Break into Global Markets with Alex Richards, VP of Partnerships, Glassbox
Speaking with the The Partner Ship podcast with Franz Schrepf, partnerships thought leader Alex Richards shares key best practice insights.
Alex Richards, as the Vice President of Partnerships at Glassbox, has shared several insights on breaking into global markets through strategic partnerships, particularly in the context of Glassbox’s initiatives to expand its digital experience analytics solutions.
The Glassbox Partner Network is a global initiative designed to unite technology, solution, and agency providers to enhance digital customer experiences through its AI-powered customer intelligence platform.
Leverage Established Partner Networks for Market Access
Richards emphasizes the importance of partnering with organizations that have deep industry connections and established relationships.
For instance, Glassbox’s partnership with Liquid PC, a leading IT distributor, enables broader global reach by tapping into Liquid PC’s network of resellers like CDW, Zones, Insight, SoftwareOne, and SHI International. This approach makes advanced analytics solutions more accessible worldwide, helping companies enter new markets efficiently by leveraging partners’ logistical support and market presence.
Focus on Collaborative Innovation for Customer-Centric Solutions
Richards highlights that partnerships should drive mutual growth and exceptional value for customers. The Glassbox Partner Network, launched in 2024, unites best-in-class partners like Adobe, Microsoft, AWS, and Optimizely to deliver AI-powered customer experience (CX) solutions.
By collaborating with partners across sectors like Financial Services, Telco, Healthcare, and Travel, Glassbox helps enterprises optimize digital journeys, which is critical for gaining traction in competitive global markets.
Structure Partnerships for Scalability and Flexibility
Alex advocates for tiered partner programs to support diverse partners at different stages. The Glassbox Partner Network operates on Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, offering tailored incentives and go-to-market resources. This structure ensures scalability, allowing partners to grow alongside Glassbox while penetrating new markets with customized support, which is essential for addressing varied regional demands.
Align Partnerships with Market Trends and Customer Needs
Richards notes the growing importance of customer experience, citing Gartner’s prediction that 81% of organizations will compete primarily on CX by 2026. Partnerships should align with this trend by delivering solutions that enhance digital experiences while meeting compliance and security needs, particularly in regulated industries. This focus helps build trust and credibility in new markets.
Build Relationships for Long-Term Success
Drawing from his broader expertise in partnerships, he stresses the need for strong, trust-based relationships. Understanding partners’ business models, strengths, and challenges ensures win-win collaborations. This approach, combined with clear strategies and metrics, helps sustain partnerships that drive global expansion over time.