Transcript

Partnership Discussion Analysis: Irene Dennison & Cara Mattaliano (Boston University Wheelock)

1) Executive Summary

This was a strategic discussion with potential channel partners from Boston University's Wheelock College to facilitate an introduction to Boston Public Schools (BPS). The conversation confirmed strong interest in the GrantFinder AI concept and established a clear, immediate next step:

create a concise, one-page document outlining the project's value proposition and the "ask" for BPS staff. Irene Dennison will use this document to identify the right contacts within the large district and gauge their interest. Both partners set realistic timeline expectations, noting that securing meetings could take several weeks due to the start of the school year. Cara Mattaliano also offered a long-term engagement path, agreeing to keep the project in mind for future needs that emerge from her office's community work.

2) Key Discussion Points & Strategic Takeaways

• The One-Pager is a Non-Negotiable First Step
  • Irene explicitly stated that to "shop this around to different people," she needs a one-pager that allows them to "very quickly understand" the project.
  • She cautioned that even an "amazing 10-page report" would be ignored by busy BPS staff, regardless of its quality or origin.
• Specific Content Required for the One-Pager
  • The document must quickly communicate what the project aims to accomplish, how it will make the user's life easier, and the specific ask—in this case, "a 30-minute conversation about your experience with writing grants". This clear, low-friction ask is critical for getting a response.
• Timeline Expectations for BPS Engagement are Slow
  • Irene advised that it would likely "take a couple of weeks to get time set up with anyone in BPS". This is due to the immense pressure on the district at the start of the school year, when their focus is on ensuring schools are functioning.
• Long-Term Partnership Potential is High
  • Cara Mattaliano confirmed her willingness to share the one-pager within her network as needs arise, even if it's months from now and outside the course's timeline. This establishes a valuable, ongoing relationship for future outreach.
• Project Legitimacy was Affirmed
  • Ryan clarified that GrantFinder AI is being pursued as a full-time venture beyond the course, which justifies the partners investing their time and social capital in making introductions.

3) Key Insights & "Aha!" Moments

• Channel Partners Require Simple, Effective Tools: The most critical insight is that the ability of a partner like Irene to advocate on our behalf is entirely dependent on the quality and conciseness of the material we provide. An overly detailed document is not a tool; it's a burden.
• "The Ask" Must Be as Important as "The What": Irene's focus on defining the ask ("a 30-minute conversation") is a key takeaway. For initial outreach to a cold audience, a low-commitment request is essential.
• Timing is Everything: Even with a compelling solution and a warm introduction, the target user's immediate priorities (like the start of a school year) will always take precedence. Patience and strategic follow-up are necessary.

4) Actionable Recommendations for the Team

• Finalize and Send the One-Pager Immediately (P0)
  • The one-pager is the single blocker for any further engagement with BPS. This should be the team's top priority. As Ryan confirmed, this can be sent right away.