Once you have used ELS to identify potential partners:

• Ensure that you look at their website and that you understand their business before you make contact.
• You might consider posting materials to each other before you speak. And allow time to read these and digest them.
• It is also useful to have samples. You could send these. Or photography. Ask yourself what's most useful.
• Use ELS to see if you have a common language. That's important!
• Check to see who ELS lists as the person with whom you should speak. What language(s) do they speak?
• If you expect a problem with the language(s), ask Partenariat for help.
• Partenariat may also make enquiries for you. Ask your own local office for help.
• Alternatively you might consider a teleconference with one or more interpreters.
• If you need advice on teleconferencing, or videoconferencing, or interpreters, then ask Partenariat for help.
• Have some notes. Be clear about what you want to say and what you want to ask.
• Have a definite outcome in mind. What do you want to achieve?
• Ensure that both you and the other party can gain from entering into a relationship.
• Ask yourself who does what? Who supplies what? Who gets what?
• Be aware of the value of any currencies in which you might work. They might include the Euro, the US dollar, the Swiss franc, etc.
• It is good practice to exchange emails first and plan the call that way.
• Make the call at a good time. Allow for different time-zones. Across Europe most companies start and finish their days before the UK .
• Try to find out how long the other party has to talk with you.
• It is probably best not to call on Mondays or Fridays. Or at lunchtimes.
• At the end of any call, clearly decide if - and when and how - you will continue the discussion.
• Be clear on any follow-up actions you require of each other.
• Follow up the call with an email. Even if the outcome was not positive. It is a politeness.
• Please tell Partenariat about these contacts. Feedback is always helpful!