--- title: PartnerPath Channel Blog | Partnering Tips (2) description: Partnering Tips | (2) --- [![PartnerPath-logo-white.png](https://www.partner-path.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PartnerPath-logo-white.png?width=318&height=90&name=PartnerPath-logo-white.png "PartnerPath-logo-white.png")](https://www.partner-path.com/) [![Talk to Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/361854/f5a1fedf-6e75-4dfe-8fe9-d16ec439ea67.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/361854/f5a1fedf-6e75-4dfe-8fe9-d16ec439ea67) # Blog [### Latest post: ## The Partner Tech Playbook: What to Fix First Read Post ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/the-partner-tech-playbook-what-to-fix-first) [### Featured post: ## What is Comp Neutrality and why does it matter? Read Post ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/comp-neutrality-and-why-it-matters) [Channel Best Practices ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/channel-best-practices) [News & Programs ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/news-and-programs) [Videocasts ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/videocast) ## [Shifting Tides in the Partner Ecosystem](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/shifting-tides-in-the-partner-ecosystem) 02.05.25 ## 5 Questions Explored in Our Latest Research The partner ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and our latest research highlights a critical shift: vendors are laser-focused on sales-driven partnerships. But is this approach sustainable? [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/shifting-tides-in-the-partner-ecosystem) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/shifting-tides-in-the-partner-ecosystem#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips) ## [10 Insights for the Evolving Partner Ecosystem](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/10-insights-for-the-evolving-partner-ecosystem) 01.08.25 ## Get ready to adapt to the new rules of partner engagement and ecosystem success. The partner landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace. In [our annual partnering webinar](https://www.partner-path.com/watch-december-2024-webinar) where we answered submitted questions, [Diane Krakora](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianekrakora/) and [Jay McBain](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymcbain/) unpacked the trends redefining partnerships, from the rise of non-transactional incentives to the growing dominance of marketplaces. As partners take on multifaceted roles and buyers demand seamless, data-driven experiences, vendors must evolve to stay ahead. Here are the top 10 takeaways from their discussion that every partnering leader should know. [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/10-insights-for-the-evolving-partner-ecosystem) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/10-insights-for-the-evolving-partner-ecosystem#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips) ## [The Program or the Portal](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/program-or-portal-first) 10.02.24 ## Which comes first for partnering success? In the ever-evolving landscape of partnerships, the debate continues over whether to start with a partner program or a partner portal. Both are crucial for fostering successful partnerships. In fact, some people might say one without the other is just as bad as having neither. [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/program-or-portal-first) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/program-or-portal-first#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips), [PRM](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/prm) ## [Engage Your Partners at Every Step](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/engage-your-partners-at-every-step) 09.18.24 ## 6 Action Items for Success Along the Partner Journey In the world of technology partnerships, vendors must constantly evolve to meet the needs of their go-to-market partners. As highlighted in our report, [“The Partner Journey Through Partner Eyes,”](https://www.partner-path.com/the-partner-journey-through-partner-eyes) vendors need to take specific, actionable steps to strengthen their relationships with solution providers at various stages of the partner journey. Below are six action items, one for each stage of the partner journey, to help vendors ensure they remain competitive and attractive to their partners. [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/engage-your-partners-at-every-step) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/engage-your-partners-at-every-step#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips) ## [Listen, Learn & Follow Through](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/listen-learn-follow-through) 08.21.24 ## Embrace the fundamentals to achieve success as a partnering leader. My stepson, like many recent college graduates, is trying to figure out what he will be when he grows up. On a recent trip for his graduation, he asked me about how I got into partnering and what skill set I consider important for the job. Trying to answer these questions prompted our summer series of interviews with partnering executives: [Bob Skelley](https://www.partner-path.com/watch-june-2024-webinar), [Beth Glasstetter](https://www.partner-path.com/watch-july-2024-webinar) and [John Schwan](https://www.partner-path.com/watch-august-2024-webinar). I asked our first webinar guest, [Bob Skelley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bskelley/), Vice President of Channel Sales & Strategy at [Arctic Wolf](https://arcticwolf.com/), how he got into partnering and what skill set he thought would be important. His answers about listening, lifelong learning, and consistent follow-through align with those I’ve found to be true. [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/listen-learn-follow-through) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/listen-learn-follow-through#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips) ## [High-Fives or High-Performance?](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/high-fives-or-high-performance) 08.07.24 ## 3 Strategies to Ensure Partnerships are Both Friendly and Impactful Partnerships play a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation. However, not all partnerships are created equal. When the long lunches and social events are over, you may be faced with tough conversations about missed growth goals. A friendly partnership may seem beneficial on the surface, but it doesn't always translate to a successful and mutually rewarding relationship. Check out three strategies to help you navigate the complexities of professional collaborations and build partnerships that stand the test of time. [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/high-fives-or-high-performance) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/high-fives-or-high-performance#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips) ## [Are complex solutions causing a problem?](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/are-complex-solutions-causing-a-problem) 07.24.24 ## Help your partners sell simplicity for improved customer satisfaction. I’m a fan of indirect channels and I’ve spent years helping companies engage, empower and evolve partner ecosystems. I’ve always defended solution providers to vendors who undervalue partner contributions. But lately I’ve noticed that customers are being sold complex solutions when simpler ones will do – and I suspect partners are partly to blame. Don’t get me wrong, direct sales are also guilty of selling complexity. The fact is: complex solutions ensure lucrative services revenues (which is bread and butter for partners). But ultimately, everyone wants happy customers. If the right thing for the customer is a simpler solution (with a faster install, easier onboarding and less ongoing maintenance), how do we encourage a shift in sales priorities? [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/are-complex-solutions-causing-a-problem) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/are-complex-solutions-causing-a-problem#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips) ## [You Can’t Escape Partnering (Hurrah!)](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/you-cant-escape-partnering) 06.05.24 ## 3 Reassuring Takeaways from My EMEA Event Tour Recently, I had the pleasure of going ‘on tour’ in Europe to help [Impartner](https://impartner.com/) host three [Partnership Leaders](https://www.partnershipleaders.com/) Meetup events. PartnerPath is the Impartner Partner-of-the-Year for 2024 (what a mouthful) and I jumped at the chance to meet partnering enthusiasts on my side of the pond. The ‘tour’ was more networking and finger food than guitars and trashed hotel rooms, but still a very cool experience. [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/you-cant-escape-partnering) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/you-cant-escape-partnering#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips), [PRM](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/prm) ## [Our Three Secrets to Managing Change](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/our-three-secrets-to-managing-change) 05.14.24 Change management is leading to sleepless nights. More than 80% of the attendees at our last partner programs roundtable indicated it’s keeping them up at night (yowza). After two decades of partnership model and program consulting experience, we’ve seen all the warning signs of failure. Without organizational change management, your new program, compensation plan, or portal initiative is pretty much worth the paper it’s printed on. [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/our-three-secrets-to-managing-change) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/our-three-secrets-to-managing-change#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips), [Industry Perspective](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/industry-perspective) ## [10 Steps to Ensure Successful Partner Automation](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/10-steps-to-ensure-successful-partner-automation) 05.01.24 “We must consider the complex inputs to get to the desired output.” This quote [from our webinar](https://www.partner-path.com/april-2024-webinar) guest [Lisa Stifelman-Perry](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisas2/), Director, Global Partner Experience Operations at [Splunk](https://www.splunk.com/), A Cisco Company, sounds so simple and yet so many companies don’t properly plan ahead before selecting and implementing partner automation tools. [Read More ](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/10-steps-to-ensure-successful-partner-automation) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/10-steps-to-ensure-successful-partner-automation#comments-listing) Topics: [Partnering Tips](https://www.partner-path.com/blog/topic/partnering-tips) [![PartnerPath-logo-white.png](https://www.partner-path.com/hubfs/PartnerPath-logo-white.png "PartnerPath-logo-white.png")](https://www.partner-path.com/) 650 336 0470 [Email Us](mailto:info@partner-path.com) Connect with us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/partnerpath/) ### Services - [Plans & Programs](https://www.partner-path.com/consulting-services) - [Execution & Outsource](https://www.partner-path.com/program-execution-services) - [Trends & Insights](https://www.partner-path.com/performance-insights-services) ### Company - [About](https://www.partner-path.com/company/about) - [News & Events](https://www.partner-path.com/company/news-events) - [Customers](https://www.partner-path.com/company/testimonials-customers) - [Partners](https://www.partner-path.com/company/partners) ©2025 PartnerPath [Privacy Policy](https://www.partner-path.com/privacy-policy) [Subscribe to our Blog ](https://www.partner-path.com/partnerpath-blog-subscription)