Here are 4 things to do right now to increase channel partner sales:

1.   Network with channel partners – Make sure to connect with your partners on social networks like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others.  You’ll have more authentic, personal and regular interactions.  And as you know, positive partner interactions lead to more partner sales.

2.  Help your channel partners become better salesmen – If you want to speed up your partner salespeople’s learning process, you need to do one, very important thing.   You need to provide training tools in a consistent format.  These tools need to be specifically designed to teach your partner’s salespeople how to find quality opportunities for your company’s products and services.  The easier it is for your partner’s salespeople to learn how to find and qualify opportunities for your company’s products and services, the more likely they will be to do it!  And, you will win increased “mind share” over your competition with your partner’s sales staff.

3.  Look sharp – Appearances count, especially now.  We’re in the internet era and in a down economy.  Now is the time to freshen up the marketing collateral you provide to your partners.  Small expenditures in this area can bring big returns.

4.  Do more with what you have – Too many dealer support programs focus on helping dealers attract new business.  If you want to make quick sales gains, help your channel partners get more out of the customers they already have.  Teach them how to up-sell, cross-sell and increase lifetime customer value.  For example, McDonald’s makes a fortune by simply having 16 year olds ask if you’d like to “super-size” your order.  The additional 49 cents goes straight to the profit line.  This will bring immediate revenue to you and your partner.

That’s our opinion about how to increase channel partner sales right away. What tips can you share?  Please leave one in the comments section of this posting!