The Wireless Way, with Chris Whitaker
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Welcome to the Wireless Way, a podcast designed for individuals interested in learning how technology is used to help us all become more efficient and effective leveraging the latest in technology. Each episode we learn about the journey of each guest and how technology has played a part in their adventure.
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Spectrotel. Spectrotel selects from a variety of network and technology providers to design and build customized end-to-end solutions for business moments that matter most. As a next generation aggregator, customers choose Spectrotel because we provide unparalleled choice, unrivaled expertise, and exceptional service.
Every business is different, and so too is each solution. The team at Spectrotel are true craftspeople who balance experience and technical know-how to find innovative solutions that are just right.
It's a show tailored for technology advisors and consultants, with a singular aim: to enrich and empower our valued partners. Join us on this journey of growth and learning.
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The Wireless Way, with Chris Whitaker
From Ground Up: The backstory of Bill Power’s Career from Aviation to Uniting the Channel for the Common Good
After spending 15 years as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill, Bill Power joined forces with Greg Praske in 1991 to co-found Association Resource Group, or ARG. Initially focused on selling affinity programs to national trade associations in Washington D.C., ARG expanded into telecommunications, where Bill learned the ropes the hard way, paving the way for the creation of the Agent Alliance. What began as a casual 'caring and sharing' group quickly evolved into The Alliance Partners, a powerful collective-buying consortium. Since 2007, Bill has served as the full-time CEO of The Alliance, guiding its growth and influence. In addition, he is a facilitator of several industry peer groups and involved in the formation of TCSP Technology Channel Sales Professionals, a nonprofit trade association for selling agents. .When he's not leading the charge in the telecom industry, Bill enjoys the simple life, tending to his 'gentleman's farm' in South Carolina.
The Wireless Way Ep. with Bill Power: A Career of Uniting and Innovating in Telecom
In this episode of 'The Wireless Way,' host Chris Whitaker welcomes industry veteran Bill Power. Bill shares his journey from Capitol Hill lobbyist to co-founding the Association Resource Group and becoming a pivotal figure in the telecom industry. Known for his hard-learned wisdom and passion for fostering community and cooperation, Bill discusses the formation of the agent alliance and his role as CEO since 2007. He delves into the complexities of the evolving channel landscape, the impact of mergers and acquisitions, and the importance of being adaptable. Bill also introduces the Technology Channel Sales Professionals (TCSP), a watchdog organization he helped establish to protect agents' interests. With down-to-earth charm, Bill emphasizes the value of relationships, customer focus, and maintaining a strong ethical foundation. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the telecom or technology sectors looking to understand the industry's past, present, and future.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:18 Bill Power's Early Career and Transition to Telecom
00:59 Formation and Evolution of the Alliance Partners
01:27 Bill's Personal Life and Farm
02:43 Bill's Background and Career Journey
05:06 Challenges and Successes in the Telecom Industry
07:15 The Role and Impact of the Alliance Partners
08:57 Changes in the Telecom Channel and Future Predictions
14:19 Advice for Suppliers in the Channel
19:17 Formation of TCSP and Advocacy Efforts
23:55 The Battle with the FCC
25:26 TCSP: A Watchdog for Agents
25:57 Member Benefit Programs
26:09 Health Insurance and HR Compliance
28:13 Hiring and Training Salespeople
30:05 Peer Groups and Summary
31:30 Affordable Membership Dues
32:54 Emerging Technologies in the Channel
37:41 The Importance of Connectivity
44:19 Final Thoughts and Advice
Learn More about Bill:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-power-a1177410/
Learn more about The Partner Alliance:
http://thealliancepartners.com/
Learn about TCSP
https://www.tcsp.org/