You're struggling to build strong partnerships. How can you innovate your approach?

The key to forming a winning partnership is to understand the value both partners are bringing on the table. The partnership is stronger when it together gives an answer to the problem faced by the end users. The objective and goal of the partners should be aligned for enabling long term partnership. SWOT of both the partners can help them realize the key contributions each partner can make.

Assessing the needs is certainly key, but make sure that the needs are matching - meaning that you can answer the needs of your prospective partner, and they can do so in return. Unless there is a strong mutual benefit for both parties involved, there is simply no (business) base for even starting a partnership.

The key to nailing this is asking questions. You need to understand WHY your partners want to partner with you and what's in it for them. Create a framework for the questions you want to answer, and be open and communicate your needs, helps them open up as well!

To build any partnership... we need to identify the needs before forming structures. Partnerships should be consensus. Never rush or hurry up building a partnership as it is not an event but a process.

Instead of viewing partnerships as transactional, focus on co-creating value together. Collaborate on shared projects, new product ideas, or joint marketing campaigns. By aligning on innovation and mutual growth, you can create partnerships that go beyond the surface and bring long-term benefits to both parties.

Innovate by exploring different collaboration models beyond the traditional partnership. For example, consider joint ventures, co-creation of products, or even forming an innovation hub together. This approach can open up new avenues for mutual growth and create a more compelling reason for partners to engage with you.

In my experience, understanding each partner's needs is crucial to building a strong, innovative partnership. One time at work, we found that a potential partner was more interested in market expansion than immediate revenue. This changed our approach, and instead of focusing on short-term gains, we emphasized shared resources and market knowledge. Tailoring partnerships is essential. Begin by asking open-ended questions and actively listening. Key points to consider: - What are their pain points? - What goals are they trying to achieve? By addressing these factors, you can craft a partnership plan that genuinely meets the other party's needs, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.

Building Trust is a key for the sustainability of the parntnership. Trust is the foundation. If trust is broken among the partners, then there is no scope for the partnership to progress.

One thing that I have found helpful is establishing trust through transparency and consistent actions. During a partnership development at EasyWeGo, we realized that small gestures—like sharing insights early and honoring all commitments—build long-term trust. Key steps include: - Open communication and regular updates - Being upfront about challenges and timelines Even when things don’t go perfectly, maintaining honesty strengthens the relationship. Demonstrating that you’re committed to the partnership for the long run, not just quick wins, helps foster loyalty. Trust can’t be rushed, but it is a powerful driver of sustainable, successful partnerships.

Trust is easy to lose and hard to gain. Your partners start developing trust for you when you deliver and when you're reliable. If they know what to expect and that you will do the things you agreed on, they will start trusting you

Unity in diversity is the common phase that we all hear. Partnerships are two type - working with the similar types of organisations and the other one is working with various types of organiations. By working togther we get access to new tools and resources.

In my experience, partnerships thrive when we embrace diverse strengths and perspectives. One time at work, collaborating with a regional eSIM provider in Japan brought fresh ideas to the table. They approached user experience from a cultural standpoint we hadn’t considered. Key points for leveraging diversity: - Encourage open discussion and different viewpoints - Combine varied expertise for innovative solutions Creating space for diversity in thought and execution often leads to more creative and effective outcomes. In partnerships, this can mean solving problems in unexpected ways, pushing each side to think beyond their immediate perspective.

In my experience, communication isn’t just about staying aligned—it’s about creating space for innovation. At Thryv, I’ve found that the best ideas often come when you’re not just talking to your partners, but with them. Shifting from transactional updates to collaborative conversations opens the door to new ideas and approaches. One strategy I use is to encourage informal check-ins, where partners feel comfortable discussing challenges and brainstorming solutions. It’s in these moments that real innovation thrives.

One thing that I’ve found to be crucial is fostering clear and consistent communication channels. At EasyWeGo, we learned that regular check-ins with partners, even if informal, keep everyone aligned. Key practices include: - Setting up recurring meetings or calls - Encouraging open feedback Good communication isn’t just about solving problems; it’s also about proactively discussing opportunities and challenges. At one point, a simple conversation led to a breakthrough idea for integrating local services better into our app. Open lines of communication prevent misunderstandings and pave the way for creative solutions.

Building strong partnerships is more than just signing contracts. It's about cultivating genuine relationships. While innovation and strategic planning are important, flexibility and adaptability must be considered and can even determine your long term success. When faced with challenges or unexpected changes, be open and flexible to adjust your approach.

One time at work, a partner requested timeline adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances, and our willingness to adapt saved the collaboration. Flexibility in partnerships is critical. From my experience, being rigid can strain relationships, whereas being open to changes builds resilience. Key tips for fostering flexibility: - Stay adaptable to evolving needs - Re-evaluate goals as circumstances shift By keeping an open mindset and adjusting plans as needed, partnerships remain dynamic. This approach has allowed us at EasyWeGo to seize new opportunities while maintaining strong relationships, even when the initial roadmap changes.

I have been fortunate to spend more than 15 years leading businesses in globally distributed setups, wherein celebrating not just the big wins but also the small milestones, is crucial for fostering an environment of positivity and establish trust. In globally distributed teams, face-to-face interactions may not happen that often, perhaps once or twice a year, or in some cases, never. Regularly celebrating small wins and recognising small contributions, especially during challenging times, helps build a culture of encouragement and engagement. Consistently sharing positive stories, not only boosts morale but also strengthens the sense of unity and purpose within the team, creating an atmosphere that drives collaboration and success.

You should always celebrate the successes and share the success. It helps engage internal stakeholders who are involved, engages your partners and makes it more fun for you. Celebrate the wins, share your successes. People like to know when you've helped them do something