Ever wonder how companies in the crowded data and AI space build powerful alliances to drive revenue and growth? In this episode, I sit down with Eleanor Thompson, a partnerships expert based in London and founder of a successful partnerships consultancy. Drawing from her experience running the partner program at Fivetran during its hyper-growth phase, Eleanor shares the essential strategies for building a successful partnership ecosystem from the ground up. We also also discuss the mental fortitude required for entrepreneurship, drawing surprising parallels between running a business and competing in high-intensity fitness events like Hyrox.
Tune in to learn: The fundamental reasons why partnerships are critical for expanding your reach and generating revenue. When is the right time for a startup to focus on partnerships (hint: it's not day one). Eleanor's "4A" framework (Alignment, Ability, Audience, Accountability) for identifying the perfect partner. The key roles, from Partner Sales Engineers to Partner Ops, needed to build a successful partnerships team. Red flags to watch for when a potential partner is more focused on margin than customer value. How AI can be used to identify ideal partners and even predict their future success.
Find Eleanor Thompson online: LinkedIn: Eleanor Thompson Website: https://branchworks.io
BusinessPartnerships #DataEngineering #AI #Entrepreneurship #Tech #Startup #GoToMarket
Timestamps 00:49 - Who is Eleanor Thompson? 02:25 - Why Do Business Partnerships Exist? 05:26 - When is the Right Time for a Company to Start Building Partnerships? 06:40 - The 4A Framework for Defining Your Ideal Partner Profile 08:20 - Joe's Experience Partnering with Big Tech 12:33 - How to Structure a Partnerships Team in a Growing Tech Company 20:49 - What is Partner Operations and Why is It a Critical Hire? 22:30 - The Importance of Trust and Referral Fees 25:15 - Eleanor's Journey as an "Accidental CEO" 30:10 - The Mental Fitness and Resilience Required to Be a Founder 41:20 - How to Use AI in Your Partnership Strategy 45:00 - How to Spot a Good Partner on the Very First Call 46:33 - Red Flags to Watch For in Potential Partners 51:35 - How Fitness and Hyrox Competitions Fuel Business Success 59:45 - Where to Find Eleanor Thompson