I will never forget landing my first ever partnership.

So I had a scheduled call with a lady about this important partnership offer one morning .

English is not my mother language but I never had a problem in communication because I use it on a daily basis many years at work.

The conversation was quite imbalanced with a few minutes introduction each and then straight me pitching for some minutes with a monologue. I was quite confident as I had organised in my head what I wanted to say, so it was clear when I passed a question to her for continuing.

And something happened that never happened to me before, I didn't expect it, but I was having such a hard time to understand what she was saying.

I remember I had a strong feeling of, omg is it the concept of her thoughts or the super fabulous use of language she's doing the reason I struggle to keep up? I remember I was 100% giving all my focus to listening carefully. Holding on to words that I was understanding and connecting them together. She was talking really in official English, no special accent, that was impressive. I kinda felt like neanderthal while she was speaking.

As she continued the sun changed position hitting the screen of my computer and I couldn't see her clearly. I was listening carefully. Keeping down some notes. My time is coming to say something and my legs started shaking under the desk. She was not fully aligned with our vision or our business model.

I said to myself open your mouth:

"What you just said sounds like music to my ears. This kind of feedback is exactly what we need to hear, as we are flexible to adapt to the needs of our partners on this early phase. We believe we are working on a beautiful idea, we want to make it as helpful as possible for the users."

I meant it haha. Got the support letter. 🎉

When I updated her later when we had the MVP ready I was so happy to send her our work! She beautifully roasted me. I had to explain that this was just the MVP. Not the final product.

I am a bit afraid to update her now. But yeah she gave me some great feedback that I am grateful for.

I am really struggling since. Got a few smaller partnerships but no one wants to put their customers or connections testing something not final, right? I get it but come on, please. This wheel needs to roll.

Any tips of how I can pass strategically this line? I was clear to them from the beginning but no one makes the big step of recommending the MVP for testing.

I am not sure how to continue. Keep reaching out to orgs or keep spamming poor people?

Thanks for reading :)