Five Questions Before a Small-Business Collaboration

1. Do we serve the same customer in complementary ways?

A partnership needs a shared customer problem, not merely two brands that like each other.

Describe the customer, the moment they need help and why both businesses belong in the answer.

If the audiences barely overlap, a joint campaign may add work without useful reach.

2. What exactly will the customer receive?

Write the offer in one sentence, including what is included and when it ends.

Avoid vague promises such as extra exposure or special benefits without a clear action.

Both partners should use the same wording wherever the offer appears.

3. Who creates, approves and answers for the campaign?

Agree on who makes the content, checks accuracy and handles customer questions.

Set a deadline for approval so a late reply does not delay the whole promotion.

Keep a written record of the final offer, artwork and publication dates.

4. How will we split costs and handle customer information?

List every likely cost: design, ads, discounts, delivery and staff time.

Decide who receives enquiries and how customer information will be handled lawfully.

Do not exchange mailing lists or personal data casually just because the campaign is shared.

5. What result would make us repeat it?

Choose one primary measure, such as qualified enquiries or sales from the joint offer.

Record a starting point and use a clear tracking method before the campaign begins.

Agree when to review results and how either partner can end the arrangement.

A short written plan turns a friendly idea into a test both businesses can learn from.