As organisations continually evolve and adapt to the ever-changing global economy, their approach to training has become increasingly important. The success of a program often depends on how it’s managed, supported, and maintained over time. For many, a key decision is whether to handle this responsibility internally or outsource to a dedicated training provider.
While both choices offer their own advantages, outsourcing provides several distinct benefits that can positively impact your training program’s reach, adaptability, and success.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of choosing an outsourced approach to channel partner training, demonstrating how it can optimise resources and ensure a high-quality learning experience for your partners.
We are not about to tell you to outsource to us (honestly) – we want to help you explore your options and make the right choice for your requirements.
Read on for more…
Why Outsourcing Channel Partner Training Works
Developing a training program isn’t just about selecting the correct Learning Management System (LMS). It’s also about planning how your program will be administered and backed up to ensure objectives are met and return on investment is maximised.
By outsourcing to specialists, you can be sure that your entire training program is in the hands of professionals. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for every organisation.
For now, we focus on the key benefits of outsourcing the delivery of your training program.
1. Access to Specialised Expertise and Efficiency
Outsourcing your channel partner training ensures access to specialists skilled in delivering, managing, and supporting external training programs. This level of expertise often means faster, more efficient implementation without the time and expense of hiring and training in-house staff.
Outsourcing can be particularly beneficial for organisations that need immediate access to capabilities they don’t have internally or for those looking to scale quickly without investing heavily in infrastructure.
2. Improved Flexibility and Responsiveness
An external provider can often adapt to changing requirements and market demands more quickly than an internal team juggling multiple responsibilities.
Your organisational requirements, audience needs and market demands all require specific attention. Learners can quickly become unengaged if the program isn’t agile enough to meet these ever-changing needs.
Outsourcing means new concepts, changes in direction, and solutions to fresh challenges can be implemented quickly and efficiently.
3. Optimised Budget and Cost Management
Training programs have many moving parts. Sticking to a budget isn’t easy, especially when internal time and resources are not appropriately considered.
Working with an outsourced partner allows for clearer cost planning, avoiding unexpected expenses that can arise with in-house management. Providers often offer fixed pricing or flexible packages, making it easier to align the training program with your budget and track return on investment effectively.
When working with Wahoo Learning and taking advantage of the training eCommerce services, management of payments, invoicing and revenue is also taken care of. Regular reports are created and the decision can be made on whether to reinvest revenue into the training program (meaning it becomes self-funded) or to return it as profit.
4. Enhanced Strategic Focus and Reduced Complexity
Outsourcing the administration, support and management of your training program relieves your internal teams from the operational burden of delivering training , allowing them to focus on core business functions.
With an external provider handling training, your organisation can confidently maintain a streamlined, professional training program without being bogged down by its complexities.
5. Your Learning Management System is Administered for You
Expecting your company to have experts in every field is unrealistic. Bringing talent in-house every time you realise a need is expensive and time-consuming.
Delivering training internally is different to delivering training externally – it requires a unique skill set.
If you partner with Wahoo Learning, you get immediate access to the expertise to administer the learning platform., negating the need to employ, train and pay for new staff.
Related content: Everything you need to know about our Managed Learning Services
Is In-House Management a Better Fit?
For some organisations, maintaining full control over their training programs is a priority. Keeping things in-house may be preferable if you have the necessary resources, expertise, and flexibility to manage a comprehensive training program independently.
Here are the benefits of in-house management:
1. Greater Control and Oversight
Managing your training internally allows for direct oversight, ensuring it aligns closely with organisational needs. You can easily make adjustments and allocate resources to high-impact areas as you see fit.
However, considering whether your internal resources are available to enable an effective program is still important. Continual optimisation can be a concern.
2. Full Control Over Scheduling and Deadlines
Retaining control of your training program comes with benefits, but only if you have the resources available to make things happen.
With in-house management, your organisation can set and adjust deadlines as needed, moving tasks around without the need to coordinate with an external partner.
However, by doing this, you do lose an element of accountability. Something not to overlook.
3. Better Alignment with Internal Processes and Culture
Being told what to do and how to do it isn’t at the top of everyone’s favourite way to work. In-house management can allow for seamless collaboration across departments, which may align with your organisation’s culture and workflow preferences.
Making the Right Choice: Key Considerations
If you’re weighing in-house versus outsourcing for your channel partner training, here are some best practices to guide your decision:
1. Clarify Training Goals
Identify your specific training needs to determine the level of resources and expertise required.
2. Assess the Costs
Evaluate the potential expenses involved in both options, including materials, staff time, and any hidden costs.
3. Evaluate Potential Providers
Look at their experience, expertise, and reputation. You can also look at their track record and past clients to get an idea of their capabilities.
4. Set Clear Expectations
Define program objectives, timelines, and metrics to measure success, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned.
5. Prioritise Communication
Establish a robust communication plan, especially if you outsource, to keep all parties on the same page.
6. Evaluate Program Outcomes
Regularly review program effectiveness to ensure your training delivers value and aligns with business goals.
Which is Best for You?
Ultimately, the decision to outsource or keep training in-house hinges on factors like budget, available resources, and your organisation’s specific training needs. While outsourcing provides specialised expertise, streamlined processes, and cost efficiency, in-house management offers greater control and alignment with your internal culture and priorities.
Choosing the right approach depends on assessing your program’s goals and finding the solution that best fits your organisational vision. We frequently see teams facing challenges due to limited resources or shifting business demands—sometimes, having an external partner can be the key to staying on track and achieving impactful results.
Wahoo Learning’s expertise in scalable solutions ensures your training program grows with your business needs. If you’re ready to explore how an outsourced solution could enhance your channel partner training, speak to our team at Wahoo Learning. Let’s discuss your needs and find the best approach to delivering a training program that drives success for your business. Reach out to us today to get started!
