TIP 5: Flexibility Is Sexy

Don't shortchange yourself in settling for a distributor whose solutions and terms aren't agile enough to fit your needs. You deserve better than complex partner programs that you have to pound into a fit.

"Find a distributor who has a list of business rules you can count on one hand, max," Paul advised. "You want a program that works with you and it might mean they have to flex some rules or pricing."

Your business is unique. The last thing you want to hear is “Well if we did that for everyone…," Paul said.