Can Channel Obstacles such as Generational Gaps Be Bridged for Good?
In this Channel Expert Q&A, Ken Thoreson and Keith Lubner team up to offer their knowledge on generational gaps that cause channel obstacles.
Computer Market Research (CMR):
What are some of the generational gaps that distance Channel Managers and their partners?
Thoreson/Lubner:
The Channel Manager is a challenging role. Generally, they have several layers of internal personnel that is attempting to promote their products, their marketing/sales promotions, and corporate program rollouts. At the same time, they have to assist with the channel obstacles and issues facing their partners that deal with their corporation.
The Channel Manager needs to be the partner’s representative at the table.
On top of those opposing issues, there is a continuous need to achieve sales quotas. To build “trust” with the partner (so they sell the products/market them, train their salespeople, etc.), the Channel Manager must satisfy the needs and channel obstacles of the channel partner. Without basic trust, there is not much of a relationship, especially when the partner has 6-10 other Channel Managers attempting to gain their mindshare.
When you add in generational gaps (e.g. a partner considerably older and more experienced than the traditional Channel Manager), not only are communication styles a challenge but having confidence in that Channel Manager becomes a top priority for most partners. Vendors tend to do a poor job of onboarding their Channel Managers (another issue in itself!).
CMR:
You mentioned generational gaps, where are these gaps being seen in the channel?
Thoreson/Lubner:
Generational gaps appear at all levels. The generation gap is especially considered a channel obstacle when it comes to the job of a Channel Manager in driving revenue. When communication breaks down due to generational gaps, the messaging from the vendor to the partner fails to connect. Having business discussions that are misunderstood or social communications via text (versus a telephone call) can be disruptive.
We often see discussion on topics that are of interest to the Channel Manager but not to the partner. When we speak at vendor conferences we frequently hear that “event plans are put together by one generation. However, the partners who attend the events are from another generation.” As a result, the vendors who plan the event have fun while the partners who attend think it as a waste of time and money.
The secret is measuring PFT or Partner FaceTime. The more time a Channel Manager spends with a partner, the more they can understand that person and they communicate.
CMR:
What issues or problems are generational gaps causing between Channel Managers and their partners? Can you offer an example or two?
Thoreson/Lubner:
Generational gaps can cause an immediate disconnect by virtue of experience. Good vendors direct their Channel Managers to help grow the business of their partners. But, often what happens is that you find an inexperienced Channel Manager trying to counsel a seasoned, typically much older, business owner (partner). The latter does not yet respect the former, inevitably causing a bit of a disconnection. As a result, we see a slower adoption of technology by the partner, lower sales by the partner, and minimal marketing by the partner.
We like to recommend that once a year, Channel Managers spend a week with their partners. In order to better understand the partner environment, during their visit channel managers should shadow their salespeople, their management team, and attend client meetings.
CMR:
How can Channel Managers do a better job of connecting across generational gaps with their partners? What should be the principal area of focus?
Thoreson/Lubner:
Solving the generational divide is not an easy task. However, there are some things that Channel Managers should be aware of, starting with building trust. Channel Managers must realize that building trust with their seasoned partners is crucial. This starts with listening more to what the partner is telling them. The Channel Manager then needs to do more “asking” instead of “telling,” and develop an attitude of “give before you get.” The bigger the divide is in the generational gap, the more that the Channel Manager needs to cede to the aforementioned.
CMR:
Can generational gaps in the channel be bridged for good? How?
Thoreson/Lubner:
We can close the generational gap by paying more attention to the existence of this issue. Currently, vendors do not do a great job in giving their internal teams the tools and programs to realize how to “connect” to people from different generations.
Step one is accepting that a divide or channel obstacles indeed exists. The next step is all about constructing programs to educate the Channel Managers on the partner environment, the reality of entrepreneurialism, and business management. Step three is the most important, and that is reinforcement. However, too often, programs are built without creating a cadence of reinforcement.
What needs to be taught? Examples that include techniques in identifying personality styles and giving lessons in what technology to use with different generations.
About Ken Thoreson and Keith Lubner
Ken Thoreson
Over the past 17 years, Acumen Management Group’s consulting, advisory, and platform services have illuminated, motivated, and rejuvenated organizations throughout the world. Thoreson is also an expert in sales execution, revenue generation, compensation, forecasting, recruitment, and training within the sales function. Over the years, Thoreson has assisted many organizations in guiding their onboarding process.
Keith Lubner
Keith Lubner, the founder of Channel Consulting Corp (C3), has over 25 years of experience within the channel. Lubner’s firm specializes in enabling technology vendors in channel strategy, design, program development, and execution. He has worked with many of today’s leading companies in developing successful channel programs and channel strategies. Lubner has quickly emerged as a leading channel authority, especially in the areas of channel acceleration and productivity. His company’s recent projects have revolved around sales and marketing enablement, accelerated partner sales initiatives, and proactive partner onboarding.
About Computer Market Research, Ltd.
Computer Market Research (CMR) delivers cost-effective, SaaS applications to channel organizations across the globe. CMR aims to assist these organizations in channel strategy, optimizing trade promotions, and building effective distribution channels. With over 30 years of industry experience, CMR’s innovative solutions convert data into intelligence. To learn more, visit
www.computermarketresearch.com.