Thought Leadership
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Article
Why simple channel incentive programs perform better
Channel incentive programs are often designed with good intentions but too much complexity. Layers of tiers, conditional rules, exceptions, multipliers, claims processes, and qualification criteria can make a program look sophisticated, yet feel unusable to partners. They are often also rooted in what the brand believes is how the partner works or is driven. In […]
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Article
Why MDF and rebates aren’t enough in channel incentives
Marketing Development Funds (MDF) and rebates are staples of channel programs. They support marketing execution, protect margins, and contribute to partner profitability. They matter, but they are not enough on their own to create measurable business results. In many APAC markets, where channel ecosystems are still developing and program investment is often more constrained, relying on these […]
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Article
Boost channel incentive engagement through better communication
A well-designed incentive program can still fail if partners rarely hear about it. In a partner ecosystem where multiple vendors compete for attention, visibility is not a ‘nice-to-have’, it is the difference between participation and indifference. Under communication is one of the most consistent reasons programs underperform: partners simply forget they exist. This article explores […]
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Article
Why you should reward more than the sale in channel incentives
Treating incentives as if they exist only to push the deal over the line or offer competitive financial advantage, is a fast way to limit program impact. Transaction only rewards drive short-term behavior and overlook the activities that drive additional revenue: capability building, solution design, presales influence, and post-sale retention. In many APAC markets, where […]
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Article
Why insight must lead channel incentive program design
Every effective incentive program begins with a simple question: ‘What do our partners actually feel?’ In APAC, that question matters even more. Many channel ecosystems are still developing, and the level of investment partners can make in structured programs is often lower than in central hubs across mature regions like EMEA. Too many programs are still designed centrally and deployed across APAC markets with minimal localization. These programs are driven by […]
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Article
How to create frictionless channel incentive programs
Whether your incentive objective is stretching the top 20% of performers, or driving incremental performance of the middle ground, the engagement of your target audience is the first challenge that any incentive designer must overcome. A common assumption is that this is simply achieved by curating the right reward selection. After all, the right attractive […]
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Article
Your Managers Are Disengaged Too. Here’s Why It Matters
According to Gallup’s 2026 State of the Global Workplace report, only 22% of managers were engaged at work in 2025. But the real risk is not just disengaged managers. It’s the ripple effect they create across the organization. Managers shape the day-to-day employee experience, making this disengagement incredibly harmful to teams. Disengaged managers create disengaged […]
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Article
Asia-Pacific’s Engagement Crisis: Why 75% of Employees Are Checked Out and What Leaders Must Do Now
Employee engagement across Asia-Pacific is declining at a time when businesses need it most. According to Gallup’s 2026 State of the Global Workplace report, 75% of employees in Southeast Asia are not engaged or are actively disengaged at work. For organizations operating in high growth markets, this presents a serious challenge. Engagement is directly tied to employee […]
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Article
5 ways to inspire sales motivation
Motivation is sometimes defined as the general desire or willingness of someone to do something. For some people, motivation comes naturally; it’s intrinsic. For others, it’s extrinsic; they need a little help.