Partner Relationship Management (PRM): The Ultimate Channel Sales & Partnerships Podcast

Magentrix

Partnerships are the pathway to higher sales - and your customers. Are you equipping your channel partners with what they truly need to represent you? Are you choosing the right ecosystem partners? Do you trust your partners (and do they trust you)? Do you do your part for your partners? As we interview channel chiefs and other partnerships industry experts, we explore these questions and more. We'll share channel management insights on how to navigate partnerships, support your partners, identify weak areas of your partner strategy, discuss the latest industry trends and reports, and more.

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29 - Structuring Partner Programs as an Entrepreneurial Pursuit: A Dissertation by Dorian R Kominek
Oct 26 2023
29 - Structuring Partner Programs as an Entrepreneurial Pursuit: A Dissertation by Dorian R Kominek
Our guest, Dorian Kominek, realized the pursuit of partnering and partner programs was in need of a foundational framework. So she has set out to work on changing the minds of partnering organizations to rethink their approach to partner program development.Guest bio: From Channel Manager, to Strategic Partnerships Manager, to Head of Partnerships, Dorian has spanned the partnerships arena for some years before deciding to make an interesting contribution to those who have established partner programs, or are planning to establish one.She’s here with us today to discuss key ideas from her dissertation: Channel Partner Program Development As An Entrepreneurial Pursuit.Find the dissertation here:https://partnershiphero.ca/#research?ref=mgx-pd-bzsptOr check out Dorian's YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@InnovationSensation?si=cM0WVttV1UqN-aRfChapter markers:(01:00) Guest intro(06:20) How to attain organizational alignment for supporting channel partner program development as an entrepreneurial venture(08:34) Best practices for development of a channel partner program in accordance with entrepreneurial literature(11:04) Embracing entrepreneurial thinking to foster innovation for partner program development(13:02) Work discretion, autonomy for the partnership person you hire & trusting them(13:47) Not enough financial support is one or budgetary support. But also time is a huge one(14:59) Rewards and reinforcements: If you're hiring an entrepreneurial person, you need to reward them(16:11) Serving partners as we do customers + aspects of the partner experience (PX)(18:25) Survey results & the most commonly cited entrepreneurial factors necessary for success(20:41) Role of partner segmentation in the partner experience(22:55) Role of empathy in creating a partner program(24:50) Partner programs, as an entrepreneurial venture, and the value to partners(26:10) Type of partners to target in the partner program(27:50) Key resources required to run a successful channel program(29:35) What impact do you hope this report will leave on organizations with partner programs?(31:21) 67% of partner professionals say their biggest challenges are internal at their organization----This production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com
26 - Creating Exceptional Partner Experiences (PX): The Key to Partner Ecosystem Growth - Lindsey Traub
Jul 13 2023
26 - Creating Exceptional Partner Experiences (PX): The Key to Partner Ecosystem Growth - Lindsey Traub
It's not enough to just have partners – understanding them and tailoring the experience to their needs can truly set apart a great partnership from a good one. This episode will cover: Practical Strategies for improving your partner experienceExploring ways to better understand your partners And discussing the potential impact these strategies can have on your overall channel performance.Lindsey Traub brings expertise from: Working on partner programs and operations at Magento – where achievements included: significant strides in enabling partnersWorking at Adobe, as Head of Operations Strategy for Adobe Exchange DX, managing and launching a new ISV partner program that combined the Magento, Marketo, and Adobe partner programs, serving more than 1,000 partners in the process.She also served as the Director of Programs and Partnerships at Cart.com and built the company's partner program from the ground up. This production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com
24 - 5 Uncomfortable Truths About Channel Management & How You Can Confront Them - Barb Huelskamp
Jun 12 2023
24 - 5 Uncomfortable Truths About Channel Management & How You Can Confront Them - Barb Huelskamp
Growing and managing a channel is not without its pitfalls and harsh realities. These uncomfortable truths, often kept under wraps, can hamper the growth and success of your channel strategies if not confronted head-on.Some of these uncomfortable truths include:The Challenge of AlignmentThe Necessity of InvestmentThe Inevitability of ConflictThe Struggle of DifferentiationThe Demand for Constant EvolutionToday’s guest will share their experiences, insights, and strategies to turn these uncomfortable truths into powerful levers for success. About the guest - Barb Huelskamp:Has experienced these realities firsthand, survived, and thrivedIs a powerhouse in the world of global strategy and partner sales.is an award-winning Global Channel Executive, recognized by CRN Power 100, and made significant strides in technology, cloud, and software markets – from growing revenues, to orchestrating complex business transformations, and optimizing partner relationsMost recently, she served as the Senior Vice President of Global Partners & Alliances at Alteryx This production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com
23 - Partner Marketing: Tips, Advice & Strategies to Stand Out - Ben Wright, PartnerFuel
May 4 2023
23 - Partner Marketing: Tips, Advice & Strategies to Stand Out - Ben Wright, PartnerFuel
In this episode, we will explore the key benefits and strategies of partner marketing, and provide practical tips and advice on how to optimize your partner marketing efforts.Partner marketing provides a unique opportunity for businesses to leverage the strengths and resources of their partners to enhance their marketing efforts, reach new audiences, and drive revenue growth. Guest bio: Ben Wright of PartnerFuelOur guest today is one of the most visible members within partnership communities today.  If you’re active within partnership posts on LinkedIn, you may have noticed him regularly commenting and leaving helpful tips. After working in partnerships roles such as Director of Partnerships and Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, at a Senior Manager & Director Level,  he quickly embraced a specialization within this space. He set out on his own to help partnership teams overcome their partner marketing challenges at PartnerFuel. From:Fractional leadershipto fractional marketing supportto program designHe can do it all.For the video version of this episode, see here https://youtu.be/0uuiLbmBSXoThis production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com
22 - Live: The State of Partner Engagement and Partner Portals in 2023 & Beyond - Rob Rebholz, Aaron Howerton, Paul Bird
Apr 17 2023
22 - Live: The State of Partner Engagement and Partner Portals in 2023 & Beyond - Rob Rebholz, Aaron Howerton, Paul Bird
The current state and future of partner portals (do we even need them?)Partner engagement challenges: How partner management tech is changing to meet partners where they already are (outside the portal) Hear about what other partner tech providers are doing to meet expectations partners have in the current landscapeFor a video version of this episode, see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FkPi5I5wdI  The conversation started on these threads. We’ll be addressing the major points brought up by others from these threads https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adampasch_partnerships-partnerexperience-partnersuccess-activity-7039629574317490176-vIDU and https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aaronhowerton_partnerexperience-prms-activity-7039950524846067713-MrpMThen we decided to give it a bigger platform to continue the discussion since these have been long-circulating thoughts in the partnerships space.Hear insights from:Aaron Howerton from Atlassian on why partners don’t want to log into your partner portal and other current challenges partners face with PRMsRob Rebholz, CEO of Superglue on how to create better partner experiences and drive portal adoptionPaul Bird, Head Portal Wizard at Magentrix on:the root causes behind a lack of partner engagement with your portal and what you can do about itWhat Magentrix is doing to enable you with partner engagement tools both inside AND outside the portalAnd how Magentrix has pioneered AI-powered PRMs and is leading the way to an AI-powered future in partner management techThis production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com
17 - 3 Partnerships Podcast Hosts Discuss 2022 Trends & 2023 Predictions
Jan 17 2023
17 - 3 Partnerships Podcast Hosts Discuss 2022 Trends & 2023 Predictions
We’ve brought together three hosts from three different podcasts in the partnerships space to review key insights and trends noticed in the past year from interviews with channel chiefs, partnership leaders and in the overall partner ecosystem landscape.Rob Spee is a seasoned and experienced channel and alliance executive. He has created and executed channel strategies and programs ranging from start-up mode businesses, all the way to a $350M business. Today he’s SVP of Global Channel & Alliances at BeyondTrust as well as the host of the long-running Channel Journeys podcast – a podcast where you can “hear channel experts share authentic stories of their channel victories, defeats, and lessons learned along the way.”Vince Menzione is the Founder of Ultimate Partnerships – a consultancy helping partner organizations drive greater results. And the host of another impressively long-running podcast, The Ultimate Guide to Partnering podcast.Paul Bird is the host of Magentrix PRM's The Ultimate Channel Sales Podcast - where he regularly has discussions on how to navigate partnerships, how to support your partners, identify weak areas of your partner strategy, discuss the latest industry trends and reports, and more.This production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com
13 - How Not to Lose a Channel Partner in 30 Days: Partner Retention Tips
Oct 25 2022
13 - How Not to Lose a Channel Partner in 30 Days: Partner Retention Tips
Some partnerships fail incredibly fast. Some in as few as 30 days.So, be careful with what you do in the early days of a partnership – as it can set the tone for the rest of the relationship. At the start of the partnership, it’s important to be careful and leave first impressions that can help create partners who are:Confident in your brandCome forward for supportAnd want to promote your productThe attention you pay to partners during this critical timeframe can result in either:A positive outlook for a long-term partnership Or, cause your partners to lose interest altogetherToday, we welcome a special guest to help improve your partner retention rates.He’s a channel partner with a horror story that shows you what not to do and shares tips for vendors on how they can retain their channel partners. Listen to this episode to:Learn how to set a standard for retaining channel partners for the long-termDiscover what aspects of your partner program help and hinder your partnersAnd, find out what truly motivates partners to sell moreGuest Bio - Adam Alfi: Today’s guest is a multi-preneur with over 25 years experience in the IT space, and a career spanning various roles, including: project management, consulting, and even a stint on Wall Street.Today, he runs an MSP business – EV Software and Business Solutions – which serves startups and enterprise clients alike. (1:46) Guest intro: Adam Alfi(3:52) Why are the first 30 days so critical when starting a new partnership with a vendor?(4:41) Textbook example of how to lose a partner in 30 days(10:21) Some vendors look great on paper, but that’s where it ends. As an MSP owner, what made this partner you mentioned seem like a good partner at the time? What motivated you to sign a partner agreement with them?(12:06) How can vendors and partners get on the same page from the beginning? What would build confidence in the partnership?(15:29) Vendors sometimes have different definitions of success than partners. How can partners on both sides align on a shared vision of success?(17:13) In terms of sales enablement, what helps you understand a vendor solution so you can sell it to your best-fit customers?(20:15) Do a lot of software vendors lack discovery as part of their onboarding or enablement process?(22:02) What about training? What's better, one-on-one, or self-guided? How does training play a role in the onboarding process?(25:41) Opinion on online training or self-guided training (as opposed to one-on-one) - is it useful?(28:56) Partner enablement resources: Content types that really help you sell a product?(32:50) Vendors engaging with partners via social media(33:36) Importance of timeliness of vendor responsiveness and bad experiences(34:06) Importance of trust with vendors and registering opportunities on a vendor's partner portal(36:37) Preventing channel conflict: What a vendor should do when they see two partners attempting to register the same opportunity in the partner portal(38:52) Do partner incentives motivate you to engThis production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com
12 - How Partners Vet Vendors & Cringey Things Vendors Need to Stop Doing Now
Oct 3 2022
12 - How Partners Vet Vendors & Cringey Things Vendors Need to Stop Doing Now
It’s no secret, potential partners start scoping you out long before approaching you.Sure, it’s easy to brush off anonymous complaints as “unimportant”. But don’t forget, the channel community is listening. Today’s episode brings a new perspective on partnerships. We welcome someone representing the other side of the channel: a channel partner, straight from the MSP community.Listen to this episode to find out:How partners vet vendorsManaging your reputation in the channel communityWhich common practices turn partners off from working with youAnd, as a bonus, How to start delivering marketing that adds more value to your partnersToday's guest has been in the tech space for nearly 30 years. For the past 2 decades, he’s been a tech entrepreneur and advocate for open-source software. He maintains a YouTube channel, “Lawrence Systems” has over 258-thousand subscribers where he vlogs on: Tech, IT and, cyber security. And he’s currently the President at Lawrence Technology Services, a Managed Services Provider based in Michigan.  Read the blog:  https://www.magentrix.com(0:00) Introduction(02:34) Why is it important for an MSP to thoroughly vet vendors?(4:11) Define the MSP community and tell us where you connect with each other?(5:41) Red flags that can make you stop pursuing a partnership altogether(8:06) Green flags – Factors that inspire confidence in working with a vendor (9:33) Cringe-worthy call-outs: Claim # 1  (11:13) Cringe-worthy call-outs: Claim # 2  (12:39) Does breaking trust tend to affect vendor reputation forever? Can a vendor come back from breaking trust in the partner community?(14:57) Things vendors need to start doing to increase transparency overall(16:12) Pricing and transparency: How should vendors list pricing?(18:50) Product feature pages are usually written by marketers. How do you ensure that a vendor’s product does what it says it does?(21:05) Vetting Vendors video reaction(25:52) How can vendors be as transparent as possible(26:11) What's the right balance of marketing vendors should do?(28:09)  At what point in your vendor vetting process do you reach out to engage with them about a potential partnership?(29:54)  Advice for vendors dealing with issues that are negatively affecting their reputation today(31:14) Conclusion  This production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com
11 - Is Your Partner Ecosystem Healthy? Check These 3 Things Immediately
Aug 31 2022
11 - Is Your Partner Ecosystem Healthy? Check These 3 Things Immediately
Partner ecosystems are like ecological ones: when healthy, all connected parts can nurture and support one another. But how do you know if your partner ecosystem is healthy?Are there any measurements that can help monitor ecosystem health? And how can you identify deficiencies within your ecosystem before it’s too late?Norma Watenpaugh shares insights on: How you can sustain a healthy partner ecosystem What you can do to optimize ecosystem healthToday’s guest, Norma Watenpaugh, has been a visionary in the IT world for channel giants like Sun Microsystems, pre-Oracle, Fujitsu, BA Systems, and for the last 20 years, CEO and founding partner of the Phoenix Consulting Group.She has a laser focus on helping companies achieve profitable results through strategic alliances, channels, and partner ecosystems.Listen for all of Norma’s insights on maintaining a healthy partner ecosystem. Read the blog:  https://www.magentrix.com/articles/blog/Is-Your-Partner-Ecosystem-Healthy-31-8-2022(0:00) Introduction(2:30) What is a partner ecosystem?(4:32) The shift to the ecosystem model (6:08) Gauging the health of the ecosystem – how it impacts the success of partnerships(8:22) Establishing a Partner Ecosystem(13:17) 1st Thing to Check: Ecosystem strategy (18:25) 2nd Thing to Check: Interaction and engagement amongst partners(22:43) 3rd Thing to Check: Mutual benefits for partners(23:42) Example of a healthy partner ecosystem (25:16) Norma Watenpaugh’s background in partner ecosystems(26:39) Results to expect from a healthy partner ecosystem (27:33) Conclusion This production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com
10 - How to Create and Best Leverage Strategic Channel Partnerships
Jun 14 2022
10 - How to Create and Best Leverage Strategic Channel Partnerships
It’s important to find partners that are right for you, but just as important, if not more, is knowing how to make the most of those partnerships. One way that can almost guarantee a deep understanding of how to navigate your partnerships and best leverage them is the practice of partner segmentation. That is, segmenting partners within the different markets they service.  Manuel Rivera shares insights on: how to identify different partner segments, what you can do to build partners’ strengths, minimize their weaknesses, how to support them, and help them grow to reach your overall goal. Our guest today, Manuel Rivera, has been in the channel for over 20 years. He boasts a pretty extensive background in: taking over existing channel programs, understanding the current makeup of the channel partners that are part of those programs, and trying to align those partners with the goals of the organization. Today, he develops and manages the channel sales program of Constella Intelligence as the Vice President Global Channel Sales. Listen for all of Manuel’s advice on creating and leveraging strategic channel partnerships. Read the blog: https://www.magentrix.com/articles/blog/How-to-Create-and-Best-Leverage-16-6-2022(0:00) Introduction (2:07) Manuel Rivera’s background in channel sales (4:11) Benefits of a well-thought out channel partner strategy (7:15) Start by selecting the right partners (13:55) Leverage partnerships & know where to invest time (37:24) Understanding market trends is key for positive growth  (40:15) Conclusion This production is brought to you by Magentrix ✨💜 Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝 If you haven't already, please like 👍 & subscribe! ✅ And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ https://apple.co/3HcqSsm See instructions to do so at the end of the episode. To learn about Magentrix PRM, please visit www.magentrix.com