1 | State the relationship type
Distinguish operating collaboration, technology cooperation, advisory services, channel connections and investment discussions. Their objectives and required information differ; they should not share one ambiguous identity.
2 | Describe each contribution
Describe contributions through technology, customers, resources, sites, services and market understanding. Each contribution should be specific enough to connect to a task.
3 | Identify the current stage
Initial conversation, material assessment, option discussion and a formal mandate are different stages. A page or brief should not describe exploration as a completed project.
4 | Identify required inputs
List missing material, permissions to confirm and specialists who may participate. Explain who supplies each input alongside the next piece of work.
5 | Define the first output
The first output might be one page of shared objectives, a responsibility table or questions to validate. Choose an output that improves assessment instead of rushing into an inflated collaboration statement.
6 | Connect the formal record
For disclosed collaborations, retain original announcements, dates and mandates. Business copy explains the direction; formal material records the facts. Keep both accessible from each other.
