Reflecting on the recent Microsoft Partner Awards!
It’s always inspiring to see the incredible work and innovation happening in our partner community.
As a Microsoft Partner Success Advocate, I’ve had the pleasure of supporting partners like you in maximizing their partnerships and achieving remarkable success. For some the journey is just starting, for others they are well on their way. There is one thing that I cannot overemphasize enough though, and this is START THE JOURNEY.
First Things first. Do you qualify AND Why do I think you should enter?
You are in business! Give yourself a ton of credit for being in business. You either started something OR you are maintaining an idea started by someone else. DO NOT TAKE THIS FOR GRANTED! Just based on this courage and resilience, you qualify! (Stay glued to my page for specific additional criteria)
The Road Ahead
Get started early. You will have seen in previous articles that I always mention, starting. You have to start the process to make it to the finish line. Do it early, don’t wait until the last minute or the eve of the submission deadline.
Microsoft will make an announcement as soon as they are taking applicants but before that happens, you can start looking at previous criteria and start building your application now.
Here is an idea, why don’t you make this something that forms part of your KPI reports, and monthly updates on how you are tracking?
Include people in your organization.
Explain the why early on so that they are always working with purpose. Make it a big deal and highlight the benefit to them. Make them aware of the reason you want to win and the benefit to them and the team.
Your team can help you identify customer references or case study moments. They can also point you towards innovations they are working on and give you an opportunity to create great stories for your entry as they deliver amazing work. It must be ongoing.
In the words of one Microsoft judge:
“Gather your facts. “The best entries are those that include the most detail.” Metrics, numbers, and statistics are all vital. You need all the facts, so you can describe the challenge specifically, and tout your solution strongly. How many people did your solution serve? Is the solution repeatable and usable across industries? What was the bottom-line impact? Did productivity increase? By how much? Did the solution save the customer money? How much? Use solid stats to show what you achieved. All of this information is crucial”.
Always consider more than one category!
It might take longer, but it allows Microsoft to see your capabilities in various areas.
More Tips
Understand the Criteria
It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific criteria for each award category. Microsoft lays out the expectations, recognizing partners who excel in areas such as innovation, customer impact, market leadership, and technical expertise. Get to know the criteria inside out and align your efforts accordingly.
Embrace Collaboration
Collaboration is the name of the game in today’s interconnected world. Foster meaningful partnerships and alliances within the Microsoft ecosystem. Collaborate with other partners, leverage complementary solutions, and participate in joint initiatives to amplify your impact and extend your reach. I mention maximizing co-sell opportunities in a previous article and I will share some posts in the next week on how some Partners won by maximizing their co-sell opportunities.
Customer impact is key too!
Partners are recognized for delivering successful projects, achieving measurable business outcomes, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Building long-term relationships and leaving a lasting impression is what it’s all about. The heart of any successful partnership lies in delivering remarkable customer experiences. Strive to exceed expectations and create a lasting impact on your customers’ businesses. Focus on building strong relationships, listening attentively to their needs, and providing tailored solutions that drive their success.
Tell Your Success Stories
Don’t be shy about sharing your success stories. Leverage social media, your website, and case studies to showcase the incredible outcomes you’ve achieved for your clients. Let your track record speak for itself and inspire others with your accomplishments.
Network and Engage
Engage with the vibrant Microsoft partner community. Attend conferences, industry events, and virtual meetups to expand your network, exchange ideas, and learn from fellow partners. The power of networking and collaboration cannot be overstated.
Grow your Business
Growth is another factor considered. Revenue growth, customer acquisition, market expansion—partners who know how to scale their solutions and services are definitely making waves.
Celebrate Your Wins
Finally, celebrate your wins along the way. Winning an award is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and expertise. Share the joy with your team, clients, and the entire partner community. Your success inspires others and sets the stage for even greater achievements.
Conclusion
Remember, the journey to winning a Microsoft Partner Award is as important as the destination. Embrace the challenge, learn from every experience, and enjoy the ride.
By understanding the award criteria and implementing some of the above tips, you can position yourself for success.
Remember, these awards are not just about winning but also about continuous growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional value to your customers.
To all those who didn’t make it this year, keep on keeping on, your turn will come!
Together, let’s unleash your potential and make your mark in the Microsoft partner ecosystem. Good luck, and let the award-winning journey begin!
As a Microsoft Partner Success Advocate, I’m here to support you on this incredible journey. Feel free to reach out to me for guidance, and insights, and for me to help you road map this journey for you and your team!
Up Up
Stay Winning!
p/s I have postponed the Customer Success Articles to allow some coverage on this topic, whilst it is still top of mind!
#MicrosoftPartner #PartnerSuccess #AwardsSeason
#Excellence #Innovation #MicrosoftPartnerAwards #InspiringInnovation
