Businesslike Partnerships
By definition a business partner is a term used to describe the relationship into which two commercial parties enter into and form some sort of alliance. The agreement between the two parties can be contractual, in which the parties commit not to ally with third parties. Or the two parties can enter into a loose agreement which is generally used to impress customers with the size of the network that the business partners belong to.
There are four main types of business partners namely:
- A supplier
- A customer
- A middleman (reseller or agent)
- A seller of complementary products (ie your company sells the software while your business partners sells the hardware)
The importance of business partners
Partners in business is of the utmost importance even though you might not see the need therefore. You might not even realize that you have business partners, but just about everybody has business partners unless your company does everything self. What is being said here is that no matter what you do you have partners, from the company that supplies you with your resources to manufacture your product or deliver your services through to the cleaning company that sends someone daily or weekly to your offices to tidy up.
The other thing that you need to keep in mind when initiating the search for a new alliance that you require reputable and credible business partners. The services of a company such as George Klein and Associates, who have over 20 years experience in this field of work, would speed up your search dramatically.
Your partner in finding other partners
George Klein and Associates is a market research company that has done research for major local and international companies. They are registered with the South African Market Research Association (SAMRA) and provide first-class services to all their customers.
The way that George Klein and Associates can aid you to find business partners is by using the tactics such as profiling and short listing of likely business partners and distributors. Profiling involves an analysis of businesses, their credibility and cost effectiveness. By having such an assessment done you will be able to make an informed decision as to which companies you would like to make alliances with.
George Klein and Associates use methods such as questionnaire design, data capture and analysis, presentation of reports, consultations on survey findings and formulation of market strategies to deliver a high-quality end product. GK&A also use methodology involving personal face to face interviews, mystery shopping, telephone interviews, observation surveys, postal self-completion interviews, desk research and focus group discussions. Locating business partners and representation is not the only service they provide but also:
- market qualification, Market Information, market segmentation studies and market intelligence
- communication strategy and programmes
- usage of and attitude towards products and services
- customer needs
- supplier performance
- new product and service acceptance
- buyer and specifier acceptance
- corporate image
- communication audit
- pricing and distribution
- forecasting
- feasibility studies
George Klein and Associates can aid you in finding the right business partners to suit your requirements.
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