Got Blog? Enable your VAR's Online Engagement!

The VAR Guy just wrote a great post on Vendor Channel Blogs growing up or dying off.  Why are some blogs and other online engagement activities dying off?  This goes back to a point I try to make over and over....social media is not ONE person's responsibility.  An entire organization needs to get behind it.

Now I must pause to acknowledge that the Channel Maven must practice what she preaches.  My blog has been a bit tired as of late and the only excuse is a lame one, we've been busy here.  Busy helping vendors and solution providers improve their social media and online engagement practices and channel programs.  Now I understand the landscaper with a bad lawn!

Excuses aside vendors have such a great opportunity (and more resources!) to provide their partners with content, they have a responsibility to enable just that.  How can they better help partners?  Here are a few suggestions:

• Training: Webinar, workshop, online guides...whatever format you chose, provide your partners with hands-on training on how to use all these new tools and tactics.
• Reinforcement: It's not enough to show them the tools and walk away.  Partners need feedback on current activities and ongoing information around new tools and tactics.
• Content: Content is King!  The tools are just a vehicle to deliver VALUABLE CONTENT.  When it's provided by you, the vendor, it's your messaging, your story, your content that is getting shared exponentially.  Make it partner friendly and provide them with the right way to use it!

How are vendors doing this today?  Solution providers, who is doing this right?