When you're running an early stage startup you don't necessarily have the market completely scoped or understand the partnership opportunities landscape. Start by understanding who influences you market, then look for ways to reach out. These influencers can be:

• Influential Twitter Users
• Speakers
• Service Providers

Prior to reaching out to a potential partner there are a lot of steps you should follow to increase your chances of success. This preparation stage is as important, if not more than the talk/exchannge itself. Follow these steps to make sure you cover all you bases.