Microsoft and CompUSA Launch Program to Expand Growth Opportunities for Small-Business Specialists

Many of you have been following the follow-up posts as well as the webcasts we have done around the then pending announcement of an exciting partnership opportunity for our Small Business Specialists in the Retail Channel. As I mentioned several times over the last month, today was the target for having the release of the information regarding this partnership opportunity for Small Business Specialists with the Retail channel. Here is the context of today’s PressPass:

Technology partners receive greater access to training, sales referrals and long-term customer relationships through new program.

REDMOND, Wash. — March 12, 2007 — As part of an ongoing commitment to local small-business communities and the technology partners that serve them, Microsoft Corp. and CompUSA are working together to offer additional benefits for the Microsoft® Small Business Specialist Community through a unique referral program. Today the companies announced the CompUSA TechPro Business Providers program, which directs small-business sales referrals from the retail space to the Small Business Specialist Community, helping to increase visibility in the market, strengthen customer relationships and drive revenue. People interested in participating can visit the Microsoft Partner Portal for Small Business Specialists at https://partner.microsoft.com/us/techpro to learn more.

The CompUSA TechPro Business Providers program connects small-business customers who visit CompUSA stores with qualified Small Business Specialists, technology partners that have demonstrated expertise in marketing, selling, planning and building technology solutions for small businesses. Through this program, Microsoft and CompUSA provide Small Business Specialists with additional resources and skills to further address the needs of small businesses and provide an extra level of customer service that differentiates them from competitors.

Cindy Bates, general manager for U.S. Small Business at Microsoft, said that the CompUSA TechPro Business Providers program should be mutually beneficial for everyone involved. “Small businesses can be confident in the know-how and level of attention they’ll receive from the local partner they’re working with, while participating specialists will benefit from the strengthened customer relationships and business growth that comes from working with Microsoft and CompUSA,” Bates said.

In addition to the competencies offered by Microsoft through involvement in the Small Business Specialist Community, participants in the CompUSA TechPro Business Providers program will receive a variety of training resources designed to help them improve their business skills. Microsoft and CompUSA will work closely with participants to keep them informed of the latest promotions, help them meet business development goals, and provide prescreened business engagements based on the partner’s size, skill level and area of expertise. Arguably the most important aspect will be an increased ability for the Small Business Specialist Community to continue to build valuable relationships with existing customers and to grow its pipeline through new, substantial business referrals provided by CompUSA.

“With a 97 percent technology services satisfaction rating, CompUSA has a strong record of providing top-notch customer service,” said Carin Falconer, vice president of technology services at CompUSA. “By collaborating with Microsoft, this program enables CompUSA to expand our small-business offerings and provide our customers with the most innovative solutions at competitive prices.”

More Information

Additional details on the CompUSA TechPro Business Providers program are available at the Microsoft Partner Portal for Small Business Specialists at https://partner.microsoft.com/us/techpro.

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman
Microsoft US Senior Manager
Small Business Community Engagement
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights