About Norma Watenpaugh

Norma Watenpaugh is the founding principal and CEO of Phoenix Consulting Group (www.phoenixcg.com) which provides education and consulting services with expertise in go-to-market strategy, channel and alliance management, and ecosystem development. She was named a Woman of Influence in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for her work in advancing best practices in Collaborative Business Relationships and was inducted into the Forbes Business Council, an invitation only community of successful business leaders.

Are You Ready to Create a Channel Partner Program?

Are you an ISV partner looking to create a channel program to accelerate revenue? If so, this article is for you. I’ve partnered with Gary Lam, an expert in partnering with Salesforce ISVs. We’ve co-authored this blog and because there are a lot of moving parts in the process of creating a successful channel partner [...]

By |2021-09-04T16:44:31+00:00September 4, 2021|

The Power of Ecosystems or Can you go it alone?

Since we are talking ecosystems, I think there is a very Darwinian answer. Those businesses that adopt an ecosystem model will be more successful in serving customers and more resilient during uncertain times. They will survive and respond better to emerging opportunities than companies that still believe they can go it alone.  However, to be successful [...]

By |2021-09-04T17:01:57+00:00August 4, 2021|

Forbes names Phoenix Consulting Group one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms

July 2, 2021 – San Jose, CA - Phoenix Consulting Group has been recognized as one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms in 2021 according to Forbes. Norma Watenpaugh, CEO of Phoenix Consulting Group, remarked “We are humbled and honored that our firm has been recognized among so many prestigious and exemplary consulting firms. Though [...]

By |2021-07-02T19:08:33+00:00July 2, 2021|

Do you need an Ecosystem Code of Conduct?

Not only are we in an age of ecosystems, but we are also in an age of growing awareness of corporate social responsibility. With this is a commitment to treating all workers with respect and dignity, ensuring safe working conditions and conducting environmentally responsible, ethical operations.  That commitment commonly extends to expectations in the supply [...]

By |2021-05-15T16:48:52+00:00May 14, 2021|

The Leadership Style of Collaborative Ecosystems

Businesses are coalescing into ecosystems and becoming more interconnected, dynamic and interdependent. This trend began well before the pandemic but has accelerated in the past year. The trend is driving a reexamination of how we manage our businesses, employees and partners as we adjust to this environment. An ecosystem business model requires a more agile, [...]

By |2021-04-19T21:45:02+00:00April 19, 2021|

The Twelve Principles of Collaboration

As we enter the Era of Ecosystems, it is apparent that we need a different approach and thinking to manage these multi-dimensional and multi-lateral business relationships. I believe that the partner management processes we have developed as a profession are still relevant, but we do need to rethink how we apply them. Nine-way governance models [...]

By |2021-01-19T16:00:52+00:00January 15, 2021|

Achieving Customer Success through Collaboration Excellence

originally published in Forbes.com |  Organizations often comply and certify to international standards as a normal course of business, like brushing your teeth in the morning. Or they might certify because certain contracts or customers require it. This is like your mom telling you to brush your teeth. This is especially true of the well-known [...]

By |2020-12-09T18:54:14+00:00December 9, 2020|

Finding Opportunity in Disruption: Pivot your Ecosystem Strategy

Have you rethought your partner ecosystem strategy in terms of what new opportunities lie ahead?  Are you prepared to find the opportunity in disruption?  We can assume that business as usual is not going to work in today's volatile business climate because business has become unusual. Yet, disruptive times are times of great opportunity for [...]

By |2020-08-26T14:25:43+00:00August 25, 2020|

Ecosystem Partnerships Extend and Evolve Alliances

Published by  TIDWIT Inc. at  June 2, 2020 An interview with Norma Watenpaugh, CEO & Founding Principal, Phoenix Consulting Group Q:  You have been involved with the channel and emerging ecosystems for some time.  How has the concept of partnership evolved over the past several years? NW:  I would not say the concept of partnership has evolved so [...]

By |2020-06-09T18:27:36+00:00June 9, 2020|