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Every alliance goes through a natural life cycle. The Alliance Life Cycle:
| Phase 1: Evaluate | |
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Define alliance strategy |
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Analyze portfolio |
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Evaluate ecosystem |
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Evaluate partner |
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Build business case |
| Phase 2: Form | |
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Create partnering value proposition |
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Secure sponsors |
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Conduct negotiations and forge agreements |
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Protect intellectual property |
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Announce alliance |
| Phase 3: Incubate | |
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Structure alliance governance |
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Build operational model |
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Plan communications |
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Create partner-engagement model |
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Launch new alliance marketing |
| Phase 4: Operate | |
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Build executive committees and boards |
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Conduct business planning |
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Draft alliance solutions and initiatives |
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Create field engagement and marketing |
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Define metrics and performance reporting |
| Phase 5: Transition | |
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Review strategy and value proposition |
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Review value curves and trends |
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Update strategic goals |
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Confirm joint commitment |
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Determine future investment |
| Phase 6: Retire | |
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Conduct management discussions |
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Determine exit strategy |
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Build exit plans |
|
Define activities and timeline |
|
Create messaging |
What has been YOUR experience while in a strategic alliance with Cisco?
