Get Serious About Joint Venture Negotiation

You have found a list of suitable potential jointDo as much research about your potential partner
venture partners and have approached a few with abefore you meet. You may ask previous customers
proposal. One of them is excited about theor even an administrative assistant about how he
proposition and is ready to move forward with theresponds to certain situations.
details. How do you proceed with the negotiationHowever, mostly you will learn much by face-to-face
phase?contact and posing questions to your potential JV
When you are ready to begin negotiations with yourpartner. Find out what he values. What are his
prospective JV partner, here are a few basicdreams? Fears? And what does he REALLY want?
guidelines that can help make the most of yourDesign questions that will help you get to know your
negotiation sessions and ensure that you reach apotential partner and discover the answers to these
mutually successful agreement.questions. It will go a long way in crafting a truly
Know Your JV Partner's Businessunique and personal JV agreement between the two
Nothing sounds more amateur than entering aof you.
negotiation with no knowledge of your potentialBe Prepared to Educate About JVs
partner's business. Even if your potential partner is inYour potential JV partner may not be savvy to the
the same business as you, there are still manybenefits of a JV arrangement. Be ready to have as
factors that you need to know that affect hismuch information that your potential partner requires
business. Research possible and unique problems andto feel comfortable with the decision to from a JV.
challenges with profits, resources, and marketing.Use articles, video, and other resources that can help
Research can be performed on the Internet. Readconvey the benefits of a successful JV. Choose a
your potential JV partner's website. Browse and readRelaxed Atmosphere
industry publications. Discover any message boardsA good negotiation will happen when both parties are
that mention your JV partner's business.relaxed and ready to communicate. That may be a
And don't forget to do "live" research as well. Yourestaurant, or meeting space, or even at a home. But
could perform a "secret shopper" style of researchmake sure the environment is comfortable with no
to get knowledge about how customer service isdistractions while you negotiate.
performed. Purchase a product or service and test itsA successful JV negotiation is when both you and
boundaries. The more you know about your potentialyour JV partner are happy with the arrangement.
partner's business, the better equipped you will be toNeither of you should feel like you have a lesser part
handle negotiations.of the deal. However, if you want to help facilitate a
Know Your Potential JV Partnergood negotiation, follow these guidelines and you'll be
Find out as much as you can about the person youon your way to a happy and fulfilling JV with your
will be dealing with. Is he a delegator? Does he preferpartner.
to be "hands on" and involved in every little decision?