Developing mutually beneficial partnerships based on common or complementary goals requires commitment, flexibility, and a desire and capacity to listen and understand the needs, values and challenges of potential partners. This document provides guidance on how to find common goals, effectively reach out to potential partners, and develop lasting relationships that benefit all players.
Reaching Out and Communicating
When reaching out to a potential partner, it is important to understand that organization’s goals, motivations, and values, and to communicate with the partner in ways that resonate with their interests. Successful outreach to potential partners can include the following elements:
- Understand your audience and identify common ground.
- Identify what you bring to the table to benefit the potential partner, and what they can bring that benefits your own goals (inviting organizations to the table because you need something from them, without clearly identifying the benefits to them, is a common pitfall of partnership development).
- Look for existing connections to provide insight and introductions.
- Consider who will make the most effective liaison with a new partner—the messenger is part of the message.
- Listen, and seek to understand; approaching a potential partner with an open mind can dispel assumptions and identify areas of common ground.
- Speak your partner’s language—both their actual language, and the manner of speaking and words you use to communicate.
- Lead with messaging that resonates with the partner, which may not focus on birds.
- Consider acknowledging opportunities for misunderstanding or disagreement.
Consider who will make the most effective liaison with a new partner, and who will be a good ambassador for your organization. © Sara Schmidt
