Is Your Partner Microsoft Aware?

One thing that often frustrates me when I go out and talk to small business owners who are currently using other solution providers is that these providers are not "Microsoft Aware".

I know that I've gone the extra mile to make sure I have a good relationship with my Microsoft representative, who I must say, is very responsive and a great guy to deal with. Why would I do this when I see so many other partners and providers not doing it and when I don't make any money off of it? Because it's good for my customers.

I have the ability to pick up a phone and contact about a dozen Microsoft people that I've made contact with in the past year and know as real living breathing people not as the "big bad monopoly". These are great people who are trying to understand the harsh reality of small business. And it's interesting in all the Microsoft Partner meetings and events I've been to I've never seen any of my biggest competition in the immediate area I'm from and only once or twice seen a couple of others.

It also allows me to keep a pulse on what Microsoft does. eWeek has a nice article on Microsoft Keeps its Eye on Small Business. So when I read these things I can go right back and ask my rep what his take is and where I should be providing direction for my company.

So wherever you're located ask yourself, is my technology partner "Microsoft Aware"? And if you are a partner, can you reach out to Microsoft a little more, I know it'll benefit you and your customers in the end.