Partner content: 'We've radically reformed our training' - Samsung channel boss on supporting partners through the pandemic

Samsung has revamped the way it engages with the channel in areas such as training to help partners through the pandemic, B2B director Joe Walsh has told CRN.

Walsh said that Samsung moved quickly to avoid service disruption for partners.

"The way we have undertaken training has been radically reformulated in the way we deliver education around our portfolio to our partners," he said.

"We've launched virtual roadshows and we're providing virtual floor walks.

"We've also accelerated the launch of our brand-new partner programme, Samsung One, which is the ultimate tool to educate, communicate and incentivise our channel partner teams."

Samsung One launched last month and has been received well by partners, Walsh said.

The programme reverts to a tiered structure, with benefits for partners increasing as they move up through the different levels.

Samsung claims that the programme makes it easier for partners to interact with the vendor and comes equipped with dedicated B2B training material.

Walsh said that, in many ways, the way the tech industry has adapted to work around the pandemic has strengthened relationships.

"I've been staggered and thrilled by our ability to adapt and change, both in Samsung and also with our partners," he said.

"This year we've had to almost chuck the rulebook out and start again.

"Don't get me wrong, nothing beats collaborative, face-to-face meetings but one of the lessons I've learned is around the collaborative working behaviours achieved with our partners virtually.

"Things would have taken months to agree before, with countless emails going back and forth and various stakeholders needing to be aligned, but that has just dropped away.

"It's made our relationships more personal by the nature of speaking to someone in your front room with your children and pets running around. I believe it finally spells the end for email as the primary means for communication, with applications like Slack and Teams proving to be more effective."

Walsh revealed that Samsung has taken steps to help the NHS throughout the year, donating 2,000 rugged devices to NHS Nightingale Hospitals and proving a further 20,000 at cost.

"We also installed 35 sanitising machines in the Nightingale Hospitals which use ultraviolet radiation to sterilise things, and we sent mobile workshop vans to the Nightingale Hospitals to offer NHS staff free device repairs."

Walsh said that Samsung has also taken significant steps to address the welfare of its own employees, particularly with regards to mental health, during the second national lockdown and heading into the New Year.

"We were fortunate enough to be in the middle of summer during the first lockdown," he said.

"But as we get into winter it's darker and colder and people are feeling isolated, and the boundary between work and play is often blurred.

"Samsung has made huge strides in strides in this area, our engagement teams are giving access to some great tools to support people during the winter months.

"Our office has been completely transformed to ensure that those that need access can do so safely.

"We're providing the right tools and kit to facilitate remote working and our leadership team continues to communicate the importance of taking time out, getting away from the, screen getting some exercise and reducing the amount of time we spend on video calls."

To learn more about Samsung One click here.