We've all heard ill-fated alliance horror stories. We wonder, where did they go wrong? In 1992, Apple and IBM joined forces to create Taligent, an object-oriented operating system reminiscent of Windows. The project was a huge disappointment for conglomerates, with combined losses said to exceed $150 million. So why did their venture fail? Within a synergy, business partners- whether they're competitors or not- need to establish a mutual trust and respect from start. When a relationship is built on a shaky foundation, house is bound to collapse. On surface, both companies maintained a happy facade, but at time, both had slapped a number of lawsuits against other for patent and technology infringement. An alliance needs to be well negotiated and structured; both partners must have a clear understanding of what other can contribute and what they can expect from venture in future. Solid planning is your insurance against an IBM/Apple sized failure. Since blunder, both IBM and Apple have restructured their strategic methods, and both have engaged in successful alliances. Today, 30% of IBM's $86 billion revenue comes from its numerous alliances with other companies. They learned to delineate priorities, agendas, goals and motives well before alliance was implemented. Make sure no unexpected surprises lay ahead. If you take necessary steps beforehand, chances are only surprises you'll get will be good. A strategic alliance is, after all, a tool for building mutual value and it will only fail to deliver if you do.

Relationships forged within a company's network are just as important as ones made outside. The importance of a synchronized team can create kind of efficiency business owners dream of. Networking, sharing ideas and expertise can really iron out creases in terms of synergy, productivity and intelligence. Mount Real's Senior Financial Advisor program recruits business people from diverse areas of expertise including accounting, investing, e-commerce, banking and marketing. These business professionals advise Mount Real's clients, recruit new clients, broker deals and other transactions between clients and supply special expertise when needed. This system is ultimate in business networking. The sturdy alliances cultivated by SFA provide a pool of resources for Mount Real and its advisors to use to their gain. This multifaceted system of professionals is given an automatic set of invaluable contacts, as well as an important point on which to continue building their careers. Joseph Pettinnichio, a manager of program said: "This program allows us, as professionals, to create a stimulating environment where we can apply our diverse talents to enhance quality of service at Mount Real. Our network allows us to exchange information, improve our own knowledge and that of our clients'." Any relationship in life, whether it's your brother, mother, friend or business partner, needs to be built through trust, openness, integrity and respect towards others. Business alliances need to be painstakingly structured, and meticulously planned. The path you build together should have a clear destination otherwise, you'll both end up astray. Warren Buffett once said "In business world, rearview mirror is always clearer than windshield." The road ahead is always unclear, but if you trust person you're driving with, sit back and enjoy ride.

David told me stories of how “keeping up with Joneses” made him live up to other people’s expectations, and how he now chooses to simply live up to his own expectations instead. What a great thought, huh? It got it got me to thinking as well, and to ask this question that I share with you now:

How would I live my life differently, if I lived it only for me? I mean, do I have to wait until I’m wealthy before I begin to enjoy simple pleasures that surround me each day?

Imagine freedom we’d have, not attempting to impress anyone other than ourselves. Imagine free time we’d have in our minds, dreaming of what inspires us…rather than wasting time attempting to please everyone else.

I suppose lesson to be learned here is that this freedom can be ours . . . and already exists before us. We simply need to accept its challenge.

The challenge is this: For one month, make a conscious effort to do what pleases you. Be proud of your success (but don’t brag), wear clothes that make you comfortable and happy, eliminate fear to dance, take that risk you’ve been holding back, and whatever you do . . . Keep smilin’