Selling Through
Distribution Partners

 

Channel your expertise with
channel management training.

 

Book your place today:

 

Classes are held multiple times throughout the year, either remotely or in the idyllic grounds of the Chesterford Research Park. We include lunch and refreshments throughout the day. 

Channel partners, comprising resellers, affiliate partners, distributors, value-added providers, and independent retailers, play a pivotal role in technical sales. Using channel partners allows a business to access markets and customers that would otherwise be impractical or prohibitively expensive to reach through direct sales.

However, effectively collaborating with, managing, and influencing these partners, who operate independently and outside of direct authority, demands a distinct set of skills and processes compared to selling directly.

This training course builds upon a proven program with a decade-long track record, providing individuals selling through partners with the essential skills and processes necessary to drive exceptional outcomes.

 

How Does It Work? 
 
The training course consists of four or six modules and how you attend the course is totally up to you:

Remote / Online: 

The modules are delivered in four, three-hour remote sessions, with two optional, three-hour advanced sessions

In Person / Classroom: 

If you prefer in person training then the course is also delivered in the classroom over two days, with an optional 'advanced' third day.

This course is perfect for full-time channel partner managers or direct salespeople with responsibility over distributors.

What You Will Learn

 
 

We deliver the Selling Through Distribution Partners course both online and in the classroom. Both are live and interactive sessions designed to equip you with the skills and techniques to build, manage, and maximise relationships with your channel partners.  

By the end of the course, you’ll know how to:

Identify and select the right channel partners to drive growth and maximise performance.

Set clear goals, monitor key metrics, and conduct productive business reviews to ensure success. 

Improve communication and influence by applying active listening techniques and strategic engagement. 

Enhance your leadership capabilities by coaching partners and handling difficult conversations effectively. 

WINNCircleGraphic-01
WINN is a flexible approach designed for sales
professionals in complex markets.
 
 
We recognise that no two industries, companies, or sales interactions are the same, but most sales training courses follow rigid methodologies - WINN doesn’t. We deliver flexible, practical strategies that evolve with each and every sales interaction and reflect the real-world challenges of complex industries.
 
WINN is a complete, end-to-end framework - because sales success isn’t just about closing; it’s about building lasting partnerships and ensuring longevity.

Programme Agenda

Module 1 Agenda:
 
Classroom Day 1 Morning / Remote Session 1
 
 
The responsibilities of channel partner management 
 
Understand: the key responsibilities of managing channel partners effectively
 
Learn: the characteristics of a role model Channel Partner Manager 
 
Outcome: a strong foundation for building and managing successful partner relationships 
 
 
Self-management techniques 
 
Understand: the importance of goal setting, planning, and prioritisation 
 
Learn: how to optimise time for both yourself and your channel partners 
 
Outcome: improved efficiency and effectiveness in managing your role 
 
 
Defining the ideal channel partner 
 
Understand: what a high-performing channel partner looks like 
 
Learn: where to compromise and how to bridge capability gaps 
 
Outcome: a clearer strategy for selecting and developing the right partners 
Module 2 Agenda:
 
Classroom Day 1 Afternoon / Remote Session 2
 
 
Understanding and applying the hiring process 
 
Understand: the steps involved in identifying, selecting, and launching new channel partners 
 
Learn: a systematic approach to ensuring a smooth and effective onboarding process 
 
Outcome: confidence in selecting and inducting the right partners for long-term success 
 
 
Contractual obligations 
 
Understand: how to navigate contract terms and manage renewals strategically 
 
Learn: how to use contracts to set expectations, manage obligations, and develop commission plans 
 
Outcome: the ability to leverage contracts as tools for driving partner success 
 
 
Targets and goals
 
Understand: the importance of setting clear and measurable goals 
 
Learn: how to create activity-focused, achievable targets 
 
Outcome: clarity in measuring, tracking, and improving business performance 

Module 3 Agenda:

Classroom Day 2 Morning / Remote Session 3

 

Monitoring metrics 

Understand: the key performance indicators (KPIs) for assessing distribution partner success 

Learn: how to analyse performance data effectively 

Outcome: the ability to make informed decisions based on measurable insights

 

Conducting business reviews 

Understand: the value of regular business reviews 

Learn: techniques for leading reviews that strengthen relationships and inspire partners 

Outcome: more productive and meaningful business discussions

 

Dealing with underperformance 

Understand: the key elements of recovery planning 

Learn: strategies for addressing performance issues and, when necessary, terminating partnerships 

Outcome: confidence in handling performance challenges effectively 

Module 4 Agenda:

Classroom Day 2 Afternoon / Remote Session 4

 

Effective communication techniques 

Understand: the importance of active listening and tailored communication 

Learn: how to use different communication methods to build lasting relationships 

Outcome: enhanced communication skills for stronger partner engagement 

 

Effective joint visits 

Understand: the value of joint visits in driving partner engagement 

Learn: strategies to maximise the impact of joint visits 

Outcome: stronger relationships and increased value from your partner network 

 

Exerting positive personal influence internally and externally 

Understand: how to build internal and external networks without direct authority 

Learn: key principles and tools for influencing stakeholders effectively 

Outcome: the ability to mobilise resources and motivate key players in the partner ecosystem 

Module 5 Agenda:

Optional Advanced Module: Classroom Day 3 Morning / Remote Session 5

 

Taking business plans to the next level 

Understand: how to align business plans with corporate strategy 

Learn: how to manage growth, assess strategic fit, and conduct risk planning 

Outcome: a more strategic and forward-thinking approach to channel partner management

 

Coaching your partners to success 

Understand: the role of coaching in partner development 

Learn: how to use the GROW coaching model and give effective feedback 

Outcome: stronger relationships and improved partner performance 

Module 6 Agenda:

Optional Advanced Module: Classroom Day 3 Afternoon / Remote Session 6

 

Conducting difficult conversations 

Understand: the key principles for addressing tough issues such as underperformance and contract breaches 

Learn: best practices for handling these conversations constructively 

Outcome: confidence in managing challenging discussions with professionalism

 

Running a successful distributor meeting 

Understand: the do’s and don’ts of a productive partner meeting 

Learn: how to plan training, drive engagement, and ensure ROI for both supplier and partner 

Outcome: increased effectiveness in distributor meetings and training sessions 

Who Should Attend?

 
 
Channel partner managers and export and distributor managers, right through to international marketing managers, will benefit from attending our channel partner management training course.
 
We also strongly encourage sales reps to attend since they are often given channel management responsibilities without any formal training!
Don't just take our word for it
Here's what our customers say...

“Thank you very much for all of the training sessions since August! I received a lot of great feedback from our Sales Team members about all that they have taken away from the trainings. The role playing session was extremely helpful in coaching them to use all concepts earlier training sessions to the end: qualification - NAMTCR, how to develop relationship with KOL's, facing competition, handling objections (APIAC), and making great presentations. The team very much enjoyed everything, and appreciate that you made it fun! We are all much more equipped than before!"

 
Larry
Associate Director of Sales
 

"The course last week was excellent, really really great for me just a few months into this world of sales. I have already been using some of the things you taught us and I have my first solo visit to a client next week and will definitely be starting the meeting with TRA!"

 
Sarah
Technical Sales Manager
 

"Pru's Sales Leadership Programme is insightful, well structured, and there is a story to give the real-world context for every example. You come wanting to put everything into action, but the course helps you to channel your enthusiasm and energy into some achievable short and medium-term goals. All in all, an incredibly valuable experience." 

 
Phil
Research Sales Manager
 

Learn From The Best

 
 
Ever attended a commercial or sales training program but felt like the trainers don’t understand the nuances of your industry? Having had thriving careers in the science and technology industry, with decades in similar roles to you, as well as years of experience as successful sales coaches, you can be confident that our coaches know the ins and outs of your market.
Steve-1
Steve Vaughan
 
As a director, Steve runs both the scheduled training courses and tailored training programs covering all aspects of sales and sales leadership. Steve also provides one-to-one coaching. 
 
Jayne-1
Jayne Green
 
As a sales trainer and coach, Jayne takes a holistic approach that isn’t just about transferring knowledge but aims to foster a growth mindset and enable people to continually develop long after training has finished.
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Christian Walter
 
Christian runs both the open program and in-house tailored training programs and delivers individual coaching and mentoring in both German and English.
 
 
 
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Pascal Le Floche
 
Pascal runs both the scheduled training courses and in-house tailored training programs while delivering complementary individual coaching and mentoring in both French and English.
 
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Jonathan Cooper
 
Back in 1998, Jonathan Cooper co-founded george james ltd. with business partner Neil Burns. Now, Jonathan’s primary focus is the delivery of sales and commercially focused training, leadership development and one-to-one coaching and mentoring programs. 
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Pru Layton
 
Pru has dedicated over a decade to training, coaching and mentoring individuals and teams in the science and technology sector. Currently, she runs both the scheduled training courses and in-house tailored training programs, as well as offers one-to-one coaching and mentoring.  
JonathanS-1
Jonathan Slasinski
 
For 15+ years, Jonathan has sold everything from reagents to capital equipment for sequencing, single-cell, and spatial analysis. Now his focus is on building and delivering high-impact sales and leadership training, with a particular passion for emotional intelligence (EQ).
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