MSPBanter: 3 Tips to Promote a Channel Partner Program

What does it take to promote a channel partner program? Channel veteran Drew Jenkins offers several tips.

Dan Kobialka, Contributing writer

April 27, 2015

1 Min Read
MSPBanter: 3 Tips to Promote a Channel Partner Program

What does it take to promote a channel partner program? Ask Drew Jenkins, a channel veteran who has helped several globally recognized brands extend their channel reach. These same methods could also apply to how MSPs should promote their own services to customers.

Jenkins has held channel positions at IBM (IBM) company SoftLayer, Cloudtools and Rackspace (RAX). He currently serves as senior director of the channel partner program at hybrid hosting provider OnRamp, which works with both managed service providers (MSPs) and value-added resellers (VARs).

Promoting a channel partner program is rarely simple. However, Jenkins recently shared the following tips to spread the word about a channel partner program with MSPmentor:

  • Reach out to your partners constantly – Emails, phone calls and other communications are key to optimize partner relationships, according to Jenkins. “We’re always focused on maximizing the relationships we have with partners,” he said.

  • Embrace networking opportunities – Jenkins said OnRamp explores networking opportunities in and around Austin, Texas, where its headquarters are located. By doing so, his company can provide information about its channel partner program to interested parties.

  • Attend channel-focused events – Industry events can help a business promote its brand, and ultimately, find new channel partners, too.

OnRamp currently boasts roughly 100 channel partners, Jenkins said, and the company’s partner program continues to grow as well.

Of course, there are many ways to find new partners.

So now the question becomes: How do you find new partners?

Share your thoughts about this story in the Comments section below, via Twitter @dkobialka or email me at [email protected].

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About the Author

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka

Contributing writer, Penton Technology

Dan Kobialka is a contributing writer for MSPmentor and Talkin' Cloud. In the past, he has produced content for numerous print and online publications, including the Boston Business Journal, Boston Herald and Patch.com. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State College (now Bridgewater State University). In his free time, Kobialka enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football (Go Patriots!).  

See more from Dan Kobialka
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