression of being mentored by an expert adeptly navigated through the labyrinth of today's business challenges. This book is a valuable resource, not just for startup founders but also for experienced executives looking to refine their collaborative skills.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Start With Collaboration" is an insightful and practical guide to building effective collaborative relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Authored by Lois, the book draws on her wealth of experience as a collaborative leader and provides readers with actionable strategies for fostering collaboration and teamwork.

The book is well-structured and easy to follow, with each chapter building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive overview of collaboration. Lois uses real-life examples and anecdotes to illustrate her points, which adds a personal touch and makes the content more relatable.

One of the key strengths of "Start With Collaboration" is its emphasis on the importance of trust and communication in collaboration. Lois provides concrete tips for building trust and maintaining open lines of communication, which are essential ingredients for successful collaboration.

Overall, "Start With Collaboration" is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their collaborative skills. It's a must-read for leaders, managers, and team members alike, and I highly recommend it.

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my perspective, this book skillfully addresses common hurdles in collaboration, such as ego and trust issues, presenting them not just as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and learning. Sonstegard explores various dimensions of business, including employee satisfaction, productivity, innovation, and sales, providing a comprehensive guide for business success. Start With Collaboration proves to be particularly insightful for entrepreneurs and small business owners, who form the backbone of the economy. While it acknowledges the value of competition, it emphasizes the transformative power of collaboration, extending beyond business to sectors like the environment, healthcare, and society at large.  As a small entrepreneur myself, Start With Collaboration offered me fresh perspectives and valuable insights. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying open to new opportunities and not letting personal biases hinder potential growth. This book isn't just for business professionals; its principles resonate with anyone looking to understand and leverage the power of collaboration in any field.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start With Collaboration lays a solid foundation by explaining the concept of collaboration – its definition, significance, and application in the modern, interconnected business world. This is especially beneficial for readers seeking to understand the dynamics of team performance and its impact on staying relevant amidst constant changes. I found the book to be an invaluable resource during a challenging time at work, where team dynamics were more competitive than cooperative. Sonstegard's book offered practical tools and strategies, transforming my approach to team management. Her emphasis on inclusive language and fostering a collaborative environment resonated deeply with me. Each chapter is well-structured, beginning with a conceptual overview, followed by actionable bullet points, and concluding with a succinct summary. This methodical approach not only enriches the reader's understanding but also inspires action. The inclusion of external resources and literature by other authors enhances the book's collaborative spirit. It extends the learning experience beyond the pages of this book, inviting readers to explore a broader spectrum of knowledge.

[Lindsay DeRollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Guidebook

A practical and resourceful guide that teaches us the amazing benefits of collaboration. You learn how it works and the dangers of middle market businesses failing to use this method.

Collaboration today is more important than ever, as our issues in this world are increasing and getting more intense. We need to work together to share knowledge, skills, and resources, or else middle market businesses will fall behind. Big issues today such as global warming and pandemics need to be properly addressed now with collaboration efforts.

However, collaboration isn’t just for world issues, politics, or businesses. It can also help with everyday life as discussed by the author through her own experiences. This has lead to her becoming a successful leader and entrepreneur. It was the quickest and least stressful way to reach all of her goals.

This book can help all of us today to get on the road to success in an easy-to-understand way that will greatly benefit all areas of our lives and keep our middle market businesses running.

Recommended.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collaboration could save your business. It could save the economy. It might even save our planet. The ideas in this book are worthy of your time, consideration, and implementation.

Start with Collaboration by Lois Sonstegard helped me become immune to the pervasive competitive attitude that is rampant in North America. There is another way, and it’s called collaboration! Instead of a bloodbath of cut-throat competition, we can help each other. Lois reveals that by collaborating, everyone wins. Innovation, creativity, productivity, and profits increase. So does job satisfaction. There is a lot to gain by starting with an attitude of collaboration. As far as I could see from reading this book, there is nothing to lose ... except a lot of stress and employee turnover.

Lois's message is important for every leader, manager, and entrepreneur to understand and implement. I read an Advance Review copy of this book and recommend it.

[Reader Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a heavy emphasis and value in collaboration under a pervasively competitive climate, Lois Sonstegard encapsulates how a change in attitude could shift your business, including greater consideration for the planet and those surrounding you. After an uncertain future following the advent of the pandemic and its labor shortages, middle-market companies were forced to restrategize, pivot, and adapt to these changes. Collaboration is the driving force behind innovation and growth. It stimulates companies to stay relevant in an upbeat fast-moving economy. Human rights can take shape in all sizes, including preservation of land use, resource management, and equality for all. Deliberate communication proves useful during collaboration because behind every individual is a team. Internal and external collaboration is essential in diversifying the company’s authentic voice. This research is crucial when increasing employee satisfaction, retention, productivity, innovation, and profits.

[Steven Adjei · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book on collaboration by Lois Sonstegard is a very simple, easy-to-understand medium-sized book which spells out in incredible detail, over 7 chapters the advantages (and disadvantages) of collaboration.
She intertwines her personal stories of working in Minnesota, challenges with her son, and her experiences in Japan with solid research ranging from accomplished authors such as Steven Covey, Jim Collins, Kotler, with articles from the Harvard Business Review and Gallup to illustrate her points. There are also brilliant resources and back up from her website of the same name to buttress her points.
An enjoyable read, and a must-have resource for the challenging times in which we live in. I would have liked a more generalised approach, such as more references to Europe, Africa and Asia, but overall a compelling and wonderful read.

[John Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Start With Collaboration," Lois's book, has actionable tips for building good relationships with other people, both in personal and professional settings.

You might think it's only important for your job, but it's actually more important for your life.

Lois also gives a full overview of collaboration, with a focus on how important trust and communication are. This book is great because it uses examples from real life.

This book is a great way for leaders, managers, team members, and anyone else who wants to get better than they were yesterday to get access to her knowledge and insights. It is also a great way to improve collaboration skills.

I really think you should read this great book that is easy to understand and apply in real life situations.

[Luke Ho-Hyung · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definition of the Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks. Mainly due to the Internet’s interconnected communication capability, the value of collaboration has significantly increased in the modern information age, especially in the complex modern business world. My respectful friend and partner Lois Sonstegard has clearly figured out the increased importance of collaboration in the modern information age business world and written this great book. I would strongly suggest that anyone who wants to learn how to leverage the power of collaboration to thrive in our rapidly changing world read this book and have a chance to talk with her. She has a solution.

[Joanne]

Lois Sonstegard's new work, Start with Collaboration: A Proven Path to Success opens your eyes to the need for astute collaboration as an essential component for success in our times. She clearly presents the many "whys" for collaborating with others versus "doing it yourself" and supplies the practical strategies for implementation. Anyone wishing to make an impact in today's world, especially those who build and work with teams, or who envision doing so, would stand to benefit from reading this book.

[Anand Jobanputra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an entrepreneur myself, I know how hard it is to build a successful business. Things have been changing very fast in this uncertain world due to technology and economic factors.

What I've found is that collaborating with the right people is not just important but a necessity in this day and age. This shows you the exponential growth you can achieve even in uncertain and volatile business environments.

This book is a must-read if you are an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur and want to grow your company while achieving massive personal success in 2023 and beyond.

[Susan A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lois is a master of collaboration. In our hearts, we all know that collaboration can be a good thing. But, if you've been part of a wishy-washy or negative collaboration, you might be a little nervous about embracing this strategy again.

Fear not! Lois has written an awesome book with tons of resources and ideas on how to capitalize on the amazing benefits of collaborating with people and organizations who are a perfect fit for your intended outcomes.

Check this out and watch your life and business flourish!

Bravo Lois!