Go Ahead, Gang Up

They like to share stories and experiences and learn from other solution providers that most likely don't compete with them.

Everything Channel's XChange conferences are certainly one way to do that. As we went to press, a lot of us here at CRN and Channelweb.com were on our way to XChange '09 in Washington, D.C., held Aug. 17-20. As Everything Channel editors, our time with solution providers at these events is invaluable. Over the years, we have helped resolve conflicts within major vendors' channel organizations, uncovered scams and helped resellers move up the value chain by keeping our fingers on the pulse of the fastest and brightest solution providers in the market. As they learn, we all learn.

That's why I am excited about Channelweb Connect. Launched in March, Channelweb Connect ( http://community.crn.com ) is growing fast and seeing more and more activity every day. Solution providers, Everything Channel editors and vendor staff are all getting involved in blogging, discussing issues and commenting on the news of the day.

One of the Channelweb Connect features I am most excited about is groups. All Channelweb Connect members can join one of the existing groups or start a group of their own. The groups can be completely open to all, semiprivate or completely secret. What that means is that VARs and solution providers can get time with other solution providers on a nonbiased platform and say exactly what they want to say—anonymously or not.

To me, there is power in the platform. To keep it fair, I won't pick on a particular vendor. But, say, one of your vendors is causing you some trouble. Maybe the salespeople are pushing a little too hard near the end of a quarter or they are taking bigger clients direct. Is it you? Or is it a pattern? Pose that question on Channelweb Connect and the answer will come. Maybe you are looking into breaking into the SMB market or a new tech vertical. The answers to your questions are out there in the IT channel, and Channelweb Connect can help you find them.

If you aren't looking for answers, maybe you are that smartest guy in the room. There's no better way to prove it than to share your knowledge with the rest of the IT channel. Whether you start your own daily blog or answer questions as they come up, you will be noticed.

Groups are forming every day around different markets, technologies and specific vendors. Go ahead, lurk if you need to. Sniff around until you find one that fits your needs. If you don't see the one for you, start it yourself. Invite people you know to join, and get the conversation going.

BACKTALK: You can find Larry Hooper in Channelweb Connect (http:community.crn.com). Log in and sound off!