Alliances: Drawing The Line

How far can you go based on your relationship with an alliance partner?

The imaginary line you draw in the sand will let you know when an alliance is getting close to failing. I would suggest setting the line a little higher than the disaster point. As a matter of fact, the line should sit around the seventy-five percent position. This way you can work with the partner before the relationship dips too far down. A partner that experiences lulls in sales may be a fairly normal occurrence, but when it is compounded by lack of communication and lack of marketing, you know that something else is the underlying problem.

Alliances and partnerships are simply a way for you to market your goods and services. They will always have lulls and marketing efforts will sometimes be lax. If you take the time to monitor all the details and be consistent with your support, then the alliance partner will not feel that you have over-committed with other partners, and they will still feel that they are important. You should also remember that having a service level agreement in place to define sales, marketing efforts and first rights of refusal will add to a successful alliance. You must remember that you are the expert in the field and that they will rely on you for help and support

A word of caution when it comes to support: You should always support the customers of an alliance partner. You should always monitor the amount of support you give to each of your alliance partners. You should always educate partners that need more help than others. There always needs to be a number of touch-points in order to be aware of a potential failure.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com

---

FTC Report on Franchise Rule Making; What Purpose?

The Federal Trade Commission out of the blue decide in... Read More

Be Nice to Your Payroll Department

Ok, so next to the taxman, your company payroll department... Read More

Why Small Business Must Turn to PR

If small business had no important outside audiences, it wouldn't... Read More

Do You Microbifer in Your Cleaning Business?

Microfiber cleaning towels have been around for about ten years... Read More

7 Reasons To Take Control Of Your Small Business? Checking Needs

Business checks are available in many styles and varieties. They... Read More

FTC Franchise Rule if Enacted will Trigger Hardship for Private Sector

The FTC Franchise Rule maybe changed, as the Federal trade... Read More

Why the Over Regulation on the Franchising Model?

Franchising is the fastest way to build small businesses, provide... Read More

Small Business Spoiler - Procrastination

One of the most common issues that comes up for... Read More

The Skills Gap: It Pays to Use Experts

By outsourcing to skilled professionals you'll be able to grow... Read More

How to Get Maximum Results With Minimum Effort

Get maximum results with minimum effort. Sounds great doesn't it?... Read More

Nevada Incorporation: The Advantages of Incorporating in Nevada

Incorporation in Nevada has become an attractive option for savvy... Read More

Earn More Money in Your Small Business by Creating a PIG

If you really want to earn more money with your... Read More

Boston Suburban areas a good choice to run a business

BioTechs even with the latest news had shed over 1000... Read More

Entrepreneurs Ask: What Can a Virtual Assistant Do For Me?

Great question!Freeing your time is an indisputably key element in... Read More

Keeping your Business Alive

As long as you eat and breathe you will stay... Read More

Virtual Assistance for Healthcare Professionals

Administrative and clerical tasks are the bane of every industry.... Read More

How to Create an Information Plan

What is in an information plan?Before you even meet with... Read More

Racing the Competition

What is the Big Race all about when it comes... Read More

Advertising - For Small Businesses (Part 1)

Is it right for you?If you decide to advertise your... Read More

The Perfect Mission Statement

One way to determine your companies mission statement is based... Read More

A Key to Success: Be Consistent

Over the years I heard the best way to learn... Read More

Self-Employment: Managing Your Money: Tips for Living with a Fluctuating Cash Flow (Part One)

The way you manage your money is one of the... Read More

Success Tips for Small Business Owners

Running a small business requires many skills. However, to do... Read More

How to Define Business Objectives

Why does a good business relationship rely on having some... Read More

Don?t Wait for the Perfect Plan

1. Don't Spend Too Much Time PlanningWhen you are entering... Read More

Small Business Support Equals Survival

Support is critical for your small business survival. You may... Read More

Small Business Publicity -- Worth It?

You bet it's worth it. Publicity via news releases, along... Read More

13 Steps to Protect Yourself from Your Bank

The success of your business is critically dependent on how... Read More

Pressure Washing Aircraft Hangers at the Airport

If you are looking for a way to own your... Read More

How to Prepare for Your Start-Up Venture!

When you awoke this morning, you found yourself buzzing with... Read More

Debit and ATM Card Advice for Small Businesses

Your business account comes with an ATM, Debit card. Pick... Read More

Sexual Harassment - Its just not on!

Sexual Harassment is a disturbing part of employment life in... Read More

Why is My Restaurant Not Full Every Monday Night?

In a quest for customers and to keep those customers,... Read More