Ever wondered why some partner incentive programs drive remarkable growth while others barely move the needle? The answer lies not just in the rewards offered, but in the psychological principles that motivate human behavior.

In this thought-provoking conversation with Samer Mihyar, Channel Marketing Leader at Kodak Alaris for EMEA and SEAC regions, we decode the psychology behind truly effective partner incentivisation. Samer reveals why the traditional approach of relying solely on cash or rebates consistently fails to build lasting partner loyalty, and shares the three fundamental principles that successful programs must follow: strategic alignment, engagement beyond sales, and simplicity with transparency.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Samer takes us through the psychological theories that explain partner motivation – from self-determination theory to behavioural economics concepts like loss aversion. He demonstrates how understanding these principles allowed him to transform underperforming partner relationships into collaborations that delivered 20-30% year-over-year growth.

We explore common pitfalls that doom incentive programs from the start, including the one-size-fits-all approach that fails to recognise different partner types have fundamentally different motivations. For smaller partners, cash incentives might work wonders, while enterprise partners may respond better to co-marketing funds or lead sharing opportunities.

Looking to the future, Samer predicts how AI, gamification, and sustainability will reshape partner incentives, potentially allowing for unprecedented personalisation. But his most valuable insight might be his parting wisdom: "Channel success isn't just about sales numbers – it's about relationships, trust, and alignment." This episode provides a masterclass in building incentive programs that drive results while strengthening your most important partner relationships.

Whether you're revamping an existing program or building one from scratch, this episode delivers actionable insights for creating incentives that truly resonate with your partners and deliver measurable business results.

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What happens when a partner crosses to the vendor side? Brian Hibner brings a refreshingly honest perspective on channel leadership from his journey as a former Deloitte partner who now leads Flexera's global alliance strategy.

Brian's guiding principle—"customer first, partner second, Flexera third"—stems from his firsthand experience as a partner dealing with vendors who prioritised their own interests. He reveals how this customer-centric approach has transformed Flexera's partnerships, creating genuine trust that directly translates to business growth. One European partner recently told him, "The stuff you said you would change last year based on our feedback—you actually did it. That's why we're doing more together."

The conversation explores the evolving partner ecosystem spanning traditional resellers (who face margin pressure), pure services organisations, and technology platform alliances. Brian details Flexera's investments in dedicated engineering resources for partner-specific capabilities, enabling rapid development cycles that demonstrate their commitment to partner success.

Perhaps most fascinating is Brian's insight into Flexera's recent acquisition of NetApp's Spot. Instead of disrupting the existing partner network, Flexera adopted a "don't break anything" philosophy that prioritises stability and understanding before integration. This approach has turned concerned Spot partners into enthusiastic advocates exploring Flexera's broader portfolio.

For channel professionals at any stage, Brian's journey highlights the crucial importance of continuous learning. Despite extensive consulting experience, he had to quickly adapt to the unique rhythms of software business cycles and diverse partner models. His advice? Listen more than you talk, and show up consistently as the partner who genuinely supports your partners' business success.

Subscribe now to hear more conversations with channel leaders who are transforming how partnerships drive business growth!

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Until next time 👋

Tony De Freitas brings his wealth of channel expertise to Channel Voices, sharing powerful insights on creating exceptional partner experiences that drive real business growth. Having transformed five partner ecosystems throughout his career at Microsoft, Adobe, Salesforce, and now Mimecast, Tony offers a masterclass in treating partner programs as products deserving strategic investment and continuous evolution.

At the heart of our conversation are the seven critical elements Tony has identified for exceptional partner experiences: personalization, integrity, expectation management, resolution capabilities, empathy, friction reduction, and continuous innovation. These elements form the foundation of programs that partners genuinely value and actively engage with. Tony emphasizes that "a partner-first approach cannot just be a tagline—it needs to be in your culture, vision, and execution" to truly succeed.

We explore practical approaches to measuring partner satisfaction beyond basic metrics, delving into NPS, engagement rates, retention, and time-to-value measurements that provide meaningful insights across different partner segments and maturity levels. Tony shares a compelling case study from Mimecast where streamlining their deal registration process dramatically accelerated both registrations and conversions, proving that focused improvements to partner experience directly impact revenue growth.

Looking toward the future, Tony discusses how AI will reshape partner experiences, while emphasizing that companies must be strategic in their technology investments. He cautions against viewing partner experience as a one-time investment rather than a continuous evolution, noting that partner expectations constantly rise as they compare experiences across multiple vendor relationships.

This episode is essential listening for anyone responsible for channel strategy, partner programs, or ecosystem development. Tony's parting wisdom—that culture and accountability will always outweigh strategy—serves as a powerful reminder that people ultimately drive successful partnerships, not just processes.

Subscribe to Channel Voices for more conversations with industry leaders sharing practical insights to elevate your channel strategy and partner relationships.

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Until next time 👋

Unlock the secrets of successful channel partnerships with industry veteran Kevin Homer, as he takes us through his compelling journey in the channel industry. With over two decades of experience and valuable lessons from his mentor, Kevin shares how the art of trust and relationship building can transform businesses. He recounts a memorable story from his early days at Fishnet, where the power of a trusted partner opened doors and provided instant credibility. Kevin's insights reveal why treating channel partnerships with care can pay off in long term success and market reach.

Kevin discusses leveraging distribution partnerships, gives the example of partnering with TD Synex at Iterate.ai and how this relationship simplifies reaching thousands of resellers. As we dive into international partnerships, Kevin highlights the importance of aligning with skilled and motivated partners to drive growth, particularly in collaboration with hardware manufacturers.

Gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of channel GTM strategies and how embracing these models can lead to transformative business growth.

Kevin's LinkedIn Profile
Iterate.ai website

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Unlock the secrets of modern IT channel partnerships with Philip Wegner, the CEO of TechGrid. Discover how his remarkable journey from the telecommunications sector to founding TechGrid shaped his understanding of the evolving IT landscape. Philip shares how the limitations of traditional infrastructures fueled his ambition to create a groundbreaking platform for the digital age, revealing the essential role of digital transformation in the channel model.

Explore the nuances of shifting from a product-centric to a customer-centric approach, with a focus on real-time tracking, special pricing, and seamless integration across multiple tiers. Philip unpacks the challenges vendors face in standardizing operations and the critical importance of API-first frameworks in simplifying reseller and MSP processes. Drawing parallels to consumer expectations, he emphasizes the need for efficiency and immediacy in B2B transactions, urging industry professionals to embrace these changes for enhanced customer experiences.

Philip shared the link to the summary of the API Mandate sent out by Bezos.

Philip's LinkedIn Profile

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Embark on a transformative journey with us as Peter Hancock unravels the secrets behind Asimily's strategic pivot from direct to channel partner sales, a move that has revolutionized their global market presence. With Peter's vast experience, including his tenure at Symantec, he brings to light the critical role of executive backing in such a bold transition. We talk about crafting and ecosystem building, addressing the complex issues customers face in the realm of cybersecurity for connected devices.

As we navigate the intricacies of channel program development, Peter lays bare the approaches that have spurred exponential growth. He shares the ins and outs of implementing deal registration, margin programs, and the adaptation of sales strategies that resonate globally. The conversation takes a deep look at how Asimily values the contributions of its partners, recognizing them through initiatives like the founding members program, and emphasizes the importance of listening to partner feedback to refine the sales process, making it a mutually beneficial journey for the company and its partners.

Our episode closes by exploring the art of nurturing robust channel partnerships, where trust and respect for a partner's brand reign supreme. With Peter's guidance, we dissect the nuances of sales team education on the dynamics of partnerships, and how competition can be a catalyst for growth through strategic programs. We also touch on the future direction of Asimily's channel program and the keys to forging successful relationships that pave the way for achievement. Join us as we share wisdom from a distinguished channel sales veteran and celebrate the milestones that define a successful channel partner program.

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Unlock the secrets to amplifying sales through the power of partnership with our latest episode featuring the insightful Rachel Tuller. Together, we navigate the shifting landscape of co-selling, a strategy that when executed with precision, can transform partners into a formidable sales force.

Embark on a journey through the building blocks of a prosperous co-selling framework, where Rachel and I discuss the critical elements of partner enablement, including aligned messaging and joint marketing efforts. We reveal the magnetism of incentives through a case study that showcases the synergy of tech giants, and we stress the importance of meticulously choosing partners with the right mix of skills and market influence. Discover how strategic communication and the optimal allocation of channel team resources can be the linchpin in cultivating enduring and fruitful partnerships.

As we round off the episode, we probe into the tactical side of co-selling, where careful planning and a unified sales force are paramount. Rachel also shares her expert advice on the role of technology, from leveraging CRM systems to fine-tuning data collection, ensuring your partnerships are not only aligned but also measurable and driven by success. Grasp how channel leaders can craft winning scenarios for all involved parties—manufacturers, vendors, and, most crucially, customers—turning co-selling into a game-changer for your business. Tune in and equip yourself with the strategies to thrive in the world of collaborative selling.

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Unlock the secrets to a thriving sales ecosystem where direct and channel sales don't just coexist, but amplify each other's success. Mike Coleman, the channel chief at First Orion, joins us to share his insights into how a robust partner ecosystem can catapult your market reach to new heights. If you've ever wondered how to foster a harmonious and effective division of labor between direct and channel sales, this conversation with Mike will illuminate the path. We also take a deep dive into First Orion's innovative branded calling technology that's setting the telecom world abuzz, enhancing call center connections and creating a win-win for agents and customers alike.

As we peel back the layers of channel sales strategy, we confront the myths head-on, dispelling the fog around costs and average selling prices. The episode is a masterclass in the scalability of channel models, detailing the timing, balance, and strategic implementation that can redefine your approach to revenue growth. Mike, with his channel expertise, not only demonstrates how First Orion tripled its success through partnerships but also provides a blueprint for when and how to weave a channel strategy into your business fabric. For anyone interested in leveraging partnerships for sales acceleration, or simply curious about branded calling's impact on call center dynamics, this episode packs strategic gems you won't want to miss.

Mike's LinkedIn Profile

First Orion website

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Until next time 👋