Is now the right time to invest in a channel partner training platform? If you’re experiencing challenges that training could resolve, or you’ve been considering online training but are unsure of when is the best time to do it, this guide is for you.
Here, we outline the key indicators that signal when it’s the right time to scale your channel partner training program with a professional training solution.
1) You’ve Clearly Identified Challenges in Your Partner Program
Understanding the challenges you are facing is the first step of the journey. This allows you to zero in on areas where a training platform can make impactful improvements. Once you recognise these problems, finding solutions and problem-solving is the next step.
Common challenges include:
- Managing an expanding partner network
- Maintaining consistent brand messaging
- Reducing high support costs tied to partner knowledge gaps
- Efficiently communicating product updates and changes
- Addressing “outsider” mindsets among partner
If these resonate, then a training platform can streamline solutions, especially one that allows tailored modules, centralised updates, and scalable distribution.
Addressing these challenges effectively requires a dedicated, structured training approach. To achieve this, your organisation might struggle with:
- Limited resources
- Lack of internal training expertise
- Insufficient budget for comprehensive in-house training
Tip! If you haven’t identified your challenges yet, and want to be sure that you’ve covered all bases, read: The challenges of training channel partners (and how to solve them)
2) You Understand the Strategic Benefits of Training with a Platform
A formal training program doesn’t just train partners; it transforms them into informed brand ambassadors.
Before investing in a new channel partner training platform, ensure you and your stakeholders understand the potential impact on your partner program. The right platform offers benefits such as:
- Faster and smoother onboarding
- Increased revenue and potential new revenue streams
- Strengthened brand identity
- Better communication of key information
- Higher partner motivation
- Lower support costs
- Enhanced loyalty from partners
Knowing these benefits helps ensure your team and stakeholders understand the long-term value of investing in a platform tailored for channel partner training.
Tip! To learn more about the benefits, read our blog: How training benefits your partner program
3) You’ve Secured Buy-in from Key Stakeholders
Launching a new training platform requires commitment from various internal teams. Buy-in from stakeholders is essential not only for budget approval but also for the ongoing success of the program.
Getting everyone on board from the offset will make everything run smoothly in the long run. It’s essential for everyone involved to gain insight into how training solves many of the challenges associated with managing channel partners and encouraging increased market share and revenue growth.
Tip! To learn more about how to get buy-in for your training program, read: Getting Decision Makers Onboard with Wahoo Learning
4) You Have a Clear Understanding of Your Partners’ Needs
For your channel partner learning audience to be on side with training, it must help them to meet their own objectives and those of the organisation they are working from. To drive real engagement, your platform must cater to specific partner requirements, such as sales skills, product knowledge, or localisation for different markets.
From the initial stages, talk to them about what they need. What sort of material do they need and what will help them to sell your product in their territory? Courses must be relevant to their role and their market.
When discussing plans with them, use it as an opportunity to fine-tune your program and ensure it meets their needs.
Tip! Learn more about catering to the needs of your audience by reading: 8 ways to create effective channel partner training
5) You’re Prepared to Develop or Source Relevant Learning Material
Having identified what your partners need, you can start to look at what course material you need to create.
A robust platform will allow you to integrate this material effectively and provide regular updates as your products evolve. Certifications, badges, and course completion tracking can all add value for partners and make your program more attractive.
Knowing the approximate volume and type of content you’ll require will help you select the right platform with features that support content management and learner tracking.
Tip! To learn more, read: Developing Channel Partner Training Programs on a Tight Budget: Creative Tips and Strategies
6. You Understand the Platform’s Role and Your Support Needs
Not every organisation has the resources or expertise to handle a large-scale training initiative in-house. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider a dedicated channel partner training platform.
Outsourcing all of the administration and management to the experts offers the confidence that their investment and training program is in safe hands, giving you peace of mind, knowing that partners will be supported by a scalable, structured program aligned with your brand’s goals.
Investing in a platform means investing in streamlined partner enablement, freeing up your internal teams to focus on their core objectives while knowing your partner network is well-equipped and engaged.
Is it Time to Invest in a Channel Partner Training Platform?
Only you know your business’s unique needs and capabilities. If your goals include scaling a partner program with consistent, effective training, then a dedicated platform might be the right next step.
Ready to take the next step in implementing a successful training program? Speak to the team to learn how Wahoo Learning can help you achieve your goals and drive success for your organisation.
