The document provides guidance on setting up effective alliances to help dominate one's market. It discusses why alliances are important for filling product gaps, gaining credibility, and leveraging partners' resources. It outlines a process for setting up an alliance program, including identifying potential partners, creating a business case, and recruiting partners through an initial meeting and joint plan of action. The goal is to form mutual beneficial alliances that create more revenue together than operating alone.
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Chanimal Alliance Presentation
1. How to Create Killer Alliances that Help You Dominate Your Market! Ted Finch President, Chanimal Marketing www.chanimal.com Chanimal Presents
2. Overview - Contents Background Main Take Aways Why setup alliances The Acid Test for all alliances How to determine the best alliances Process to leverage alliances to dominate your market and make a ton of money This is a pragmatic Crash Course Time to get crashing!
3. Background Chanimal Chanimal The Ultimate Resource for Software Marketing at www.chanimal.com . Celebrating its 10 th year anniversary Short for Channel Animal, Ted Finch 22 Years of professional marketing As co-founder and VP, built worlds largest high-tech product launch service company from 13 to over 4,000 people while executing the launch of over 400 products for over 150 companies (Microsoft, IBM, Adobe, HP, WordPerfect, Intel, Ashton Tate, Sony, Citrix, Autodesk, ATI, plus more) Published Netscape Navigator & AOL. Helped inaugurate .dot com era. Wrote marketing plan, helped finance & form Red Storm Entertainment with Tom Clancy (Press release on USS Nuclear Sub Cheyenne, ABC, CBS, NBC) Former VP Marketing at Goldmine, VP Marketing at Harcourt, Sr. VP Marketing at Motorola (sat on Marketing board), VP at $130 billion GE. Acquired five times Speaker at dozens of conferences and events, quoted in over 100 trade publications & high-tech books, produced, How to Finance a High-Tech Start-Up Video Has setup over 120 formal alliances
4. Define Alliances Anyone you can work with (align) that will help you meet your objectives. Types include Associations & organizations. SIIA (software association) SoftwareCEO (forums for answers, SU for information, membership for content, templates, industry best practices, etc.) User Groups / Birds of a Feather (BOF) Collaborate on similar challenges, market development (VRML) Hiring locations Standards committees (technical and legal) Influence direction (i.e., Blue Ray) multiple vendors forming camps
5. Define Alliances Some types can be progressive (start as one type, move to another) Alliances with other non-competing companies Making another product complete, part of chain (i.e., rendering engine, OS or platform support) Affiliates Informal. Send leads back and forth tit for tat Formal. Refer each others productsmake a referral fee Reseller or integrator More formal. Make a margin, higher than referral fee OEM Resell in mass, integrate with it, sometimes private label
6. Why Setup Alliances? Defensive strategy Hard to rip you out when you are integrated with other applications Standing Alone Intertwined (roots & branches) Hurricane Fran & GE - Example
7. Why Setup Alliances? Proactive strategy Operating System (Windows, Apple, Linux, OS/2) Get developers to write to the OS The more developers (alliancesboth have advantages) you recruit, the greater the advantage OS/2 poor alliances=non-existent Platform Game consoles (Sony, Nintendo) Set-tops (Motorola (applications, games, network))
8. Why Setup Alliances? Part of the Build, Buy or Align strategy Fills holes in your product roadmap Sony Vegas - Video editing Rendering engine is OEM (as with Adobe, Avid & others). Too specialized to create from scratch. Bundle application for poor titling (ships with Boris) Sony Sound Forge Ships with 3 rd party (alliance) plug-ins to add new features quick Windows XP Still ships with Hyper Terminal from Hilgraeve
9. Why Setup Alliances? Build, Buy or Align strategy Compliments your products and fills holes in your end-to-end offer Motorola set top. Needs other components to have any value. Network interface cards, Dslams, head end equipment, fiber optics Video content (Aggregators) Games content (plus had to support set top platform)
10. Why Setup Alliances? Product Management Complete holes in your product roadmap Bundles, OEM, Cross-product promotions Sales Compare resellers, share sales leads, joint sales calls, cross-train sales teams Marketing Communications Joint events, direct mail, banners/links, press release, newsletters, ads, roadshows
11. Why Setup Alliances? CEO/CFO Find or become an acquisition target Most of my companies that were acquired--first formed an alliance with their prospective buyers
12. Case Studies Lotus roadshow alliance led to two acquisitions Goldmine built new channel quick, got acquired HRW missing complete product alliance fixed Metrowerks filled a hole, got acquired Motorola put it all together, garnered market share GE formal alliances to become industry standard Singing Software alliances help find customers Chanimal.com 27 alliances for cross leads
13. Lotus Software Problem Microsoft Office was changing the landscape Had 123 and Freelance missing word processor & database Solution Were on a national road show with four other vendors Ended up acquiring two of them Ami Pro (from Samna) 1 st Word Processor for Windows Approach Windows database Created Lotus SmartSuite Results Gave Office a decent run for its money Successfully acquired by IBM
14. Goldmine Software Problem Microsoft Outlook was being release for FREE Goldmine PIM and lower-end Contact Manager was going to dry up (hard to compete with free) Needed to move up the food chain (SFA (now CRM)) Didnt have feature sets Didnt have the right kind of resellers who could integrate Solution (all within 2 months) Quickly formed an alliance team and struck out for alliances Opened APIs and formed a developer program Partnered with Microsoft, Compaq, ESRI, US Robotics and others Recruited developers to support Goldmine Went on national SFA roadshow to 13 cities with partners to recruit new VARs Results Recruited over 800 new VARs & SIs in six weeks. Topped out at 2,300. Ended up with over 50 development partners writing for Goldmine Revenues increased dramatically Were acquired by Bendata (60% for $80 million, rest in public stock) Now known as FrontRange Solutions one of the top CRMs with over 1.5 million users
15. HRW Problem Multimedia course work required over 5 PCs per classroom Knew education (2,000 textbooks), but didnt have the complete solution (first time) Product was not selling as expected Solution Formed formal alliance with Dell (has strict req. for alliances). HRW would give their presentation, then turn it over to the Dell sales rep to show how to finance the PCs. Continued alliance strategy. Formed alliance with Smithsonian for ancient history content, alliance with CNN for current event content, alliance with National Association of Science Teachersto pre-view and screen appropriate web content for inclusion in text books. Result Alliances completed and enhanced their product offerings Actually started selling multimedia history program! Had competitive advantage with unique content unavailable else ware Secretary of Education, Riley, spoke on their behalf, on their stage, at National Science trade show. Tons of positive press and leads . * All information above is derived from public information
16. Metrowerks Problem Stock was at an all time low CEO was in jeopardy of loosing job Needed to change things up quick Solution Formed an alliance with chip vendors, including Motorola Discovered Motorola was loosing $500 million a year in lost sales because their dev tools werent ready in time Metrowerks could solve this problem quickly Result Metrowerks was acquired for $100 million (1/5 th the cost of one years loss) CEO did loose his jobto retirement on $10 million in CASH!
17. Motorola Problem Advanced set top box was only part of the end-to-end solution for telcos At the mercy of price competition Did not have all the pieces to leverage its advanced capabilities Solution Re-assigned team member to alliances Struck alliances with content providers to support the platform, with network providers, head end equipment, etc. Created a business model to learn all the prices for end-to-end solution Result Able to provide content and support to make their product the most profitable set top available Discovered ways to save cost else wareby recommending lower cost other products Started winning every early deployment worldwide, dominated the space, won a $1.3 billion dollar deal
18. GE Problem New division, like all GE mandates, to dominate in #1 or #2 position Created middleware application (like Windows) for the security space Could get no traction if couldnt gain support Solution Converted a product manager into alliance manager Created a quick start process to recruit alliance partners Started pulling in alliances one after another Result Lined up 22 different alliance partners Provided credibility and support to the middleware positioning Record sales for the division Division President was promoted
19. Singing Software Problem How to find people who want to learn to sing No publication targeting beginners Mass market approach is too expensive Solution Find alliances who already sell to people who may want to sing. Target vendors: Microphones, sound cards, music software, headsets, keyboards Find teachers who will recommend and sell Alliance with associations, teacher referral services
20. Chanimal.com Problem How to provide leads for Micro Consulting without having to spend valuable time prospecting How to get the expertise and service for areas I not the expert in, or dont have time to learn or executed (rep firms, international, pr activity, product mgt training, etc.) Solution Chanimal Alliance Program Results 27 alliances (formal and informal). Share leads with a reciprocal lead program. Share information, content and network for marketing, product mgt, sales expertise. Increase credibility for everyone in the group and increase our ability to help our clients Absolutely smashed with business (helping up to 15 companies at a time, often having a waiting list). The entire alliance group benefits I eat my own dog food
21. When To Setup Alliances When you want to: Expand your reseller channel Fill holes in your product roadmap Get pulled into major sales opportunities Fend off a competitive attack Disrupt your competitors supply chain (form a better alliance) Gain domain expertise on new markets Establish an industry standard Get new leads from new markets Access free or discounted ad space, or trade show space Get free PR Increase credibility by your association
22. Too Small For Big Alliances? Big companies NEED smaller companies At a $33 billion company. 43 hours in one week in meetings (little time to get real work done) Often have fewer resources than smaller companies to setup new initiatives. Often have lifers and dont know other options to grow their own businessnever seen it done differently. They appreciate help Have the budgets, but not always the resources (limited headcounts) Cant always setup new campaigns as fast Need proof of concept (Intel Virtus (highlighted product in Intel roadshow)) Microsoft, Compaq, Intel, Sony, GE (hardware needs compelling software) Smaller companies can leverage larger companies The sponsor often gets a free ride (paid for by larger companies) Leverage the brand equity to increase credibility and get more prospects and resellers to pay attention.
23. How Formal? The Chanimal Alliance Kit contains information that can be used for formal or informal alliances The difference is usually determined by A) Whether or not a formal agreement is signed B) Whether you create and follow-through on a formal plan of action. Informal, casual alliances work well alsojust not as proactive and dont drive for measurable results
24. NowWhat Do We Do? Now that we see why to setup alliances Now that we see the results How do we setup our own alliances? What is an effective process?
25. Process to Form Alliances Three steps: Setup alliance program Use the Chanimal Alliance Kit Recruit alliances Find contacts and schedule initial meetings Leverage alliances Maximize results with a plan of action
26. Chanimal Alliance Kit Contains Introduction Alliance Plan of Action ( NEW ) Chanimal Alliance Worksheet Chanimal Alliance Meeting Presentation Sample Meeting Agendas Chanimal Alliance Pick-List of Action Items Generic NDA Included as part of this course
27. Who Should Initiate and Run? Have started in sales, product management, between executives, at trade shows Small companies The president (add 10 more titles) Sales, Marketing, Product Mgmt Larger companies (know who to ask for) Alliance Manager (dedicated) Business Development Product Management (know holes in product line)
28. How To Get Bandwidth Small or large companies often dont have the bandwidth for strategic initiatives Already have full-time jobs How do you get the bandwidth to Define your program & research best alliances Find and contact the right people Manage the ongoing relationship You may need help Even if just temporary help to set up the program
29. Secret Weapon Interns Used multiple interns and a rag-tag team of newbies to launch Netscape Navigator Recruited out of Duke University (one was a Rhodes Scholar) I use interns to setup alliances (since 92) Can setup the program, find the contacts, setup the meetings, help manage the process Benefits Inexpensive (typically $8.00/hr) Highly motivated and bright Eager to do real marketing (lots of projects) Project based (get to do homework assignments) Follow directions well, execute to completion Avg 1-2 hours of my time per 10 hours of theirs Have own laptops, setup on $30/mo Vonage for calls Must have a detailed plan of action for them to follow Currently working with 7 different interns simultaneously that work for companies I am currently micro consulting with (meet on the phone 1-2 times per week) http://www.chanimal.com/html/marketing_intern.html Intern article, job description & recruiting locations Takes 1 hour to post position NOW is the time! 1 week to find and interview Little risk, they execute well
33. Time Frames Depends on bandwidth allocation. Assume intern: Setup 1 to 2 weeks to re-purpose the Chanimal Alliance kit, identify categories, prospects, find contacts Recruiting Allow 1 month to find priority contacts, setup appointments, have initial meetings to lock up alliances Leverage alliance Ongoing. First activity: plan of action Leverage resellers immediately Ongoing joint promotions
34. Alliance Program Setup Determine who will take the lead Decide objectives Complete Chanimal Alliance Worksheet Re-purpose agendas Populate sample PowerPoint Have an NDA agreement Move to recruiting stage
35. How To Pick Alliances Is there a hole in your product? What feature could you add NOW that would make you more compelling? Who is a non-competitor that is targeting the same market? Their resellers can also sell my product (account mgmt) Can I find out what promotion pulls the most leads for them? Can we work on something together (saves time for both, both can leverage)? Can we both do market development (making the market largermore aware) together, better than alone? What alliances do my competitors have? Can I disrupt their exclusivity? Can I create an even stronger allianceand starve them out? Does it make sense to work with my competitors? Legislation to enlarge our market Via associations to educate the entire market (again, market development)
36. Acid Test Must create the business case for you and a potential alliance that answers this question: Can we make more money together, than separately? I s it enough money to justify the alliance?
37. Alliance Program Setup Chanimal Alliance Kit Review Many alliances become the channel (recommend, resell, OEM and even acquire) Alliance Spreadsheet Looking for alliances that complete or compliment your product (use the same resellers/affiliates) Create categories Find top brands in each category & prioritize by market share Create business case for each category Can leverage resellers, trade show booths, joint road shows, increase brand reputation by association, etc. Find contacts at each company
42. Elements of Alliance PowerPoint Agenda Introductions Personal Company presentations Positioning, market, products, pricing, distribution, promotions Business case presentation Why we should form an alliance (joint business case) Acid test make more money together Our alliance process (initial meeting, meet w/teams, plan of action) Discuss potential alliance agreement Plan of action
43. Recruiting Do NOT start until you have done the following: Identified a compelling business case for you Identified an even more compelling business case for THEM Determined potential ways you might work together Split this out to appeal to product mgmt, sales and marcom You may have different initial contacts at each company Initial contact who to ask for (hint: looking for the evangelist) Small company President Head of sales Large company (titles may be VP, Director or Manager) VP preferred have obligation to think strategically (dont have to execute, so dont think of the workthink of the benefit) Alliance manager Business development manager Product manager Sales manager
44. Which Groups to Engage? Executive Management Approval to engage Need buy in Product Management Integrate the roadmaps Know the holes in the product Sales / Business Development Joint sales calls Reseller & customer contacts Marketing Communications Joint promotions FREE or inexpensive exposure
45. Initial Call Purpose: Find the right contact Make the initial business case pitch to the right person Explain how you might leverage each other See if it makes sense and you have enough of a reason to proceed to a formal alliance meeting Setup the time for the meeting (either then, or via e-mails) Might involve a single person, or the 4 primary groups Executive management, sales, product mgmt, and marcom
46. First Meeting May be in person Usually by phone Follow agenda Review Alliance PowerPoint Review options from pick-list Agree to engage (informal or formal (agreement)) Assign a point person within each company Setup the respective department meetings Plan of actions dictate the rest
47. Key To An Effective Alliance The alliance is formed based on mutual value. Plan of actions: if team cant execute, no deliverables = no value It is sustained through a good and fruitful working relationship .
48. Four Legs of a Stable Alliance Management Buy in on More Revenue Together, mandate team collaboration Sales Share sales leads, joint calls, client and reseller databases Dell & Harcourt Marcom Joint events, catalogs, mailing list, PR, ads Intel Inside (joint ads, events, etc.) Product Management Complimentary dont compete, align roadmaps, integrate, share market data/industry reports
49. Sales Meeting Sample Meeting Agenda [Company Name] & Acme Sales Alliance Coordination Meeting Meeting Duration: about 2 hours Introductions: 25 minutes 5 minutes for personal introductions (sign NDAs) 10 minutes each Sales Department organization presentations Allied-Force Sales Strategy Presentations: 60 minutes Compare resellers and distributors Compare major customers Discuss ways to work together Joint sales calls Share sales leads Review pick list Other Deliberations: 30 minutes Discuss tactics & create high-level plan of action Schedule next meeting
50. MarCom Meeting Sample Meeting Agenda [Company Name] & Acme Marketing Coordination Meeting Meeting Duration: about 2 hours Introductions: 25 minutes 5 minutes for personal introductions (sign NDAs) 10 minutes each Marketing Department organization presentations Allied Force Marketing Strategy Presentations: 1 hour Compare databases Joint e-mails/newsletters Access to teacher database Online initiatives Joint ads Events (trade shows, regional) Banner ads NFR copies Evaluation units Direct response Access to alliances Coupons Bundle opportunities Other items to consider Deliberations: 35 minutes Discuss tactics and create high-level plan of action Schedule next meeting
51. Product Mgmt Meeting Sample Meeting Agenda [Company Name] & Acme Product Management Coordination Meeting Meeting Duration: apx 2 hours Introductions: 25 minutes 5 minutes for personal introductions (sign NDAs) 10 minutes each Product Management Department organization presentations Product Management Alliance Strategy Presentations: 60 minutes Review areas to integrate the products (development, coupons, etc.) Review each others product roadmaps to ensure no divergence How to joint promote (product wise). Examples: Add coupons to each other's package Demo or trial versions Possible OEM options Other Deliberations: 30 minutes Discuss tactics for executing Create high-level plan of action Schedule next meeting
52. Alliance Meeting Pick List Marketing Compare databases Joint e-mails/newsletters Access to prospect database Online initiatives Joint ads Events (trade shows, regional) Banner ads NFR copies Evaluation units Direct response Access to alliances Coupons Bundle opportunities Sales Compare resellers Joint sales calls Share sales leads Product Management Add coupons to each other's package Possible OEM either in our box or yours Integrate roadmaps Combined features
53. Remember These Items The alliance MUST pass the acid test to justify effort Engage company on all legs (1. executive, 2. marketing, 3. sales and 4. product mgmt) whenever possible to maximize return Connect all four groups to their counterparts (sales to sales, etc.) Ensure each group has a meeting to review the alliance and create a plan of action with dates and deliverables Project manage each plan of action to ensure deliverables are met Key: Convert the best alliances from utility relationships to personal relationships to maximize success and reduce competitive inroads
54. Expectations Form alliances and realize these benefits: Fill holes in your roadmap sell more product Recruit hundreds of resellers through alliances relationships Fill a hole in an alliance partners product, or end-to-end solution get acquired Get free both space at a trade show (that you didnt know about) Cut your direct mail cost in half by combining the mailing with an alliance partner Increase chances of a friendly acquisitioneither way (if desired) Double your capabilities split the work with your alliances Get more PR and credibility through your relationships Make it harder for customers to rip you out if integrated with alliances Discover an alternative channel your alliances may sell your application for you Get free exposure by being highlighted in an alliance roadshow Plus much more Whats holding you back? Go for it!