By “partnering,” we’re not talking business ownership, nor employment, but a professional relationship that benefits your business beyond the value of a customer. This can include using each other’s skills on your and their products; sharing ideas that allow you to create new products; and adding new products that require both your skills, equipment, or product components.
Ideal partners will differ for each of our businesses, customer bases, and skills. Ask yourself: Are there markets you would like access to? Is there specialized market knowledge you can benefit from? Are there skills and tools that having access to would benefit your customers and expand your business?
-Bob Hagel, Eagle’s Mark