From the Virtual World to the Real World

Arista and WWT >>>Better Together!

Arista was excited to be invited to participate in WWT's Partner of the Month curriculum alongside WWT's Associate Academy participants. Recognizing the need for a more dynamic approach in today's fast-paced business environment, we understood that simply relying on virtual training sessions and theoretical exercises wouldn't be enough to ensure participants fully grasped the depth and breadth of the Arista-WWT partnership. We needed to bridge the gap between virtual learning and real-world sales success. Our goal wasn't to add another virtual meeting or pitch session to the calendar. Instead, we aimed to create a hands-on experience that would empower WWT's new Sales & Engineering teams to drive measurable business outcomes. More importantly, we wanted to ensure that the Academy members were fully equipped with the skills needed to succeed from day one, with a clear understanding of Arista's solutions. And that's when the solution became clear—real-world partner meetings.

Let's Get Hands-On!

Let's face it – we've all been in one too many virtual meetings where we're just listening and not actively engaging. Sure, it's easy to tune out after a while, right? Well, we wanted to change that. We know that true learning happens when you're in the driver's seat, not just sitting back and watching. So, how could we give the Associate Academy the chance to gain real-world sales experience?

Partner Meetings!

The Partner of the Month sessions traditionally involve a partner coming into the academy to share their go-to-market strategy in a small group format. Arista took it a step further. We aimed to elevate the experience by incorporating real-world practice. Each WWT associate was paired with an Arista rep, ideally aligned by region for in-person opportunities. The associate's responsibility was to reach out to the Arista rep via email and arrange a face-to-face meeting.

Before the meetings, we prepared the associates by discussing key strategies: how to craft professional emails, what to wear, what to bring, and potential questions to ask. The goal was to set them up for success. After the meetings, the group reconvened to discuss the importance of follow-up and how to stay connected with the reps. Many associates shared that the connections made during these meetings were instant, and they are still maintaining those relationships today.

These sessions were more than just about sales tactics. They focused on helping the Associate Academy develop critical soft skills: writing professional emails, researching partners, sending calendar invites, preparing for meetings, and, most importantly, following up afterward. These are the fundamental skills that will serve the associates throughout their careers, helping them build lasting, meaningful relationships with clients and partners.

Connecting the Dots Between WWT & Arista

The beauty of this idea was that it wasn't just about the Academy team members gaining experience. It was also about connecting the local WWT team with the local Arista team. By running these partner meetings together, the Academy members gained firsthand exposure to Arista's sales process, while the Arista team got a chance to meet the rising stars from the WWT Academy and build a rapport with them.

This collaboration wasn't just beneficial for the Academy team – it was a true win-win for everyone involved. Not only did it give the Academy reps the opportunity to practice real-world sales scenarios, but it also fostered stronger ties between WWT and Arista. As the Academy team members transition into their full-time roles, they'll be armed with the knowledge, experience, and relationships needed to sell Arista solutions with confidence.

The Result?

A lot less PowerPoint and a lot more real-world practice. By stepping out of the virtual meeting room and into actual sales situations, the Academy team members gained hands-on experience that prepared them for success in their careers. And with a solid partnership between WWT and Arista, everyone walked away with more than just sales skills – they walked away with stronger relationships, a deeper understanding of each other's needs, and a shared commitment to driving success together.

In the end, it wasn't just about learning how to sell Arista – it was about building the foundation for long-lasting, meaningful connections that will last throughout the careers of all those involved. And that, my friends, is the real win!

Call to Action: Let's Keep Building Stronger Partnerships and Drive Success Together!

The hands-on experience is just the beginning. If you're ready to take your team to the next level, don't settle for more virtual meetings and theoretical exercises. Embrace real-world learning and collaboration. Let's continue strengthening the bond between WWT and Arista, empowering the next generation of sales and engineering leaders to succeed in today's fast-paced business world.

If you're looking to drive impactful, measurable results through meaningful partnerships, join us on this journey. Together, we can bridge the gap between learning and real-world sales success, building lasting relationships and driving shared business growth. Let's get started today and make an even bigger impact—because when we work together, we are better together!