Named next step, both sides
End with a specific next action, owner, and date on both sides, so the deck functions as a follow-up email draft.
Elad Gil's handbook notes deals lose momentum without a named owner on each side within 48 hours; the closing slide should function as a meeting action item, not a thank-you.
- A named owner on your side and a named role on the partner's side
- A specific date for the next touchpoint
- The one decision or approval needed to move forward
- Generic 'let's stay in touch' closings
- A list of every possible future collaboration
- No date attached to the next step
- No named owner on either side
- Leaving the next step as 'we'll follow up' with no date
- Naming an owner on your side but leaving the partner's side blank
- · Could this slide be pasted directly into a follow-up email?
- · Is there one clear decision the partner needs to make next?
Next step: [owner on our side] sends [artifact] to [partner role] by [date]; decision needed: [specific approval].
"Let's connect again soon and keep building on this exciting momentum together."
"Next step: our head of BD sends the pilot agreement to your Platform Partnerships lead by Friday; decision needed is directory review approval by June 1."
Names an owner, a specific artifact, a recipient role, a date, and the exact decision required.
Quick quiz
1. What should the final slide of a partnership deck function as?
- ○ A thank-you note
- ✓ A follow-up email draft with owners and a date
- ○ A summary of the whole deck
- ○ A list of future collaboration ideas
A concrete next step with owners keeps the deal moving after the meeting ends.
2. Which closing is weaker?
- ○ "Our head of BD sends the pilot agreement to your Platform Partnerships lead by Friday."
- ✓ "Let's connect again soon and keep the momentum going."
It has no owner, no artifact, and no date, so nothing happens after the meeting.