The Hidden Truth About B2B Partnerships: Why Some Succeed and Others Fail 💡
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve seen it all – countless partnerships that thrive and many that fall short. While it’s easy to focus on the wins, the *failures* often offer the most valuable lessons for growth.
Here are a few key reasons partnerships fail (and how to avoid them):
1. Negotiating Without Partnership Expertise – I’ve found that nearly 100% of failed partnerships were negotiated by teams who lacked true partnership expertise. Why? Because forming, managing, and scaling partnerships requires a unique set of skills – skills that go beyond sales or product knowledge. Partnership management is a discipline in itself. ⚖️
2. Misaligned Objectives – It’s tempting to rush toward closing a deal, but ignoring misalignment between partners can create long-term friction. Just like in personal relationships, ignoring the red flags early on leads to bigger issues later. Are both sides equally committed to delivering on promises? 🤔
3. Lack of a Post-Signature Management Plan – A partnership doesn’t end once the ink dries. Effective management post-signing is essential for success. Partnerships require continuous nurturing, regular check-ins, and proactive problem-solving. It’s not a “set it and forget it” situation. 🔄
Key Questions to Reflect On:
- Are partnerships being treated as a side project, or are they given dedicated focus?
- Are you being honest with your partner about the effort required to make the collaboration successful?
- Do you have the right team in place to manage the partnership long-term?
If any of these challenges resonate with you, Evolve Growth Partners can help you navigate and optimize your B2B partnerships.
Let’s connect! Reach out today to explore how we can build stronger, more successful partnerships together. 🚀
