Dear Everyone,

I ran across a piece of literature a while back (I think it was on the TechRepublic website) that mentioned the idea of an interesting new breed of consultant.   The specialty was described as one that would be, basically, a partnership brokering  (or matchmaking) service. Not mergers and acquisitions, just the forging of partnerships that are limited in nature.  The limits may be that of time, the supply of only one or two specific product(s) or service(s), etc.

In essence, the functions of the partnership brokerage consultant (or PBC, as I am dubbing them) would include:
1.  to determine the plans, aspirations, needs, etc. of the client company,
2.  to research potential partner companies who could provide what the client is looking for,
3.  to produce a report naming suitable partnership candidates and providing the particulars of the findings,
4.  to make the presentation and confer with the client on determining the best partnership "fit(s)",
5.  to collaborate with the client in designing the partnership proposals,
6.  to initiate contact with the chosen potential partners and introduce the idea of the partnership,
7.  to arrange proposal meetings between the client and the potential partner(s),
8.  to give the proposal presentation and facilitate the non-legal exploration discussions to follow,
9.  to prepare and submit the final partnership agreements to the interested parties,
10.  to turn all incidental materials and discussions over to the appropriate legal entities when an accord is reached,
11.  to remain available to all parties to answer questions, conduct further research (if necessary) and provide any remaining documentation that may be requested.

Basically, it is a very specialized research consultancy.  That is why it appeals to me so strongly; it involves extensive networking, research, communication and troubleshooting skills.  I love the idea, and would cherish such an opportunity--but is it a service many businesses would avail themselves of?

Please don`t be bashful!  Tell me everything you are thinking, and detail for me the all the pros and/or cons you can think of.

Thanks, All!

Our firm does have clients who aren`t ready to sell and would consider a new partner to "spice things up" in their company.  We have matched up a couple of investors with such partners.

I think the idea sounds great and it sounds like this is something you`ve invested a fair amount of mind-share into. I hope you`ll keep us updated as the idea progresses. 

I am interested in this. I am looking for a partner who would specifically want to open up a retail gift shop. I would serve as the wholesal supplier.  What rates do Partner Brokerages typically charge, and where are such Partner Broker Firms that I could contact?

I think it`s a great idea. Sort of like a business broker but much more specialized and personalized. Best of luck with it!

Yes, but where can one find such a thing?