What do you do if your innovative project needs the perfect partner?

While technical expertise, resources, and availability are all very important, the most singular factor to me is whether or not your "partner" fully understands and is invested in your vision. Vision comes before innovation. Some partner candidates (even internal partners) will intuitively try to manage your vision to a space within their comfort zone of competencies and experience. But what you really need are partners that are comfortable with developing new approaches, expertise, and technologies that may not exist. I'm reminded of prior Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's commentary about "unknown unknowns."

A "perfect partner" is specific for each firm. Not only the capacities and knowledge are important, but also the size, culture and management style. It is important also the previous collaborative experiences, as well as the purpose and shared values. It can be relevant a period of time to know each other, at different levels of the organization, and not only at the top management level. Innovation and cluster managers can provide useful information for good partners, but also in international fairs. Criteria selection can be very useful, but especially to know what we "do not want". To develop a progressive relational process with multiple interactions, and a balance of trust and protection, may be essential. Hope it helps : )

At my previous digital agency, we landed a fantastic client – a fast-growing e-commerce company selling organic beauty products. They had a beautiful brand and high-quality products, but their online presence lacked the punch to compete effectively. Their website wasn't converting visitors into customers, and their social media engagement was stagnant. We needed a strategic partner to amplify their brand voice and drive targeted traffic to their online store.

In my experience, one of the first steps in finding the perfect partner for an innovative project is identifying your needs. For EasyWeGo, this might involve assessing whether we require expertise in technology development, marketing, or strategic planning. Understanding our project's strengths and weaknesses allows us to pinpoint the specific skills or resources we lack, guiding our search for the right partner. For instance, if we need to enhance our app's user interface, partnering with a design agency specializing in user experience could be beneficial. By clearly defining our requirements, we ensure that the partnership is mutually beneficial and aligned with our project's objectives.

For an "innovative" project, you should have some idea as to where an appropriate talent pool can be harvested. However, you do not want to, in most cases bring on someone with little experience. In a "innovative" project, the best path of action is to bring on someone already engaged with another innovative project, even if the project they're currently engaged in is tertiary to yours. The key here is that if you start recruiting at the moment of need, you'll most likely already be a company on the trailing edge. Anyone looking to become an innovative entrepreneur at some point in the future must network and establish a great reputation for themselves prior to establishing a need. Anyone with a need is immediately at a disadvantage.

We cast a wide net, researching various marketing and media partners. We looked at performance marketing agencies with expertise in e-commerce, social media influencers known for organic beauty content, and even data analytics companies that could provide valuable consumer insights. Finding partners who aligned with the client's brand values and target audience was paramount.

Once you've identified your project's needs, the next step is to research potential partners. Look for organizations or individuals who have a proven track record in relevant areas. For EasyWeGo, this could mean exploring partnerships with tech companies experienced in developing mobile applications or with travel agencies specializing in international services. Attend industry events, network online, and seek recommendations from trusted sources to identify prospects who not only have the necessary capabilities but also share our vision for innovation. By thoroughly researching potential partners, we increase the likelihood of finding the perfect match for our project.

My experience in client relationship management came in handy here. I crafted personalized outreach emails to each shortlisted partner. We highlighted the client's unique brand story, impressive product line, and the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership. The focus was on showcasing the client's commitment to sustainability and clean beauty practices, which resonated strongly with potential partners.

Establishing contact with potential partners is a crucial yet sometimes intimidating step. Craft a compelling message that clearly articulates your project's goals and why a partnership would be beneficial. At EasyWeGo, we emphasize our mission to simplify travel for international visitors and highlight the value a partnership could bring to both parties. Whether through email, networking events, or social media, initiating conversations with potential partners requires openness and a genuine desire to connect. By starting the dialogue, we lay the foundation for potential collaborations that can drive our project forward.

There are 3 critical metrics I use to qualify one as a partner: 1. Work ethic- It's impossible to get work done with someone or people that don't have a work ethic that connects to yours or that gets stuff done. 2. Skills- Define what you fall short on to match that up with the kind of skills needed to fill the gap.More so, the level of expertise of skill is crutial as it defines how fast you execute. 3. Values- The kind of values you and your prospective partner share directly affects team chemistry. When times are good or bad, you need a partner that you can be able to walk with through it all.

It's all about networking and reaching out to potential collaborators in the similar field. I look for people who bring skills and resources that complement yours, and make sure we're both on the same page with our project's goals. We should be open about what they bring to the table and what you're hoping to find in a partner. When you find someone who shares your vision and has the expertise you need, collaboration can really take off.

When you’re ready to pitch your project to a potential partner, keep your presentation clear, short, and interesting. Talk about what's unique about your project and how teaming up could make it even better. Focus on what both of you get out of the partnership. Be ready to answer any questions and give more details if needed. This is your chance to really grab their attention, so show your excitement and dedication to the project.

We tailored our pitch deck for each potential partner, emphasizing the specific value proposition. For performance marketing agencies, we presented detailed website conversion rate data and outlined our vision for targeted digital campaigns. For social media influencers, we curated a content calendar that aligned with their existing audience and showcased how their collaboration could promote both parties. Data and case studies from similar successful partnerships strengthened our pitch.

When pitching your project to potential partners, it's essential to be clear, concise, and compelling. Highlight what makes your project innovative and explain how a partnership could amplify its impact. At EasyWeGo, we emphasize our integrated approach to simplifying international travel and showcase how partnering with us can benefit our collaborators. Whether presenting in person or through written proposals, conveying our passion and commitment to the project is crucial. By making a strong impression and effectively articulating the benefits of collaboration, we increase the likelihood of securing the perfect partner for our innovative project.

As human beings, we are in tuned to what benefits us the most. In a pitch deck, enthusiastically outline what the product is achieving, has been achieved and it's potential in future. Also define, without any room for error or doubt, how the partner is adding flavour to your endeavour, and what the partner gets in return. If you are aware of the partner's motivations, use them as punch lines and ensure you over deliver on your promises. However, you must be sure to not over promise.

Negotiations involved balancing the client's budget with the partner's pricing structure. We worked to secure performance-based models where success meant shared rewards for both parties. For influencer partnerships, we negotiated clear campaign deliverables and ensured brand alignment throughout the content creation process. Finding win-win agreements that fostered collaboration and achieved measurable results was key.

Negotiating the terms of the partnership is a critical phase in the process. Discuss roles, responsibilities, resources, and rewards openly to ensure both parties' expectations are aligned. At EasyWeGo, we emphasize fairness and equity in our negotiations, striving to create mutually beneficial agreements. Whether it's revenue sharing, resource allocation, or decision-making authority, finding the right balance requires open communication and a willingness to compromise. By negotiating terms that value the contributions of both parties, we lay the groundwork for a successful partnership built on trust and collaboration.

I agree on this point. In a negotiation, finding balance on both parties' interest is crucial. Every party should feel content, without over compromising. Until this point, we both know what is at stake, and what is the reward. There has to be a commitment to deliver.

Drawing from an example in a business innovation book, a small biotech firm was developing a groundbreaking healthcare device. Realizing they lacked the manufacturing capabilities, they sought a partner with the necessary infrastructure and expertise. Through meticulous research, they targeted companies known for innovative collaborations, initiating contact with a clear, engaging proposal that outlined the mutual benefits. Their pitch emphasized the device's potential market impact, aligning with their prospective partner’s goals of pioneering in healthcare solutions. Negotiations focused on shared success metrics and IP rights, laying the foundation for a strong, transparent partnership.

Building strong relationships went beyond signed contracts. We established regular communication channels with dedicated teams at each partner agency or influencer. Joint brainstorming sessions explored creative content ideas and campaign strategies. This open communication ensured smooth collaboration and allowed us to adapt to changing market trends or audience preferences. Ultimately, these partnerships helped our client achieve significant growth in online sales and brand awareness within the organic beauty market.

Building a strong relationship with your partner is essential for the long-term success of your project. At EasyWeGo, we prioritize communication, transparency, and reliability to foster trust and collaboration. Keeping our partners updated on progress and involving them in decision-making processes ensures they feel valued and invested in our project's success. By nurturing these relationships beyond the initial collaboration, we create opportunities for future partnerships and continued innovation. Remember, partnerships are not just about the immediate project but about building lasting connections that drive mutual growth and success.

In addition to the above steps, it's important to remain adaptable and open-minded throughout the partnership process. Sometimes, the perfect partner may not fit the initial criteria perfectly but can still bring immense value to your project. At EasyWeGo, we remain flexible in our search for partners, recognizing that innovation often thrives in unexpected collaborations. By staying open to new possibilities and willing to explore unconventional partnerships, we expand our potential for growth and create opportunities for groundbreaking innovation in the travel industry.