Q: (from Robert)
I am interested in becoming a Microsoft Partner and Small Business Specialist. I have been doing some IT consulting on the side and am looking to transition into providing Microsoft solutions for small businesses which I feel is a larger market that the restaurant industry.
What is your opinion of the market in this area? In my experience working with small business owners, many seem reluctant to embrace new technology and the benefits it can provide. In dealing with restaurants, there seemed to be more that don't use a POS system than do. To me, it just feels like my local community is kind of backwoods and lagging behind in the adoption of technology to improve business processes. I just don't want to make another investment into a business whose product is too difficult of a sell for the local market.
Can I successfully start out as a 1 or 2 person operation?
Do you know how many partners in my region are Small Business Specialists?
I attended the ts2 event that was held in Memphis a few weeks ago, so I have the steps to become a Small Business Specialist. I am wondering if there are any good books or classes for the certification tests. Also, which of the four tests would be the best one to pursue first? Are there any current discounts or promotions on the Action Pack and Technet subscriptions?
So, I go through these steps to become a Small Business Specialist. Then what, I just go out and start selling? Does Microsoft provide any assistance on helping me to generate leads, creating presentations and demonstrations?
A:
1 or 2 person success – absolutely – we have plenty of successful partners in that space
Go to www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness to find the other SBSC’s in your area.
The frequently recommended book is the “Microsoft - Small Business Specialist Primer” available from www.smbnation.com. And there is a 25% discount through Sept 30th using code “SBSCCert0708”
Any of the exam’s are fine; they are just the qualifier; what is his focus? Where is his passion? Infrastructure (70-282), System Building (74-134), or SharePoint (70-631)
Currently there are no other promotions that I’m aware of
Microsoft provides many self service resources for businesses to generate and close business. All of those resources are posted on our partner portal: https://partner.microsoft.com. Some of the enumerated resources include:
Increase My Opportunities
- Ready-to-Go Campaigns
- Partner Event Services (ClicktoAttend, content, marketing, logistic resources)
- Microsoft Across America Mobile Event Experience (MEE) truck availability
- New Day & Heroes Happen Here Launches
- Software Plus Services
Close More Sales
- Microsoft Business and Technology Assessment Toolkit
- Demo Readiness Toolkit, Demo Showcase, & Technology Demonstration Toolkit
- Volume Licensing Comparison
- Open Value overview
- Software Assurance overview
- MicrosoftIncentives.com
- Microsoft Financing
- MS GearUp Sales Tool Kit & Licensing Configurator
- Competitive Sales Assistance
All of these resources plus more are called out in a two hour web seminar that I recorded called MS101 for Small and Medium Business Partners (https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=241240&site=US&lang=EN)