READ ON PHILHSC.COM | READ TIME: 4 MINUTES | 2 JULY 2025

Welcome to Partnership Wednesday #101 featuring ideas you can use to create partnerships faster, with less guesswork, and confidently close 6-figure deals.

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A LESSON TO BUILD ON

In 2019, Microsoft invested $1 billion in OpenAI but didn’t demand exclusivity. Instead, they secured preferred access to OpenAI’s models and the chance to host AI workloads on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform (and not an alternative like Amazon Web Services). OpenAI retained the right to license its tech to Microsoft’s competitors. This gave them growth freedom and runway. It’s a masterclass in preserving leverage while still striking a transformative deal.

Leadership Lesson: Exclusivity isn’t always the win, strategic flexibility is. When structuring a major partnership, protect your future optionality. The most valuable deals are the ones that scale your vision, not just your valuation.

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AN ANSWER TO HELP YOU MOVE FASTER

What are some examples of quick wins I can implement in partnerships? I was asked this question from the crowd this week. Here’s my answer:

When it comes to partnerships, the longer it takes to show value, the faster momentum fades.

Avoid thinking “Let’s start with strategy and see where it goes,” and move to “Let’s win early, then we’ll earn the right to grow together.”

Here are 10 first-win tactics that validate trust, build belief, and unlock the next “yes”:

1. Ship a Shared Case Study​
→ Co-write a short piece on why you’re teaming up, before the results land.
It creates credibility while you build traction.

2. Introduce Them to a Dream Customer​
→ A warm intro that helps them grow says, “We’re here to win together.”​
Your social capital becomes their first win.

3. Build a Joint Landing Page​
→ One page. Two logos. Clear offer. Shared Call to action.
Nothing says “we’re live!” like traffic and clicks.

4. Offer an Exclusive ‘Insiders’ Discount for Their Clients​
→ A limited, co-branded deal they can extend to their audience.
They look like a hero, fast.

5. Co-Host a Micro-Event​
→ A 30-minute live session, Q&A, or private roundtable.
Low lift. High signal.

6. Make the Operations Team Smile​
→ Fix one friction point in delivery for their team.
Operations wins help decision-makers lean in.

7. Share an Internal Resource​
→ Loan them a playbook you’ve mastered or a subject matter expert.
It creates value without waiting on results.

8. Embed a Link in Your Marketing Workflow​
→ Tuck their brand into your onboarding email, confirmation page, or product flow.
Small placement, big impression.

9. Run a Pilot With Real Customers​
→ 10 customers. 10 days. One outcome.
Prove it works at a tiny scale. Then go big.

10. Celebrate Their Team​
→ Shout out their designer, account executive, or operations lead publicly.
Partnerships deepen when individuals feel valued.

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THIS WEEK'S MOMENT (Insight for your commute)

Why do hot partnership deals suddenly go cold?

In this 6-minute episode:

• Learn why silence doesn’t mean “no” and what it actually signals
• How to reach out without sounding desperate or transactional
• How a mindset and messaging shift that turns ghosting into re-engagement

Get every episode of the Partnership Playbook on your next commute or workout. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube!

KNOW PEOPLE WHO FEEL STUCK?

Share this issue via text, social media, or email by copying and pasting this link:

​https://philhsc.com/partnership/2-july-2025​

See you next Wednesday,

Phil Hayes-St Clair, Business Partnerships Expert & Coach

​Find me on LinkedIn or Book a 1:1 Call​

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