Before starting to speak to third parties the first step is to define internally the target and process:
The strategic search / target profile describes and prioritises the type of IP, projects, products, assets and / or the ideal partner(s) you are looking for, which will then result first in a long and subsequently in a short list.
If you aim at licensing / partnering / acquiring or selling one of your assets the value of your deal proposition is dependent on a detailed assessment of the business opportunity.
The target deal structure summarises and prioritizes important cornerstones of the deal you are aiming at, such as strategic goals or operational framework, but also your financial expectations.
The business development process defines timelines and milestones, sequence of activities, and experts or specialists to involve.
And how to attract potential partners? There are a number of activities which help you to create awareness of your company, your assets and the strengths you are offering to partners.