In 1844, a group of 28 artisans working in the cotton mills in Rochdale established the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society.  These poorly paid weavers could not afford the high prices of food and household goods, so they agreed to pool their resources and buy the things they needed at a lower price.  The principles that brought success to the Pioneers Society serve as the foundation upon which all modern co-operatives operate.

If you read the blogs I post on this site, you probably know that several dozen system builders have agreed to work together.  Our Channel network is like a co-operative and a trade association combined; a trade association to advertise and promote our industry brand and a co-operative to better negotiate for goods.  Our loosely affiliated group of like-minded entrepreneurs is already engaged in “Channel business” and has made measurable progress, negotiating a Volume Purchasing Agreement and Channel Discounting plans.  The work isn’t finished, but we have made a start.

We’ve grown from the original 59 members to more than 80 participating companies during our first six months.  And I should qualify this number; most of these companies are part of the Intel Premier Channel Partner organization – the top tier customer companies in Intel’s channel program.  One out of five Premiers is involved in our network and the growth is totally organic – completely ‘word of mouth’.  Recently, the second tier of Intel’s channel – the Associate level – has shown great enthusiasm for the Channel network initiative.  Associate companies in North America number in the thousands and their participation will provide appreciable thrust to the effort.  The need for collaboration is a topic of conversation at every Channel gathering I attend – and I attend a lot of gatherings…

So you heard it here first; some system builders and integrators are starting an association.  By us – for us; that kind of thing.  An association to preserve and promote the Channel.  It will be organized to create and promote a Channel brand and to establish it as a premium brand; a preferred option in the eyes of the American buying public.  Of course, participating association companies will maintain their individual identities, but gain recognition and benefits by demonstrating their Channel membership.  Benefits like [co-op] better pricing.

These are not lofty goals, Channel peers; we have already negotiated a Channel Purchasing Agreement with one alternative distributor out West and have signed a provisional agreement with a purchasing entity to aggregate product on our behalf.  To reap these benefits (and others), you need only your Proof of Membership.  You can join the Channel network by following this link. It’s free, except for the obligation to participate.  Creating the association is still in front of us, but collaborating and leveraging our strength has begun.

Something good is about to happen, folks.  And system builders and integrators will want to be a part of it.

(The association is Under Construction.  You can join the Channel network free of charge at http://www.atypicalbusiness.com/index.cfm/general/join_the_channel – as a member, you are obliged to participate in a minimum of one vote each month.  It’s free until the association is formed.)

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