September is the New January and the Best Time to Reset Your Alliance Strategy
The calendar might say September, but for many professionals, this month feels more like a new beginning than mid-year. The back-to-school energy of a fresh start still lingers with as adults, with new routines, renewed focus, and a sense of momentum.
For alliance leaders and partnership professionals, that “back-to-school” mindset offers more than nostalgia, it’s a strategic opportunity.
Why September Is Your Strategic Sweet Spot
The Summer-to-Fall Shift Creates Natural Momentum
After the slower pace of summer, September brings an uptick in availability, responsiveness, and decision-making. Partners and stakeholders return from vacation ready to re-engage. This creates an ideal window for initiating conversations, reigniting dormant projects, and moving stalled initiatives forward.
Year-End Goals Are in Sharp Focus
By September, you have eight months of data to evaluate performance, spot trends, and identify gaps. This makes it the perfect moment to prioritize which alliances deserve the most investment of your time and resources before year-end.
Planning Cycles Are in Motion
Many organizations start budgeting and strategic planning for the next fiscal or calendar year in the fall. Securing a seat at that table now increases your ability to shape priorities, influence funding decisions, and ensure alliances are positioned as critical drivers of growth.
Five Practical Ways to Leverage the September Reset
- Conduct a Portfolio Health Check
- Review the ROI, strategic alignment, and health of each partnership.
- Identify underperforming alliances that need intervention or sunset plans.
- Spotlight your strongest performers and look for ways to amplify their impact in Q4.
- Schedule Strategic Partner Conversations
- Use September to lock in joint business reviews, governance meetings, or steering committee sessions.
- Align on Q4 deliverables and lay the groundwork for 2026 priorities.
- Share success stories that reinforce your alliance’s value to both organizations.
- Invest in Skills and Knowledge
- Fall is an ideal time to build capabilities before the next year’s challenges arrive.
- Consider training in negotiation, conflict resolution, or alliance governance.
- Encourage team members to attend industry events to bring back fresh insights.
- Strengthen Internal Alignment
- Meet with internal stakeholders to ensure your alliance priorities are connected to corporate strategy.
- Close information gaps between functions marketing, sales, product, and alliances—to reduce friction.
- Expand Your Network Strategically
- Reconnect with peers you haven’t engaged in months.
- Use industry forums, conferences, and online communities to meet potential collaborators.
- Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing relevant articles, insights, or best practices.
How ASAP Can Power Your Fall Reset
If you’re ready to turn September’s energy into measurable results, the Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals offers practical tools, connections, and programs to help you:
- Join or Renew Membership: Access the only global community dedicated exclusively to advancing alliance and partnership excellence.
- Register for BioPharma 2025: November 17–19 in Boston, where biopharma’s leading minds connect to solve today’s toughest challenges and shape the future.
- Engage in ASAP Connect: Our member-only online community where you can ask questions, share solutions, and collaborate with peers worldwide.
- Explore the Ally AI Tool: Get instant, relevant guidance on alliance best practices, case studies, and resources all tailored to your needs.
- Pursue Professional Development: From the Alliance Essentials training to certification programs, ASAP offers ways to sharpen your skills and increase your impact.
Don’t wait for January. Your alliance reset starts now.
Take advantage of September’s momentum to audit your portfolio, strengthen key relationships, and position yourself for a powerful year-end and an even stronger start to 2026.