Deliver a top 1% partnership pitch
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BE IN MOTION
Welcome to Partnership Wednesday #85 featuring a lesson, a thought, an answer, and a prompt to sharpen your partnership skills and help you confidently close 6-figure deals.
A LESSON
In 2017, Nike partnered with Amazon to combat counterfeits and expand reach. Despite initial optimism, challenges arose. Nike struggled to control branding, unauthorised resellers persisted, and the marketplace didn’t align with its direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy. By 2019, Nike respectfully exited, shifting focus to its website, mobile app, and retail partnerships. The decision wasn’t about failure but strategic alignment.
Key Lesson: Ending a partnership doesn't mean failure, it can be a strategic move for long-term success. When signs indicate a partnership isn’t delivering as expected, initiate open conversations early, assess all possible outcomes, and if necessary, exit professionally. A well-timed, respectful departure preserves relationships and keeps your business focused on growth.
A THOUGHT
A proven technique to close partnership deals faster is to offer a ‘Next Best Alternative’, another viable partner who could take the opportunity. Fear of missing out is a powerful motivator.
AN ANSWER
How do I make my partnership pitch stand out? I was asked this question from the crowd this week. Here’s my answer:
Imagine hearing a partnership pitch and, within the two minutes, the other party lays out three clear steps to build trust with your business.
This approach alone puts you in the top 1% of pitches.
Most partnership pitches focus on:
• Their business
• Their agenda
• Their product
• Their team
• Their deal structure
But trust is what moves deals forward.
Before you pitch, define:
→ Step 1: A quick win
→ Step 2: A way to show reliability
→ Step 3: A moment of shared success
One slide. Three Points.
Because partnerships aren’t sold. They’re earned through trust, one step at a time.
Before your next pitch, ask yourself: What are three concrete steps we can take together to build trust?
Answer that, and you’re already ahead.
THE PROMPT
Are your instincts telling you a partnership isn’t working as expected?
PARTNERSHIP PLAYBOOK MOMENT
You can listen or watch full episodes of the Partnership Playbook on your next commute or workout. Here’s a short moment that will give you a shot of partnership goodness. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube!
Tap the tile to listen!
KNOW PEOPLE WHO NEED THIS?
Want to share this issue of Partnership via text, social media or email? Just copy and paste this link:
https://philhsc.com/partnership/5-march-2025
Until next Wednesday,
Phil Hayes-St Clair - Partnership Expert & Coach
When you're ready, there are three ways I can help you:
1. Partnership Essentials: A self-paced, practical online course for entrepreneurs and small business owners. In just 30 days, you'll build a partnership operating system that turns conversations into contracts.
2. Partnership Lab: Coaching tailored for marketing or sales leaders ready to drive rapid growth. My promise: I'll help you close 3 game-changing partnerships in 90 days.
3. Performance Partnerships: A coaching program designed for organisations aiming for sustainable, meaningful growth. The goal: Achieve double-digit growth through strategic partnerships in 12 months—without overwhelming your team.
Looking for something different? Send me an email.
Don't know where to start with partnerships?
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