I was recently asked if partnering is complex or complicated. This had me stumped because I had always thought of these terms as synonymous. So I did some homework. I found a great article from MIT Sloan that gave me a good working idea of the differences. Here it is in a nutshell: "Complicated problems can be [...]
Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) is frequently cited as a key element in successful partnering. In my business, I often find that partners cite that they partner with the Big Brand Gorilla in their market because they have to—customers demand it. But if they're given a choice, they will lead with the Challenger Chimp, a [...]
As published in Forbes.com In the world of ecosystem partnering, everyone clamors to be "the trusted advisor," often without fully understanding what that means. Not every partner in your ecosystem can lay claim to that role—a role that, as it turns out, can be multifaceted. It’s possible to claim that role at a strategic level [...]
Is there a recession on the horizon for 2023? Some economists say we are already in one and many others are predicting one for the coming year. Still, other economists point to a growing GDP. I'm not an economist and would not be foolish enough to enter my prediction. Though I do like Fortune magazine's [...]
As Published in Forbes.com Great customer experience (CX) fuels revenue growth. This statement sounds like common sense—plain, simple and supported by many studies over the years. However, it takes on new meaning in today’s world as analysts, sales leaders and executives alike agree the customer journey has forever changed. CX is the crucial element that [...]
As recently published in Forbes.com According to Forrester, 75% of world trade goes through or involves a partner before it is delivered to the end-user. This underscores that partners are an increasingly important route to market. For some businesses, it is your partner who provides the customer experience. So how can you be sure your partners have [...]
As we enter the Era of Ecosystems, it is apparent that we need a different approach and thinking to manage these multi-dimensional and multi-lateral business relationships. I believe that the partner management processes we have developed as a profession are still relevant, but we do need to rethink how we apply them. Nine-way governance models [...]
originally published in Forbes.com | Organizations often comply and certify to international standards as a normal course of business, like brushing your teeth in the morning. Or they might certify because certain contracts or customers require it. This is like your mom telling you to brush your teeth. This is especially true of the well-known [...]
Have you rethought your partner ecosystem strategy in terms of what new opportunities lie ahead? Are you prepared to find the opportunity in disruption? We can assume that business as usual is not going to work in today's volatile business climate because business has become unusual. Yet, disruptive times are times of great opportunity for [...]
Published by TIDWIT Inc. at June 2, 2020 An interview with Norma Watenpaugh, CEO & Founding Principal, Phoenix Consulting Group Q: You have been involved with the channel and emerging ecosystems for some time. How has the concept of partnership evolved over the past several years? NW: I would not say the concept of partnership has evolved so [...]