Partnering is not a quick process.  You need to tackle it slowly and with a clear plan.  You would not sleep with a person or propose marriage on the first date, so why try to close a deal with a potential partner the first time you meet?

Partnering Can Take a Long Time

Partnerships can take weeks or months — sometimes even years — to fully develop, so do not try to close a partnering relationship in an initial meeting.  

Partnering starts when you get introduced to someone by a common client or a friend.  You get together for coffee, send some emails, call each other back and forth, get together again, talk about common client issues and talk about needs you have a hard time fulfilling.  Take your time to do this right, and do not try to close a sale or a deal too quickly.   

Partnering is About Personalities

Partnering is about personalities working well together and the ability to trust and have good working chemistry.  You have to have a connection related to IT or business, but personalities are still the most critical components that will make a partnership successful.    

Partnering:  Look for Opportunities

You have to keep your eyes and ears open for partnering opportunities when you go to reseller channel events or technical training classes.  You could find your next partnering endeavor at any time.  

Blogged By:  Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit