Deep Dive into Complex Channel Management and POV: Women in Sales
Jean Rabatin has been going toe-to-toe with guys in industrial sales and has held her own for 30 years. She started selling metal, in inside sales, and had the good fortune of a manager who saw her potential.
That began two decades of automation sales, including time with two major robotics manufacturers, and an integrator. So she can speak with authority on the difference between direct and channel sales, how to manage multi-tier channel, and how to thrive as a woman selling industrial automation.
Today, Jean is the Business Development Manager at Yaskawa Motoman and is well-known throughout the industrial sales and automation community.
Jean and I chatted shortly after the successful conclusion of an inaugural in-person event for integrators and technology partners, and she shared insights on the power of partnerships.
Connect with Jean for insights women in sales, automation, industrial sales, and complex channel management.
Check out Jean's Yaskawa Motoman Robotics website |
Women in Sales, Automation and Channel Management - Jean Rabatin on Industrial Growth Insitute Episode 51
Episode Recap
Summary
Jean Rabatin, a successful woman in sales and a long-time professional in the automation industry, discusses her journey from selling metal to robotics.
Jean and host Ed Marsh explore the significance of live events and trade shows in building relationships and generating leads, the challenges of transitioning from technical to commercial conversations, and the importance of understanding partner dynamics in sales.
Jean shares insights on:
- managing trade show leads
- complexities of channel partnerships
- evolving landscape of automation technology
- different types of industrial sales channel
- specifics of partnerships in robotic integration
- importance of support culture over exclusivity.
They explore the concept of an ideal partner profiles, the significance of training and onboarding, and the impact of innovative co-marketing (manufacturer and channel partner) strategies in the industrial space.
The discussion also touches on personal well-being, the future of AI in robotics, competition in automation, and trends in US automation, providing insights into how companies can adapt to evolving market demands.
Takeaways
- Jean's career spans over 22 years in automation and robotics.
- The importance of live events for personal connections in business.
- Transitioning from technical discussions to commercial conversations is crucial.
- Feedback from partner events is essential for future planning.
- Trade shows serve as networking opportunities rather than just sales events.
- Managing trade show leads effectively is key to success.
- Selling custom automation presents unique challenges compared to traditional sales.
- Women in industrial sales bring a different perspective and can be successful.
- The move to automation requires understanding both direct and channel sales.
- Building technology partnerships can enhance market offerings and growth.
- Successful integrators have relationships with various robot companies.
- Support culture is crucial in differentiating companies.
- Training programs should be tailored to the partner's existing knowledge.
- AI will play a significant role in the future of robotics.
- The market is shifting towards companies that can't find workers.
- Automation audits can help identify opportunities for integration.
- Innovative marketing strategies can enhance visibility and engagement.
- Personal well-being practices are essential for maintaining focus.
- Adaptability is key for integrators in changing industries.
Takeaway Quotes from Jean Rabatin
- "We want them to know who we are."
- "You have to earn that credibility."
- "We don't ask or demand for exclusivity."
- "You have to have some kind of value add."
- "We need robots to manufacture in this country."
Outline
00:00 Introduction to Jean Rabatin and Her Journey
02:18 The Importance of Live Events in Business
04:22 Transitioning from Technical to Commercial Conversations
08:31 Feedback and Future Plans for Partner Events
10:29 The Role of Trade Shows in Networking and Lead Generation
12:15 Managing Trade Show Leads Effectively
16:46 The Challenges of Selling Custom Automation
19:42 Women in Sales - Breaking into Sales in a Male-Dominated Industry
24:10 The Move to Automation and Channel Sales
28:56 Navigating Complex Channel Partnerships
32:32 Building Technology Partnerships for Growth
35:15 Avoiding Channel Conflict in Sales
39:34 Navigating Robot Partnerships
42:00 The Importance of Support Culture
45:04 Defining Ideal Partner Profiles
48:48 Training and Onboarding New Partners
51:02 Selling Beyond Technical Features
53:00 Innovative CO-Marketing Strategies
58:47 The Future of AI in Robotics
01:01:34 Understanding Competition in Automation
01:03:39 Trends in US Automation
01:08:34 Resources for Automation Insights
Channel Management Situated in a Framework for Industrial Revenue Growth
Channel management plays a critical function in minimizing channel conflict and designing / supporting an optimal sales channel and partnership ecosystem.
