Tech Data has unveiled Tech Data Coaches, an online coaching and collaboration platform designed to help Tech Data reseller partners grow their networks, develop competencies and best practices, and make connections that enable them to deliver the best solutions possible to their end-user customers.
An exclusive resource for Tech Data partners in the U.S. and Canada, Tech Data Coaches comprises a community of 70-plus channel professionals and subject matter experts from across the company.
Coaches with deep experience are trained to advise on a wide and varied range of business topics – from building a practice around next-generation technologies like cloud, IoT and analytics, and security, to helping individuals nurture and refine their personal and professional skills in areas that include marketing, sales, business development and organizational enablement and more. In addition, many coaches have industry expertise in public sector, healthcare, retail and smart-city verticals.
“Tech Data Coaches is changing the way we communicate and engage with our partners,” said Stacy Nethercoat, senior vice president, Cloud Solutions, Americas. “This offering creates an interactive social environment that allows individuals within our partners’ organizations – each of whom represent an important role within their company – to innovate collaboratively, enhance their professional skillsets and accelerate business growth.”
Tech Data Coaches is a social networking platform with “find-an-expert” features and functionality, including user profiles, opt-in notifications, personalized content feeds and the ability to favorite and follow members. Based on their unique requirements and interests, users are matched with Tech Data coaches who can offer informal mentorship, personalized guidance and support via live content feeds, on-demand training and product demonstrations, as well as one-on-one coaching sessions.
A select number of Tech Data partners participated in initial trials of Tech Data Coaches in early March 2020.
“As a managed service provider (MSP), we find Tech Data Coaches to be a valuable resource, providing guidance and support when we need it most,” said Juan Fernandez, vice president of Managed IT Services at ImageNet Consulting. “After building a profile on the platform, I was able to share my interests. Within minutes, I was connected with experts who could help me grow my skills in sales leadership and building strategic partnerships. What I find most impressive is that Tech Data Coaches is not just for executives – it’s a great go-to reference for people at all levels who seek mentorship or seek input on how to expand their capabilities. I plan to have my entire team – including our marketing department – sign up to use this online coaching platform.”
Coaches with additional areas of expertise will be added in the near term, and plans are in place to expand the platform globally. It also launches with a new Tech Data-produced podcast series, “On the Clock,” featuring informative audio segments that cover popular topics of discussion in the online community.
