Hey TCG Partners!
We explored the ins and outs of Microsoft's Partner Center and highlighted the latest updates and opportunities available for partners. The session included industry experts Evan Frohlich, MBA, Cloud Channel Manager for Microsoft at Arrow ECS North America, and Jeffrey DeMaria, Director of Partner Enablement at Velosio, who discussed various topics designed to help partners maximize their potential and navigate the complexities of Microsoft's ecosystem.
Deep Dive into Partner Center Navigation
Evan Frohlich, MBA and Jeffrey DeMaria discussed the Partner Center interface, showcasing how to efficiently manage customer relationships, access resources, and utilize tools. They highlighted key sections, such as the incentives and offers available to partners, and demonstrated how to leverage these to maximize benefits.
The discussion also touched on significant updates to the Partner Center, including adding new functionalities and tools. Evan Frohlich, MBA and Jeffrey DeMaria stressed the importance of regularly checking the portal for updates, as this is a pivotal strategy to stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the opportunities available.
Incentives and Offers
Sherman Crancer (LION) mentioned the Partner Admin Link (PAL) and its role in associating partner identities with Azure workloads. He explained how this association can help partners receive the appropriate credits and attributions, which are crucial for maintaining and achieving partner designations. This, in turn, supports partners in meeting Microsoft's performance requirements and benefiting from their extensive incentive programs.
Evan Frohlich, MBA discussed the various incentives available to Microsoft partners. These incentives encourage partners to engage with new products and services and drive customer adoption of Microsoft technologies.
Jeffrey DeMaria called attention to the medium-sized deployment plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. He highlighted that this plan is part of a renewed effort by Microsoft to support partners in migrating clients to the cloud. The new offer includes up to $18,000 to offset implementation costs, making it a valuable opportunity for partners to expand their client base.
Customer Management and Claims Process
A detailed explanation of the customer claims process in the Partner Center was emphasized. Evan Frohlich, MBA and Jeffrey DeMaria explained how to add new customers, manage existing ones, and ensure accurate tracking of customer engagements. They provided practical tips on how to resolve common issues, such as discrepancies in customer data.
The speakers also shared insights on avoiding common pitfalls, such as ensuring customer information is accurately recorded and regularly updated. They also discussed the importance of adequately associating workloads to ensure correct attribution and avoid losing incentives.
Maximizing Your Solution Partner Designations
Sherman Crancer (LION) introduced the concept of cloud propensity reports, which are available in the Insights section of the Partner Center. These reports provide partners with critical data on customer engagement and potential upsell opportunities, enabling them to tailor their offerings and enhance customers. We also emphasized the value of achieving and maintaining Solution Partner Designations. These designations enhance a partner's credibility and unlock additional benefits and opportunities for collaboration with Microsoft.
The group provided a comprehensive guide to the Membership tab, where partners can find detailed information about their status and progress toward achieving designations. The speakers offered tips on improving metrics and meeting the criteria for various designations.
We concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the future of Microsoft's partner ecosystem, particularly the growing role of AI and tools like Microsoft Copilot. Jeffrey DeMaria not only encouraged partners to embrace these technologies but also urged them to become "customer zero"-the first to adopt and test these tools. This proactive approach is vital to staying competitive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Exciting Announcements
Our workshops may have come to a close, but don't miss out! Access exclusive recordings of past workshops, Exploring Microsoft's New SMB Paths for Azure Solution Partner Designations. These sessions were designed to help partners understand the 'how and why’ of working with Microsoft.
Check them out here: Microsoft SPD Workshops | The Crancer Group
Check Out Our M&A Marketplace Offer
If you are a Microsoft channel partner interested in selling your business, finding a financial partner, or acquiring one, check out The Crancer Group's M&A Marketplace, powered by IT ExchangeNet. We're here to help you navigate these crucial decisions with ease and confidence. It is an anonymous Marketplace where you can list your business and match buyers looking for acquisitions. Check it out here.
What's Next
Join us for our next Voice of the Microsoft Partner to get a comprehensive overview of Copilot and AI and its capabilities and teach you powerful strategies to market effectively.
Head to our events page to download the ICS calendar invite for the remainder of the year!
We look forward to seeing you at the next VOMP!
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