What are the best ways to propose a new project or initiative to a partner?

Whether the project is an entirely new business initiative or better approach to do what you’ve been doing, choose the right partner. A new initiative is not only new to your partner, it’s also new to you - and you want to mitigate risks for both sides as you much as possible. I would start by choosing a partner that knows enough about my company and product portfolio and are invested enough in our relationship - that would give me a clear and granular feedback on my proposal and if that seems interesting, open doors to discuss and align a mutual plan that would work best for that context.

Clearly define the project's purpose, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the partner's needs and how the proposed initiative aligns with their goals. Provide a detailed plan that includes timelines, resource requirements, and potential challenges with corresponding solutions. Showcase the potential benefits and return on investment, emphasizing how the project contributes to mutual success. Consider setting up a dedicated meeting to present the proposal. During the presentation, be prepared to address questions and concerns, fostering open communication. Emphasize collaboration and how the initiative will strengthen the partnership. Follow up the proposal with a document summarizing key points.

It's essential to deeply understand the goals, values, and capabilities of your Partner. Tailor your proposal to align with their interests and demonstrate mutual benefits. It's important that, when proposing a new project, your partner immediately sees his benefits and not only yours. Also focus on clear communication of objectives, expected outcomes, and resource allocation. This approach will definitely increase the likelihood of successful collaboration.

An open line of communication between you and your partner(s) will advance the chances of success. Empathy is a unique and underused trait. Put yourself in your partner's shoes and then walk in them. In business endeavors, surprises are not welcome. Even a disagreement will help inform a clear pathway forward. Partnership does not entail complete agreement on everything. But getting past disagreements early in the process will refine the chances of success. Egos often doom an initiative from the beginning. Get beyond your own. Shared value breeds success. Share the success and celebrate together.

When proposing a new project or initiative to a partner, it's crucial to communicate effectively and tailor your approach to the specific context. Understand Your Partner's Needs: Before presenting your proposal, thoroughly understand your partner's goals, challenges, and priorities. Prepare a Professional Presentation: Create a well-organized and visually appealing presentation to convey your ideas. Provide a Clear Action Plan: Present a detailed action plan that outlines the steps involved in implementing the project. This demonstrates your commitment and preparedness.

The proposer should first clarify: - whether the proposal meets the business interests of the partner - how it's going to affect the existing partnership model/agreement - which stakeholders will be involved from both parties - who will be leading the project (overall work division) - possible outcomes and risks - legal aspects (if applicable) - the expected start date - KPIs - the benefits for both sides (especially for the partner) Including all the items above in the proposal will help the partner with their internal decision-making process.

Objectives are the key to a well managed project. With a clear exposure of the tools, measurement, steps, you will reinforce the partnership with visibility and trust. Sometimes the lecture of a clear plan is the key to success !

An example used within PROSCI change management is called WIFM which equals what’s in it for me? Often times if we frame the objectives with this in mind it truly helps identify the specifics up front!

Verbalizing and operationalizing your objectives truly is the cornerstone of partnerships. Asking the question (to yourself and to your proposed partner— “how will we know that this partnership was successful? What will we have accomplished? What does success look like?”— and setting objectives to meet those responses.

Avoir un objectif clair permet de savoir pourquoi on est là. Avoir un objectif permet de ne pas perdre le fil et de ramener l'échange sur le pourquoi on est là. L'important c'est également d'obtenir un accord tacite de l'objectif par notre interlocuteur.

Le format de présentation est important car nous n'avons pas tous les mêmes capacités d'écoute, auditif, visuel... Au delà du support, il faut adapter le choix des mots, du langage et de sa posture. Il est important de repérer quel est le style de son interlocuteur.

Face-to-face conversation is often the preferred option during the initial stages of engagement. Humans are inherently social creatures, and being able to see (or at least visualize) your counterpart can significantly enhance trust. Additionally, it offers a richer array of expressive possibilities compared to text-based communication, adding more dimensions to your interactions.

En effet, il est essentiel d'appréhender l'aspect communication qui va être privilégié avec son interlocuteur, dans le cadre précis et l'objectif défini. Cela demande de l'écoute, de l'observation, de l'ouverture d'esprit et de l'adaptabilité...

O formato da proposta deve ser condizente com a oportunidade de apresenta??o da mesma. Se você só tem 5 minutos, uma agradável troca de contatos seguida do envio da proposta por email. Se você tem 20 minutos, uma apresenta??o de slides pode ajudar a elucidar todos os pontos da proposta. Se você tem duas horas, talvez uma visita técnica mediada seguida de um bate papo possa ser o ideal.

I always lead with users stories, JBTD and market forces, internal buy in. Presentations or documents - that is a cultural thing. If you know how the Partner’s CxO get influenced, the medium can always evolve/change…

Sending your proposal via email diminishes the chances of a possible collaboration in my opinion. I found that presenting your ideas in person or via. Zoom far more effective. Emails can be easily skipped but when holding a proposal presentation, your chances of getting more and longer engagement time will increase.

In my experience, one way to deliver a proposal is through a monthly office hours where times it doesn’t feel as structured and allows for more autonomy and casual conversation. Another example would be through a community idea lab which is a digital collaboration space where stakeholders may provide open feedback.

Personnellement, j'ai pu constater qu'un échange soit en face à face soit téléphonique soit en visio est bien plus percutant. Lorsque la personne lit un message, sa lecture va être influencée par son état d'esprit. Est elle contrariée, fatiguée, de bonne humeur. En face à face ou par la voix, ces états sont perceptibles et nous permet d'adapter les arguments et la forme.

Most times I have chosen a face to face meeting, make sure there are enough stakeholders from our side… I always try to make sure to have all the decision makers in the room to avoid duplication and decision fatigue…

A mi humilde opinion se debe realizar mediante una coferencia virtual o precencial , ya que cuando se tiene la propuesta , esta debe estar bien consisa y analizada y todos deben estar de acuerdo , ya que la interaccion visual y verbal es mucho mejor que la interaccion virtual .

This will be slightly different depending on the country and industry, but I wouldn't follow up for at least 4 working days as everybody needs time to carefully think new projects through. You have to remember that you are most likely not the only Partner they work with and not the only project. So don't instantly pressure. If the proposal was well delivered and had benefits for your partner that he easily understood, chances are great that there isn't even a need for a follow-up.

Para acompanhar os resultados de uma parceria, estabele?a indicadores-chave de desempenho (KPIs) claros e mensuráveis. Regularmente avalie o progresso em rela??o a esses KPIs, mantenha comunica??o aberta com os parceiros, e esteja atento a feedbacks. A análise contínua ajudará a ajustar estratégias conforme necessário.

J'aime bien finir par la question: quand pourrais-je vous recontacter? Elle instaure un respect à mon interlocuteur et me légitime lors de ma prochain appel.

é imprescindível estabelecer os mecanismos de controle e acompanhamento desde princípio para que nenhuma das partes se surpreenda ao longo do trajeto. Cada tipo de objetivo terá sua determinada forma de mensura??o e todas elas devem ser alinhadas quanto ao seu formato e periodicidade.

I agree, but one additional thing to consider is the time in which one follows up. A respectable time frame would be 24-48 hours. In my experience, I’ve found responses beyond 48 hours is hard to remember pertinent details unless one is truly taking copious notes or using a template/script.

Understanding the pros and cons of implementing this project can have on the partner is key as well. Is this a good time for them to use resources for execution, do they have the budget right now, etc,

Propor uma nova parceria pode ser crucial para ampliar redes de contatos, aproveitar sinergias, compartilhar recursos e alcan?ar objetivos comuns. A colabora??o pode trazer novas oportunidades de negócios e promover o crescimento mútuo.

Etudier la concurrence / au partenaire et leurs initiatives me semble aussi une bonne approche. On peut ainsi être s?r d'être effectivement innovant.

Always maintain sincerity and manage expectations well. The ultimate goal of a long-lasting partnership is to cultivate a sustainable business from which both parties can benefit over time. Flaws, defects, and conflicts of interest are often not deal-breakers, provided both parties are committed to collaboratively finding solutions. Many partnerships deteriorate because each party establishes 'unrealistic or overly polished' expectations for the collaboration. Therefore, avoid overpromising or setting excessive expectations in the first place.

Il est très important d'être attentif, patient, avoir un esprit d'équipe et collaboratif. Pour être productif, il faut accepter les critiques et de partager pour aller en avant. Les compétences et les performances s'acquiérent dans le temps et dans l'espace. Aussi il faut accepter d'apprendre tous les jours pour s'adapter aux nouvelles innovations,qu'elles soient technologiques ou autres...