More About Partnerships

Partnerships require consistent effort, involving a broad group of people from each partner to work through the issues.

Partnerships are perfect centers for innovation, where everything is possible, leading to purpose and finally innovation. Strong partnerships are built to constantly learn. We innovate by iterating quickly, applying brainstorming techniques regularly. We build partnerships using prototyping and end-user centered product development techniques.

People, Culture, Spirit and Place drive the principles of the partnership. The purpose and principles are decided by a core group. The group must be highly compatible, egoless people. They begin to explore the types of partnerships the organizations are capable of executing. Here the group prototypes a series of innovation partnership phases which explore, assess, initiate and commit to the purpose. Illumination and refinement of all steps continuously are executed in series of phases.

Each phase continuously refines a clear understanding of the partnership purpose and principles, which drive a plan and eventual agreement with a partner.

The cycle continues, and an ever increasing spiral of creativity ensues.

The goal is a self-organizing, self-governing continually learning and evolving partnership.

Sample Process:

1) Prototype Partnership (2 months or sooner)

a) Group dynamics discussing roles, purpose of partnership
b) Self and Partner Assessments

i. Partner readiness
ii. Team assessment
iii. Internal assessment (people, spirit, culture & place)
iv. Needs assessment
v. Potential partner matrix
vi. Partner compatibility analysis

c) Brainstorming sessions on principle

d) Find potential partners and agree on purpose and principles.

2) Alpha Partnership (2 months or sooner)

a) Initial activity team checklists
b) Agree on synergy points
c) Write Plan

3) Beta Partnership (2 months or sooner)

a) Address relationship issues
b) Trust questionnaires
c) Partner stressor checklists
d) Write Agreement

4) Commitment Stage

a) Sign agreement
b) Share information and resources
c) External impact assessments
d) Address conflict resolution style
e) Adjustments

Information about Volcanic Seeds Consulting:

We institutionalize partnership relationship management success throughout you organization.

Typical projects most requested include:

• Identify and create strategic partnerships
• Bring established industry contacts to the table
• Analyze current network for ability to meet goals, identify areas to expand, prune or strengthen
• Pursue and land appropriate strategic alliances targeting aggressive growth opportunities
• Guide selection through the negotiation of industry partners to ignite business development
• Set metrics, analyze data, and develop reporting mechanisms
• Set strategy, process and integrate e-commerce strategies with partner organizations
• Manage the relationship evolution process of self assessment and partner conflict management
  

For more information see www.volcanicseeds.com