How do you build a network of external partners to support your organization?

1 Identify your needs and objectives

Before you start looking for potential partners, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you can offer. What are the gaps or challenges that you need to address in your organization? What are the benefits and risks of collaborating with others? What are the criteria and expectations that you have for your partners? How will you measure and communicate the outcomes and impact of your partnership? Having a clear vision and strategy will help you align your network with your mission and priorities.

2 Research and reach out to potential partners

Once you have defined your needs and objectives, you can start searching for potential partners that match your profile and interests. You can use various sources and methods to find and contact them, such as online databases, referrals, events, social media, or cold calls. However, you should not rely on superficial information or assumptions. You need to do your homework and learn as much as you can about each potential partner, such as their background, goals, values, strengths, weaknesses, and reputation. You also need to tailor your approach and message to each partner, highlighting the value proposition and mutual benefits of working together.

3 Establish trust and rapport

Finding potential partners is not enough. You also need to build trust and rapport with them, which can take time and effort. You need to show genuine interest and respect for their perspectives and needs, and demonstrate your credibility and reliability. You can do this by communicating regularly and transparently, sharing relevant information and feedback, listening actively and empathetically, acknowledging and addressing concerns or issues, and celebrating successes and milestones. You also need to be flexible and adaptable, and willing to compromise and negotiate when necessary.

4 Formalize and manage the partnership

Once you have established trust and rapport with your partners, you need to formalize and manage the partnership. You need to define and document the roles and responsibilities, expectations and deliverables, timelines and budgets, communication and reporting protocols, and conflict resolution and termination procedures of each partner. You also need to assign a dedicated point of contact or coordinator for each partner, who will oversee and facilitate the partnership activities and interactions. You need to monitor and evaluate the progress and performance of the partnership, and provide regular feedback and recognition to your partners. You also need to review and update the partnership agreement as needed, and address any changes or challenges that may arise.

5 Nurture and grow the partnership

Finally, you need to nurture and grow the partnership over time. You need to maintain and strengthen the relationship with your partners, and look for ways to enhance the value and impact of the partnership. You can do this by seeking feedback and input from your partners, identifying and pursuing new opportunities or projects, expanding or diversifying the scope or scale of the partnership, or inviting or joining other partners or networks. You also need to showcase and share the outcomes and achievements of the partnership, and acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and efforts of your partners.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?