The 90s was a time of certification for computer consulting businesses. Everyone touted what formal partnerships they had with what major corporations. Hire us because were a Novell certified shop or Hire us because were an IBM business partner.

Most consultants arent leading with that anymore because they dont want to be perceived as an extension of that company sales force. They want to be perceived as their own brand of computer consulting.

The Benefits of Partner Programs Have Disappeared

In the old days, you used to get big MDS and co-op advertising when you were in a partner program. Those days are rapidly ending, so theres really no financial reason for sticking their logo all over the place anymore. Spend more time branding yourself as opposed to just focusing on the solutions that you represent.

Stick To The Products You Know

Naturally when you get new computer consulting prospects and youre taking them through the qualification stages and sales calls, youre going to tend to recommend the solutions that youre most comfortable with.

If youre authorized to belong to a program, youre going to recommend that particular solution. Thats fine, but don't make your marketing message focus on just that particular product or that particular platform.

Don't Become a Commodity

If you do, you open yourself up to commodity priced competition. Your prospects will ask why they should buy their NetWare license from you if they can get it cheaper on the Web or through mail order. Dont open yourself to a bidding war.

That way of marketing is dated. Its pass. You are much better off if you market what your computer consulting business can do for your client!

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