Table Manners - Using the Roundtable to connect with its channel partners

In this tough economy, one of the biggest challenges Resllers Value Added (VAR), they face is finding an effective way to work with their channel partners. The bond between the partners must be strong so that both parties benefit, but, too often, each side does its own thing. There is strength in numbers, but you need to connect. And this does not mean "free" by sending some e-newsletter, lift the handset and make a few calls, or "keep in touch" via email.

How do you strengthen your relationship with channel partners so that it grows on the experience and confidence? Building strong relationships with its channel partners means that you need to focus together on the needs of today and those on the horizon. None of you can do it alone successfully. Together you can leverage your expertise to support each other while working toward a common goal - success!

It is likely that waste valuable time on research and evaluation of new partners. How each will help to grow your business? And what they expect in return? What is the ideal relationship between you two? How long will it take for both to achieve the desired results?

Take time to evaluate your relationships with your partners create a scoring system. For example, how much time you spend with your partner? How strong is communication? What about the response to your request? You have to wait for input and ideas or have a pro-active seller, who is clearly interested in helping you succeed? Do you have a partner channel that seems to have the potential to get better results if you cultivate the relationship? Are you working on the case with your partner or do you develop practical strategies for brainstorming and developing programs and ideas? Whether you are a channel partner or service provider channel partners, it is necessary to develop methods to plan and develop your relationships.

One of the most effective ways to build relationships with partners is to hold a round table, which is a gathering of business leaders, both within the sector and, sometimes, outside of its kind, to discuss a particular subject in depth. These meetings may be held monthly or quarterly, depending on group interests and availability. The roundtable is led by a moderator and often welcomes a guest who will draw a crowd and stimulate debate. As a guest, you are creating a source of networking for your partner but you also positioning themselves at the center of the circle leadership. You'll hear their problems first, and show that you can understand and help them succeed - to become a trusted advisor. While there is no immediate ROI or sales outlet in the long run, these techniques will certainly help to grow your business. Here are some ways to create your own unique round tables to build those relationships that are crucial for success:

1. Threads Library - The only thing we know about libraries is that their use in most of the capacity is usually free. Contact your local library to see what space you can use for free. Then create a support group network that meets monthly to brainstorm and discuss important topics of the month. Not only do you stand as the resource, but the group can begin to start doing business - new business - with each other. Ask local business resources to come in and talk to the group on a particular idea. The whole group gets greater access to information and resources as a group of individuals would.

2. CEO Breakfast - Invite CEOs of major partners and various other local businesses to come together for a breakfast brainstorm. This gives you the opportunity to listen to concerns and problems of other business leaders in order to understand and then solve their problems (and yours, presumably) better. It provides a way for CEOs to network with each other as well - the service that he hopes the partnership will thank you. As you develop the concept of breakfast, you can also insert an ad or use word-of-mouth reminder to get people to join our team. Ultimately, you want your breakfast to become the place entrepreneurs "want to be seen."

3. Virtual roundtables. There is no rule that says you need somewhere to physically have a great discussion. Gather a group of like-minded partners and create your own group, with you as its leader. Then, to give credibility to the group even more and a broader base of information, add someone who is an influencer. For example, if 8-10 dealers gathered in similar situations for discussion and solutions, a local news magazine editor or a business could be a good addition to the discussion group. The editor can offer a voice to attract attention and push their views and ideas in the world a little 'more. You can do this simple email exchange and the group grows, planning to create a specific profile for the group on Facebook or LinkedIn for social development even more.

Traditional round tables, in addition, the opportunity for guest speakers to lead a discussion on a particular topic or focus. A moderator is useful to keep discussions on track. Whatever size you choose, remember to focus the discussion on something that is extremely topical for the group - and provide answers and solutions so that members walk away with a new idea - and the desire to come back for more information ... ....