Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Go Giver Movie

The Go Giver Blogsite has a post that includes a link to a short movie that is bound to make you smile this Thanksgiving season. http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/scc/ecs/public/main/validationMovie.html It tells a story we all need to remember, and really highlights the essence of being a go-giver. Take some time over the holiday to watch this 15 minute movie. It will bring a smile to your face and remind you how grateful we all should be during this Thanksgiving season for the blessings we have in life. It is the people that make a difference. We need to make sure we are go-giving so we light up someone else's day! Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Announcements from LPI

Level Platforms has made a couple important announcements that are important to note if you are using their platform or considering an MSP solution. The first is the announcement of full virtualization support for their Managed Workplace solution. We all know that virtualization is a pervasive technology that is just getting its feet wet but will soon be as common as the cold. So it is important to have solutions to manage those environments and now you can. Check out the details at http://www.htgmembers.com/2008-11-05%20Virtualization.pdf.

Equally important, the folks at LPI announced at launch last week the ability to have comprehensive remote monitoring, management and reporting for SBS 2008 and EBS 2008 in minutes by downloading and applying the new integrated suite of Policy Modules. This is great news for those who are deploying the fantastic new SBS and EBS products from Microsoft. Again good stuff as you can monitor and manage these new products out of the gate. You can get their details at http://www.htgmembers.com/2008-11-13_SBS_EBS.pdf on this release.

Are you on the MSP bandwagon yet? Great products that continue to get better from LPI and all the tool providers. There is huge opportunity to help end users take cost out of their businesses during these difficult economic times using managed service tools. It is a great way to gain market and increase value for your customers. Get in the game now, while the opportunity is still there.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Navigate The Stormy Economic Seas

Shopping malls are empty, businesses are stretching out IT projects and many small business are feeling the pinch of the economic conditions in today’s world. Is the press adding fuel to the economic bonfire? How is your business planning to ride out the economic storm? Many IT Professionals are very concerned about the economy and how to navigate the stormy seas of today’s economy. Join Stuart Crawford with leading HTG Partners, Sean Fullerton, Mark Crall, Mike Ritsema and David Ohendalski as we discuss today’s economy and what you can do to navigate the stormy seas that are in the forecast. Visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/smb/2008/11/21/Navigating-the-stormy-economic-seas to join the conversation on Friday, November 21 at Noon Eastern/9 AM Pacific.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

So What About the Economy

It is the main topic on every radio show, newscast, newspaper article - it is everywhere. And the best description I have seen for it is we have a "presscession" rather than a real recession. We really have not seen a significant impact in our customer base in the Heartland. I know some of you are from areas where it is very real, and I don't doubt for a minute that there is real pain in a lot of places. But doggone it, if the press would leave it alone things would get better. But they won't so we have to deal with it.

What do we need to do in a recession? Adapt and change. Here are a few thoughts for consideration.
1. We need to evaluate how our cash leaves and enters our company. Can we cut some outgo or speed up some inflow? We need to watch cash because he who has it will win. Cash flow is a critical thing to take care of. Watch the A/R and keep it collected. Cut back where it makes sense. Evaluate how the money flows.
2. Guard your credit. It is a lot easier to lose it than get it so manage it well. Don't miss any payments and take good care of those relationships. Once you lose it the struggle to get it back will be difficult. It is important to realize that this will be an issue during 2009 and it is time to prepare now before it gets worse.
3. Reinvent or at least re-evaluate. In the IT business we have to do this routinely to survive, so there is no better time that a difficult one to see what needs to be changed. There are likely things that need to go, and new things that need to be added. Think carefully about your business and what should continue to be part.
4. Get outside the box. Don't let the norm be the norm - look outside your comfort zone and consider all options. You can't allow the rut to keep you on the wrong path. Creative thinking and planning is key.
5. Plan carefully. Planning is always important but never more important than when times are tough. You need to make sure you have a solid plan and your team understands.
6. Execute. There is never a time that execution shines more brightly. You need to focus on excelling at how you do things, and make sure you do the right things right every day.
7. Do the basic blocking and tackling well. Now is the time to make sure you are consistent and practice the basics. No need for fancy footwork now - just keep doing what is tried and proven and do it better than the rest.

Difficult times are opportunities. Many will struggle, some will fail, but for those who are ready and execute - you can leverage these times to make up ground quickly. Don't listen to the press - just follow your own gameplan and make it happen. HTG helps you focus on the right things. We are looking for a few good VAR's to round out our peer groups. If you are one of them go apply at www.htgmembers.com and become part of the HTG family.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Less than a week away

Things have been way too quiet around the upcoming launch of SBS2008 and EBS. Time for all of us to let people in our patch know about the upcoming Launch. There hasn't been nearly enough hoopla or air cover. So it is up to us as partners to set off some rockets and fireworks in our own cities and towns. And it is time to do it NOW.

In less than a week, the Dream Server Launch will happen. http://www.thedreamserver.com/ Know what I am talking about? The new kid in the Windows Server Family becomes public on November 12. That is also the day that SBS2008 makes its public debut. Our own Erik Thorsell from HTG3 will be part of that launch with his great work for Robby Gordon Motor Sports. We also had about 10 other HTG partners who had customers in the TAP program doing beta deployment and testing. Two great products that have potential to help you grow your SMB business. Generate leads by inviting your customers and prospects to the Windows Essential Server Solutions special launch webcast (link above) using guidance (https://partner.microsoft.com/40082316) and an invitation email template (https://partner.microsoft.com/40082139). Take a look at the tools provided and take action now to get involved. Don't miss the opportunity. Get involved and take action today.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Blogtalk Radio

Are you listening to the weekly radio broadcasts that good friend Stuart Crawford hosts? On Friday, Stuart Crawford will be hosting a great show as part of Small Business IT Radio (http://www.smallbusinessitradio.com) on Software + Services. Ryan Storgaard and Rob Kent from Microsoft Canada are joining Stuart as they everything from third party hosting, OLSB, BPOS and Windows Azure. Come and join us and learn about what is new in Microsoft’s online world. What are the benefits for the partner and IT Professional, plus what are the end benefits for the end client. Join us at noon this Friday at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/smb/2008/11/07/Inside-Microsoft-Software-Services as we tackle everything from Software + Services all up to the impact on and opportunity in the partner community.

I will be participating in a couple weeks to discuss marketplace ministry along with a couple other HTG members. Stuart has a variety of topics and many guests from the channel and you can listen to past broadcasts if you go to the site. I encourage you to check it out - some great information is availalbe there that is current and food for thought.