In over a decade of experience in running channel programs, Greg Milkovich said he has never seen one as successful as the Power Partner Program launch earlier this year.
“”We’ve been able to blow away our reseller registration signup targets,”” said Milkovich, who left rival NEC a year ago to
join Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. as its executive director of sales and marketing, IT division. “”The activity and feedback from our channel base has been outstanding.”” In the first six months alone, Samsung has exceeded its goal of 500 resellers, totalling 700 today.
Called P3, the program, which launched in April, is a tool and investment in Samsung’s online partner resources. The site offers partners competitive information assessment, marketing programs, promotions, technical services, contact lists and new features such as sales opportunity/lead generation in reseller regions.
Samsung announced P3 around the same time it released a new printer line-up targeting workgroup and enterprise segments. The product launch also included colour laser offerings below the $1,000 price barrier, making these devices affordable for the small and medium business market.
“”We’ve seen that paradigm shift in the colour laser printer market now become a viable SMB solution,”” said Milkovich.
As for notebook releases, Milkovich said Samsung hasn’t made any decisions yet but doesn’t rule it out for next year.
Milkovich was also brought in to help further Samsung’s brand. CBC TV docudrama “”Making The Cut”” has been a major part of Samsung’s corproate branding strategy this year, for example, he said. Samsung was also a major sponsor of the 2004 World Cup Hockey Championships.
Over last three years Samsung the brand has been among the top five brands of any given company globally in terms of fastest growing brand equity, said Milkovich.
