The way we consume information has changed. The world has been conditioned to think in 142 characters (thanks, Twitter), or 30-second Tik Tok videos. And whether or not you love cute dog videos or following the latest dance craze, the online platforms where so many of us interact have become noisy. On Facebook and LinkedIn, for example, you may be connected to everyone from doctors to lawyers to family to people you work with to old friends to others in your industry, and on and on. Out of … [Read more...] about Five Ways to Accelerate Your Personal and Business Brand in the IT Channel
Channel
Lessons from Tampa: When the Channel Works Together.
If you’re part of the IT channel, you know it’s not exactly a warm and fuzzy place. MSPs are often quick to throw an under-performing vendor under the bus; vendors badmouth MSPs for being disloyal; and both groups can criticize and call out their own respective members. I’ve been in this game for a long time. And I know it can be cut-throat, fickle, and mean-spirited. But I believe strongly that it doesn’t have to be that way. And that there are signs that things are changing. The … [Read more...] about Lessons from Tampa: When the Channel Works Together.
Pitch Perfect
We did it. I guess I should say, Happy New Year! But also, we did it. The thing I’ve been dreaming of doing finally happened, and it was a huge success. Our first Channel Program pitch event brought together hundreds of MSPs, vendors and others in the IT channel space, for a day of pitching, learning and connecting. We had eight speakers, and provided qualitative and quantitative feedback for vendors and their investors. And I’m so freaking excited. What is the Channel Program … [Read more...] about Pitch Perfect
My Top 5 Tips for Choosing Investment-worthy Companies
I’m always on the lookout for the next big thing. As someone who’s been in the IT channel space for more than 20 years, I like to keep my pulse on what’s happening, staying in touch with what’s new and exciting. But not every new startup is worth my investment dollars. As someone who has built, scaled and exited my own companies, and now advises startups on how to attract and prepare for investors, I need potential investments to show me something special. (Spoiler: Very few measure … [Read more...] about My Top 5 Tips for Choosing Investment-worthy Companies
How to choose a channel chief–and why you need one.
One of the best IT channel chiefs I know is a guy who’s been in the IT space for 20 years. At events he’s known as the last guy at the bar–buying drinks, schmoozing and talking shop with all the right people until closing time. My longtime associate and now business partner is another recognized professional in the channel space–leveraging his position on LinkedIn, offering learning opportunities, and connecting in meaningful ways with potential partners. This is the magic of a channel … [Read more...] about How to choose a channel chief–and why you need one.
Confessions & Reflections: My journey in the IT/ Channel and how (we) win as a community in 2021 and beyond…
In full transparency, this is the 1st time in my professional career that I have had… time. The time to sit back and really think about what got me here, what I’m interested in, what motivates me, and what kind of impact that I want to have on this world. To help me really dig into these questions, I hired a company that helped me facilitate a completely anonymous survey about how people view me! Risky, I know… but, it had to be done. I had sent this survey out to friends that … [Read more...] about Confessions & Reflections: My journey in the IT/ Channel and how (we) win as a community in 2021 and beyond…