Lotusphere 2011 as a partner (part 2 of 7) #ls11
Tags :Lotusphere ls11 bp business partner
While this posting is based on my own experience as an IBM and Lotus partner, it is also built from many conversations I had with other partners before, during and after Lotusphere 2011.
Business Partner
Each year we strain to maintain specific partner levels with IBM/Lotus for benefits, visibility and partnering capabilities. Lotusphere is a place to meet old, make new and discover alternate contacts in the Lotus world. I look forward to this part of my week as a partner.
I start early, participating in the Lotus Awards (as long as you maintain some specific level of partnership which eliminates many smaller partners with incredible solutions). We are a 3 time Lotus Award winner and a six time finalist. We enjoy showcasing our hard work. Recently, it seems the categories are being tuned by a predetermined solution. It is what it is. We celebrate every one of the partners that win each year and hope all get a chance to show us what you have done.
We then head to the event, anxious to see the new launches, future plans and provide our own input. The opening session lays the groundwork. My team sat a bit stunned. In our post conference meeting the comments were that the push and future message could have been done in 20-30 minutes. Then on to demos across the product lines. Wrap up a section with a panel or commentary. But five minute sneak peeks would have driven them to more sessions on those topics, anxious to see more.
Social Business was driven into our heads. We got it. We want to get certified and carry the mark. We already have a huge leap on some of the areas. We can host any and all parts of what the product line offers. Yes, including analytics. We understand and manage many of the tools in the Web 2.0 world, expanding the Lotus offerings more. Let us in now, no need to wait. We are ready and have open arms.
Backing up to Business Development Day, they were overly happy with the message. While most headed to jumpstarts, with all of the technical information found there, a few sessions brought them back to BDD.
During the week was nothing but good news. Excellent technical sessions. Some good overviews from IBM in the INV track and deep down skill in show and tell. A winner from IBM for Lotusphere 2011.
The exhibitor floor was a bit of a surprise to a couple. partners we worked with before had moved on, new ones slightly took their place. The buzz and energy was there in waves. But the lack of the sheer numbers was apparent. The business development team went off to make new relatonships. we will know more about that in later months.
Exploring and expanding new relationships is a key component. Whether it be with a new prospect or any size existing customer. Relationships with IBM are a major part as well. We are all one ecosystem while there. We hope to continue to see growth in attendance again and expansion of partners wanting to work with the drive into Social Business.
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Two tracks of technical sessions, presented live. IdoSphere is bringing some of the top and new names straight to your desktop.
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See the other postings:
- Lotusphere 2011 as a C-level Executive (part 1 of 7)
- Lotusphere 2011 as a Business Partner (part 2 of 7)
- Lotusphere 2011 as a first time attendee (part 3 of 7)
- Lotusphere 2011 as an exhibitor (part 4 of 7)
- Lotusphere 2011 as a speaker (part 5 of 7)
- Lotusphere 2011 as an analyst (part 6 of 7)
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On Tuesday, February 8th, 2011 by Chris Miller
