Consulting Partner - what's the benefit?

[crystalreporting]

Hi,

We've been a consulting partner with Crystal Decisions for many years. When we went to the expense of becoming a partner, we assumed there'd be ongoing benefits to the relationship other than the use of the 'Certified Partner' logo. However, it hasn't worked out that way - we've NEVER been passed any business, we don't get any better level of support than non-partners, and they've stopped sending us the latest releases of software (we never even got a copy of v10). To top it off we have an Expo coming up and we want to run a 'Crystal' booth - I've tried for weeks to contact someone at Business Objects that might be able to provide us with handouts, banners, demo CD's or other marketing material we could use at a Crystal booth. All of my emails and phone calls have gone unreturned. Is this normal? Any other partners out there unhappy with the relationship? Anyone happy with their relationship and can provide me with a good contact name? Thanks, Peter.

Peter Shirley

http://www.linkcorp.com

 

[CharlotteC]

We're quite pleased with our relationship. We do get brought into a lot of accounts but no more than we bring their folks in on as well. You certainly need to know the right people in your area with whom to develop relationships. Your partner manager for starts, then the sales folks too - the more you bring them in on, the more they'll bring you in on too. Also, ICAMs can be great allies.

As far as the conference. The deadline draws near but on the website there is a link to sign up to sponsor a booth. You might also email giraffe@onthespotmarketing.com - they outsourced the details and this is the main contact working with us - her name is Ann.

Software is still shipped but it took a while, you can download it from the extranet however. You can apply on the site for a UID and PWD - there are innumerable tools and programs on the extranet - things like joint marketing funds which we've applied for and received, sales tools, promotional programs etc.. - just gaining access to that site might change your opinion about the value of the partnership. Feel free to contact me ccraig@crystaladvantage.com if you want to discuss further or have any other questions.

Good Luck!
Char

 

[crystalreporting]

Thanks - the partner extranet login doesn't work, even when we submit a 'lost password' request. I ended up looking through some old correspondence, and found a contact who has now put me onto the account manager for our region. Hopefully we can now get some things straightened out - thanks.

Peter Shirley

http://www.linkcorp.com

 

[synapsevampire]

Since the BO takeover things have been fast and loose in many respects, their website is good evidence.

The rumor mill is rife with frightening directions that may be taken, getting a contact there is critical, and please share with us anything you might think relevent.

-k