Integrated Systems Solutions

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

integratedss — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:18:11 +0000

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.

Chamber attendee: Been around and just talking to friends
Newbie: Deer in the headlights and trying to fit in
Socializer: Quick to say hi, find out what you do and move on. Very social.
Shy: They have been there before but are noticeably uncomfortable
Professional: Nice, polite and careful with their time. Similar to the greeter but looking to qualify you in depth.
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.

After brief introductions, the presidents covered Five Topics that the Chambers were focused on. It was a little different than what I expected from the title but I can see their point. If you know what the Chambers are focused on you can choose to fit right in.

1. Build a Strong Local Economy

The Orange Chamber is helping to start a Manufacturers council, which I happened to be apart of. An initiative to help a specific industry learn and grow together through industry speakers and networking. (Event is January 18th, contact me for specifics)
Property owners in downtown Orange to discuss regulations
Another focus brought up was the need for an educated workforce. Businesses need skilled employees and future leaders. One way this is happening is for the chambers and business to connect with local high school and offer internships and skill sessions. This benefits both parties.
Some chambers have CEO round tables; opportunities for local business owners to connect with one another.

2. Promote and brand the community

Discussed the chambers efforts to strengthen the city image as a whole. Anaheim for example gets 60-70% of the business through tourist related activities. A need to keep things easy, clean and business/tourist friendly

3. Networking

How do you connect people and companies. Who do you know and more importantly who knows you? Who do they think of when your type of services presents itself. made me think of how to I meet people AND stay top of mind with them. Also how can I refer business to other people so that I am helping others grow their business while helping my connections achieve their goals.
Be out and hustle. Sales gets paid to get out and meet people and not hang out in the office.
Art of networking: Plan your calendar and then plan to follow up. Make sure you know what the upcoming events are and schedule time afterwards to follow up and connect with people.
The chambers purpose: Create an environment to network. How do we create connections? Put people together. Before I arrive, who am I look to meet? When I get there: who are others looking to meet and how can I facilitate that.
Support your other chamber members. Give them a shot to earn your business. Look for ways to promote their business to your contacts.
Like a gym membership: If you don’t go, you don’t get strong. Having a membership does you no good by itself.

4. Government

Labor is well represented in government. They have their issues and deep pockets. The chamber is there to advocated for business.
Understand regulations. Regulations are very Important to SMBs but most SMBs don’t take the time to learn about them until it hits them head on.
Squeaky wheel: Write letters to officials, they pay attention. Roughly 70% of taxes come from local businesses, not residents
Chambers often host Candidate forums so that you can learn what they think and share your thoughts

5. Political action

Chambers are 501c6, not c3. They can take positions on issues or form PACs to back candidates. The chamber itself can offer advice, PACs can offer money. All the chambers have multiple PACs now.

Wrapping Up.

I stood up to ask: what advice would they offer members how to get the most out of their membership? I found that I can lose rhythm with my chamber depending on my day to day activities. They had some great advice

Think through: what do you want/ need? Who do you need to meet.
Your business comes first. The chamber is one avenue to grow your business.
View calendar, plan events, build connections and follow up. Repeat.
Be generous. what your time, with your network. Don’t be foolish but make sure you know that those who give, get.

I would add: Make sure you ask for help. Most of the time people are willing to help you IF YOU ASK.

Love to get your thoughts.

Jason Mills

714.634.4697

jason.mills@issusa.com

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

integratedss — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:23:36 +0000

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

integratedss — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:53:57 +0000

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

integratedss — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:05:19 +0000

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:

Have you gone through the schedule builder? If not, I would be happy to walk you through it.
What are your top 3 goals that you were looking to accomplish while you were there?
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?
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)

integratedss — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:02:19 +0000

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

integratedss — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 22:19:33 +0000

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

Purchase the first user of Business Essential (BE) or Advanced Management (AM) for Microsoft Dynamics GP and get the next two (2) additional user licenses for free!

For Business Essentials users, that is a savings of $4500! Get 3 users for under 4K.

For Advanced Management users that is a savings of $7960!

Promotion 2: “Bigger BAM Sales Offer”

Purchase twelve (12) or more AM user licenses under this promotion, you will receive a maximum of four (4) additional AM user licenses at no additional charge.

For clients with 12-25 users that is a savings of $14,320!

Promotion 3: Buy 1 BE License, Get 50% Off Sales Offer

A great promotion for small and medium sized businesses looking to get started with Microsoft Dynamics GP with savings of $1125 on the first user.

Microsoft Financing: Get the solution you need for manageable monthly payments

Reminder of the power and benefit of Microsoft Financing. Get the entire solutions: software, hardware & all the training you need for a low monthly price. Ask your CPA about the tax benefits of financing a solution. Contact Jason at 714.634.4697 or jason.mills@issusa.com for more details to pass along to your team

Getting the most bang for your investment buck

integratedss — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:54:21 +0000

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.

integratedss — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:33:00 +0000

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.

Description:

Now when you sign up for a qualifying Microsoft Online Business Productivity service from February 1, 2011 through April 1, 2011, you can receive a reward equivalent to 50% of your first annual subscription fee for up to 25 seats! Use your reward check to purchase software, hardware and/or services from any Microsoft Partner Network registered partner of your choice.

The subsidy reward is an opportunity for smaller organizations to help expand their IT budget for additional license purchases or to help defray the costs of solution implementation, management and scaling.

Customers signing up for an online Business Productivity services subscription license through this offer have new version rights, so they are eligible to upgrade to Office 365 when it becomes available. Customers need not delay moving to the cloud, and can experience the online services benefits of rapid deployment; the flexibility of online self-service for IT management and administration; and the agility to scale subscriptions to their organizations’ growth requirements.

Eligibility terms:

Limit one (1) reward and one (1) redemption submission per customer and per address. Offer valid with new Microsoft Online Services Agreement (MOSA) customers only. For full Terms and Conditions, go to https://microsoft.young-america.com/49711565.

Eligible services:

Microsoft Business Productivity Online Standard Suite
Microsoft SharePoint Online Standard
Microsoft Exchange Online Standard
Microsoft Office Communications Online Standard
Microsoft Business Productivity Online Deskless Worker Suite
Microsoft SharePoint Online Deskless Worker
Microsoft Exchange Online Deskless Worker

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

integratedss — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:34:43 +0000

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

integratedss — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:24 +0000

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