Marching Orders 2018: Resolve to Make Your Next Move

What can Microsoft partners do differently in 2018 to make a business breakthrough? We put that question to 16 top experts, including BARB LEVISAY, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, REDMOND CHANNEL PARTNER MAGAZINE. For more tips on finding success in the Microsoft channel in 2018, read our full Marching Orders feature here.

Microsoft partners are in a good place right now.

Technology spending is up. Customers are ready to embrace new technologies and are growing more comfortable with the cloud. Office 365 has hit its stride and promises even more opportunity for partners through a steady expansion of features. Everyone in your organization is probably as busy, and billable, as they can handle.

During the good times, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and put off preparing for the next cycle. Profits feel good. Diverting billable resources to development is painful.

But this is the best time to make your next move: To build the differentiator that will help your organization survive when the market is saturated or technology spending nosedives.

There is no question that specialization is key to differentiation. Partners who invest in building expertise and IP in an industry or function reap rewards through higher margins and loyal customers. As the specialist, Microsoft is more likely to invite you into opportunities.

During these good times, allocate resources to prepare your business for the tougher times. The longer this upcycle lasts, the more time you have to build expertise and reputation in your segment.

Redmond Channel Partner Contributing Editor Barb Levisay blogs regularly on RCPmag.com about Service Trends and Diversity Wins.

Posted by Barb Levisay on February 20, 2018 at 4:54 AM