Identifying and overcoming the challenges associated with channel partner training
Partner training comes with its own set of challenges. Read this article to know how to overcome these challenges by identifying the problem areas and making your partner training program a success.
A company that is planning to train its sales channels, through either eLearning or blended learning, can face unique challenges. For those without experience, these will cause a great deal of difficulty in the process.
But your company and your network will benefit greatly from training your channel partners. It will increase your partners' success, which will enhance your relationship with them, and at the same time boost your business. There are, however, challenges involved in this process. In this article, we will cover a few of the obstacles to successful channel partner training, as well as how to overcome them.Gaining internal organizational support
Partner training can be challenging because most organizations have difficulty buying it and recognizing its benefits. Providing training programs to improve the effectiveness of your partner channel is less understood and often overlooked.
Solution:
You will need to convince your organization members of the advantages that training can have on your business and partner relationships to gain their support. With partner training, you can provide your consumers and partners with information about your products, sales training, and the sales tools that will help them succeed.Engagement with channel partners
There is much more involved in gaining organizational acceptance than just organizing a meeting. The next big challenge is engaging partners once your program is launched. Regardless of whether partner engagement is strong or weak, how great the training or platform is, or the level of customer service, it will fail relatively quickly.
Solution:
The team that works with your partners is the most qualified to resolve this challenge since they are familiar with your organization's partners.
It's crucial that you talk to your partners right from the start about the information they would like, the type of support they require, and how they would like to receive it. In partner training, there is no such thing as a generic approach. It's only by discussing your options with your partners in advance that you'll discover what will be suitable.
Your program should address the issues, demands, and problems it aims to solve. Unless you do this, you will end up attempting to fix a problem your partners don't have or you will end up achieving a goal no one wants.Finance and funding
It's good to determine whether your program has all the features you need, e.g. live training, LMS platform, etc. One of the greatest challenges, however, is the funding issue. The human resources department typically controls the budget for training, but those funds cannot be used for external training partners. Almost no sales team shares its budget, and convincing senior management to allocate budgets for new initiatives is difficult. As a result, there is only a limited number of options.
Solution:
Make sure the right people are on board. There are a lot of organizations that believe partner training is hidden or overshadowed by the standard HR training and development programs. In order to increase the effectiveness of the channel, the program has a purpose, meaning the investment will pay off. It's not impossible for the program to profit or even pay for itself when done correctly.Resource management
It's not simple to deploy, manage, and administer a training program and shouldn't be attempted without adequate internal resources. It's expensive to hire a team of specialists, which some may find burdensome. While there may already be a Learning and Development team, its members may not have the resources, expertise, or time to deal with this sort of training. Providing support to learners is also vital, especially when they are based in other countries.
Solution:
Manage and support the project externally. The best way to ensure the success of the training program is for them to understand the product and services best. It is important to work with a training organization that can effectively manage and execute your program. Thus, you don't need to rely on any internal resources, securing your program's success while saving time and money. You'll receive learning support services, course administration, learning solutions, and eCommerce management of programs. Conclusion
Your company can become an industry leader with the help of a digital solution like LMS.
Learning management systems (LMS) are online platforms that allow learners to interact with their learning content and receive feedback. Instructors take care of the back end, while learners benefit from live classes, chat rooms, and community forums, as well as online courses. LMS like Bridge App, Docebo, Litmos, Accord Software, and others will allow organizations to set up self-paced courses, host virtual classes, and conduct live classes. Increasing globalization and the expansion of digital connectivity across the globe ensure corporations will increasingly turn to digital solutions.
