What to Look for When Partnering Up with Another Small Business

Forming a partnership with another small business can be an exciting journey. Not only does it build mutually beneficial relationships and add further value to your customers, it can also be a great way to grow your business beyond what could have been possible if done alone.

Though the spirit of adventure has created many entrepreneurs and small business owners, the greatest success stories are the tales which involve collaboration, cooperation and partnership. Whether your business is booming or still at start-up phase, working with the right people is crucial for business success.

Here are some important factors to look for when choosing the right partnership for your small business.

Complements each other’s businesses   

How does your prospective partner’s talents complement your own? A small business partnership should offer skills that support and complement yours. Working with businesses who interact with the same type of customer, but doesn’t necessarily provide the same services allows you to expand your offerings to deliver even more value.

Mutual Respect

In a market saturated with small business owners and entrepreneurs, finding a collaborative partner who has respect and can work with you without competing is priceless. When both parties are generous by offering ongoing referrals, building strong alliances and helping each other grow, it forms a long-term relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

Has structure and proper processes in place

Working with other businesses who already have processes in place can make the partnership and dealing with customers even more seamless. Ensuring you are both aware of each other’s service agreements and payment terms, as well as your preferred methods of contact (e.g. email, phone etc), helps get the partnership get off to a great start and can avoid any confusion down the track.

Strong Business Networks

Choosing the right partnership doesn’t just add further value to your customers, it can also open up your business to a whole new network of people. Finding another business owner who is well-connected and already established in their field can lead to a wider connection in the entrepreneurial network – resulting in increased referrals and other opportunities for collaboration.

Offers a win-win collaborative experience

Strategic collaboration is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your brand, expand your market, generate new leads and increase your bottom line. Tapping into extra resources with a partner who mirrors the same values, has similar target demographics and offers products and services which complement yours results in a win-win collaborative experience.

If you’re ready to expand your business and are considering a collaborative partnership, it’s important to consider these factors. Taking the time to find a well-selected partner can end up delivering further mutual benefits, have high return-on-investments for both parties, and is also an invaluable way to connect and reach new audiences. When partnering together makes each business venture more successful than if you were to go it alone, you know you’ve chosen the right one.