Partnership Kickoff

Partnership Kickoff

The kickoff sets the tone for the entire customer relationship.

This Partnership Kickoff Template + Guide helps Customer Success Managers run structured, confident kickoff meetings that align goals, clarify expectations, and establish trust from the very beginning of the partnership.

Instead of rushing into onboarding or configuration, this asset ensures both teams start with a shared understanding of why they’re working together, how they’ll work together, and what success looks like.

What’s Included

Partnership Kickoff Deck Template
A customer-facing kickoff deck designed to help CSMs:

• Set a clear agenda and meeting expectations

• Lead with partnership intent and gratitude

• Align on business context and priorities

• Establish engagement, communication, and escalation norms

• Clarify roles and responsibilities across both teams

• Confirm goals and success criteria

• Walk through the onboarding approach at a high level

• Align on next steps and ownership

Step-by-Step Kickoff Guide
A practical companion guide that explains:

• When and how to run a kickoff meeting

• How to prepare internally before the call

• How to lead the conversation (not just present slides)

• What questions to ask to drive alignment

• Common kickoff mistakes to avoid

• What a strong kickoff actually achieves

The guide is designed to support the template without over-scripting—helping CSMs build confidence and consistency while still sounding human.

What This Helps You Do

• Create a consistent, high-quality kickoff experience

• Set clear expectations early in the partnership

• Build trust and credibility with customer stakeholders

• Reduce onboarding friction and misalignment

• Establish momentum from day one

Who This Is For

• Customer Success Managers and Onboarding Managers

• CS leaders standardizing kickoff experiences

• Teams scaling onboarding and implementation

• Organizations focused on long-term customer outcomes

Why This Works

Most kickoff meetings are rushed, overly tactical, or unfocused.

This framework slows the moment down just enough to ensure clarity, alignment, and confidence—so onboarding starts on solid ground and the partnership begins with intention.

Format:

• Downloadable Kickoff Deck Template

• Downloadable Step-by-Step Guide (PDF)

Use it to:

• Run consistent partnership kickoffs

• Align teams before onboarding begins

• Build strong customer relationships from the start

Instant download upon purchase.