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The KaBOOM! Corporate Partner Philosophy
Blue Chip Partners in Play
Dream Big, Pilot First, Grow Later
• Start small, pilot first• Let partners understand the cause
Partner DNA Matters
• Don’t just go for the big partners• Look for partners that “fit”
Getting in the Door
• Research, research, research• Read everything a potential partner reads• Plan and have multiple scenarios ready
The Paperless Meeting
• Don’t pitch right off the bat• Ask lots of questions• Follow up and follow through
Build A Web of Support
• Seek multiple contacts• Leverage and praise champions• CEO is not The Holy Grail
Fewer, Bigger, Longer: Partners and Partnerships
• Work on transformation, not transaction• Retention matters
Price It Right
• Execute on budget• Don’t rob Peter to pay Paul
Manage the Relationship Well
• Match skills & competency toe-to-toe, first• Leverage yourself, second• Face-time, not Facebook
Think “Co-owners”, not “Funders”
• Build relationships • Share goals, responsibility, accountability and credit
Involve the EntireOrganization
• Work to meet objectives of Marketing, PR, HR, merchandizing, government affairs, etc.
Let Partners Advance Your Cause
• Create experiences that let employees fall in love with the cause
Integrate Your Operations
• Get to know culture, priorities and people
Surprise and Delight
• Show genuine gratitude• Be creative, make a lasting impression