Successful channel partner programs usually have clear channel partner strategy and technology backing their every activity and the technology involved with channel partners are called partner portals. Partner portals are web-based applications usually using cloud technology hosted by third parties with expertise on PRM or Partner Relationship Management software. Specific modules for different purposes create a comprehensive portal to cater to the needs of channel partners and keep them motivated. Do you need such a portal? If you want success for your business, this investment is necessary. Standard modules of a reliable partner portal include:
Partner Profile Page
The very basic things to have are individual pages unique to each partner that generally enumerates their company profile. As an administrator, you will be able to view their business activities, assess their progress and predict sales trends. Partner profiles are important business indicators that will enable you to make informed decisions.
Marketing Resources
Third party software developers of portals create a customizable resource library where channel vendors can easily change the themes to reflect their own company's themes and logos. It is very important for channel partners to have access to marketing materials that could enable them to sell more products.
Business Plan
For every business, a plan is needed to move the company forward. Channel partner strategy plays an important role in the growth of the company so the vendor has to establish game plans that partners can agree upon. Vendors and partner must have company objectives in mind so their activities should be synched towards attaining that goal.
Field Engagement
Disseminating opportunities for your channel partners will be easier with a streamlined partner portal system. Field engagement also includes collaborating with particular channels to secure target accounts. The purpose of this module is to track the progress of the sales activity as well as assign opportunities that will hopefully become deals for the partners. Report generation also allows partners to concentrate on more important activities particularly, sales activities.
Lead Management
This is perhaps one of the most important modules that produce tangible results especially on the sales bottom line. Lead management allows vendors to assign leads to particular channel partners. Channel managers will be able to view the progress the partner is making through their updates so any lag or missed leads are easily picked up and re-assigned.
Deal Registration
The traditional problem of channel conflict is avoided with deal registration. Partners submitting unique deals are protected from other partner and the vendor itself from usurpation. Duplicate deals can be filtered hence avoiding potential competition for the same business from different partners. The system promotes harmonious and trusting relationship between partners and vendor.
MDF Automation
Managing Marketing Development Funds will be automated. Channel partners will be able to directly request MDF from the vendor as needed and the status of their request are easily accessed.
Partner Community
A module for social interaction between partners is a good idea to foster a healthy knowledge and experience-sharing environment where tips and ideas are exchanged allowing for partners' growth and development. Vendor also benefit from having a platform where partners can post their feedbacks so vendors will have an idea on what area they can improve on.
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