- 1). Determine your needs. Your partner should provide expertise you do not have. Your partner should also be willing to devote the time necessary to be a valuable and active partner, not just a partner in name only.
- 2). Identify the value proposition presented by a partnership with you and your company. Customize your presentation to potential partners according to what they will find valuable by partnering with you.
- 3). Establish a list of people and companies that are already working with you in some capacity. If they are suppliers to your business, they may have a vested interest in creating a strategic partnership. Customers may see great value in your company and want to get involved.
- 4). Post your query for potential partners on reputable online networking sites such as LinkedIn.com, PartnerUp.com and other such sites you think might be appropriate for the type of partner you seek.
- 5). Attend local business networking events, particularly those for your own industry or industries that are similar to your own. Approach the leader of the networking group and describe the type of partner you seek. The leader should be able to introduce you to potential partners or to other members who may be able to help you.