As you build your partner program, you want to ensure that each partner involved in selling your products is well-equipped to represent it in the manner you intend it to be. Considering this, it is necessary to train partners regularly to boost their performance based on your branding needs, changing market trends, and customer demands.
A solid channel partner training program helps you:
Creating a channel partner training strategy can be a bit daunting at first. But we have made it easy for you. This 5-step checklist contains everything you need to build a successful partner training plan.
DOWNLOAD FREE PDF | Partner Training Checklist
The first step of setting a successful channel training program is to set measurable objectives that are stated in concrete numbers.
To ensure successful collaboration between you and your partners, establish the following performance measures:
Content KPIs
Business KPIs
Training implementation timeline
You can avoid some metrics based on the training platform you’re going for. For example, you may choose not to include providing certificates on training completion.
Since your program is about your partners’ success, you must understand their needs.
Here are some ways to familiarize yourself with a partner’s needs:
Based on this information, prepare a matrix of your partner’s knowledge gaps and your internal strategy. Your training plan should sit at the intersection of both.
The next step is to create training materials and courses.
Whether your team is creating training materials from scratch or you are outsourcing to an instructional designer, keep your partners’ goals, and the KPIs used to reach these goals in mind.
Choose a training format that suits your partner’s needs. Update your current onboarding, sales enablement, or partner content to make it the right fit for this partner. Although some of your existing training materials may apply, you might need adjustments
Build an engaging training program that your partners can consistently turn to. Include both basic training and product knowledge documents for unique use cases. Conduct these four types of training:
For a superior training and learning experience, keep in mind the best practices in designing your content.
Automate and tailor content delivery to ensure more partner engagement if you’re using a Partner training LMS (learning management system).
DOWNLOAD FREE PDF | Partner Training Checklist
Introduce your trainers, inform your partners about the training schedule, and distribute the content.
Break your training sessions into milestones to make the training more manageable. Also, conduct quizzes or interactive sessions to make learning more effective.
Introduce rewards or incentives by recognizing your partners’ efforts to keep them motivated.
Observe what is currently working and look for methods to improve from the perspectives of learning and profitability. Let the partners have a say in discussing the training programs. Ask them questions that will help you evaluate the program’s effectiveness and the degree to which it satisfies the partner’s training needs:
Keep gathering input from your partners, involve them in discussing new programs and courses, and motivate them to share their ideas. Hold quarterly check-ins and assess any gaps in knowledge. Regular feedback helps you stay on the same page with your trainee, becomes a motivating factor, and helps you differentiate your brand from other vendors the partner deals with.
DOWNLOAD FREE PDF | Partner Training Checklist
Your relationship with your channel partners will be more beneficial if you exceed their expectations in training them on all your requirements.
Streamline and simplify your channel partner training process with Zomentum. With our platform, you can:
Equip your partners with the sales enablement tools and training they need to succeed. Try Zomentum.