Pitching your partner program is an important step in securing successful collaborations. While a 60-second pitch can be a great way to quickly introduce your partnership offer, a 3-minute pitch allows for a deeper dive into the benefits and details of your program. In this time frame, you can provide more information and examples to support your pitch, and give your potential partners a better understanding of how a partnership with your company could be mutually beneficial. However, it's important to be mindful of the audience and tailor your pitch to their specific needs and interests. By carefully crafting a 3-minute pitch and practicing it extensively, you can increase your chances of success and build strong, lasting partnerships.
A 3-minute partnership pitch is a longer version of a pitch that allows you to delve deeper into the details of your partnership program and its potential benefits. It is an opportunity to showcase your company and its capabilities, as well as to explain how your partner program can help potential collaborators achieve their business goals. It is important to carefully plan and structure your 3-minute pitch in order to effectively communicate the value of your partnership program and to persuade your audience to consider partnering with you. Some key elements to consider when preparing a 3-minute partnership pitch include clearly outlining the benefits of the partnership, demonstrating the alignment of your goals with those of your potential partners, and highlighting any relevant case studies or data points that support your pitch.
If you're interested in learning more about the various benefits that strategic partnerships can offer at different stages of a company's growth, be sure to check out our in-depth article: "33 Crucial Benefits of Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations: What You Are (Probably) Missing Out"
To start
To develop a 3-minute partnership pitch, start by expanding your 60-second pitch. This means taking the key points and ideas from your shorter pitch and expanding upon them to provide more detail and context. You'll want to focus on the benefits of partnering with your company and how these benefits can help potential partners achieve their goals. You should also address any potential objections or concerns that the potential partner might have, and provide examples or case studies to illustrate the success of your partnerships. If you would like to learn the general benefits, and basics of how to pitch your partnership and partner programs in general check our article: The Ultimate Guide of "How to Pitch Your Partner Program" for Closing Big Deals
Nail down the 60-second pitch first!
It is important to nail down your 60-second pitch first because it serves as the foundation for your longer pitches. By taking the time to perfect your 60-second pitch, you can ensure that you are able to clearly and concisely communicate the key points of your partner program. This will make it easier to expand upon these points and add additional details and examples in your 3-minute pitch. Additionally, practicing your 60-second pitch will help you develop the skills and confidence necessary to deliver a strong and effective pitch in any length. Once you feel comfortable and confident with your 60-second pitch, you can then use it as a starting point to expand upon and build out your 3-minute pitch.
How to expand your 60-second pitch to 3 minutes?
To expand your 60-second pitch to 3 minutes, you can start by adding more detail and examples to support your points. You can also include additional information about your company and its offerings, as well as the specific benefits that a partnership with you would bring to the potential partner. It's also a good idea to include some data or case studies to further illustrate the value of your partner program. Additionally, you can use this opportunity to address any potential objections or challenges that the potential partner may have, and explain how you can work together to overcome them.
To expand your 60-second pitch to a 3-minute version, you can start by using the learning and feedback you gained from practicing and presenting the shorter version. Here are some steps you can follow:
Review the feedback you received and identify areas where you can add more information or detail to your pitch.
Consider the main points you want to convey in your 3-minute pitch and think about how you can expand on each point to give more context and depth.
Use data and case studies to support your points and illustrate the value of your partner program.
Practice your 3-minute pitch with a timer to ensure that you stay within the allotted time frame.
Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or industry experts to fine-tune your pitch and make it as effective as possible.
Keep practicing and refining your pitch until you feel confident and comfortable presenting it.
Remember that a 3-minute pitch is still relatively short, so it's important to be concise and clear in your messaging. Focus on the most important points and use relevant examples to illustrate your value proposition. With practice and feedback, you can develop a strong 3-minute pitch that showcases the benefits of your partner program and helps you secure successful collaborations.
What you can cover in 3 minutes?
When pitching a partnership or a partner program in 3 minutes, you can cover a variety of topics depending on your goals and the needs of the potential partner. Here are ten areas that you may want to cover:
Your company's background and mission: Provide a brief overview of your company, including its history, values, and goals.
The problem your company solves: Explain the problem that your company addresses and how your products or services solve it.
Your target market: Identify the specific customer segments that you serve and the market trends that you are addressing.
Your competitive advantage: Explain what sets your company apart from competitors and why potential partners should choose you.
Your partner program: Describe the specific details of your partner program, including the types of partnerships available, the benefits for partners, and any required commitments.
Case studies or success stories: Share examples of successful partnerships and how they have helped your company and your partners achieve their goals.
Marketing and sales support: Explain the marketing and sales support that you provide to your partners, including co-branded materials, joint marketing campaigns, and sales training.
Technical support: Describe the technical support that you provide to your partners, including integration support, API documentation, and developer resources.
Collaboration and co-innovation: Discuss opportunities for collaboration and co-innovation, including joint R&D projects, co-branded products, and shared intellectual property.
Next steps: Outline the next steps for moving forward with the partnership, including any required approvals or contracts.
Ask & Offer: When pitching a partnership or collaboration, it is important to clearly outline the benefits and requirements (also known as the "asks and offers") of the partnership. This includes detailing what each party will contribute to the partnership and what they will receive in return. For example, if you are pitching a partnership to a potential collaborator, you might outline the benefits your company can offer, such as access to a certain customer base or a product or service that complements their offering. You should also clearly state your requirements or "asks," such as a certain percentage of revenue or a specific level of support or promotion. By outlining the benefits and requirements of the partnership, you can ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the terms and can make an informed decision about whether or not to move forward with the partnership.
A step-by-step guide to craft a 3-minute pitch
Developing a 3-minute partnership pitch can be a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Start by reviewing your 60-second pitch. Identify what worked well and what could be improved or expanded upon.
Determine the main message or key points that you want to convey in your 3-minute pitch. This could include your company's value proposition, the benefits of partnering with you, and any case studies or data that support your points.
Outline your pitch. Start with an introduction that captures the attention of your audience and sets the stage for your main message. Follow with your key points, using examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Finally, conclude with a strong call to action that motivates your audience to take the next step.
Practice your pitch. Use a timer to make sure you stay within the 3-minute time limit and practice in front of a mirror or with a friend or colleague to get feedback.
Tailor your pitch to your audience. Consider the needs and interests of your audience and adjust your pitch accordingly. For example, if you're pitching to a company in a different industry, focus on the ways in which your partnership could benefit them specifically.
Be prepared to handle objections or challenges. It's likely that you'll encounter some objections or challenges when pitching your partner program. Anticipate these in advance and have responses ready to address any concerns that may come up.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments. Having a strong understanding of the industry and market can help you make a more compelling case for your partner program.
Be open to negotiation and flexibility. Partnerships are often a two-way street, so be open to discussing and adjusting your asks and offers to find a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Seek feedback and practice. As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you'll become at pitching your partner program. Seek feedback from others and continue to refine and improve your pitch over time.
Tips for if you are planning to use slides
Dos
When creating a slide deck for a 3-minute partnership pitch, it's important to focus on the key points that you want to convey and choose slides that will effectively illustrate those points. Some ideas for slides to include in a 3-minute partnership pitch deck might include:
Keep it simple: Use simple and clear language and limit the number of slides to just a few key points.
Use visual aids: Use images, charts, and graphics to help illustrate your points and make them more engaging for your audience.
Use a consistent design: Use a consistent design and layout for your slides to make them look professional and easy to follow.
Use an outline: Use an outline to help you organize your thoughts and keep track of the key points you want to cover.
Use engaging titles: Use catchy and descriptive titles for your slides to grab the attention of your audience.
Use the right font: Use a font that is easy to read and not too small or too large.
Use bullet points: Use bullet points to highlight key points and make your slides easier to read.
Use transition effects sparingly: Use transition effects sparingly to avoid distractions and keep the focus on your message.
End with a strong call to action: End your pitch with a strong call to action that clearly explains the next steps for your potential partner to take.
Don'ts
When developing a 3-minute partnership pitch deck, there are a few "don'ts" to keep in mind:
Don't overcrowd your slides with too much text or information. Remember, you only have a few minutes to make an impact, so keep your slides clean and focused.
Don't use too many different fonts or font sizes. Stick to one or two clean and professional fonts, and use consistent font sizes throughout your deck.
Don't use too many colors. A few carefully chosen colors can be effective in highlighting important information, but using too many can be overwhelming and distract from your message.
Don't use low-quality or blurry images. Make sure all of the images you use in your deck are high-resolution and clear.
Don't forget to include a call to action. After you've finished your pitch, be sure to include a slide that clearly states what you want your audience to do next.
Here is an Example Script for a 3-minute pitch
It's important to note that the script below is tailored to specific usage scenarios. As a result, the entire script may be longer than 3 minutes. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and most companies may not need the entire script. If you do choose to use it in its entirety, be sure to adjust it to fit within the 3-minute time frame.
Introduction: "Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I am the [Your Title] at [Name]. We are a [Industry] company that is dedicated to [Mission]. Our goal is to [Problem You Solve] for our [Target Market]."
Background and mission: "At [Name], our mission is to [Mission]. We have been in business for [Number of Years] and have already helped [Number] of [Target Market] achieve [Goal]."
The problem your company solves: "One of the main problems that our [Target Market] face is [Problem]. That's where [Name] comes in. We offer a [Product/Service] that [Solution to Problem]."
Your target market: "Our target market is [Target Market]. We have already seen success with this group and are excited to continue serving them and help them achieve their [Goal]."
Your competitive advantage: "What sets [Name] apart from other [Industry] companies is our [Unique Selling Proposition]. This allows us to offer a [Benefit] that our competitors can't match."
Partner program details: "We believe that a partnership with [Name] would be a great opportunity for both of our companies. We are excited to explore the possibilities and see how we can work together toward [Goal]. "Our program is designed to [state purpose of the program]. We offer our partners [list benefits of the program], which includes [specific benefit] and [specific benefit]. In terms of requirements, we ask that our partners [list requirements]. We believe that this partnership will be mutually beneficial for both of our companies. [Company name] has a track record of success with similar partnerships, and we believe that we can bring value to your company as well."
[Company name] is committed to supporting our partners in all aspects of marketing and sales. We offer a range of co-branded materials, including brochures, presentations, and website banners, to help our partners promote [product/service] to their own customers. Additionally, we collaborate on joint marketing campaigns, such as webinars and trade show appearances, to reach a wider audience and generate leads. To ensure that our partners are well-equipped to sell [product/service], we also provide sales training and support to help them understand the features and benefits of our offering. We believe that by working together, we can drive more success for both our companies.
[Company] is dedicated to providing top-notch technical support to our partners. We offer a variety of resources to ensure that our partners have the support they need to succeed. This includes access to our API documentation, integration support, and developer resources. We are committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that they have the tools and support they need to succeed. Whether it's answering questions about our platform or providing guidance on how to integrate with our technology, we are here to help.
At [name], we value collaboration and co-innovation with our partners. We believe that by working together, we can create better products and services for our mutual customers. Some examples of collaboration and co-innovation opportunities that we offer include joint R&D projects, co-branded products, and shared intellectual property. We are always looking for new ways to partner with companies that share our vision and values, and we believe that our collaborative approach is key to our success.
Ask & Offer statement: [Your company name] is looking to partner with companies that share our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We offer a range of benefits to our partners, including access to our cutting-edge technology, marketing support, and dedicated account management. In return, we ask for [insert specific ask, such as a percentage of sales or a referral fee]. We believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial and look forward to exploring opportunities to work together. We are excited about the potential for a partnership with [partner company name] and believe that together we can [potential benefits of partnership]. Thank you for considering us as potential partners."
After the 3-minute pitch
The main point of the 3 minutes pitch having enough time to inform the potential partner about your partner program and generate interest to evaluate this partnership opportunity. After pitching a 3-minute partnership pitch, there are a few steps you can take to follow up and move forward with the partnership:
Follow up with any materials or information that was requested during the pitch. This could include additional details about your company or partner program, financial projections, or contract agreements.
Schedule a follow-up meeting or call to discuss the next steps and any questions that may have come up during the pitch. (Check out our guide on 20-minute partnership pitch, a.k.a the meeting pitch)
Negotiate terms and agreements as needed, being open to negotiation and flexibility in order to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Communicate regularly with your potential partner to keep them updated on your progress and any changes or developments within your company.
If the partnership is a good fit, move forward with implementing the partnership and working together to achieve your shared goals.
Gradually increasing the length of your pitch for deeper discussions: 60-second pitch to 3 minutes 20 minutes pitches!
It is important to start by crafting and practicing a 60-second pitch before moving on to a 3-minute pitch. This is because the process of gradually working towards longer pitches allows you to delve deeper into the details and benefits of your partnership program, giving potential partners a more comprehensive understanding of what you have to offer.
Always focus on the most relevant and compelling points and tailor your pitch to your audience to ensure that it resonates with them.
By starting with a shorter pitch and gradually working towards longer versions, you can build confidence and refine your skills, ultimately helping you to deliver a more effective and successful pitch. The context and purpose of pitches vary depending on their length. For example, a one-minute pitch will have different goals and focus than, a 3-minute pitch and a 20-minute pitch. To help you navigate this process, we have split our guide into 3 articles, each covering a different length of the pitch.
Check our ultimate guide for 60-second partnership pitch: How to pitch your collab in 60 seconds - Comprehensive guide with 10 examples!
Check our ultimate guide for 20 minutes pitch: How to pitch your collab in 20 minutes - Comprehensive guide with 2 examples!
If you want to learn more about pitching partnerships in general, be sure to check out our The Ultimate Guide of "How to Pitch Your Partner Program" for Closing Big Deals.
Now it's time make practice! Up for the 100-pitch practice challenge?
Yes, you heard that right. The best of our making your pitch close perform the best is practicing and improving little by little. The more you practice, the better you'll become at delivering a compelling pitch that resonates with your audience. So why not challenge yourself to practice your pitch 100 times? Whether you're working on a 60-second pitch, a 3-minute pitch or a 20-minute pitch, the benefits of the consistent practice cannot be overstated. So let's get started and work towards mastering the art of the pitch!"
Conclusion:
Congratulations on making it through our guide on how to develop a successful 3-minute partnership pitch! By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you should now have a clear understanding of how to craft and deliver a compelling pitch that showcases the value of your partnership program. But remember, the work doesn't stop here. In order to really nail your pitch and close big deals, you'll need to put in the time and effort to practice, seek feedback, and continuously improve. So, are you up for the 100-pitch practice challenge? We bet with a little bit of dedication and hard work, you'll be closing partnerships left and right in no time!
At Openforco, we are dedicated to helping our partners succeed, which is why we offer resources such as the "Connect & Collaborate Workshops" and partnership pitch events to support your partnership development efforts.
Consider joining our growing community!
Openfor.co is a partnership development company that offers an exclusive community of 3000 people and organizations who supports each other, collaborate, and grow together. We help business reduce their operational cost, and increase their revenues with partner program development. So if you would like to grow your business by partnering with other complementary businesses join our community!