Peer Power Blog

I spent a few days in Redmond this week at Microsoft.  There is a lot happening that is going to change the technology world in 2012, with a host of new products coming to market.  I was there for some meetings, particularly around the upcoming Worldwide Partner Conference which happens in Toronto in July.  WPC is an amazing event – one I have attended now for over 10 years.  I serve on the Partner Executive Board – a group of people who are Microsoft Partners from every corner of the world.  We all run different types of businesses in some way related to Microsoft and serving customers. The thing I love about this group is the perspective they provide.  We often get caught up in a pretty n... Continue reading

Then this post is for you because there are a number of award application opportunities open right now. Company awards are an excellent way to celebrate business achievement and shine a spotlight on your business. Try it and you might discover some of the bottom line benefits and the power of industry and local awards. This is often an overlooked tool in your marketing toolbox. Marketing consists of many techniques and channels from advertising and direct response to radio and trade shows, but you can take your small business to new levels by entering your company for awards. The trick is they don’t just happen. You have to apply, submit an entry or nominate yourself. Awards are not just for... Continue reading

In the next few weeks there are two very important opportunities for Microsoft partners to participate with key executives in Redmond and get first hand information about the direction and strategy of the company. I encourage you to make this investment of time and join one or both of these events. It is not often that we can interact directly in this manner - so don't let it pass without your attention. Far too often partners complain they have no part in the discussion, or are not informed of what is happening. You can't use either excuse if you don't get involved and participate.Microsoft Partner Network Interactive Leadership ForumMarch 10, 2011 - 7:00-8:30 am Pacific TimePresented By: E... Continue reading

I don’t normally write about specific technology products, but last week Microsoft released to manufacturing a great new product called Windows MultiPoint Server 2011. This product has been revved from the previous version and I think has a great application for those of us serving small businesses. The previous version was only designed for education users – but this version – while still designed with education in mind – has a significant play for us in SMB.With Windows MultiPoint Server 2011, the licensing and purchase model has been simplified. There are still two versions as before, with similar restrictions:• Windows MultiPoint 2011 Standard – still cannot join a domain and still has a... Continue reading

As we approach the new year - there are a number of things on the plate for all of us. We need to close 2010 and finish the current year strong. We need to plan and put on paper our goals for 2011 - to have SMART goals that can be measured and watched over time so we can be accountable to execute them consistently and completely. We need to celebrate our blessings and be grateful for all the good things we have experienced. A new year is a time of new opportunity.Unfortunately I have been watching with some amazement the reaction, or lack there of, to the new Microsoft MPN partner program. I wrote about this back in August and encouraged partners to begin planning and putting their strategy ... Continue reading