Comments on: Is Small Business Specialist of any value to MCP’s?

By: jamiem

jamiem — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 12:13:00 +0000

I got mine, another day another logo.

I hope Microsoft can deliver on that promise. Eric sure did make a statement at OrlandoSBS.

By: Vlad

Vlad — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:46:00 +0000

Ok, lets see if I can tackle all of these in the same step:

Jackie Rish:
I would bet on reputation. If you are a certified partner you have more resources and that can be your selling point: peace of mind.

Tim:
You’re not promoting your competitors, you’re promoting your own certification and understanding of small business. In turn, Microsoft is marketing you on their web site.

Dave:
I would look for the future opportunities. Perhaps today nobody knows about it, but Microsoft is promising to invest in the program. They have a heck of a lot more money than you and me.

Los:
No, this is a different beast alltogether.

By: carlosl

carlosl — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:27:00 +0000

Is this any different from the SBS Engagement Program?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 20:30:00 +0000

Its not just the logo. The post says that you’ll be listed on their small business web site before all the other partners so thats a big bonus!

I don’t know if thats enough but at least they are trying to help us.

By: davelierdht

davelierdht — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 19:40:00 +0000

Yes but its not like they are just giving this certificate away. Yo u still have to pass the test and who has time for that. My customers value my work, not another shiny Microsoft logo.

By: pcdoc88

pcdoc88 — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 17:52:00 +0000

Why would you look at it that way, we don’t go after the same business you do. I’m sure your clients wouldn’t give me the time of day while my clients would never deal with a bigshot certified partner.

By: tim

tim — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 17:34:00 +0000

agreed: not pying to promote my competitors.. not going gold either so there is nothing for me here.

By: jackie rish

jackie rish — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 17:25:00 +0000

I see your point but why should they pay my fee if they can get someone else with the same logo to do it half price? am I not just helping them promote their certification while mine dwindles?

By: Vlad

Vlad — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 17:18:00 +0000

Yes. Definately. Not only are you allowed to become a specialist, I think you got nothing to lose by becoming one. You’re telling the world that not only do you have the resources of a Microsoft Certified Partner but you also understand the needs of the small business. It is a WIN-WIN no matter how you look at it.

And on top of that you get 25 Partner Points towards the next certification, listings in the solutions directory for smallbiz solutions.

I can’t see how this can be perceived as negative in any way.

By: Jackie Rish

Jackie Rish — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 17:13:00 +0000

Vlad,
Are you saying that even as a Microsoft Certified Partner I can become a small busisiness specialist?