Ideal Partner Profile (IPP)

About This Framework

The Ideal Partner Profile (IPP) is like an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), but for partnerships. It helps you define exactly what your best-fit partners look like before you invest time in recruiting them.

Why You Need an IPP

Most companies make the mistake of signing partners opportunistically—they say yes to anyone interested. This leads to:

• Misaligned partnerships that don't produce results
• Wasted time on partners who can't scale
• Diluted focus across too many partner types
• Inconsistent partner experience

The IPP framework helps you avoid these pitfalls by defining clear criteria for partner selection.

What's Included

1. IPP Framework Guide

Step-by-step instructions on creating your IPP:

• Partner characteristics to define
• Qualification criteria to establish
• Red flags to watch for
• Prioritization methodology

2. IPP Template

Pre-structured template with sections for:

• Company Profile - Size, industry, maturity, geography
• Technical Capabilities - Skills, certifications, tools
• Customer Base - Overlap with your ICP
• Business Model - Revenue model, pricing, go-to-market
• Partnership Readiness - Resources, commitment, track record
• Cultural Alignment - Values, communication style, working preferences

3. Example IPP

See a completed Ideal Partner Profile to understand how to use the framework effectively.

How to Use

1. Access the Template - Get instant access via Google Drive
2. Review the Guide - Understand the framework and methodology
3. Fill Out Your IPP - Define your ideal partner characteristics
4. Get Team Alignment - Review with sales, product, and marketing
5. Use for Recruitment - Target partners matching your IPP
6. Iterate Over Time - Refine based on learnings

Who This Is For

• Partnership Managers - Planning partner recruitment
• Founders - Exploring first strategic partnerships
• Business Development - Targeting the right partners
• Sales Leaders - Building channel programs
• Product Teams - Selecting integration partners

Benefits

• Focused Recruitment - Target partners most likely to succeed
• Faster Qualification - Quickly assess partner fit
• Team Alignment - Clear criteria for partner selection
• Better Conversations - Research before outreach
• Higher Success Rate - Partner with companies that fit

Related Resources

After creating your IPP, check out these related templates:

• Partner Hypothesis - Validate your partnership strategy
• Partner Research & Qualification Sheet - Track and score prospects
• Partner Strategy Map - Align partnership goals with business strategy

Get Started

Get free access to the Ideal Partner Profile framework and start recruiting better-fit partners today.