How to Introduce a new Business Policy to Business Partners

Introducing a new business policy to business partners should be done carefully and deliberately. It is important and at times imperative that business partners embrace changes in policy, and their introduction can influence the outcome to a great extent.
Explain the need for a change
New business policies can seem sudden and nonsensical if proper background is not explained. When introducing a new business policy, you may want to commence with explaining the need for such a change in policy. You can explore problems that have occurred, which the changes address. To get them on board, you may even want to mention issues that they have personally experienced with the policies as is. If they recognize the need for a change, they may be more comfortable with its implementation.
Explain the search for new policies
Not only should your business partners understand that a change was needed, but they should understand the process that you utilized to devise the new policy. You can slowly illustrate this, hopefully leading them to formulate the same change in policy that you have devised.
Explain the benefits to them
No matter how desirable the business policy is to you, your business partners are likely to be focused on how it is going to affect them. Talk with excitement about the positive benefits that they can expect to see, especially financial advantages. As much as possible, you want to have evidence to support your conclusions. For instance, if a similar company made a comparable change in policies, and it has benefited them greatly, then go through those numbers. You can make a list of the benefits that they are likely to realize.
Answer inquiries and concerns
To the extent possible, you want your business partners to be pleased with the change in policies or at least tolerate it. You do not want them to tell you that they accept it only to discuss the problems beyond your earshot and potentially create discord in the relationship. You can help prevent this by allowing them a forum so that they can bring up concerns that they have with the policy changes. They can ask questions. Explain in further detail as necessary. Try to reassure them past any worries.
How formal your presentation is to your business partners will depend on the scope of the policy changes as well as the relationship you have with your partners. Consider using tools such a PowerPoint presentation with graphs as well as written literature to help them to visualize the effects of the changes. Make sure that you give yourself enough time to explain the entirety of the policy changes. You do not want to have to rush through them.
Policy changes affect not just the instigator, but business partners as well. Take the time and effort to thoroughly explain these changes to ensure a smooth and fruitful implementation.