Partner and Supplier Interviews involve engaging directly with potential collaborators and suppliers to test hypotheses about the feasibility and value of your partnerships. This experiment assesses whether partners and suppliers can deliver as expected, uncovering potential risks or advantages early.
Cost
Costs may include travel or virtual meeting tools. Incentives for interviews are optional but not typically necessary.
Evidence
Verbal commitments and initial agreements provide valuable feasibility insights but require further validation through contracts or actions.
Metrics
- Number of stakeholders who express interest or willingness to partner.
- Potential partnership terms and conditions discussed.
- Alignment between stakeholders’ capabilities and your business needs.
Success Criteria
- 75% of interviewees express clear interest and capability to collaborate.
- Clear identification of risks and mitigation strategies based on stakeholder feedback.
- Agreement on key terms or next steps with at least one partner or supplier.
Setup Time
1–2 weeks to identify key partners, schedule interviews, and prepare questions.
Run Time
Duration depends on the number of interviews and follow-ups required.
Risk Categories
Ideal for testing the...
Feasibility – Testing whether partnerships and supplier arrangements are viable and can support your business model.
Capabilities
- Strong communication skills to conduct effective interviews.
- Knowledge of the business model and partnership/supplier requirements.
- Analysis skills to synthesize qualitative data from interviews.
Setup
- Identify Stakeholders:
Create a list of potential partners and suppliers based on your business requirements. - Prepare Questions:
Develop a set of structured questions to guide the conversation. Ensure questions cover both opportunities and challenges. - Schedule Interviews:
Reach out to stakeholders and schedule meetings.
Run
- Conduct Interviews:
Speak with stakeholders and explore their capabilities, expectations, and willingness to engage. - Capture Feedback:
Document insights from each interview in a structured format, such as a template or recording. - Clarify and Follow Up:
Address any unclear points and confirm mutual understanding as needed.
Analyze
- Review Feedback:
Categorize responses to identify patterns and common themes. - Assess Feasibility:
Determine if stakeholders align with your needs and the feasibility of forming partnerships. - Refine Hypotheses:
Update your business model or pivot based on insights. - Share Findings:
Present key takeaways to your team for further planning.
Additional Information
This experiment is especially effective early in the business development phase. By clarifying alignment with partners or suppliers, you can reduce uncertainty in your supply chain or partnership model. Ensure you maintain professionalism and transparency during interviews to build trust and credibility.