You're managing limited resources in partnerships. How do you determine which partner's needs to prioritize?

When prioritizing partners, always analyze 3 key metrics: - Alignment of shared goals - Return on Investment (ROI) - Strategic and Professional fit The best partners are the ones, who's goals are aligned with your companies, or are understanding enough to align their initiative with your goals. Always prioritize these partners. However, just alignment of shared goals isn't enough, if the return you're getting from them is not worth the investment. The top partners of your companies usually align their initiatives with your goals, which you results in a very high ROI. Finally, it is essential to make sure your partners are fit more your company professionally, while also adding value on a strategic level as well.

Begin by aligning the partnership’s goals with your organization's objectives. Prioritize partners whose needs most closely match these goals, ensuring that resources are allocated where they will have the greatest impact. In my experience, clear alignment helps prevent resource dilution and keeps the partnership focused on mutual success.

Aligning with the priorities of the partner plan you have in place should align with your overall business objectives. If a new partner need arises, then you should identify whether that priority aligns with the previously set goals and objectives or detracts from those goals so that you can make informed decisions on where to focus your limited resources.

Align goals to determine which partner’s needs to prioritize. Start by identifying which partner’s objectives align most closely with your long-term vision and strategic goals. A Harvard Business Review study suggests that partnerships where both parties have aligned priorities see 30% more success. By focusing on shared outcomes, you can direct resources toward initiatives that provide the most mutual benefit. Regular check-ins and open communication ensure that both partners stay on track and feel valued, even with resource constraints.

In my experience, one of the first things I focus on in a partnership is ensuring that our goals align. One time at work, we partnered with a local taxi service, and we had to ensure their objective of expanding market share matched our aim of providing seamless travel solutions for our users. By identifying these shared objectives, we could allocate resources toward joint marketing efforts that benefited both parties. This approach helped us create a stronger, longer-lasting partnership. It’s essential to find the common ground where both partners’ interests intersect. Focusing on these areas not only delivers short-term wins but also ensures that resources contribute to the partnership’s growth and long-term success.

Not all partnerships are created equal, so we must apply objective and strategic lenses when choosing which partners to invest in most. To get results, you need to find ways to prioritize, plan and strategize with the partners who are worth investing an unfair share of your time and resources in. Identify at least 5 evaluation criteria and assign each partner a "score" for these core areas. Don't focus too much on the numbers in the end - but do start with a level playing field by which all current and potential partners are assessed - take the emotion out of it initially and you may be surprised to see which partners have more potential (or less) than you thought!

Evaluate what each partner brings to the table. Prioritize partners who contribute the most value, whether through expertise, market access, or resources of their own. A practical tip is to regularly review contributions to ensure that resource allocation reflects each partner’s importance to the overall partnership.

One thing I have found helpful when managing partnerships is evaluating the contributions each party makes. For example, with our eSIM partners, some bring extensive network coverage, while others contribute technical expertise or market access. At EasyWeGo, we weigh these contributions against the partner’s needs. In one case, we prioritized a partner who provided extensive APAC coverage, essential for expanding our eSIM service. Their value was not just in financial investment but in access to an untapped market. By assessing both tangible and intangible contributions, you can allocate resources effectively to maximize the impact on the partnership’s success.

Maintain transparent communication with all partners about resource limitations and how decisions are made. This openness fosters understanding and reduces potential friction. From my experience, clear communication helps manage expectations and builds trust, even when not all needs can be met immediately.

In my experience, open communication is the foundation of strong partnerships, especially when dealing with limited resources. One time at work, we had to negotiate resource allocation with multiple partners. I found that being transparent about our limitations helped foster trust and collaboration. By discussing the challenges openly, we were able to find a solution that satisfied all parties without overextending our resources. When partners feel informed and involved in decision-making, it creates a sense of shared responsibility, which strengthens the relationship. Open dialogue allows for managing expectations and adjusting strategies as needed, leading to more sustainable partnerships.

Assess the urgency of each partner’s needs. Prioritize those that require immediate attention due to time-sensitive opportunities or challenges. A best practice is to use a priority matrix to categorize needs based on urgency and impact, ensuring that critical issues are addressed promptly.

One thing that has proven helpful is evaluating the urgency of each partner’s needs. At EasyWeGo, we prioritize requests based on their alignment with key milestones. For example, during our expansion into the APAC region, a partner required immediate support to seize a market opportunity. Given the time-sensitive nature, we allocated resources to help them meet their deadlines, which, in turn, benefited our own goals. By focusing on urgent needs that are critical to a partner’s success, you not only meet their expectations but also ensure that resources are utilized effectively in driving growth for both parties.

Consider how well each partner’s needs align with your long-term strategy. Partners whose needs fit strategically should take precedence, as fulfilling these will likely yield the most significant long-term benefits. In past experiences, focusing on strategic alignment has proven crucial in ensuring that resources are invested in ways that drive sustained growth.

In my experience, understanding the strategic fit of each partner’s needs is critical. One time at work, a partner requested additional resources to support a project that didn’t align with our long-term strategy at EasyWeGo. While it was a valuable initiative, it didn’t contribute to our primary objective of expanding international travel services. By deprioritizing that request and focusing on initiatives that fit our strategic goals, we ensured that our resources were invested wisely. It’s crucial to keep the big picture in mind and allocate resources to areas that move the partnership forward in the agreed direction, leading to sustainable growth.

One thing I have learned is that flexibility is key when managing partnerships. At EasyWeGo, we once faced a situation where a partner’s needs suddenly shifted due to market changes. Rather than sticking rigidly to our original resource plan, we reassessed and reallocated resources to address the new priorities. This flexibility allowed us to maintain the partnership and capitalize on an unexpected market opportunity. Being adaptable not only strengthens relationships but also enables both parties to respond to evolving circumstances. Flexibility ensures that your resources are always directed where they can have the most impact, benefiting the partnership as a whole.

Consider how well each partner’s needs align with your long-term strategy. Partners whose needs fit strategically should take precedence, as fulfilling these will likely yield the most significant long-term benefits. In past experiences, focusing on strategic alignment has proven crucial in ensuring that resources are invested in ways that drive sustained growth.