How can you establish successful partnerships with non-profits, businesses, and government agencies?

1 Identify potential partners

The first step to building partnerships is to identify potential partners that have a common interest, goal, or problem with your organization. You can do this by conducting a stakeholder analysis, mapping your network, and researching the needs and strengths of different actors in your field. You can also look for opportunities to connect with potential partners through events, referrals, or online platforms. When you approach potential partners, be clear about your purpose, value proposition, and expectations, and listen to their perspectives and concerns.

4 Align values and expectations

The fourth step to building partnerships is to align values and expectations with your partners. This means ensuring that your partners share your vision, mission, and values, and that they understand and respect your organizational culture, policies, and practices. You can align values and expectations by communicating your organizational identity, principles, and standards, and by learning about your partners' organizational culture, policies, and practices. You should also manage and address any gaps or conflicts that may arise from different values and expectations, and seek to find common ground and solutions.

5 Leverage resources and expertise

The fifth step to building partnerships is to leverage resources and expertise with your partners. This means maximizing the benefits and opportunities that the partnership offers, such as access to funding, networks, knowledge, skills, or technology. You can leverage resources and expertise by identifying and utilizing the comparative advantages and strengths of each partner, and by sharing and exchanging information, ideas, and best practices. You should also acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and achievements of your partners, and celebrate your successes together.

6 Evaluate and improve

The sixth step to building partnerships is to evaluate and improve your partnership performance and impact. This means measuring and monitoring the results and outcomes of the partnership, and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the partnership process and relationship. You can evaluate and improve your partnership by using indicators, tools, and methods that are relevant, realistic, and agreed upon by all partners, and by collecting and analyzing data, feedback, and stories. You should also use the evaluation findings and recommendations to improve your partnership practices, strategies, and plans, and to ensure accountability and learning.