34 - Hiring A Fractional Channel Chief vs. In-House - Kameron Olsen

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Have you ever heard of a fractional channel chief? This is a concept that's shaking up the industry, and we had the privilege of delving into it with Kameron Olsen, a leading expert with over 15 years of experience.

So, what exactly is a fractional channel chief? Unlike a full-time in-house channel leader, a fractional channel chief offers their seasoned expertise to multiple companies, but only for a fraction of their time. This approach allows businesses to benefit from top-tier channel knowledge and experience without the full-time investment. It's a perfect solution for companies looking to dip their toes into the channel waters or needing to revamp their existing channel strategies.

(See here for the video version of this episode https://youtu.be/ALnjOa-ABgw?si=X4XIg-YbzFpkC2wt)

(01:02) Guest intro: Kameron Olsen
(01:47) Highlights in your career in the channel thus far
(04:29) How hiring a fractional channel chief differs from in-house + shortage of the role
(06:01) Typical responsibilities and scope of work for a fractional channel chief
(08:06) Most enjoyable part about the role of a fractional channel chief
(09:15) Potential conflicts of interest or competing priorities channel chiefs may have to navigate when working with multiple clients
(09:52) When is it more advantageous for a company to hire fractional channel chief vs. in-house employee?
(11:58) Being thrown into a channel role for the first time & how to figure it out
(14:04) The disillusion of hiring an inexperienced channel manager that you don't provide training to
(14:54) Advice for companies that want to hire a fractional channel chief for the first time + steps to take
(17:08) Steps for suppliers to ensure successful partnerships
(18:10) Partner management tech stack recommendations to vendors
(20:03) Customized recommendations partner management tech stack for each vendor
(22:50) How to keep track of the partner experience aspect & increase likelihood of partner engagement & what mature partner programs might do
(25:53) Do fractional channel chiefs have deeper insights than in-house channel chiefs?
(27:20) Tips for organizations to nurture successful partnerships
(28:56) How the role of a fractional channel chief may evolve (will there be a shortage?)

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Magentrix is a pioneer in platforms for partner ecosystem management and partner relationship management 🤝

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Podcast Credits:
Host: Paul Bird
Executive Producer: Fereshta Nouri
Content planning, research, & writing Paul's script (with the exception of 3 episodes): Fereshta Nouri
Graphics & Branding: Fereshta Nouri