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Why Business Owners Should Rethink Partnership Requests

Writer's picture: Dewayne WilliamsDewayne Williams

As business owners, we often encounter opportunities that sound promising on the surface—like partnerships that claim to be mutually beneficial or requests to collaborate for the benefit of both parties. But over the past 1.5 years of teaching about the Legacy Builder, I’ve learned that not all partnership requests are what they seem. I want to share my experience to help you, as fellow business owners, navigate similar situations and set boundaries that protect your time and business.


The Reality of Partnership Requests

In my business, I receive an average of 10-15 messages daily from people asking to discuss potential partnerships. The typical message sounds something like this:


"I work with several entrepreneurs, and I believe your service could be valuable to them. Can we set up a time to speak about a strategic partnership?"


On the surface, this seems great—someone recognizing the value of my work and wanting to collaborate.





But here’s the hard truth: In the last 1.5 years, not one of these requests has turned into a productive partnership or led to actual clients being referred my way. I realized that many of these discussions were more about what the other party could gain rather than what was best for their clients.


If you’re a business owner, you’ve likely encountered similar situations where someone reaches out under the guise of collaboration, but their true motive is compensation, a barter arrangement, or a trial period to see if your service works for them first. This can be a major drain on your time and resources if not managed properly.


Why This Happens

There are a few key reasons why these requests often don’t lead to meaningful outcomes:


  1. Fear of Unknown Results: The person may be hesitant to refer their clients because they haven’t personally experienced your service.

  2. Desire for Personal Gain: They may prioritize what they can get out of the partnership before considering what’s best for their clients.

  3. Control and Validation: They want to test the waters themselves, either due to insecurity or the belief that they need to protect their reputation.


As business owners, understanding these motivations can help you approach partnership requests with caution and clarity.



How I Address Partnership Requests

To avoid wasting time on conversations that don’t lead to results, I implemented a policy requiring anyone interested in a partnership to schedule a consultation. Here’s why this approach works for me and could work for you:


  1. Time Management: With a packed schedule, it’s impossible to entertain impromptu calls or meetings. Requiring a scheduled consultation ensures that only serious inquiries make it onto my calendar.

  2. Setting Boundaries: By making consultations a requirement, I filter out those who aren’t willing to take the extra step. This sets a professional tone and shows that both parties respect each other’s time.

  3. Clarity of Intent: During the consultation, we discuss their goals, expectations, and what they hope to achieve. This helps me determine whether the partnership aligns with my business objectives.

  4. Filtering Genuine Interest: Those who are serious about collaboration will have no problem scheduling a consultation, while others who are less committed will often drop off—saving me time.


What You Can Do as a Business Owner

If you’re facing similar partnership requests, here are a few strategies to help you manage them effectively:


1. Set a Clear Partnership Policy

Establish guidelines for how you handle partnership inquiries. For example:

  • Require potential partners to complete an intake form or schedule a consultation.

  • Clarify that you do not offer free trials or exploratory meetings unless certain criteria are met.

  • Outline what constitutes a mutually beneficial partnership.


2. Ask Direct Questions

Before investing time in a meeting, ask questions that uncover the true intent behind the request:

  • "What do you envision as the specific outcome of this partnership?"

  • "Are you seeking a referral agreement, commission structure, or something else?"

  • "Have you identified clients who could benefit from my service, and if so, what’s holding you back from referring them directly?"


These questions will help you identify whether the person is genuinely interested in collaboration or simply seeking personal gain.


3. Protect Your Time

Your time is one of your most valuable assets as a business owner. Avoid impromptu calls or meetings unless the person has taken steps to demonstrate their seriousness. If they aren’t willing to schedule a consultation, they may not be ready for a productive partnership.


4. Focus on Client-Centric Partnerships

Partnerships that prioritize the client’s success over personal gain are the ones worth pursuing. If someone truly believes your service can help their clients, they shouldn’t need a personal trial or lengthy discussion to make a referral. Encourage partners who share this mindset and avoid those who don’t.


Final Thoughts

As business owners, we must be intentional about how we spend our time and who we collaborate with. Not every partnership request is worth pursuing, and that’s okay. By setting boundaries, asking the right questions, and focusing on partnerships that prioritize client outcomes, you can protect your time and ensure that the collaborations you do engage in are meaningful and mutually beneficial.


If you’re considering a partnership with me, I invite you to schedule a consultation. This will give us the opportunity to discuss your goals and determine whether a collaboration makes sense.



Remember, true partnerships are built on trust, clarity, and a shared commitment to helping others succeed.


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