Welcome back to another episode of #CMCtv. In this episode, we discuss Internet of Things (IoT) and the impact IoT has on Partners and The Channel. Stephen DiFranco, Principal at IoT Advisory Group, joins Heather K. Margolis, CEO, and founder of Channel Maven Consulting, to lend his expertise on IoT and its relationship to The Channel.
Channel Maven Blog
As Twitter says, “You are what you Tweet.” Sad but true; more than one reputation has been built or destroyed in 140 characters or less.
Effective June 18, the Twitter privacy policy was updated. Chances are millions of users received the notice but didn’t have time to find out what it means for them. We get it, we’re busy too and fine print is a tough pill to swallow; but with the recent upheaval in engagement strategy caused by their recent algorithm updates and how they impact social media syndication, it’s a good time to find out what other Twitter changes might be suddenly impacting The Channel.
Channel Partners are pulled in many directions. They’re working with multiple Vendors across many solutions, tending to the needs of their customers, leading a team, and driving their business towards success; which usually means revenue growth. On the flip side, Vendors are vying for Partner mindshare and doing everything they can to make programs simple and profitable in hopes their Partners go to market with them. That’s today’s Channel.
IT Vendors dedicate considerable resources to writing, publishing, and maintaining Channel Partner blog platforms. The topics range from solution updates, to portal asset additions, to news and launches, to upcoming events (on and offline), and more. All of which is valuable information to help Partners grow their businesses alongside your solutions… when and if they actually engage with and read the content. Sadly, there are over two million blog posts published online every day and of the published B2B blogs, anywhere from 60 – 90 percent go unread.
Historically, Twitter has been a dynamite platform for driving traffic to websites, building awareness, and generating demand. However, recent algorithmic changes altered that so, if your Channel Partners are experiencing significantly diminished engagement metrics, there’s good reason and they’re not alone. We’re all suffering.
Hiring the right Channel Account Managers (CAMs) can make or break your relationship with Channel Partners, increase (or decrease) their ability to drive revenue with your solutions, and greatly impact their willingness to engage with your teams. In a recent presentation at the 20th anniversary of Channel Focus North America, Heather K. Margolis gave details on the top traits of world-class CAMs. Here are three to look for when hiring an effective CAM:
Channel Maven Consulting welcomes Larry Walsh, CEO of The 2112 Group, for this enlightening episode of #CMCtv. Here, Heather K. Margolis, Channel Maven’s CEO, and Larry Walsh discuss the horizon of The Channel. Specifically, what is in store for Vendors and Partners over the next three years.
Twitter is one of those love-it-or-hate-it social platforms. It can be time consuming and confusing but historically it’s been a significant driver of traffic to websites, which impacts SEO and Search Engine rankings. We love that part - but lately, Twitter’s been noticeably sluggish, engagement is more difficult to come by, and followers don’t stream in like they used to.
This week we were honored to sponsor the 20th anniversary of Channel Focus North America in San Diego. It was the best Channel Focus event to date; smart panel discussions, expert presenters, tons of networking with Channel executives and a killer view!
We’ve all done it. You get into a rut communicating to Partners; the same old email here, the same stale newsletter there. Unfortunately, what happens is a global tune out of your entire Channel. Why should they care when it feels like you don’t?
