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Day 5️⃣ The future of #PartnerOps (hint: think #ecosystem)

Time for some speculation! Where, exactly is PartnerOps heading in an ecosystem driven world? Getting to the future requires we consider a bit about the current state.

#PartnerOps is not like other careers.

❌ There's not a clear entry point - usually pivoting in from program management (where ops begins) or an internal transfer from another ops role.

❌ There's also no clear end point - anyone ever see a C-Level Partner Ops role? Anyone? ... Bueller... Bueller.... (seriously, please comment and get me introduced to nail down that path...)

❌ We often work across multiple other departments but have no direct reports (i.e. lack management control and/or experience).

❌ Our mandate (as already discussed this week) can be broad, foggy, and lack prioritization.

❌ True expertise and opportunity tends to exist in only in the largest organizations (i.e. your Salesforce, Orcale, Atlassian, etc. etc. etc.

So we exist in this weird cross-section of roles where much is required in terms of corporate knowledge, collaboration, and cross-functional skill sets but little is offered in terms of growth and development.

Where is this all headed? Enter the #ecosystem.

As companies shift to #ecosystem thinking, #partnerled mindsets will start to emerge throughout the organization. This will lead to a lot of new opportunities that are partner-centric or partner-tangent roles. Those working in and around #PartnerOps right now will be the natural option to niche down into the roles needed to support a vibrant ecosystem.

What kind of roles?

➡ Partner Business Analysts

➡ Partner Project Managers for integrations and internal cross-functional project delivery

➡ Partner Experience Managers helping guide the overall experience (also coming out of and in collaboration with #enablement)

➡ Ecosystem Architects guiding the partner tech stack and tracking,

➡ Partner Support Managers inside or next to CS Managers

➡ A continued breakout of all the work of PartnerOps in organizations that truly understand and embrace the value of an #ecosystem mindset

The PartnerOps manager of today is the Ecosystem Leader of tomorrow, helping organizations navigate the change in mindset alongside the Partnership/Channel leader.

Looking for a place to connect with other experts in #partnerships? Then join Partnership Leaders , the home for the home for everyone in partnerships!

Aaron Howerton
www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhowerton
www.partneropspartner.com