MD Convo Analysis

1. What Melissa Views as Partnerships

• Mutual energy — both sides show up, not just one chasing

• Trust built through real convo, not docs, dashboards, or delay

• Representation risk — she’s putting her name on this, so it has to feel tight and aligned

• White glove early, automation later — don’t treat her partners like a cold lead

• Emotional investment — partnerships = people first, product second

• Respect of time and reputation — she’s managing high-level projects, not babysitting tech flows

2. What Boundaries We Can Set (to lead with clarity + support)

🛡️ Leadership Boundaries

• “We don’t do unclear partnerships — we define them clearly, then deliver.”

• “We lead partnerships through a defined path, not constant rework or random access.”

🤝 Supportive Boundaries

• “If you’re referred by someone like Melissa, you get a human convo — once.”

• “We ask that you prep us with goals, not just vibes. We respect your time — please respect ours.”

• “We show up fully once commitments are clear.”

🔄 Behavioral Boundaries

• No long back-and-forths once alignment is lost — we exit with grace.

• No partner is onboarded without filling out our Partnership Intake Form.

• Every partner gets one Strategy Sync call — not ongoing support like a customer.

3. What We Do vs Don’t Do (OS: Users vs Partners)

✅ What We DO as a Software OS

• Give partners automation, systems, and white-label options

• Provide done-for-you support once alignment and scope are clear

• Offer onboarding, support, and documentation for users

• Support partner success through structured flows

• Deliver fast-moving, scalable systems — not slow custom builds

❌ What We Do NOT Do

• We do not build relationships without reciprocity and clarity

• We do not support “exploratory” partners indefinitely

• We do not provide high-touch meetings without purpose or preparation

• We do not take on every potential partner — we qualify them

• We do not offer custom support or partnership equity without a clear agreement

🎬 HOW WE COULD HAVE HANDLED IT DIFFERENTLY

1. SET THE STAGE EARLY (Prevention Mode)

• Create a Partnership Pathway Doc to send ahead:
“Hey Melissa, for any partners you’re referring, here’s how we run it: call → intake → alignment → onboarding. Keeps everything clear and friction-free.”

• Let Melissa know exactly what counts as a “partner” vs “interested user.”

2. HANDLE THE JASON CHAT DIFFERENTLY (Live Scene)

“We don’t need a meeting for this. Message him through the widget.”

“Hey Jason — heard you’re exploring options. Happy to help you get clear. We’ve got a quick partnership chat available, or we can send a comparison doc if you’re still deciding. Either way, let’s get you what you need.”

3. RESPOND TO MELISSA WITH UNDERSTANDING (Heat Moment)

“You’re making a mistake. I’ll talk to you in person.”

“I hear you, and I appreciate how much trust you’ve put into this. Let’s pause Jason for now. We’ll tighten up the flow for future intros so it’s easier on everyone. We’re still committed to Jilly and to making you proud.”

4. POST-CONVO FOLLOW-UP (Recovery Mode)

“Appreciate your honesty. We’re updating our partner process to reflect what you flagged — clear terms, human support upfront, and no ticket-like treatment for warm intros. Thanks for making us better.”

TL;DR: The New Playbook