Mis-matched. Not aligned. Pursuing different goals. Not on the same page. So many ways to say the same thing. But no matter how you say it, there’s no escaping it. Breaking up is hard to do. We’ve all been there. Maybe more than once. Which is why it’s vital to carefully choose the right data partner. There are three keys to finding the right partner:
- Shared Values
- Shared Goals
- Shared Responsibility
Shared Values Matter
As you conduct your search for a data partner, pay attention to each company’s mission and value statements. Do their values align with yours? Can they offer examples of how they live those values in order to achieve their mission? While we’re all in business to be profitable, you’ll find it easier to face difficult moments if you remember that everyone involved has the same values.
But how do you know if their mission and value statements are real or just another page on a website? Ask their current or former partners for an example of how they handled a difficult situation and how they’ve handled a successful situation. Did they take responsibility when things didn’t go as planned? Did they acknowledge the problem or mistake? Did they share success or own it entirely?
A Shared Definition of Success
One of the most important topics to be discussed should be how you will define success for your partnership. Is success defined by a set of specific metrics? Do you define success as achieving a specific set of goals? Perhaps you believe success means your data partner follows your lead.
No matter how you define success, you should also be asking the same question of a potential partner. Dig deeper than the obvious by asking, “Why do you want to work for our company?” Ask them how they will define success for your partnership. Are they simply intent on adding another company to their client list? Are they primarily focused on the potential revenue stream? Or, can they articulate specific benefits both of can expect when they collaborate with your brand?
Working as Equals
As you review potential partners, take a hard look at what each brings to the conversation. It’s a little like looking for a life partner. You want someone who speaks your language (clear communication), someone who looks at the world in a similar way (shared goals) and is willing to grow with you (flexible). Your business partners should be evaluated in the same way.
When it’s time to find a new partner, you should be looking for someone willing to work as an equal in your relationship. That means the success of your collaboration is as much your responsibility as it is theirs. So each half of the team needs to communicate clearly, focus on the same KPIs and be willing to pivot when necessary.
The Right Data Partner
Changing business partners, just like with romantic partners, isn’t something we look forward to doing. So instead of wasting time listening to break-up anthems from the likes of Taylor Swift or Etta James, invest in the time to strategically evaluate your next data partner before signing on the dotted line. If you’ve broken up with your current data partner, consider partnering with Sabal Group.
We’d love to schedule a call so we can get to know you and you can get to know us. You’ll find we’re not like other data partners. From our proprietary models to our personal touch, we believe in delivering the highest quality data to help you get your message in front of the right audience. We appreciate the difference between speaking to a broad, unqualified audience and reaching an audience who is eager to hear about your company.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out today and let’s explore how a partnership with Sabal Group can help you achieve your goals.
