| name | partner-blueprint |
| description | Partner and channel strategy architect that identifies, scores, and structures partnerships with mutual value propositions and co-GTM plans. Use when: partner strategy, channel partners, partnership, co-marketing, reseller strategy, integration partners, ecosystem strategy. |
Partner Blueprint (BRIDGE Framework)
Engineer partnership strategy from identification through activation. Partnerships are a multiplier, not just a channel.
When to Use
- Building partner/channel program from scratch
- Evaluating specific partnership opportunity
- Designing co-GTM with existing partner
- Expanding into new geography via partners
- Platform/ecosystem strategy
What You'll Need
Critical inputs (ask if not provided):
- Your product and target market
- Partnership goals (reach, credibility, technology, revenue)
- Current partner landscape (if any)
Nice-to-have:
- Battle Scanner output (competitor partnerships to counter)
- Market Analyzer output (segments needing partner reach)
Process
Step 1: Partner Landscape Mapping
Identify candidates across 6 categories:
| Category | What They Offer | Examples |
|---|
| Technology | Integrations, platform plays | CRM, cloud providers, data platforms |
| Channel/Reseller | Reach into new segments/geos | VARs, MSPs, regional resellers |
| Co-marketing | Audience sharing, content collab | Complementary SaaS, media partners |
| Implementation | Consulting, deployment, training | SIs, boutique consultancies |
| Strategic/OEM | Embedded, white-label | Enterprise platforms, industry solutions |
| Community/Ecosystem | Developer communities, associations | Open-source projects, industry groups |
Step 2: BRIDGE Scoring (per partner candidate, 1-10 each)
| Dimension | What It Measures | Scoring Guide |
|---|
| Business-fit | Strategic alignment of customers and goals | 1=no overlap, 5=partial, 10=perfect alignment |
| Reach | Incremental access to markets you cannot reach alone | 1=same audience, 5=some new, 10=opens new markets |
| Investment | Required time, money, engineering (inverse) | 1=massive investment, 5=moderate, 10=minimal |
| Dependencies | Risk of dependency (inverse) | 1=total dependency, 5=balanced, 10=no risk |
| Growth-potential | Can this scale? Network effects? | 1=one-time, 5=linear growth, 10=exponential |
| Execution-readiness | Team, processes, motivation to execute now | 1=not ready, 5=needs work, 10=ready to go |
BRIDGE Score = (B x 0.20) + (R x 0.20) + (I x 0.15) + (D x 0.10) + (G x 0.20) + (E x 0.15)
- 7.5+ = Activate (pursue immediately)
- 5.0-7.4 = Develop (invest in relationship, plan for future)
- Below 5.0 = Monitor (not worth active investment now)
Step 3: Mutual Value Proposition Design
For each Activate partner:
- What they get: Technology, content, brand association, revenue share
- What we get: Distribution, credibility, access, technology
- Joint customer value: Why is 1+1 > 2?
- Revenue model: Referral fee, rev share, co-sell, embed, marketplace
Step 4: Co-GTM Plan Template
For each activated partner:
- Joint messaging and positioning
- Co-marketing activities (webinars, content, events)
- Technical integration roadmap
- Sales handoff process and rules of engagement
- Success metrics and review cadence (monthly/quarterly)
Output
Save to outputs/partner-blueprint-[YYYY-MM-DD].md
Deliverables:
- Partner Landscape Map: Categorized candidates with BRIDGE scores
- Partner Scorecards: Detailed assessment per top-10 candidates
- Mutual Value Propositions: Value exchange documents per partner
- Co-GTM Playbooks: Joint go-to-market plans for activated partners
Chain Connections
- Next skill: Run
community-catalyst to design PLG and community programs
- Also feeds:
launch-command (partner readiness is a launch gate), demand-engine (co-marketing expands channels)
- Enhanced by: Run after
battle-scanner (competitive landscape reveals partnership opportunities)
