Creating Profit Through Alliances - business models for collaboration E-book | Page 29

We divide the activities among our partners and they are paid for their specific tasks. In most cases, Logistics Executive takes care of the front end with the customer and the partner is responsible for the back end with the candidates. If a partner proposes a candidate who is already in our database but had not been noticed by us yet, the partner is paid in full. Alliances versus other sourcing methods Which of us will conduct the meetings and final negotiations is decided upon on a case-by-case basis. We guarantee our customers a retention period of two to twelve months. If the candidate leaves within that timeframe we will repeat the process for free. However, out of 900 placements a year, this only comes up two or three times.”    By outsourcing these activities to parties that possess the right competences. But then the question is, can your competitors not do the same, or have they not already done so? By taking over a company that has the right market position or the right products. But then the question is, why have your investors not already taken their money from your firm and invested it in the other party? Entering into an alliance with such a firm, and partly combining your people and resources, sharing your knowledge, and approaching your clients with a broader offer. The option you choose depends on a number of preconditions that occur in any market:    To introduce new competences in your organisation, there are generally four options to choose from:  By investing in the training of personnel or by hiring the right people and deploying them in either portfolio management and marketing communication, or in product development. the time available to bring a new product to market; the extent of investment and whether a firm can afford it; the acceptable measure of risk. Direct investment in development activities or broader marketing requires a lot of time, certainly if it calls for new competences. Outsourcing is quicker, but requires additional resources due to overhead and your supplier's profit margin. Both run the risk of investing in a client group that barely responds or in a product that fails to succeed. 27