The ChannelLine Advisory Council is primarily focused on North America. It was founded and managed by Integrated mar.com in 1993 as a Canadian initiative. Over time, the Council became a North American high-level industry thought leadership group comprised of about 800 leading IT channel people. This channel advocacy group is actively exploring threats and opportunities that are impacting the channel, facilitating open communication throughout the industry, and implementing solutions designed to help ensure the long-term viability of the IT Channel. Together we are shaping the future of the IT Channel.
During 2005, 2006 and 2007, in response to the requests of Council members, Integrated mar.com successfully launched two new publications:
- ConnectIT, an end-user SMB Channel Advocacy eNewsletter, provides 350,000 subscribers with daily advice for running their business, with emphasis on technology solutions.
- Channel Advisor provides vendors with information that will help them be more effective in selling through the IT Channel.
After very thorough face-to-face research during 2007 with about 400 Vendors (Manufacturers and Software Publishers), 1,400 Sellers (distributors, VARs, System Builders, system integrators, etc.) and about 75 Solution Providers to the industry (Channel Marketers, Event Companies, Publishers), Integrated mar.com in partnership with tBN has developed and launched the W3 Channel Enablement Program which provides vendors with the most cost efficient and effective way of growing their businesses by managing, controlling and influencing indirect end-user sales opportunities right at the point of sale. Based on a 5-step program, W3 enables vendors to reach hundreds of thousands of potential end-user customers in real-time at the exact moment they're searching for products:
- VAR Recruitment: $2 million advertising campaign targeting participating vendor's existing partners and eChannelLine's 196,000 subscribers.
- VAR Training: Provide VARs with program education, start-up assistance and ongoing support.
- VAR Enablement: Equip VARs with a FREE suite of marketing and sales tools and related content.
- End User Leads: All VARs in the program are offered a FREE listing in the VAR Locator permanently placed on ConnectIT and other publications and are tied into a $2 million end user marketing campaign.
- End User Marketing: Provide Vendors with the ability to send editorial and promotional messages to participating VARs' customers and prospects.
For 2008, the key initiatives of the Council are:
- Launch the "Trusted Business Advisor Program", consisting of Channel Business Education, Channel Seal and Channel Business Certification as well as developing course material and launch a regular eNewsletter focusing on the Business Aspects of being a VAR.
- Launch and promote a Channel Advocacy and VAR Locator program in conjunction with other channel and IT publishers.
- Launch the Channel 2.0 - Communities. Industry focused, organically grown, the Council will provide: infrastructure, rules of engagement, content, audiences, management and promotion. Overall content and direction will be driven by the participants of the Community.
- Doing IT Business In North America: Vendor education in conjunction with the American Chamber of Commerce, Canadian and US Consulates and several other partners.
If you want to make a difference in the channel, join the ChannelLine Advisory Council today.
VISIT HTTP://CLAC.INTEGRATEDMAR.COM FOR MORE DETAILS
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