Issue 2: Where it all started!
Wow!
It's always a leap of faith starting a new venture.
This may seem like a small venture in the grand scheme of things, but it still requires creating meaningful content in the hopes of bringing value to my subscribers… to you!
Over 200 people are reading this first full installment!
200 people that value me as a partnership professional!
200 people that want to expand their learning about partnerships!
200 people that like my content!
Thrilled? Yes! Over the moon? Yes! I could come up with many words to thank you for subscribing but hopefully the better way to thank you will be with content that I will be delivering to you on a weekly basis.
So let's begin….
This first full newsletter will cover where it all began, how I got my start in partnerships, and awesome tips for people that are looking to get their start in the field.
Backstory for me - I moved to the USA around 4 years ago, where I joined a tech company in Salt Lake, called Brainstorm.
I was initially hired to lead customer success and helped build out that function for the business.
Due to the success we had from our customer success program, I was then asked to create and grow our partnership program.
Full transparency…I was terrified.
Starting a new function is tough in itself, but starting a new function in an area I had no experience in seemed like something I could not even begin to comprehend.
I imagine there are people that are reading this that are in similar situations - either being asked to start a partnership program from scratch or have no experience in the field of partnerships and are interested in making a switch.
My advice, or the plan of action I would follow is similar for both.
Leverage the resources around you.
They are everywhere.
At Brainstorm I leveraged my network of people, the internet and books in order to get an idea of where to start.
Your first step is to look around and find people that have been there and done it.
For me it was talking with partner managers that operated in the ecosystem I was building in (For Brainstorm it was Microsoft MSPs).
Through these conversations, I was able to figure out the building blocks needed to create a partner program.
The internet, although being an obvious choice, is FULL of great information.
I also bought Hans Peter Bechs “Building Successful Partner Channels” which I still refer to today.
You will be surprised but many partner managers are learning on the job.
It's still a relatively new discipline.
Luckily for everyone reading this newsletter, there are far more resources available to you today, than I had 4 years ago.
If I was brand new to partnerships, here are some resources I would leverage TODAY to accelerate my learning and growth in the discipline.
1. LinkedIn
There are now more creators than ever in the field of partnerships. They are giving you daily tips, advice and strategy…free of charge.
If you find a post particularly interesting, reach out to the person that wrote it and engage in a deeper conversation.
The best thing about the partnership community is that it's full of friendly, welcoming people, people who usually are very happy to share knowledge and catch up.
Leverage your network, find new people to connect with, and go further than simply liking a post.
Some of my favorite creators include:
Check them out!
2. Communities
I am a huge proponent of joining a community, there are several that exist in the partnership space.
I am part of a community called Partnership Leaders, that has over 1000 members.
These members come from a wide variety of organizations, and from a range of job roles but EVERYONE is willing to jump in and help.
I have chatted with competitor partner managers on the platform, and so many meaningful conversations that it is well worth the price of admission.
Invest in yourself and join a community you will not regret.
3. Books
I mentioned the OG book earlier but there are a few other good reads that I would suggest:
- The Partnership Principle by Matt Bray
- Making Channel Sales work by David Davies
- Channel Force by Craig Booth
4. Podcasts
If you aren't a massive reader (I will change your mind on that 😉) there are also some really great podcasts that touch on all things partnerships, and interview those that are well regarded in the space:
5. Newsletters
It's self-serving I know, but this newsletter WILL teach you something in every installment.
I make that promise to you as my readers.
Every issue will give you either a piece of learning or a tactical tip to take into work on Monday morning and try.
This is a tool that will lift and expand your knowledge of partnerships!
Remember, knowledge is power! Learn, learn, learn!
That's it for this week…You know where to find me with suggestions or feedback: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benji-wright/
See you next week,
Cheers,
Ben
