Strategic partners are the most effective, leveraged and inexpensive way to generate clients. Unfortunately, it can also be the most time-consuming strategy. It takes patience to make this strategy work.
Start by developing a list of prospective Strategic Partners and rank them:
Now start setting up face to face meetings with the potential Partners on your list.
Believe it or not, the best days are usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday...meet over coffee or lunch.
Always bring along an informational kit to leave behind. Start by stating the purpose of the meeting for example...
"The purpose of our meeting is for me to put myself in your shoes to truly understand what you need and help you to get what you want".
The goal is to get their ATTENTION, develop their INTEREST then create a DESIRE to take ACTION.
The outcome of the first meeting is to get the perspective Strategic Partner to come to one of your events or your place of business to get to know you better.
Once all of that happens, start developing a whole team of Strategic Partners, 3 or 4 team members and plan events together or share Marketing tools and channels.
Always be sure to debrief after meetings or events to be sure of the best practices for future events or campaigns.
This can also tie into some Fusion Marketing campaigns...shared cost for mutual benefit!