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MSP sales and marketing
service-level agreement (SLA)
A service-level agreement (SLA) is a contract that specifies what the service provider is responsible for. Continue Reading
Cisco DNA: How should partners deploy it?
Channel partner companies should introduce Cisco DNA to customers on a step-by-step basis, according to the company. Continue Reading
Five MSP marketing tactics to boost growth
Scott Lindars, a former Citrix senior alliance marketing manager and now director of technology markets at Merit Mile, an interactive agency in Boca Raton, Fla., outlined MSP marketing tactics at ... Continue Reading
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MDF funds: How MSPs can get their cut of the marketing money
Market development funds are there for the asking. Learning the details of individual programs -- and demonstrating sales and technical strength -- can help you get your share Continue Reading
What are the biggest pitfalls of managed services to avoid?
Managed services can provide recurring revenue for a solution provider, but this can also become a difficult endeavor without the proper organizational makeup, technical infrastructure, financial setup or sales effort in place. Continue Reading
What managed services opportunities are emerging for VARs?
While there are many possible managed services opportunities for solution providers, monitoring and backup seem particularly noteworthy, along with managed security and managed networks. Managed services are most relevant for smaller clients without...Continue Reading
Can you offer tips on finding new customers for solution providers?
To win new customers, solution providers need to differentiate themselves from competitors, demonstrate their unique vision, and show how they are able to deliver relevant solutions to clients.Continue Reading
What can a solution provider do to enhance employee retention?
Employee retention often means flexibility on the employer's part -- understanding and accommodating the various needs of key employees rather than simply following blanket employment policies or career paths.Continue Reading
What are the best customer retention techniques?
Customer retention is largely a matter of relationship management, maintaining channels of communication with the client and ensuring they know about any new solutions to their current business problems.Continue Reading
What are some ways that a solution provider can win new business?
To win new business, a solution provider needs to provide creative solutions rather than just working off vendors' line cards. The game is to accommodate the client's unique needs and business goals.Continue Reading
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How can solution providers differentiate themselves from competition?
Solution providers need to attract new business by standing apart from competitors with new and unique solutions to important business problems. This often includes a knowledge of important new technologies like virtualization or green initiatives.Continue Reading
What new technologies should solution providers have a handle on?
There are many new technologies for a solution provider to embrace, including virtualization, data deduplication and green initiatives. The solution provider then has a competitive edge that they can offer to clients in a variety of industries or ...Continue Reading
How can a busy solution provider keep up with new technology?
Solution providers must constantly educate themselves about new technology, products and practices so that they're able to differentiate themselves from competitors and provide clients with the best possible solutions to challenging business ...Continue Reading
How can solution providers recruit skilled professionals?
Recruitment should be an ongoing process for all areas of the solution provider's business -- not just for technical areas. Identifying and interviewing potential candidates is an important (and often overlooked) attribute of successful VARs.Continue Reading
What are some valuable lead management lessons for VARs?
Lead management is important, especially as you look to grow your business. Learn some valuable lead generation lessons from a lead management expert.Continue Reading