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Step 1: Cut a Hole in the Box (Yes, that’s the reference. No, I’m not explaining it.)

Most partner programs start with one thing: chaos.


No plan. No benchmarks. No idea what kind of motion to run. Just a vague sense that “partnerships seem like a good idea” and maybe a spreadsheet named something like v2-final-FINAL-2023.xlsx.


That’s why Phase 1 exists.

🎵 Step 1, cut a hole in the box… 🎵

(Yes, that song. Still not sorry.)


Did I want a picture of Andy Samberg saying, "Step 1"? Yes. Could I find one that didn't suck? No.
Did I want a picture of Andy Samberg saying, "Step 1"? Yes. Could I find one that didn't suck? No.

Phase 1 of Partner Program in a Box is called Kickoff & Recruitment. This is where you stop guessing and start building something that works; you get 7 AI agents that do the thinking and prep work most companies stall on for months.


Let’s break it down:

  • Gap Analysis Agent How much revenue do you need to fill with your ecosystem programs, and by when? This will tell you...and also tell you if you’re already behind.

  • Ecosystem Recommendations Based on your goals, ICP, and industry, this picks the top 3 partner motions that are actually likely to work...because "referrals?" is not a strategy.

  • Program Launch Plan A real timeline and launch plan based on your motion, audience, and goals. You can use it to brief your team, or actually execute something.

  • Tech Setup Agent Know what CRM fields, forms, workflows, and payout tools you’ll need to make this thing run without duct tape.

  • Ideal Partner Profile Converts your customer ICP, gap, and goals into a real Ideal Partner Profile (IPP) so you stop sending DMs to random agency bros. Although they might like it a lot more than I do?

  • Partner Target Agent Search terms and targeting logic for Apollo, Sales Nav, and a ton of other list-building tools, tailored to your IPP. Actual filters, not just vibes. Heck, it even spits out plain-text boolean terms for you.

  • Outreach Program A full timeline and set of outreach templates based on your program type and goals. No more cold-email Google Docs that get abandoned after week two. Or week zero. Or never get opened at all.


Bottom line: This is the foundation. Strategy, targeting, and launch plan, done for you, inside the box. And you can open the box before we get to that step. Honest.


If you’ve been stuck in the "we should do partnerships" loop, this is where you start. Or re-start.


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