An enthusiastic Project Champion is your starting point. Two are even better for they can draw upon each other's strengths when the going gets tough. And rest assured it will.

Coming in all shapes and sizes, Project Champions all have one key characteristic in common. They are all proactive "doers". They make things happen. They are thus mostly optimistic by nature and refuse to let obstacles like red tape, unhelpful people and other insignificant things get in their way.

It helps of course if they are known and respected within the community and have good connections, but not even this can outweigh an unshakeable determination to succeed.

Another notable characteristic is a passion for the well being of others; the recognition and belief that for a town and its residents to prosper, there must be common standards and a uniting frame of reference.

A good Project Champion is also a born salesperson and leader. Capable of identifying and stimulating interest amongst the community's key stakeholders - Local Government, Business and Community Organisations. Of selling them on the long-term benefits of the Partnership concept. To convince the necessary key players (usually between 3 to 12) to come on board and form the project Steering Committee.

Each community has at least one such person. And since you cannot begin without them, job number one is to identify and secure the services of your Project Champion.