Theory: Collaborating With Others - Networking & Co-creation

Developing collaborative skills, as any other Methodological Skill (you can learn on DIGITOUR Methodological Skills Module), requires a combination of training, practice, and feedback.

●     Training can provide professionals in tourism with the knowledge and tools to collaborate effectively.

●     Practice can help you (and your employees) to apply collaborative skills in real-life situations.

●     Feedback can enhance collaborative skills by identifying strengths and weaknesses.

As such, SMEs can develop collaborative skills by creating a collaborative culture, providing opportunities for teamwork, and rewarding collaborative behaviour. Even if you aim to be a solo-entrepreneur, working on your collaborative skills will pay off in terms of networking and learning from others.

To better understand the power of collaboration and sharing with others and the positive effects this can have on your performance, we invite you to take a look at the following video:

As mentioned above, there are many different types of collaboration. This largely depends on the expectations and needs of the parties.

For example, if you are the manager of a tourist accommodation you could collaborate on a small scale with a local guide and offer a discount on their services to your customers at check-in to enhance their tourist experience in the locality. Or, for example, you could be part of a sector cluster that collaborates with public authorities to develop business guidelines to ensure the resilience & sustainability of tourism in the area. In this way, you would put your expertise and professional experience at the service of the entire business fabric of the local/regional/national ecosystem.

You must understand that collaboration is not just about direct benefit through working together, but is about engaging with others to deliver joint value. This means that the ideal is to generate win-win situations in which all parties benefit.

Two of the most common collaboration processes usually take place between you and your employees/colleagues or customers.

Collaboration Between Employees

Collaboration between employees of a SMEs involves working together as a team to achieve common goals. Collaboration between employees or colleagues can improve efficiency, productivity, and innovation.

Collaborative skills are necessary for effective teamwork, where each member brings their unique skills and experiences to contribute to the success of the team. It requires effective communication, trust, and mutual respect.

If you are a (prospective) solo-entrepreneur, if possible, you can think of “colleagues” as other entrepreneurs/stakeholders working towards the same goals in your area of activity. Let’s imagine, for instance, collaborating with a cluster of small businesses aiming to promote a tourist destination.

Good Practices

• On  that note, you can learn more about the vital importance of applying social skills in collaboration with colleagues in the workplace (teamwork), you can read more at: Examples of Communication and Collaboration Skills | Indeed.com Australia

Collaboration with Customers

Collaboration with customers involves working together to meet customer needs, aiming to improve customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.

It requires effective communication, active listening, and empathy, which are necessary to build strong relationships with customers, gain insights and create value for them.

We will now look at some of the steps to follow to start a collaboration process with other relevant actors in your network or tourism ecosystem.