READ ON PHILHSC.COM | READ TIME: 3 MINUTES | 14 MAY, 2025

Welcome to Partnership Wednesday #94 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

Disney and Pixar’s 1991–2006 partnership redefined animation. By combining Pixar’s CGI innovation with Disney’s global distribution muscle, they released a string of hits, from Toy Story to Finding Nemo, grossing over $3.5 billion and transforming family entertainment. Pixar got scale; Disney got relevance. The partnership revived Disney’s animation dominance and made Pixar a household name.

Leadership Lesson: Great leaders know when to partner for what they lack. Steve Jobs, then Pixar’s CEO, stayed focused on creative brilliance, while Disney’s Michael Eisner overcame skepticism to embrace change. The result? A partnership so successful, it ended in acquisition. Sometimes, the best growth strategy is shared control.

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AN ANSWER TO HELP YOU MOVE FASTER

We don’t do a good job with partnerships and I think our language is putting a handbrake on growth. How can I change that? I was asked this question from the crowd this week. Here’s my answer:
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There are 5 phrases that kill deals before they start. You’ve probably used one and they seem harmless. But they trigger doubt or hesitation before momentum can build.

Here’s what to avoid, and what to say instead.

1. “We’re open to exploring synergies”
​Sounds vague and fluffy.
Say: “We think we can help you grow [X] by doing [Y], want to explore that?”

2. “Let’s jump on a quick call”
​Quick for you ≠ valuable for them.
Say: “Would it help if I shared 2 ways we’ve helped companies like yours grow?”

3. “What do you want to get out of this?”
​Puts the burden on them to figure out your value.
Say: “Here’s what we’re hoping to achieve, how does that overlap with your goals?”

4. “This won’t take much from your side”
​Signals low impact (or worse, low trust).
Say: “We’ll carry the early load and make sure the first win is fast and visible.”

5. “We’re looking for strategic partners”
​You sound like everyone else.
Say: “We’re looking for 3 partners who want to [achieve X] in the next 6 months. Could you be one of them?”

​Let me know if this helped you​

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THIS WEEK'S MOMENT (Insight for your commute)

Did you know agriculture equipment pioneer, John Deere is partnering with SpaceX and women’s workwear brands? These unexpected collaborations are revolutionising agriculture.

In this 6-minute episode:

• Discover how cross-industry partnerships like Deere’s with Star Link are solving connectivity issues and enabling smarter farming
• Learn why inclusivity isn't just ethical, it’s profitable
• See how startup collaborations can inject innovation into legacy industries and future-proof your business

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/14-may-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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