What next after Microsoft Partnership

[Usman]

Hi,

After becoming Gold/silver partner with Microsoft what is the next best way to target business opportunities? I normally see companies highlighting that they are Gold/Silver partner with Microsoft but how does that benefit both that company and Microsoft?

[PerWerngren]

Thanks Andra! Hi Usman!

Earning Silver or Gold gives you programmatic benefits. Gold partners gets eligibility to be part of different initiatives that will further enhance your opportunities. Investing in becoming Gold is great and I encourage you to strive for this. It will likely take some time so you need to be patient and build your practice. But becoming Gold does not automatically transform your business, instead it gives you a starting point where you can discover more opportunities together with Microsoft and direct with customers. Customers often sees Gold as a 'soft requirement' which means that it will be easier for you to get selected on a short list when they're looking for a new partner.

My general advice is always to focus on something and to become best in class in that field. It can be a technical area or it can be serving a certain vertical and the advice is to not be afraid of being to focused. Once you get great customer stories to tell - you will automatically become known for being a company that customers and Microsoft can rely on.

Regards, Per

[Usman]

Hi Per,

We already are Gold  so partners so may be if you can give more details on how to become Co-Sell partners and how it can benefit both our company and Microsoft?

[PerWerngren]

Hi Usman, 

Please take a look on this URL for information about how to become a Co-Sell partner (you must log in first):

https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/membership/co-sell-with-microsoft

Regards, Per

[Usman]

Hi Per,

Thanks for sharing information. I have gone through the playbook and still have a lot of questions. For example 

What do the below mentioned statements mean

"Shares or receives fewer than 30 referrals a month."
 “Has multiple co-sell offerings or a single high-volume offer.” 

Can we start right after we have an active MPN account or is there any other Pre-Requisite we need to complete before starting.

Regards,

Usman

[Andra]

Hi @Usman ,

Please check my reply below where I mentioned that you can potentially work with a Cloud Specialist by nominating your organization using this form.

For more information on the Co-Sell motion feel free to join the live webinar on September 2: Co-selling in Partner Center: Making the move from Partner Sales Connect (Live Event, September 2)

This specialist can clarify all these questions and discuss the next steps with you, tailored to your organization size.

Have a great day ahead,

Andra

[Andra]

and add-on @Usman , 
If you need guidance from a specialist, you can potentially work with a Cloud Specialist by nominating your organization using this form.

Thank you,

Andra

[Andra]

Hi @Usman ,

This is actually a great question! 😀

Earning Silver and/or Gold competencies can unlock further benefits and tools that help you grow your business and differentiate your offerings from other players in the market.

You can compare the two offers here, and see exactly what kind of benefits you get with each level.

Moreover you can consider becoming a Co-Sell partner and as a Gold Partner you can increase your visibility to customers through prioritized ranking in searches and assures potential customers that you meet the highest standards for service delivery and support by earning an Advanced Specialization.

We have two upcoming events on these topics, feel free to join to find out more:

• Microsoft Advanced Specializations “Ask us anything” series - Microsoft 365
• Co-selling in Partner Center: Making the move from Partner Sales Connect (Live Event, September 2)

Also I am tagging @PerWerngren  to add his view from a business standpoint!

Have a great day ahead,

Andra