Starting and growing a business can be challenging, but having the right partners can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for investors, suppliers, or strategic partners, the key is to find individuals or organizations that share your vision and values and can bring valuable skills and resources to the table. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when identifying the right partners for your business and provide tips and strategies for building strong, lasting partnerships. So, if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, read on to learn how to identify the right partners for your success.
The Benefits of a Business Partner
Running a business all by yourself will only grow harder and harder to manage as it keeps growing, so having a business partner can make the whole endeavor significantly easier. Having someone you can trust takes some weight off your shoulders is a blessing, as you won’t have to do everything yourself. A great example of a successful win-win business partnership would be a digital marketing agency partnering up with a web development agency.
Increased market reach and sales: B2B partnerships allow companies to expand their reach and access new markets and customer bases. This can help increase sales and revenue and provide opportunities for cross-selling and upselling.
Cost savings and increased efficiency: B2B partnerships can also lead to cost savings and increased efficiency through shared resources and economies of scale. For example, companies may be able to negotiate better prices for raw materials or other goods and services by working together.
Improved product and service offerings: B2B partnerships can also lead to improved product and service offerings by sharing knowledge, expertise, and technology. This can help companies to stay competitive and offer more value to customers.
Identifying Partners
Between 2020 and 2022, Harvard Business Review conducted several interviews with the C-level management of 20 companies, asking them about identifying their business partners. The study concluded that two main factors are at play when deciding the kind of partner a company might need, especially when entering a new market.
Data in context: Capturing data in a context relevant to the target market can provide new insights on what customers want and need. This can be especially valuable for new businesses entering a market, as they may be able to offer products or services that established companies do not offer. However, the value of the data will vary depending on the source.
Operating resources and capabilities: To enter a new market, a business needs to be able to scale up its operations and profitability. This may require partners to provide resources and capabilities that the business does not have. For example, a partner may develop and manufacture the products that the business intends to offer or provide distribution and marketing capabilities for the target market.
What To Look for in a Business Partner?
While choosing a business partner can be very time-consuming, it’s one thing you must research in the biggest detail. You should focus on at least 5 points:
- Shared values and vision: It is important to find a business partner who shares your values and vision for the company. This will ensure that you are on the same page and working towards the same goals.
- Complementary skills and expertise: A good business partner should bring different skills and expertise to the table. This can help fill in any gaps in your knowledge and skills and can lead to more well-rounded business decisions.
- Strong communication and trust: A business partner should have strong communication skills and be able to openly and honestly communicate their thoughts and ideas. Additionally, trust is crucial for a successful business partnership as it will allow both parties to work together effectively.
- Ability to invest time and resources: A good business partner should be able to invest both time and resources into the partnership. This can include financial investment and offering their knowledge, expertise, and other resources.
- A good fit: You and your potential partner must have a good working relationship, and the partnership will be a good fit for both parties. This can be determined through meetings, discussions, and getting to know each other to ensure that you can work well together.
Meeting a Potential Business Partner
While one of the most common places you may find potential business partners is LinkedIn, if you want to find the right fit for you, you will want to look at multiple channels. Let’s see what is most likely to work out for you.
Business Partnership Agencies
Business partnership agencies are the best place to look for a business partner for most. They require little to no effort on your end, and if you’re running your own business, you’ll know how valuable that is.
Here you have to make sure that the agency you’re going to work with has the right contacts for your business. The best way to ensure that is to see what companies they work with and even contact them directly. Most agencies offer free consultations.
Former Business Contacts
Going through your business contacts is almost always a certain way to find some business partners. You have to be careful of contracts that forbid “employee poaching”. The same goes for clients you’ve worked with at a previous job.
Professional Associations
There are professional associations in most larger industries. This is especially true if your business is based in the EU, the UK, or the US. After a little research, you can find ones in your region. To narrow down the potential business partners, you can narrow down the search by location, specialty, and a load of other factors.
Social Media
Another great source of potential business partners is social media. Make sure you meet them in person before you start working together. Here you can try the previously mentioned LinkedIn but also Facebook groups, SubReddits, and communities on Twitter.
Pros of Working with a Business Partner
Wider Skillset
Having someone who has a different background from you but in a similar field is gold. This way, you will have double the experience, double ideas, and double the chance of success.
Bigger Stream of Networks
Just like the previous one, here, the fact that both you and your partner have had different career paths means that you will have different networks. This can bring more leads and potential clients.
You Have Someone to Back You Up
To have a partner by your side is invaluable in the world of business. This way, even when things go south, you’ll know that you’re not alone and will more easily find a way out.
Cons of Having a Business Partner
Most disadvantages of a potential partnership can be easily avoided if you clear everything out before you start your business ventures. Let’s see what the main ones are.
Differences in Beliefs and Work Ethics
As previously mentioned, before you start working with someone, you will want to ensure that you have the same beliefs and work ethics. If you don’t, your potential partner may bring the business down.
If One Makes a Mistake, You Both Make a Mistake
When working with someone and they make a mistake, you’re both going to face the consequences. It’s the same when something goes right, though. You’re both going to enjoy the benefits.
Different Understanding of How the Business Will Develop
While you and your partner don’t have to completely agree on every little thing, you should agree on the business plan your endeavor will follow. If you don’t, you might be sabotaging each other’s efforts.
Conclusion
Identifying the perfect business partner is vital in developing your business. If you ensure that you and your partner are compatible and have mutually complementary skills, your partnership will most likely result in drastic business growth.
Finding the right person to do business with can take a lot of time, though. The simplest way to shorten that process is to hire a business partnership agency. Do not hesitate to contact us and get your free business partnership consultation today.