[AccessD] Microsoft partner

jwcolby jwcolby at colbyconsulting.com
Wed Jan 6 07:28:11 CST 2010


Mark,

Understand that I am NOT a very active "partner", in fact as far as I can tell I am more an 
"associate".  I have never made any effort to do the qualifications etc.

 From what I can tell, for various reasons it is not a good idea to approach the "partnership" from 
a "how many referrals" angle.  While MS does have a "referral" process, if you are going to pursue 
the partnership it would probably work best to approach it from a "what can I learn" and "what 
software can I get" all for a reduced price.  If you ever get any referrals that is a bonus.

All of that said with the understanding that I am not really active in their program.  I would like 
to be, but more in order to get trained up a little.  There are areas that I would like to know more 
about.  Personally, I have never had much use for Microsoft's "credentials", but many people do get 
them.

I have always been about "what do I know" more than "what strings of characters can I put after my 
name".  OTOH if I had spent 10 years getting a "doctor" title that would probably be important to me.

In terms of my proposal however I think forming a "virtual consulting company" would be about 
referrals, however the referrals would likely come from other members of the company.  If there are 
10 guys from this list, we would undoubtedly have a wide range of backgrounds and expertise.  If 
someone asks if I can do virtualization, I would be able to say "I'll get back to you" and go see if 
any of you are strong in that area.  Or maybe even have a spreadsheet or word document that would 
tell me "Member XYZ claims to be an 'expert' in these areas".  That kind of thing.

AND... those "strings of characters" are important to some clients.  Thus being able to put a whole 
string of Microsoft credentials on my web site might attract business.  I would not necessarily 
perform the work, it might go to another partner in the company.

More and more, where you live affects your ability to perform your work very little.  We can remote 
in to do programming, database design or maintenance and so forth.  If you don't have to physically 
touch something then it can often be done remotely.  A "virtual" company consisting of highly 
skilled people scattered around the world could work well.

John W. Colby
www.ColbyConsulting.com


Mark Simms wrote:
> John - I'm just kind of curious about the MSFT Partnership program....
> Do you get any decent leads or referals from them ?
> 
> 
> 



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