Introduction

At Kiflo, we recently hosted an insightful session with Linkon Axon, the founder of Arys, a strategic consultancy focused on helping B2B technology providers accelerate revenue through partner ecosystems. Linkon has built and advised on award-winning channel programs across industries, making him a trusted voice in the partner enablement space. In this Q&A session, he walked us through what it means to build a partner program using the principle of radical simplicity.

If you are a Partnership or Channel Manager looking to scale your program without drowning in complexity, these lessons are for you. Below is a recap of the main takeaways from the session, including a practical framework you can use to strengthen your partner strategy.

Why Radical Simplicity is the Missing Ingredient in Most Partner Programs

Linkon opened with a simple but powerful idea. Simplicity scales. Complexity does not. The problem with many partner programs is that they start with good intentions but quickly become weighed down by manual processes, unclear expectations, and friction-filled systems. In Linkon words:

“It’s very complex to build something simple, but very simple to make something complex.”

Simplicity, in this context, is not about reducing your impact. It is about focusing only on what drives value. For partner leaders, that means cutting unnecessary steps and designing programs that deliver clarity and control. Partners want transparency about what is expected of them and visibility into how their contributions are tracked. They also want the freedom to choose how they engage with your program based on their capacity and goals.

Clarity and Control: The Two Anchors of a Successful Program

Linkon introduced a two-part framework for partner experience. The first is clarity. Partners should understand where they are in the journey, what resources are available, and how their performance will be measured. The second is control. That means giving them the ability to make choices that suit their operating model while still working within the program’s structure.

This combination builds trust. It also allows you to scale without constant oversight. When partners understand the system and feel ownership of their role, they are more likely to engage deeply and consistently.

Build Modularity into Your Program

One of the major themes Linkon addressed was modularity. Partner programs should be flexible by design. Not every partner is the same. Some want to co-sell aggressively. Others prefer a slower ramp-up focused on enablement. A modular program allows for both.

Linkon emphasized removing the outdated “set and forget” approach. Instead, you need to provide frameworks that scale up or down based on each partner’s needs. Think plug-and-play marketing materials, editable sales templates, and smart automation that eliminates repetitive approval steps. The result is a program that adapts without becoming chaotic.

Design for Time Respect

Linkon shared five specific ways to build systems that respect your partners’ time.

Start by only showing what is necessary. Avoid overwhelming partners with features or resources they do not need. Use progressive disclosure to reveal more options as their engagement deepens.

Ask them what they value. Instead of guessing their priorities, schedule regular conversations to uncover their top challenges. Often, just solving one major problem makes the biggest difference.

Anchor value in visibility. Keep success metrics front and center. When partners see the impact they are making, they stay motivated.

Make everything easy to navigate. A clean interface and clear user journey go a long way in keeping partners engaged.

Be contextually aware. Tailor your communication and resources based on what the data tells you. If a partner is ramping up, give them onboarding tools. If they are active, show them new opportunities to grow.

Trim the Fat: Focus on What Matters Most

A major point Linkon returned to was that time is your most valuable currency. Meetings should be shorter, better prepared, and focused on action. Partners should not need to ask for proof of value. It should be evident in their dashboards, resources, and results.

He encouraged partner leaders to confront issues directly. If a partner is stuck or underperforming, address it head-on. The goal is not to manage partners. The goal is to empower them.

As Linkon explained:

“Great partner leaders don’t build partner programs. They build environments where great partner programs can thrive.”

The best partner programs are not rigid systems. They are environments that allow partners to grow, contribute, and succeed.

Move from Internal KPIs to External Outcomes

Too often, partner programs are judged by internal activity metrics. But as Linkon pointed out, output is not the same as outcome. What truly matters is the external impact. That includes joint revenue, lead generation, market share growth, and reduced time to value.

He encouraged partner leaders to align with their CFOs by showing forecasted returns, margins, and contribution to the bottom line. This builds executive support and ensures the program is viewed as a strategic driver, not just a support function.

Four Simple Steps to Build a Scalable Partner Experience

To make it even more actionable, Linkon shared a four-step design model that any company can use to strengthen their partner ecosystem.

Step one is to know your customer. Many companies do not fully understand their customer journey or decision drivers. That lack of clarity makes it hard to define what makes a good partner. Your Ideal Customer Profile should directly inform your Ideal Partner Profile.

Step two is to create a compelling channel sales presentation. This should be editable, scalable, and useful even when you are not in the room. Linkon also recommends getting a dedicated landing page on your partner’s website. If you are selling together, you should be visible together.

Step three is to optimize your digital storefront. Your website should load quickly, be easy to navigate, and reflect the quality of your offer. This helps partners sell more effectively and signals that you are serious about their success.

Step four is to design around enablement. Offer pre-sale tools like pitch decks and demo videos. Follow that up with post-sale support to help partners onboard customers and drive long-term results. This investment in enablement pays off in better retention and more qualified deals.

Final Reflections: Let Simplicity Lead the Way

Linkon closed with a reminder that complexity is not always avoidable, but it can be managed. The most successful programs remove blockers, simplify decision-making, and prioritize communication velocity. That includes things like fast partner agreements, better sales enablement tools, and timely responses to questions.

As he put it:

“When partners feel in control, confident, and capable, they don’t just participate in the program. They champion it.”

To wrap it up, here are Linkon's three pillars of radical simplicity.

Help partners own their journey. Give them clear options and autonomy.

Deliver quick wins early. Shorten the time to value and keep momentum going.

Make them feel valued, not managed. You are their enabler, not their administrator.

If you are looking to scale your partner program with clarity, control, and measurable impact, this session is a must-watch.

To dive deeper into Linkon's insights and access the free resources he mentioned during the session, watch the full Q&A session recording on YouTube.