channel strategy

Bernhard Friedrichs (PartnerXperience) joins us to share his wealth of knowledge on crafting a partner journey that fosters collaboration and drives capital-efficient growth.

He takes us through the nuances of treating partners as equals, not customers, and the importance of transparency and trust throughout the partner lifecycle. From recruitment to onboarding, and beyond, discover the strategies that can turn a good partner experience into an exceptional one.

We'll explore:

• PartnerXperience's four C's of partner qualification: Customer Base, Credibility, Capability, and Commitment
• The impact of technology on PX, including PRM platforms like Magentrix
• How to measure the ROI of a superior partner experience
• The playbook for capital-efficient growth through strategic partnerships

Bernhard's insights are not just for partnership veterans but also for CEOs and founders looking to weave partnerships into their business model. If you're aiming to future-proof your partnerships and ensure they're more than just transactions, be sure to have a listen.

(01:00) Guest intro: Bernhard Friedrichs, PXP
(04:36) Key elements of a good partner experience (PX and how they influence the overall success of a partnership
(07:28) How does a seamless and user-friendly partner experience contribute to the efficiency of partner onboarding and ongoing collaboration?
(10:44) Well-designed partner experience, partner loyalty and long-term commitment to a vendor's program
(12:09) Preliminary elements or considerations that need to be in place before your efforts with PX can even have a chance to be effective
(16:17) Partner recruitment & setting a potential partner up for a great PX - The 4 Cs
(21:07) How a positive PX contributes to the overall brand perception and reputation of a vendor within the partner ecosystem
(22:13) Role of partner technology in shaping and enhancing the partner experience + how vendors can leverage it effectively
(25:29) Personalization in the partner experience
(27:04) Strategies for enhancing and evolving the partner experience to meet changing partner expectations: Embrace complexity
(28:13) Measuring & quantifying the ROI of investing in a superior PX in a partner program
(31:21) What is Capital Efficient Growth? (PXP's Playbook)
(34:00) How integrations help provide a better user experience, not just for the vendor’s customers, but for partners too
(36:21) Bernhard's key takeaway for vendors from the CEG playbook
(37:00) The one thing to know for creating an unforgettable partner experience that can future-proof the partnership
(37:35) 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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

We dissect the past year's partnership trends and forecast what's on the horizon for 2024. Join our guests, Rob Spee & Vince Menzione as we dive into topics such as:

• co-selling
• partner programs
• partner relationship management
• marketplaces
• resellers
• the impact of AI on channel sales
• 2024 predictions (and reviewing our 2023 predictions 😁)

(01:08) Guest Intros
(01:30) Co-selling has continued to be a bigger focus area – any notable observations around this?
(02:47) Canalys’ “Co-sell Tech Matrix” report
(03:59) Co-sell impact on hyperscalers?
(04:59) Traditional resellers in favor of selling in marketplaces - trend in 2023?
(07:26) Vendors using marketplaces to co innovate and co sell
(10:21) How have partner programs changed in 2023?
(12:53) Any new KPIs that you've noticed that vendors are focusing on?
(15:59) Trends with partnership technology and the partner tech stack
(18:09) Gen AI: Standout technologies helping partnership leaders?
(20:02) PRMs are not dead
(21:09) Partner-driven revenue: observations & updates
(24:58) Do you think there's still an issue with partner attribution?
(26:22) A review of the predictions we made last year: Vince's predictions
(28:24) A review of the predictions we made last year: Rob's predictions
(29:49) Predictions for 2024: Vince's predictions
(31:20) Predictions for 2024: Rob's predictions
(33:26) Predictions for 2024: Magentrix's predictions
(35:40) Paul on Gen AI as a channel opportunity
(36:38) Rob on AI, partner experience and PRM
(40:24) Rob's final thoughts for partnership professionals as they head into 2024
(41:14) Vince on the one consideration partnership professionals should be mindful of as they head into 2024

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

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-bzspt

Or check out Dorian's YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@InnovationSensation?si=cM0WVttV1UqN-aRf

Chapter 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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

Paul appears on an episode hosted by Vince Menzione. They, along with Rob Spee, explore the dynamics of partnerships and ecosystems, channel marketing, and the pivotal role of the chief partner officer. Other subjects include ecosystem attribution, channel alignment, partner marketing strategies, and the rise of AI adoption. 

We discuss this and more on today's episode with our Channel Panel members: 

• Rob Spee of Channel Journeys podcast 
• And Vince Menzione of the Ultimate Guide to Partnering® podcast

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

Today’s partner ecosystem: fueled by hyperscalers, sold in marketplaces, and delivered through the channel. 

What can we expect of the partner experience in light of this new ecosystem model?

We discuss this and more on today's episode with our Channel Panel members: 

• Rob Spee of Channel Journeys podcast 
• And Vince Menzione of the Ultimate Guide to Partnering® podcast

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

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 Alignment
• The Necessity of Investment
• The Inevitability of Conflict
• The Struggle of Differentiation
• The Demand for Constant Evolution

Today’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 thrived
• Is 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 relations
• Most 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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

•  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 landscape

For 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-MrpM

Then 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:

1. Aaron Howerton from Atlassian on why partners don’t want to log into your partner portal and other current challenges partners face with PRMs
2. Rob Rebholz, CEO of Superglue on how to create better partner experiences and drive portal adoption
3. Paul 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 it
   • What Magentrix is doing to enable you with partner engagement tools both inside AND outside the portal
   • And how Magentrix has pioneered AI-powered PRMs and is leading the way to an AI-powered future in partner management tech

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

Hyperscaler marketplaces are having a significant impact on channel sales. 

By providing customers with access to cloud-based services, hyperscaler marketplaces have become an increasingly popular way for customers to purchase IT services. This has led to a shift away from traditional channel sales, as customers are now able to purchase what they need directly from the cloud provider. 

As a result, channel partners must focus on providing value-added services and support in order to remain competitive in the market.

Our guest today, Tim Lowe, is the Director of Partner Ecosystem for the South East at the world leader of enterprise open source solutions at Red Hat.

Watch the video version here. 

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

In today’s episode, we’re bringing on a world-renowned professional who has been a long-standing expert in the partnerships industry, to discuss the most recent trends in partner ecosystems practices, as well as predictions for 2023, and a general forecast of what we should expect in the evolution of the partnerships space with regards to ecosystems.

Today's guest is Jay McBain. Jay is the chief analyst of “channels, partnerships & ecosystem” at Canalys – a market analyst firm with a distinct channel focus.

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

Would you take the time to write twenty business plans to figure out which industry to disrupt? Sounds like a lot of work but it turned out to be a prime move for the entrepreneur whose story Glenn shares in this episode on channel choice. How you’re going to get your great product or service idea out to your audience is a critical decision - so enter with caution – there could be some heavy homework assigned today!

Conversations on Startups is brought to you by Douglas Ross, author of the book, Spark Click Go: How to Bring Your Creative Business Idea to Life, and Glenn Suart, of Today’s Great Idea, a radio series featuring over 300 origin stories of businesses, brands and inventions that have changed the culture.

Got a topic you’d like us to tackle in a future conversation or a comment on a prior episode? If so, reach out to one of us. Glenn's email is: go@todaysgreatidea.com, and Doug's is: douglas@sparkclickgo.com

We hope you’re having fun listening but mostly that you take action on your business idea. 

For more inspiration visit our websites: todaysgreatidea.com and sparkclickgo.com

If you are enjoying the podcast and want to help spread the word, feel free to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, invite your friends, and remember to subscribe – it’s the best way to support the show.

Doug’s book can be picked up on Amazon via: tinyurl.com/mw97b8ws

Transcripts and additional info such as the names of our voice over artists can be found via:

conversationsonstartups.com

Thanks to our editor Wojtek Buczarski for being a pro, and to all of our contributors, but mostly to you, our listener. 

Another episode of Conversations on Startups will drop soon or is available to binge now. 

Thanks for joining us.

See ya next time!

The first-of-its-kind report on the state of the partnerships industry. Hear the latest trends in Partner Ops, partner programs, and ecosystem strategy – all from an impressive roster of partnership leaders.

We’ve invited two key contributors, Kelly Sarabyn (Platform Ecosystem Advocate @ HubSpot) and Asher Mathew (Founder @ Partnership Leaders), to discuss their findings and key takeaways. 

On today’s episode, you’ll hear discussion around:

• Insights from vendors leading the world's most successful partner ecosystems 
• What’s to come for partner professionals in the evolving ecosystems space
• What the authors have discovered since publishing this report

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

There’s a simple set of principles the world’s best partnership teams tend to follow and some common dysfunctions that hold many teams back.

Ecosystem thought leader Vince Menzione shares how to spread these five principles throughout your partnerships.

Listen to today’s episode to: 

• Leverage the one communication hack that aligns internal and external teams
• Drive a partnership-first culture throughout your entire company
• And, stand out in saturated markets

Vince Menzione is:

• The Founder of Ultimate Partnerships – a consultancy helping partner organizations drive greater results. 
• And the host of The Ultimate Guide to Partnering podcast

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

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 brand
• Come forward for support
• And want to promote your product

The 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 altogether

Today, 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-term
• Discover what aspects of your partner program help and hinder your partners
• And, find out what truly motivates partners to sell more

Guest 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 responsivene

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

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 vendors
• Managing your reputation in the channel community
• Which common practices turn partners off from working with you
• And, as a bonus,
  How to start delivering marketing that adds more value to your partners

Today'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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

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 health

Today’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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

Understanding the steps someone takes to become your customer is critical to the success of your marketing strategy. Doing so will help you better communicate with your target audience, convert them into paying customers, and inspire them to refer you to even more people. 

Us marketing geeks refer to these steps as the customer journey, and we want to take this opportunity to unpack the concept. To help demystify the marketing-speak, we invited Sara Nay (COO of Duct Tape Marketing) on to the Get Hoptimized Podcast. 

Have a listen, it’s a half-hour well worth your time. 

Sara Nay is the COO at Duct Tape Marketing, Founder of Spark Lab Consulting, Scalable Business Advisor and host of the Agency Spark Podcast.  With 12+ years working in the small business space, it is her passion to install marketing and operating systems for small business owners so they can get more clarity and freedom in their lives.  Outside of work, Sara tries to spend as much time as possible outdoors with her daughters and husband - from skiing to hiking to biking to camping.  

Learn more at: 
https://ducttapemarketing.com/

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For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized

Growing your social following is challenging and starting from zero is one of, if not the, hardest part. So let's talk about how to grow from zero with someone who has a lot of experience in this category.

Prithvi Madhukar aka The Marketing Nomad has been a digital entrepreneur and business owner for the past two years. She is also a podcaster (Top 100 in Marketing for India), a YouTube vlogger, an Etsy shop owner, a content creator, and a nano-influencer. Prithvi is a Marketing Strategy Consultant and the CEO of her own Marketing Consultancy firm, The Marketing Nomad LLC. She has successfully worked with 60+ clients from 8 different countries in the past year of her entrepreneurship journey.

She started from scratch and built an online business that knows no borders and allows her to be a digital nomad. She also enjoys Bollywood dancing in her free time.

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF PRIT'S NEW E-BOOK "ZERO TO 4"
Just shoot an email to info@gethoptimized.com with the subject line "zero to 4" and you'll be entered to win. 

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For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized

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

______

Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content & Research: Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri

Good copy will increase brand awareness and drive sales by helping you tell compelling stories to your customers. To help us understand more about how to write good copy, we invited Cleo onto the show. 

Cleoniki Kesidis is a copywriter with two years of writing experience. She writes vibrant, compelling marketing materials that spark emotion and drive action. Built on storytelling skills and an analytical approach to marketing, her copy turns glances into interest and interest into sales.

She's the founder of CEK Copywriting, learn more at cekcopywriting.com.

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For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized