Easy in is easy out and no commitment means just that
I simply don’t understand why a business would sign partnership agreements with a new reseller on the understanding that if they deliver nothing you will “tear up the agreement”. What a waste of everybody’s time and effort.
If you don’t think it’s going to work as a partnership then, you’re probably right. Like all relationships a business partnership takes time and effort and commitment from both sides and usually a degree of planning and expectation setting doesn’t go amiss.
A few areas to look at in detail before you even think about signing a partnership.
Suitability of product/solution or offer Why you’re taking this route Margin chain – is there enough in the margin pot to feed all tiers? Your resources to support this activity Training/knowledge transfer Sales Marketing Support Operations/logistics Finance Affordability and impact on pricing and margins available Potential for sales conflict with your current operations and sales teams And most importantly how you will resolve them
Line up for success and remember that less is more. Fewer of the right partners is infinity preferable and scaling can follow
I have been around a while and seen some stuff for sure. I have experienced some good, some bad, and some indifferent. Some have been downright fabulous.
I am still hugely motivated to get up every day and be curious. I love tech and business, and most of all dogs, oh and people are ok too ;-)
Having been in sales most of my working life, I have a real interest in the art and science and am a committed lifelong learner - constantly frustrating my kids with my stock phrase "every day is a school day"
Personally, I’m a husband to one, and father to five amazing children (none of them is now a child, but independent adults) and my golden lab, Archie, who is always pleased to see me. (edit - We said goodbye to my boy in Feb 2025, and in July 2025 we welcomed rescue "Cally" into our home and hearts - a 4 YO boxer/staffy cross, and a really sweet girl
I was blessed with becoming a Granddad in February 2021 (a very proud and somewhat besotted one) and another grandson arrived in October 2022 to keep their parents busy and for me to spoil. My second eldest then added a third to the mix, in 2026, so now a granddad to 3 fabulous boys x
I am also a mad keen lover of the oval ball game and a lifelong supporter of Leicester Tigers. As an Englishman, that's therefore England at a national level and the British and Irish Lions.
If I can be of service in any way, including any area of developing a channel sales and support business or ecosystem partnerships, and or sales coaching or development, you can find me at the link below, and contact me via the form also.
One of my favourite "quotes" is
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, with a beer in one hand, shouting "Whoo, what a ride!!"
Views here are 100% my own. https://grahambunting.bio.link/
View all posts by Graham Bunting
Graham Bunting -The Partner Catalyst 