Notes from “How to Maximize the Benefits of Chamber of Commerce Membership”

I had the pleasure of attending the Central OC luncheon, an annual luncheon with the Orange, Anaheim and Santa Ana Chambers of Commerce.   The topic stuck out as I find many companies don’t know how to really benefit from chamber memberships or memberships in other organizations.

The event was packed!   They expected 60 and at least double showed up.  I met some good contacts but wanted to learn from three Chamber presidents how to make our membership count.

The first thing I noticed was the importance of how a certain individual carried himself.   He went table to table and thanked people for coming.  It struck me as most people fall into a few networking event camps. By no means complete and none of them are meant to be negative, just different impressions.

1. Chamber attendee: Been around and just talking to friends
2. Newbie: Deer in the headlights and trying to fit in
3. Socializer: Quick to say hi, find out what you do and move on. Very social.
4. Shy: They have been there before but are noticeably uncomfortable
5. Professional: Nice, polite and careful with their time.  Similar to the greeter but looking to qualify you in depth.
6. That guy/girl. Don’t be them.  Loud, quick, in your face.

His approach came off as a Community Leader. This approach was a way to say hi and meet people, while establishing yourself as a connector for the organization.   Later he was introduced as “a relationship builder and a connector of people”.  That introduction stands out.

Make sure you take advantage of the Big Easy 7 offer!

Looking at purchasing Office 365 or any Microsoft software products?   Make sure you are aware of Microsoft’s rebate program which now includes Microsoft Office 365! 

This rebate can often pay for a portion of not all your installation and training services.

The Big Easy 7 offer allows customers to choose from a variety of popular Microsoft products and solutions, including Microsoft Online Services, while earning money on qualifying purchases that can be used towards additional software, hardware, or services.

1. Customers who purchase Open Value agreements, virtualization and server management, and identity and security solutions have the opportunity to earn larger subsidies to assist with solution deployment.
2. Customers can use their subsidy checks for subsequent purchases of software, hardware, and services from their nominated Microsoft Partner Network member. This provides you with a lever to engage more strategically with your customers, providing them a solutions-oriented approach to their Microsoft software investments.
3. For the first time, the Big Easy Offer includes Microsoft Online Services. This will facilitate consultation and planning with customers who are considering both on-premises and online versions of applications and management solutions in a hybrid scenario. The Offer Parts List contains the complete list of products.
4. Subsidy payouts are calculated as a percentage of the Estimated Retail Price (ERP) on a per SKU level. Payouts for Microsoft Online Services subscription purchases are based on a 12-month subscription.

Offer Details

Start Date

September 19, 2011

End Date

December 31, 2011

Target Audience

Small and mid-size organizations

Market Segments

Commercial and government organizations

Microsoft Volume Licensing Programs and License Agreement Types

This promotion is available for the following Volume Licensing programs and license agreement types: Open License: License only for corporate and government customers Open Value for corporate and government customers (except Level C) Open Value Subscription for corporate and government customers (except Level C) Microsoft Online Subscription Agreement (MOSA)

Offer

Customers who make a qualifying purchase during the offer purchase period will earn money back in the form of a partner subsidy payout that can be used for implementation of their Microsoft solution including software, hardware and services. Customers must redeem within 30 days of purchase at www.microsoftincentives.com/bigeasy. Subsidy checks valid for 90 days after date of issue.

Questions?  Give me a call 714.634.4697 x711 or jason.mills@issusa.com

Office 365: Public Beta release and the reviews look good.

With the release of the public beta, Microsoft’s Office 365 is set to make waves in the IT industry. According to a CRN article on Office 365 “it’s done so in a way that should embarrass Google, one of Microsoft’s primary rivals.”

CRN Article

What is Microsoft Office 365?

Microsoft Office365 is Microsoft’s Cloud Solution for businesses to take advantage of what the “cloud” has to offer: basically having a robust datacenter manage the hardware (IaaS) and software (Saas) software for your company freeing you up to focus on the rest of the business.  The lure of the  cloud is having basic IT deliverability become a utility to you.  You pay a monthly subscription and the IT services (application deliverables) become available like a phone, electricity or water bill

Office 365 bundles many of the basic Microsoft solutions companies are using today: Exchange, Outlook, SharePoint and Lync (formally Unified Communications)  into a single, bundled deliverable hosted by Microsoft. No more servers or upgrades, very little install time.

For more information of Office 365 and to sign up for the public beta visit: Office 365 Info and Beta

Curious if Microsoft Office 365 is right for your business or looking for a partner to help you migrate?  Give us a call to discuss your specific needs.

-Jason Mills, 714.634.4697

Definitions:
IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service
SaaS: Software as a Service
PaaS: Platform as a Service

Counting down to Microsoft Dynamics Convergence this weekend

Great article from the Dynamics Team on the upcoming Microsoft Dynamics Convergence

I wanted to highlight Tracy’s comment: “friendly reminder that using Schedule Builder doesn’t reserve a chair for you in the sessions. Sessions are still on a first come, first serve basis and we know from past experience that sessions will fill up. I’d encourage you to have a back up plan in case you run into full sessions…”

So get early to the sessions you really want and make sure you have a Plan B before you show up so that you are not scrambling last minute.

Another suggestion: have a plan for attending.  We sent the following to our clients who were attending to help them make the most of their time out there:

1. Have you gone through the schedule builder? If not, I would be happy to walk you through it.
2. What are your top 3 goals that you were looking to accomplish while you were there?
3. Where there any specific resources at Microsoft or Dynamics ISVs you were looking to connect with so we can set it up a head of time?
4. Describe in a sentence your ideal outcome flying back from Atlanta.  What would put a smile on your face and make the most out of your trip?

Virtual Tour for Microsoft Convergence (April 10-13th)

We are counting down to Microsoft Convergence, the annual Dynamics conference taking place on April 10 though the 13th.   Microsoft posted a virtual tour to give new attendees a picture of what to expect.

Microsoft Virtual Tour Video

If you are attending this year, please let me know and we can connect!

Let’s connect at Convergence

Three Big Dynamics GP Promotions from Microsoft & a reminder about financing

Investing in an ERP solution is a big decision.   Microsoft made it a little easier with the combination of Microsoft financing and three big promotions for small and large companies.

1. Buy 1 user, get two more for free

2. Buy 12 AM users, get 4 extra for free

3. Buy 1 BE user, get it half off!

Promotion Details

Getting the most bang for your investment buck

Jason’s Note: I wanted to share a great ComputerWorld article on ways the government is trying  move the economy including tax incentives for equipment purchases ie.tax breaks for you to invest in your company.   Running QuickBooks, Peachtree, Sage MAS 90 or other small business/legacy software?   Some companies end up   “saving dimes but spending dollars” through a lack or real competitive investment.  Consider leveraging these incentives to give your company a competitive edge.

ComputerWorld Article

Microsoft Online Services: Huge Discount available.

Jason’s Note: There is a huge promotion available for clients who make the switch to Microsoft cloud services.   Save 50% off and use the money to pay for training and implementation.  Curious about the cloud?   Give us a call and sign up for a free 30 day trial.

Microsoft is rewarding new customers for joining the cloud! Migrate to Microsoft’s online Business Productivity services now and earn dollars towards future IT investments.

Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 to Feature New Business Intelligence Capabilities and Build on Customer Success

 

Great post on what is in the works for GP 2010 R2 which is scheduled for general availability in the first half of 2011.  Highlights include:

Enhancing insight into role-specific information through an improved user interface and personalized dashboards, quickly delivering information that’s relevant to the actions people are taking or the information they are viewing

Making it easier to complete tasks with improved approval workflow and electronic signature capabilities, helping people save time while managing compliance and helping to reduce fraud

Extending connections through Fact Boxes and Action Shortcuts, which are now connected with Microsoft Lync 2010 instant messaging windows, bringing information about the people who are chatting and their companies to the user’s fingertips

More here: http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2010/nov10/11-18MSDynamicsGP2010PR.mspx

 

Distribution Strategies Webinar Series Starting October 20th

Today’s globalization and competitive economy requires you to become Better, Faster, Stronger for Less…

Gain your competitive edge by learning what modern distribution companies are doing today to increase revenue, decrease operating & inventory costs, and be prepared for upcoming supply chain trends.

Join us for a 4-part free education webinar series discussing the latest trends, best business practices and improvements in technology for today’s distributor.

Webinar Calendar All webinars will start promptly at 10am.

Register here or contact Jason Mills 714.634.4697 or Jason.mills@issusa.com

Transforming your technology investment into a competitive advantage, not another cost center