How do you overcome the challenges of obtaining customer consent and approval for joint solutions stories?

2 Establish trust and rapport with your customer

Another key factor for obtaining customer consent and approval is to establish trust and rapport with your customer. This means building a long-term relationship with them, not just asking for a favor. You need to demonstrate that you value their feedback, appreciate their collaboration, and respect their privacy. You also need to communicate clearly and transparently with them about the purpose, process, and expectations of the joint solutions story. For example, you can explain how the story will be used, who will be involved, what information will be shared, how long it will take, and what approvals are required. You can also provide examples of previous joint solutions stories that you have created with other customers and partners, and highlight the benefits and outcomes.

3 Involve your partner in the process

Since you are creating a joint solutions story with your partner, you need to involve them in the process as well. You need to coordinate with your partner on the scope, format, and message of the story, and ensure that both solutions are represented fairly and accurately. You also need to consult with your partner on the best way to approach and engage your customer, and leverage their existing relationship and influence. Moreover, you need to align with your partner on the legal and contractual aspects of the story, such as the terms and conditions, the disclosure agreements, and the approval procedures. By working closely with your partner, you can avoid conflicts, confusion, and delays, and create a joint solutions story that showcases the value of both solutions.

4 Make it easy and convenient for your customer

One of the main reasons why customers may hesitate or decline to participate in a joint solutions story is because they perceive it as a hassle or a burden. They may not have the time, resources, or authority to provide the information, feedback, and approval that you need. Therefore, you need to make it easy and convenient for your customer to cooperate with you. You can do this by providing them with clear and simple guidelines, templates, and tools for creating the story. You can also offer to do most of the work for them, such as writing the draft, creating the visuals, and editing the final version. You can also be flexible and accommodating to their schedule, preferences, and constraints, and minimize the number of revisions and approvals that they need to provide.

5 Reward and recognize your customer

Finally, you need to reward and recognize your customer for their contribution and cooperation. You need to show them that you appreciate their time, effort, and trust, and that you value their partnership. You can do this by providing them with incentives, such as discounts, referrals, or exclusive access to new features or services. You can also recognize them by featuring them prominently in the joint solutions story, sharing their success and achievements with your audience, and giving them credit and recognition. You can also follow up with them after the story is published, and provide them with feedback, metrics, and testimonials on how the story performed and impacted your business and theirs.

6 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?