Business partnerships can be located in a variety of ways.  The following is a discussion of our preferred methods for locating a business partnership.  The list starts with our most preferred method and works down from there.

  • The absolute best way to locate a business partnership is through a common account.  This means you start working with a new small business and they are already working with someone who’s a deeply niched technology consultant.  By working together you form a camaraderie similar to working together in an internal IT department.  The business partnership idea flourishes naturally from this type of introduction.  You’re both working together, you have ample opportunity to talk, and you become friendly.   
  • Next down the list is tapping into your word of mouth referrals for business partnership ideas. If you have a business partner that does Access database development but you need someone who’s an expert on SQL server, letting your current partner know what you need will usually net you a few solid business partnership leads.
  • Networking directly through organizations like the Chamber of Commerce or business networking events is the next best way to meet people for potential business partnerships.  
  • Another great idea for identifying business partnership prospects is going to reseller channel events for the platform or products that you support, as well as reseller channel events for products that you don’t support.  
  • Technical training classes are another source of potential business partnerships.
  • User groups and related consultant reseller groups are always great places to meet niche technology providers.
  • Look to niche and industry trade groups, trade associations and industry-specific conferences.  Some of the best people for business partnerships may be speaking.  
  • Niche and industry trade publications are great sources for picking up potential business partnerships. 
  • Vendor Web sites, industry ISVs, independent software vendors, and independent hardware vendor Web sites are other business partnership referral sources.  You can go a step beyond that and contact the local field reps in your area and get personal referrals from people that work with the software vendor or the hardware vendor.  

Bottom Line on Business Partnerships
There are many different ways to investigate potential business partnerships.  The best methods are the most personal ones.  The more direct contact you have with a potential business partner, the more likely it will turn into a full fledged business partnership.

In this article, you’ve been introduced to Business Partnerships. To learn more about how you can improve your knowledge about Business Partnerships, just click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.