We can't change the economic climate. The marketplace will go on being volatile, competitive and tough.

For top-line growth we need motivated sales people on either side of the partner model, to make this practical we need to start by answering the following questions:

• Do I get more opportunities ?
• Am I going to see more potential clients, have them take me more seriously and will they be more likely to close a deal ?
• Do I get more resources ?
• When I am writing a proposal against an impossible deadline, up against harsh competition and I need help, who is going to give back up, know how and practical support ?
• Do I get a competitive edge ?
• Does this alliance partnership translate into credibility with the client that helps me differentiate against or neutralise the competition ?
• Above all, will this alliance help me make my numbers and exceed my personal and company targets ?