Talk:Community Capacity Development/Partnerships

What's in it for them?

It's important to understand that a partner is more likely to engage with Wikimedia if they can see benefit in it to them. The benefits for a partner are often very different to the benefits to Wikimedia and the two should not be confused. Therefore it is important to know both formally and informally what are the benefits the partner is likely to value relative to what it costs them (time, money, risk taking). If they can be obtained (try looking on their web site or just asking nicely), try to get hold of any current strategic plans, the last few years of annual plans/reports, or any reviews conducted by the partner or on their behalf. Their CEO may have a blog or newsletter that may give insights into their thinking. Also consider how the partner is funded and what benefits would appeal to their funding sources. Some partners will have explicit reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs). Generally you will have greater success if you pitch to their important strategic priorities or improve their weaker area of performance. Kerry Raymond (talk) 04:37, 26 August 2015 (UTC)

Be genuinely interested in the partner

While this advice may depend on local cultural norms, my experience is that if you ask a partner to do something for you on the first meeting, they are unlikely to receptive. Who are you and why should they care about helping you? Generally it is far better to delay asking for things until you are better known by them. Attend their public events, shake their hands, exchange business cards, talk about what you do and what they do. Try to engage with their staff/volunteers at as many levels as you can. Be able to talk about the partner's activities in a knowledgeable way. If they are a GLAM, do you actually use their collections in any way? Attend their exhibitions? Read their books? Know how to search their catalogue? Having a real engagement with the partner's activities puts you in a much better position to build a mutually-worthwhile relationship with Wikimedia than if you have no interest in the partner beyond getting something you want for Wikimedia. Kerry Raymond (talk) 04:37, 26 August 2015 (UTC)