What are the best practices for communicating and collaborating with your partners on projects?

1 Identify your goals and expectations

Before you approach another agency for networking or partnering, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you can offer. Do you want to expand your geographic reach, fill a skill gap, or increase your capacity? Do you have a specific project or client in mind, or are you looking for a long-term relationship? How will you measure the success and value of the partnership? Having a clear vision and strategy will help you find the right partners and communicate your goals and expectations effectively.

2 Research potential partners

Once you have defined your goals and expectations, you need to research potential partners that match your criteria and interests. You can use online platforms, industry associations, referrals, or events to find and connect with other agencies. You should look for agencies that have a good reputation, a compatible culture, and a complementary service portfolio. You should also check their financial stability, legal compliance, and client satisfaction. You want to work with partners that share your values, vision, and standards of quality.

3 Establish trust and rapport

After you have identified and contacted potential partners, you need to establish trust and rapport with them. This can be done by meeting face-to-face, exchanging information, and expressing interest and appreciation. You should also be transparent and honest about your strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. You should avoid being too aggressive, competitive, or secretive. You want to build a relationship based on mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration.

4 Negotiate and formalize the partnership

If you and your potential partner agree to work together on a project or a long-term basis, you need to negotiate and formalize the partnership. This means setting clear roles and responsibilities, defining the scope and deliverables, agreeing on the pricing and payment terms, and signing a contract that covers all the legal and ethical aspects of the partnership. You should also establish a communication plan, a feedback mechanism, and a dispute resolution process. You want to have a clear and binding agreement that protects both parties and ensures a smooth and successful partnership.

5 Communicate and collaborate effectively

Once you have formalized the partnership, you need to communicate and collaborate effectively with your partner. This means keeping in touch regularly, updating each other on the progress and issues, and sharing ideas and insights. You should also respect your partner's autonomy, expertise, and preferences. You should avoid micromanaging, criticizing, or undermining your partner. You want to have a positive and productive partnership that delivers value to both parties and the clients.

6 Evaluate and improve the partnership

After you have completed a project or a period of partnership, you need to evaluate and improve the partnership. This means soliciting and providing feedback, reviewing the results and outcomes, and celebrating the achievements and learnings. You should also identify the strengths and weaknesses of the partnership, the opportunities and threats for the future, and the areas for improvement and innovation. You want to have a continuous and constructive partnership that grows and evolves over time.