For years I had heard this phrase and didn’t think much about it. Then one day a very close relative made a choice with his life that had a ripple effect. I then understood this very profound phrase and have reflected upon it often.

What we do or do not do affects those around us and involved in our lives and business. There are hard working and smart individuals who with sheer will alone can do amazing things. However, the power of two or more is when the ROE occurs. What is ROE? It is Return On Energy.

The trick is to find those partners or team members who we feel that energy electrified. We don’t have to go it alone. Partnering with an individual or an organization can help us move to the next level.

Here are some tools to identify a good fit:

1. Share the same principles. It will serve you in the long run. Research and securing references will guide you in the decision of whom to joint venture with or not.

2. Determine if they are a competitor, or can a synergistic relationship occur? Often times combining forces with a competitor will help you both succeed in the long run.

3. Add complimentary services or products to your business. Selecting those joint ventures where it makes business, marketing and even branding sense will pave the wave of opportunity for you.

4. Implement effective communication strategies. Communication will be the secret to a positive relationship. Constant follow up and discussed strategic planning will move your combined goals and efforts along the path to success.

5. Set goals and milestones. If you plan your goals and set milestones you will be able to measure whether the joint venture was successful.

It is hard to trust others when you have experienced a bad situation. Doing your due diligence ahead of time will help prevent potential pitfalls or disappointments. Sometimes saying no to proposed opportunities are the best course of action. It pays to be picky.

As you are selecting partners look for individuals or groups who have strengths that you are missing and that you have identified would help your business grow. By doing this you will be creating a win-win solution and your ROE will be intensified.

The same holds true for personal relationships. Creating a complimentary team where all stakeholders feel invested, supported and affirmed will produce a positive and successful outcome.

Your decisions and path will affect many lives. By being strategic you can chart an excellent future no matter what had occurred in the past. That is the beauty of a new day!