32: How do I invite a guest to collaborate with me?

I’m going to get real honest here. Every time a beautiful being asked me to be a guest teacher, speaker, or mentor, I ask myself the question, “Am I being asked because I am the handful of BIPOC coaches that they know, and are they trying to round out their guest, so they are seen as allies?”

Half of the time, this isn’t the case at all, but it is the question that runs through me and keeps me cautious and highly discerning regarding whom I partner with. Today’s Sacred Business Podcast episode is all about how to invite guests to collaborate with you.

Now I get that due to socials being the way they are, it makes you feel as if others are accessible. We tend to be warm, open, and ready to be of service. At the same time, I find myself wanting to make sure that I am respecting people’s time and space. When I receive an invitation in this particular way, I remember the person who has mindfully crafted their introduction, and they will make a lasting impression on me.

Listen to today’s episode as I dive into how I invite a guest to collaborate.

Let’s take an example like a telesummit. Here is my sacred protocol…

I do not create a summit until I feel like I have spent ample time connecting with new and amazing people I call colleagues and possibly new online friends. I’ve done the following because it felt aligned, and I was so excited to get to know their medicine:
Listened to several podcasts
Attended a summit that was led by them or they were interviewed in
Participated in a class, gathering, webinar
Subscribed to their podcast
Spent sacred time with them at a conference
Had a virtual tea date after a mutual friend made an introduction
Read their book
Done my research
Find their email address
I do not make my ask via direct, private message
Craft an intentional email
Open with my vision
Share why I love and respect their work - I am specific
Share any connections of mutual friends we have
I speak about the project in more detail
I include guests that are participating
My commitment to diversity
Explain clearly what I am asking for
The amount of time
The fact that there are no requirements regarding marketing
How we shall meet virtually
Any prep work or details I will need before the call
A clear outline of dates
I invite them to a tea date so they can get to know me better and I can share my intention for this project
I give them plenty of time to consider this - typically, I begin this process at least a month or two in advance


A Gentle Reminder
Having a diverse group of panelists or guest mentors/speakers as part of your program does not highlight the inner work you have done to unpack your privilege. As a woman of color, here is what I am looking for:
You know more than 5 of the same BIPOC coaches that are being invited into these spaces. You are doing your research and not taking the easy road of merely asking those that know one another.
You amplify the voices and services of others, including BIPOC.
You have paid for services or experiences held by a BIPOC and not only to check the box that you’ve done it but because deep within you were called to participate.
You have BIPOC clients. I am going to repeat this. Your community consists of BIPOC. This last part is what I believe shows me that your space is safe enough for us to land in. As an invited guest, this is what I am looking for.