PRM Software alone is not enough: Getting more out of your PRM Program

Despite spending a sizable amount on PRM Software, companies often find that there is a gap between their expectations versus actual channel partner performance. How do you get your channel partners on the same page as you? How do you get them to push your products or services as well as you’d like them to? Investing in a PRM Software alone doesn't help. This post tells you how you can get that “something extra” from your PRM Program to fill that gap.

Offer the right training 

You may have recruited the best partners, but have you offered them the best training? How strong is your partner on-boarding process? Does it cover every aspect of your business and product/service line that your channel partner needs to know?
If you want your channel partners to sell your product the way you would do it yourself, a strong partner on-boarding and training process is a must. It enables your partners to understand your market, product and selling methodology as well as you do.

Offer the right tools
What tools are you giving your channels partners to help them sell? Are your channel partners relying on a set of outdated presentations and other sales collateral to pitch your product/service? Provide your channel partners with tools that help them sell your product effectively.The right selling tools for channel partners include-

• Lead prospecting tools that assist your channel partners in generating quality leads they can sell your products/services to
• Lead management tools that help your channel partners understand every lead, segment them and then reach out to them in the way that’s most effective
• Sales automation tools such as lead nurturing email drips
• Tools that allow your channel partners to engage in local marketing and sales campaigns effectively
• Easy sales collateral creation tools that give your channel partners the ability to customize content according to their needs
• Notification tools that alert your channel partners about significant lead activity so they take the right action at the right time
• Social media automation tools that help your channel partners engage with prospects early in the sales cycle

Offer support
One of the key ways to differentiate yourself from your competitors is by offering complete support. Support your channel partners with playbooks and documented sales processes, so they know exactly which way to go. If you have provided your channels with a channel enablement software, then make sure it is easy-to-use and the vendor offers strong technical support.

Lead registrations and MDF fund management
How easy is it for your channel partners to register their leads or apply for MDF funds? By making mundane administrative processes easier, you are giving your channel partner more time to focus on the real stuff:selling.

Companies can also enlist the assistance of a PRM software consulting company that takes care of every element involved in PRM and Channel Enablement-- from attracting the right channel partner, on-boarding them, providing them with the tools they need to sell to offering the right kind of support, so you and your channel partner can benefit from the relationship.

About Mindmatrix
Mindmatrix is the only single, fully integrated platform offering complete marketing and sales enablement for direct and indirect sales. Mindmatrix offers PRM software, Channel Marketing software, Asset Management software, Sales Enablement software and Marketing Automation software for the complete enablement of your sales and marketing teams.