The 10 Commandments of Channel Management

Having spent over 30 years in this industry, I’ve seen some bad behaviour from partners. But to a large extent it’s often a reaction to bad behaviour from vendors. So with a surname like mine, it seemed kind of obvious that I take a leaf out of the Bible and lay down my 10 commandments … Continued

The #1 Reason Channel Strategies Fail

In my experience, the number one reason partner strategies fail isn’t anything inside the partner organisation itself – it’s something else within the vendor’s own business. Misalignment. Too often, partners aren’t embedded in the overall vision, mission, or strategy. Many vendors keep pouring money into expensive direct sales models (even when those teams underperform) yet … Continued

How’s That “100% Channel” Strategy Working For You?

Ok, so you’re a vendor who’s “100% channel”. Great! But is it working for you? Because I meet a lot of vendors who say they have a “100% channel” model but still complain about lacklustre results from non-performing partners. If that’s you, my guess (based on having assisted more than 180 vendors over the last … Continued

Stop Putting The Wrong People In Channel Roles

In the competitive landscape of the IT industry, the effectiveness of a company’s channel strategy can be the difference between success or failure. Channel managers play a crucial role in driving revenue, expanding market reach, and fostering strong relationships with partners. Which is why it is so surprising to me that so many companies hire … Continued

6 Lessons from the Trump-Harris Debate for PAMs

In 2017 I wrote an article about 10 Lessons that Channel Managers could learn from Trump. Watching the Trump-Harris debate a few nights ago prompted me to think about that article, and see what we could learn from this debate. Firstly, I should say that while I’m not a Trump supporter, and believe that Harris … Continued

6 Lessons from Samsung to Lose Customers

In the XaaS and managed services world, we don’t make money from winning customers… we make money from keeping customers. So when I see a company doing everything it can to alienate its loyal customers, I look at what lessons can be learned so that MSPs, vendors and distis don’t fall into the same trap. … Continued

Have We Forgotten How To Present In Person?

As we go back to in-person meetings and events, it’s becoming apparent that one of the casualties of working from home has been face-to-face presentation skills. For the last few years, our presentations have consisted almost entirely of looking at someone’s face over Zoom or Teams. But as we start to present in person, we can no longer … Continued

Navigating Through Crisis: A Modern Approach for MSPs

Picture this: your key client’s company is thrust into a crisis, their systems are down, and the media is swarming like bees to honey. As a Managed Services Provider (MSP), ensuring business continuity in tumultuous times is not just a goal; it’s a commitment. Whether you’re addressing a local hiccup or an international debacle, the … Continued

8 Tips to Unlocking Success with a Partner Advisory Council

We are often asked by vendors about the value of a Partner Advisory Council (PAC). In this dynamic landscape of modern business, where collaboration is often touted as the key to success, we believe a well-run PAC can be a game-changer in shaping the partner relationship. In this article, we will explore the concept of … Continued

Recruit Partners Like You Recruit People

Would you recruit a sales rep for your business just because they were enthusiastic, and knew someone they could sell your product to?  Without an interview? Without references? Without discussing salary or sales targets? It sounds a bit crazy doesn’t it! But that’s exactly what vendors do all the time with their channel partner recruitment. … Continued