How do you build relationships with partners?

1 Identify potential partners

The first step to building relationships with partners is to identify who you want to work with and why. You can start by mapping out your existing network and looking for gaps or opportunities. You can also research potential partners that share your mission, vision, or values, and have complementary skills, resources, or audiences. You can use online tools, such as directories, databases, or social media, to find out more about them and their work.

2 Initiate contact

Once you have identified potential partners, you need to initiate contact and express your interest in collaborating. You can use various channels, such as email, phone, or face-to-face meetings, depending on the context and the level of formality. You should introduce yourself and your library, explain what you do and what you offer, and state what you hope to achieve by working together. You should also ask questions about their needs, interests, and expectations, and listen carefully to their responses.

3 Establish trust and rapport

After initiating contact, you need to establish trust and rapport with your partners. You can do this by being respectful, transparent, and responsive. You should also show genuine curiosity and appreciation for their work and their perspectives. You can build rapport by finding common ground, sharing stories, or using humor. You should also avoid making assumptions or judgments, and be open to feedback and learning.

4 Negotiate roles and responsibilities

Once you have established trust and rapport, you need to negotiate roles and responsibilities with your partners. You should clarify the purpose, scope, and duration of the partnership, and define the goals, outcomes, and indicators of success. You should also agree on the roles and responsibilities of each partner, and how they will communicate, coordinate, and cooperate. You should document these agreements in a written contract or memorandum of understanding, and review them regularly.

5 Deliver value and quality

After negotiating roles and responsibilities, you need to deliver value and quality to your partners. You should follow through on your commitments, and meet or exceed their expectations. You should also monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the partnership, and report on the results. You should also seek feedback from your partners, and acknowledge their contributions and achievements. You should also celebrate the successes and learn from the challenges.

6 Maintain and grow the relationship

After delivering value and quality, you need to maintain and grow the relationship with your partners. You should keep in touch with them, and update them on any changes or developments. You should also look for ways to strengthen or expand the partnership, such as by creating new opportunities, adding new partners, or scaling up the impact. You should also recognize and address any issues or conflicts that may arise, and resolve them constructively.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?