Strategic Partnership Q&A

There are three separate and somewhat generic answers required here, I think. Because of course, it depends on who you are, what your business is and what your short & long-term goals are. Having qualified my answer, here's what is important to me.1. The most important qualities needed in a business partner are a personality or temperament that fits with yours; non-duplication of skills, meaning look for someone with a different and complementary skill-set, not a clone of yourself 2. The most important quality in an employee is enthusiasm. Skills can be taught, but passion cannot 3. In a service provider, value is paramount. The right solution at the right price. That doesn't mean cheap, it means the closest match of budget to expectation.

As a marriage celebrant in Sydney networking is extremely important. Whether it is for a specific issue we might need clarification about, in case we need someone to step in if we can't officiate a ceremony or just discuss with other colleagues on different issues.
But more so for benefiting our couples/clients by introducing them to reliable suppliers in the wedding industry. Suppliers we've been working with in the past such as florists, photographers etc and find them reliable and professionals in their industries. 

I hate networking events. I find them massive time-wasters. 

I'm not fond of networking either but I can see its merits. For me, in personal and work life, I like to be intentional. If there's no point to the relationship, then I won't pursue it. Whether that's a short term or long term objective, I need one before I build a relationship. Be that objective, simply be that we share similar interests in business or similar values.... or something more tangible. 

As for how? Through any medium available! If I can find their email address, phone number, social media profiles.. and then through coffee/food. 

I have experienced in past that partnerships only work when the partners have different and defined roles to perform in the organisation. This reduces the chances of any arguments. If every partner tries to work on similar tasks then work becomes very hard. Thus partners need to be patient, has business acumen and be able to understand extent of their roles as well,

I think a few companies are doing this currently with the sample of products to the community, it seems to be working ok in the UK and US I notice some investment coming in for Australian companies in the samples space. 

But my question is:

1. How will you break this down via various niches for example:

- Fashion goods - Tech goods - b2b goods - office goods? Are you going to make it niche specific? 

2. I have contacts in all types of business but they would question what is the existing marketing budget, what is the currently marketing base you are working off ect?

Good luck with the project

Hi Andrew

I am so sorry, haven't visited SavvySME for a while and missed your question.  Yes, very happy to have a chat offline, because payroll packaging is something that my clients do look for. It will be a great value add to my offerings. Thank you so much and apologies again.

I send an email or message through social media.

I usually know what sort of commuication an individual prefers. Sometimes an SMS works best.

Catching up online may not be as beneficial as catching up in person, but it sure is powerful, quick and easy.