To 'colaeb' means to collaborate and elevate. The word is pronounced just like 'collab' but the 'ae' spelling signifies the difference. The term "Collaborate and elevate" is a phrase that encourages individuals or entities to work together and strive for improvement, growth, or advancement. It combines the concepts of collaboration and elevation, popularized by the website collaborateandelevate.com

1. Collaborate: Collaboration refers to the act of working together with others towards a common goal or objective. When individuals collaborate, they bring together their skills, knowledge, and resources to achieve something collectively. Collaboration emphasizes cooperation, communication, and synergy, with the aim of accomplishing more through combined efforts than what could be achieved individually.
2. Elevate: To elevate means to raise or lift something to a higher level. In the context of "collaborate and elevate," it signifies the intention to improve, enhance, or uplift the quality, impact, or significance of the collaborative effort. It involves striving for excellence, pushing boundaries, and seeking opportunities for growth and advancement.

Together, 'colaeb' or "collaborate and elevate" promotes the idea of working together in a collaborative manner while aiming for improvement, progress, or advancement. It suggests that by joining forces and leveraging collective strengths, individuals can achieve higher levels of success, productivity, or innovation. The phrase encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence through collaborative endeavors.

by Lenny Burkett

We've learned a lot of lessons from building Stopwatch Creative, working with numerous agencies and other creatives around the world on a plethora of campaigns. In building, Collaborate and Elevate, a SaaS company helping businesses grow approaching over 1000 active paying customers, we've been able to partner with numerous companies to understand their customer's pain points. 

It's safe to say that finding a reliable marketing company that aligns with your brand's values can be a game-changer. Here are a few steps to help you on your journey:

1️⃣ Define Your Brand: Start by clearly defining your brand's mission, values, and goals. Understand what sets you apart and what you stand for.

2️⃣ Research and Referrals: Conduct thorough research to identify marketing companies that specialize in your industry. Seek referrals from trusted sources, such as fellow entrepreneurs or industry professionals.
​
3️⃣ Portfolio and Track Record: Review the portfolios and case studies of potential marketing companies. Look for evidence of successful campaigns, results-driven strategies, and a track record of delivering value to clients. View some of the Case Studies under the 'See How We've Helped' section on Stopwatch Creative.

4️⃣ Cultural Fit: Assess the cultural fit between your brand and the marketing company. Do they understand and appreciate your brand's values? Are they aligned with your target audience?

5️⃣ Communication and Collaboration: Engage in open and transparent communication with prospective marketing agencies. Discuss your brand's vision, expectations, and desired outcomes. Evaluate their ability to listen, understand, and collaborate effectively. This is one important feature contributing to Collaborate and Elevate's growth the past year!

6️⃣ Client Testimonials: Reach out to current or past clients of the marketing companies you're considering. Inquire about their experiences, level of satisfaction, and whether the agency truly lived up to their promises.

7️⃣ Contract and Terms: Carefully review the contract, terms, and pricing structure offered by the marketing company. Ensure they align with your budget and long-term goals.

Remember, finding the right marketing company is a crucial investment in your brand's success. Take your time, ask the right questions, and trust google as well as your instincts to find a partner that not only understands your vision but also shares your values.

Good luck! 🚀

by Lenny Burkett

This is a great interview about how Charles runs MACRO, the vision, and the formation of some of these amazing ideas that he is working on!

​Charles D. King is Founder & CEO of MACRO, a multi-platform media company representing the voice and perspectives of people of color. Mr. King casts the overall vision, mission and strategic goals for the company’s multiple business verticals, which include a film and television studio, talent and influencer management divisions, a branding and creative agency and an affiliated venture firm.

Launched in 2015, the Company has produced and/or financed thirteen feature films to date, including Judas And The Black Messiah, starring Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield; Just Mercy, starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson; Sorry to Bother You, starring LaKeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson; Mudbound and Fences, the film adaptation of the Tony-Award winning play by August Wilson which starred Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. MACRO’s projects have earned fifteen Academy Award nominations and three wins for Davis in Fences, Kaluuya in Judas and H. E.R. for Judas as well as numerous other nominations. He secured a co-financing, first look deal with Warner Bros. pictures in 2019. Through its Television Studio, MACRO produced the global hit “Raising Dion,” which debuted on Netflix in 2019 and went on to become the streamer’s #1 Kids and Family show worldwide; as well as 2020’s Latinx dramedy “Gentefied.”

Before launching MACRO, Charles formerly was Partner/Agent in the motion picture department at William Morris Endeavor (WME.) He is the first African American to rise from the training program in the BH office film and TV group to Partner in that company’s 100+ year history, and the first African American partner of any major talent agency. An active angel investor and dedicated philanthropist, he is a member of AMPAS and sits on several non-profit boards, including Paley Media, the Sundance Institute, and College Track.

Watch The Breakfast Club interview below: