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Business-to-Business Internet Marketing, Fourth Edition - Lifecycle ...

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250 BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS INTERNET MARKETING<br />

Before we explore <strong>Internet</strong> partnering, it might be appropriate <strong>to</strong><br />

talk about some of the ways you can get the most out of traditional<br />

partner marketing relationships.<br />

Cooperate But Do Not Capitulate<br />

Cooperative marketing programs should be just that—cooperative. You<br />

and your partner should develop programs <strong>to</strong>gether, and you should<br />

agree on common objectives, offers, messaging, and logistics. It is generally<br />

best for only one partner <strong>to</strong> take the lead—and usually it is the<br />

partner who is putting in the most money. If that is your company, you<br />

need <strong>to</strong> diplomatically take control of the program. Although you will<br />

work in a spirit of cooperation, you will also want <strong>to</strong> be sure that your<br />

company gets what it needs out of the relationship, that you can make<br />

the final decisions, and that you will get a reasonable return on your<br />

investment.<br />

Accentuate Your Compatibility<br />

Get <strong>to</strong> the root of what is fundamentally special about your partner<br />

relationship—and then highlight the benefits of it. You may want <strong>to</strong><br />

develop special packages or offers that make it very attractive <strong>to</strong> purchase<br />

your products <strong>to</strong>gether with your partner’s products. If the partner<br />

relationship involves service and support, this <strong>to</strong>o could be a unique<br />

aspect of your sale. Whenever you sell jointly, convince the prospect<br />

that your partnership makes you stronger and differentiates you from<br />

the pack.<br />

Centralize Lead Processing<br />

If possible, centralize lead processing and fulfillment. If you are the lead<br />

partner, maintain management of the lead generation process. If leads go<br />

directly <strong>to</strong> partners, you immediately lose control over those leads—and<br />

your ability <strong>to</strong> track responses and analyze results is lost as well. If you<br />

must decentralize lead generation, at least establish and agree on methods<br />

<strong>to</strong> share, distribute, contact, and follow up on leads. This activity<br />

should be just as carefully managed and coordinated as joint sales calls.<br />

Offer Resellers Turnkey Programs—And Make It Easy To Participate<br />

Many b-<strong>to</strong>-b direct marketers are involved in channel marketing—<br />

marketing products and services through VARs (Value-Added<br />

Resellers), retailers, distribu<strong>to</strong>rs, representatives, agents, or other marketing<br />

partners who resell products. Computer hardware, software,

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