Three Fantastic Marketing Campaigns - Money to Drive Business

Did you catch the news? The SBSC program has released more funding that can be used to market your company. Up to $2000 is available and it is simple to take advantage of. Check out the details:

Offer #1


The More, the Merrier: SBSC Members Can Get up to $2,000 in Combined Marketing Development Funds Now!

This new offer is extended to all SBSC partners: Act now and you may get up to an additional $1,000 back on your Ready-to-Go Marketing investments in campaigns, events, or services. In addition to the SBSC1000 offer that has been in market since October, you are now eligible to apply for an additional $1,000. Use promo code 2010 when submitting your rebate to claim the 2010 promotion. Hurry! Offer is valid only while supplies last.

Reimbursements done through this "2010" promotion are valid for third-party reimbursement for campaigns (purchases done through http://www.mspartnerdirect.com/), services (purchased from a vendor listed at www.mspartnerdirect.com/services), and events (that are set up on http://www.microsoftpartnerevents.com/), up to $1,000. See complete Terms and Conditions here.

Free money to be used the way you want to market your company. All you have to do is be in SBSC – if you aren’t currently – this should be reason enough to get that done – and work with one of the vendors on the Microsoft site to execute. Submit the invoice and get paid. It doesn’t get a lot easier. This is one of those partner friendly programs where you get to determine what to do and how to do it and then get reimbursed for the marketing spend. HTS and their newsletter service is one of the approved vendors. If you don’t currently have an e-newsletter, I encourage you to leverage this offer and get started today!

Offer #2

HP and Microsoft want to thank you for your ongoing interest and support of the Frontline Partnership program. And they are doing it with money – up to $2000 here too!

The Frontline program is pleased to invite you to consider running a tailored marketing campaign focused on HP and Microsoft solutions, that will produce revenue for HP, Microsoft and for your company. ROI requirement is 20:1, but that really is not all that hard to hit if you focus and market your event correctly. To submit an application for FLP market development funds please complete the form found here, http://www.hpmspartnermarketing.com/doc/funding.doc, and send to: hpmssolutions@hp.com. They will gladly consider your custom campaign proposal. Until the current SBSC offer above, this was always the most flexible program out there.

Offer #3

HTG has worked hard to build meaningful programs and interaction with Microsoft. And I am pleased to announce, that with the help of our Microsoft Champs carrying your message, there are some great things that are available to you as a result. The HTG Flex Fund marketing program gives you an opportunity to apply for $500 of marketing funds which can be used by you to drive business around Win 7, Office 2010, BPOS or Exchange 2010. It is being managed very much like the popular Frontline program marketing funds -- you submit a plan -- execute -- report on your success -- and get a check for up to $500 for your marketing. It is flexible in that you determine how to use the money. The requirement is to drive a minimum 10:1 return, so you need to sell at least $5000 in Microsoft licensing to get the full reimbursement. That really isn't a difficult proposition . . . so apply today. The flex funds overview and request form are on the HTG - Microsoft SharePoint site under shared documents --Flex Funds folder. Funds are limited so there is not enough for every HTG member company to be included. You can apply for multiple grants. First come first served -- so execute!

These offers are limited:
Offer #1 only to SBSC partners in the Microsoft program
Offer #2 only to Microsoft/HP Frontline partners
Offer #3 only to HTG members

But all up here is $4500 that you can use to drive you business. Someone will use this money. Don’t let it slip out of your hands!

Are You Part of Microsoft's SBSC Program - You Need to Be!

Microsoft had brought back an almost unbelievable offer for SBSC members. $1000 dollars to use for marketing that is simple to access and take advantage of. And you can use it for the HTS e-newsletter service as well as well as a number of other options. I wrote about that here last year when the funds were available.

Microsoft Small Business Specialists (SBSCs) have access to rebate funds reserved for them and the timeline has been extended! SBSCs are eligible to receive up to $1,000 back on their marketing investments. Those funds are available for you to drive demand generation efforts through Ready-to-Go Marketing (includes Events, Campaigns, and various Marketing Services). We want to make it easy for you to grow your business.

Don't wait: Those funds exclusive to SBSCs are valid until March 31, 2010 or until supplies last.* To get your reimbursement, submit your invoice at www.mspartnerdirect.com/rebate. Your special promotional code is: 'SBSC' (This CANNOT be used in conjunction with the 'LAUNCH' promotion code).

Here's how to get started:
1. Find a Ready-to-Go Marketing Service that's right for you here.

2. Once you've received the invoice for the service, submit the rebate request here.

3. You'll receive your rebate check in the mail within 4-6 weeks!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Ready-to-Go Marketing Help Desk:

Send an e-mail to a team member at rtgmktg@microsoft.com, or call toll-free at
(866) 441-0237.

If you are not an SBSC member, I have just 3 questions for you today:
• Do you sell to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)?
• Do you provide your SMB customers with Microsoft technologies and related services?
• Do you want to differentiate yourself in your marketplace?

If you answered Yes, have you considered joining the Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community, a group of 6,500 trusted technology advisors focused on selling to Small Business customers. Benefits of joining include access to exclusive marketing dollars, recognition from displaying the SBSC logo, support from an Online Technical Community, and increased exposure to partners and customers through the Microsoft Partner Finder and Solution Finder.

As an SBSC Advisory Council member, let me tell you why I am part of this Community.

The Microsoft SBSC program has been valuable in helping us differentiate our company in the markets we serve. We not only get a designation that sets us apart, but we also gain access to marketing and sales tools that help us drive business and reach out to prospects and customers. The SBSC program has been a valuable part of growing our business and our relationship with Microsoft.

You too can become a Small Business Specialist in just 2 easy steps, as an Action Pack Subscriber:
1. Take a Small Business Sales and Marketing Skills Assessment

2. Pass one of five technical exams

Currently, Microsoft is offering a 100 percent off voucher applicable to exams
70-653: TS: Windows Small Business Server 2008, Configuring and
70-654: TS: Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Configuring.

Alternatively, we are offering a 50 percent off exam voucher to complete the other three exams.
Join the Community Button

Call 877-254-6825 or send a message to msppexp@microsoft.com to pick up your voucher, and an expert agent will guide you through the sign-up process.

Please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail message so I can help answer any questions you may have on the value that the Small Business Specialist designation adds to my business.

Microsoft Opportunities Too Good to Pass Up - Must Act Now

Opportunity #1

Microsoft Community Connections?

Microsoft Community Connections is a national project designed to bring awareness and adoption of the Windows 7 product through Local Business Community Organizations (Chamber of Commerce, rotaries, associations, diversity groups, etc. ).

What does the Local Business Community Organizations get?
- 2 free copies of WIN 7 for Local Business Community Organizations
- $150 Microsoft partner (VAR) services implementation voucher (Microsoft partner to be selected by the Local Business Community Organizations)

What does the Local Business Community Organizations give in return?

- Local Business Community Organizations holds a Windows7 live event (lunch/learn) promoting Win7
- Local Business Community Organizations selects a local Microsoft partner to present Win7 content and invites additional Microsoft partner members to be onsite to interact with the attendees as table hosts
- Microsoft provides $125 in event funding to the Local Business Community Organization
- Attendees receive a $150 VAR services rebate voucher for the implementation of Win7 by a local VAR, redeemable upon the purchase of Window 7 via Volume Licensing (minimum 5 seats). The coupon is intended to offset some of the cost of the installation.

Call to Action = Have your Local Chamber register here!


There is a sense of urgency – as the program is nearing capacity.


Opportunity #2


HTG Flex Funds


This is an HTG only opportunity to get $500 for marketing, sales or demand generation activity of choice. As a member of HTG, Microsoft has created an exclusive opportunity called Microsoft Flex Funds. You have the opportunity to apply for $500 from the Microsoft Flex Funds program when you participate in one of the focus campaigns. Spend your funds on any marketing or sales activities of your choice you like, and then report your results to Microsoft! Click here to request more information.


Opportunity #3


Big Easy 3


Big Easy promotion ends 12-31-09. If you have licensing deals that are close to closing - take advantage of things now. Check details at the website here.


Opportunity #4


HTS Newsletter Service


If you are a Microsoft Partner, you can save $500 on our newsletter services!! We’ve been listed on the Microsoft Ready-to-Go portal as one of the choices that you can use for the $500 LAUNCH rebate. If you are already a subscriber, all you need to do is CLICK HERE and have a copy of your invoice (no more than 30 days old). The promotion code that must be included is LAUNCH and the Service Provider is Heartland Technology Solutions.


If you are not a subscriber and want to get set up so you can take advantage of this code, you have to move quickly. The HTS team will work with you to assure you have an invoice and can take advantage of this $500 offer. HTS just got added as a vendor for this promotion and the deadline is December 31, 2009. Sorry for the late notice on this but it is a great opportunity to get a free quarter of newsletters – on Microsoft!

Opportunity #5 and #6

Frontline and SBSC funds

I wrote about these a month or so ago and you can check the details here if you haven't already taken advantage of these two programs.

Lots of opportunity. Some are time sensitive so you need to act now. Don't miss the boat before it sails!

Can You Spell Free?

Microsoft has announced a special program for SBSC members to get up to $1000 to use on a Ready to Go Campaign. This is part of the vision of re-creating, for SBSCs, a set of benefits that are exclusive, practical and tangible to them: SBSCs get access to this extra funding… just because they are SBSCs.

So, any plans around Launch activities but no money? Here is the beginning of an answer (and more to come).

Check out the link: http://www.mspartnerdirect.com/sbsc

No whining if you don't go take advantage of it. First come, first served and there are limited funds available. Go do it today! And let me know you did - so I can track how many have participated. Not often you can get $1000 from Microsoft. DO it!

And if you aren't an SBSC yet - now is the time to get it done. Is $1000 enough of an incentive?

New SBSC Advisory Board Announced

The FY2010 SBSC advisory board has been announced, and I am proud to say the 5 of the 10 members are leaders of HTG member companies. I also am privileged to serve as part of that esteemed group as one of the 10 representing the North Central district.. SBSC is now being led by Francois Daumard, who has a passion to drive the community to a new level. He is looking at every aspect of the program and is working hard to find ways to increase member value and provide more tools to help us be successful.


Part of the role of this advisory board is to gather ideas and suggestions that can be incorporated into the program that will help Microsoft partners succeed. If you have ideas, feel free to reach out to your SBSC advisory board member. I will gladly take feedback from anyone, but there is a specific person in each of the Microsoft districts that are assigned the task of representing you and your thoughts, suggestions and concerns. Take advantage of this council. Use us to carry your message. Remember that just complaining won't go very far. It is creative, positive suggestions that will get a response. Too often we focus on the things that are wrong with no suggestions around how to make it better. That is not very valuable. We need to provide guidance on what works and what would add value to the program, Microsoft and ultimately us. To see the list of fellow partners who represent you - check the web at https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40110269.


Here is the official announcement: The SBSC Program Team has selected new SBSC Advisory Board members for the new Microsoft fiscal year starting July 1, 2009. The role of the SBSC Advisory Board is to provide Microsoft with real-life feedback and ground-level intelligence about what is important for SBSCs. This year there is one SBSC Advisory Board member in each of the 10 Microsoft U.S. Sales Areas. SBSC Advisory Board members are committed and eager to be the local partner liaison between you and Microsoft. If you want to find the SBSC Advisory Board member in your region, and share the good and the not-so-good about being an SBSC member, speak to your SBSC advisory board member.

Some Thoughts on Shots

Vlad Mazek posted a day or two ago about comments that I (meaning HTG) have sold out to Microsoft with our online version of the program since we are making it available to SBSC members exclusively. You can check it out at http://www.vladville.com/2008/08/as-the-sbs-world-turns.html#comment-36677. I have not read the initial comments he refers to but I hear the rumblings through the very healthy grapevine that exists in the SBS channel. I did want to post on my blog the response to this because it is important to understand just how important having strong vendor relationships is to success, both in our individual companies as well as for HTG. So here are my comments posted to Vlad's blog that expresses my feelings on partnering with vendors.

A few of the folks from HTG notified me of your post regarding “selling out” to Microsoft. First let me say thanks for your comments and support. I don’t have or spend much time worrying about what people think of what we do because like you, I understand that not everyone will agree with it anyway. Being an entrepreneur causes one to just get it done and not worry whether it is popular or mainstream. Success comes to those who do - not those who sit on the sidelines as commentators.

Microsoft has stepped up to help us offer something that is of value to those partners who want to grow their business. The online version of HTG is not designed for the masses, because the mass of partners in the channel don’t want to really grow their business. There is an overwhelming majority that want to be lifestyle partners - have enough business to make a good living and be content with that. Some days I sort of wish I was one of them. But because of the entrepreneurial seizures I continue to have, that doesn’t fit me. Having spent 10 years of my 23 year career in this industry as a sole proprietor or with only one employee - I know how hard it is to grow and made a lot of bonehead mistakes trying to figure it out. And I certainly don’t claim to have that done yet but we have grown to over 17M in revenue with 80 employees so we do have some clue what to do.

This program is designed for those partners who really want to grow their company. From my experience, you don’t do that alone. You need to have strong vendor partnerships and leverage those relationships in many ways to be successful in growing. I don’t really consider that selling out - to us it is partnering with the companies we are building our business around. At HTS that is Microsoft, HP and Sonicwall. We go to market everyday with those three and that relationship has treated us very well. Some would say it is selling out - I would tell you it is part of the secret to success.

Microsoft has stepped up to make the online version of HTG possible. No other vendor has been willing to do that. They have basically provided us the backend resources we need as well as rewarding partners who complete the course with enough value to make it FREE (at completion with the copy of SBS2008 you will recieve). I am not sure how that can be a bad thing.

One of the problems in the channel today is partner profitability and growth. We saw it last year in the pilot program we ran (again with Microsoft so this is not new at all - we did it last year as well). We started with 132 partners last year and a mere 68 completed the course. Some would say that is pretty good but certainly not for HTG standards and not in running a successful program. When someone drops out or fails to fully participate it robs the remaining members of the group of the value that spot needs to provide. HTG is about sharing - not getting. It is totally based on the pricipal of giving more than recieving. If you want to somewhat understand our philosophy - read the little book called “The Go Giver” and it will give a glimpse of the attitude HTG members have to have to succeed. So there is a bar to participate that we hope is high enough to keep all but the totally committed from signing up. We don’t make any money offering this - it goes to pay the facilitators, the content development, the administration and the costs of our celebration event next summer at WPC. But our goal is to build strong partners and give to the channel because I have seen over and over in my life the impact of living that principle. Good things come to those who give.

I think the real focus should be on the fact that a multi-billion dollar corporation that has really little to gain is making investments in small partners in SBSC. Let’s be real, and Vlad has pointed it out before, we cause a lot of issues without selling a lot of product. Even at HTS our sales are miniscule in the grand scheme of things for Microsoft. I realize they really don’t need us. But I am very grateful they allow us to build our success on their products and are willing to partner with us to train, market and drive sales. I will continue to “sell out” to Microsoft because that is how good business happens. To me, it will be called partnering and that is the spirit in which it will happen so it can be a win - win for all.

NASCAR is Alive

The setup of our NASCAR SBSC site is under way. I wanted to let you see the work as it comes along. http://hts.49car.com/ is the link to the HTS site. It is personalized and makes it look very nice. Still some work to occur with a video and a few other wrinkles but very nice. If you haven't taken advantage yet, you might want to check it out. Here is what our car looks like:

Zoom Zoom Zoom

Eric Ligman has posted the details about the new SBSC promotion opportunity for us with NASCAR. This is a very cool opportunity for us as partners to co-brand with Microsoft and SBSC and have a lot of fun at the same time. Check out details on his blog at http://blogs.msdn.com/mssmallbiz/. The cost is $3995 for the season, but it is more about the fun and other opportunities for marketing that can spring from this that excites me. My only disappointment is that it is with the #49 car rather than Robbie Gordon's team. The SCC team out of Minneapolis has been working with Robbie through the SBS2008 TAP program and actually have them running their racing team on that platform. We have been blessed to be along for that ride with Erik and crew. So it would have been super cool to have SBSC sponsor Robbie's car, but this is far better than nothing. SO I encourage you to go check out the details on Eric's blog and then get involved. These kind of opportunities only get repeated if we step up as partners and support them. It is up to us to make it happen from this point forward. Participate and then share what happens. It is the results that all of us want to achieve that matter.

Pilot Opportunity for Boston and Miami

Microsoft has requested help in identifying some partners that meet the following criteria. Please contact me directly if you are an SBSC partner that fits the following criteria:

Based in Miami or Boston greater metro areas
Financial services experience - CPA credentials, MPAN membership, Office Accounting sales, MBS/financials credentials, etc.
Willing to pursue leads for companies with 1-5 PC’s

They want to pull together a meeting this Friday, Jan 18th so time is of the essence. It is a great chance to be part of a new program that is under development. Let me know ASAP if this fits you.