Formal programs for partnering can range in quality from good to bad.  Most people these days don’t choose formal partnering programs to get the same benefits that would have enticed them a decade ago.

The Benefits of Formal Partnering Programs:

1.    High Margins;

2.    Dedicated partner representatives;

3.    Toll free support, unlimited;

4.    Four percent MDFs;

5.    Market development funds;

6.    30-day money-back guarantees;

7.    No quotas;

8.    No stocking of inventory.

But if your plan is to offer a traditional service model, partnering formally isn’t that great a deal.  

The Best Formal Partnering Programs

VARBusiness, an important industry magazine conducts surveys and studies on the most valuable partner programs and rates them by vendor satisfaction with tech support, sales support, margins, business opportunities, small business clients, etc.  VARBusiness is a great resource for those looking to learn about partnering programs.  

You will read about big partnering programs such as the Microsoft Certified Partner program and IBM Business Partner.  But you will also learn about lesser-known programs ad what you can count on when you sign up.  Trends are moving towards advertising your own company and not the partnering programs to which you belong or the brands you represent.  

Will You Benefit from Formal Partnering Programs?

Before you make the decision to invest time and funds in partnering programs, think about your own solutions and services and how you plan to work with customers and clients.  Partnering programs will be a financial and time investment, and you need to make sure the programs you choose will help both you and your clients.

Blogged By:  Computer Consulting Kit