Why Wasn’t I Successful? MAPA Submission recommendations

Microsoft Australia Partner Awards 2013

The Microsoft Australia Partner Awards 2013

Microsoft Australia Partner Awards 2013

2013 Microsoft AustrAliA PArtner AwArds – why wAsn’t i successful?Thank you for entering the 2013 Microsoft Australia Partner Awards. Finalists have been announced on the APC Website. For those of you that were not named a finalist, we have created some hints and tips for next year on how to create a successful nomination.

read the question once, then read it againMany partners provided great answers however unfortunately they did not answer the question that was asked, so it was hard to give the answer the credit it deserved. So make sure you read the question and answer the question being asked.

use a common example throughout Your entry should read like a story, take the judge on a journey with you. Successful partners used a common solution or customer win throughout their entire entry. This not only helps the flow of the entry but clearly re-emphasises the solution time and time again.

Metrics, Metrics, MetricsAgain, it seems like a basic point. However many partners did not quantify their answers by providing tangible metrics. Wherever possible, back your answer up with a metric that supports your case, such as:

• Return on Investment (ROI)

• Customer time/ money saved

• Customer problem solved

• Seats deployed/ licenses sold

less is often more Award entries are not judged on volume! Don’t fall into the trap of writing more to impress the judges. Keep your answer clear and concise: get to the point, demonstrate how you helped the customer by utilising Microsoft technology, submissions should be on the latest technology not versions of the technology now out dated.

A link to your website is not the answerSome answers ask for supporting evidence of customer wins, case studies. Resist the temptation to copy and paste as many links to your case studies, testimonials and press quotes. Use links to support your answer – these links should not be your answer!

Partners that were successful chose 1 or 2 customer examples, wrote about them and illustrated how they used Microsoft technology to solve a customer pain point or win a deal. Any case studies were referenced in support of their answer and not the answer.

remember these are judged by people just like you and meIf a book is compelling, it will be read and you will not want to put it down. This is the same for award entries. The judges want to read a compelling entry. Therefore think about your style and tone, make the judge want to read all the way to the end of your entry (take them on a journey). You don’t have long to impress the judges.

show that you want it!Show that you really want to win. Don’t come across that you are just entering because you thought you should, or that your boss made you. Speak with confidence – demonstrate your passion for Microsoft technology and for your business and most importantly for the customer. Don’t go through the motions and “just” answer the questions. Think about each of your answers carefully, get advice from other team members.

remember these are the Microsoft Partner of the year AwardsKeep in mind that you are entering the Microsoft Australia Partner Awards. Don’t go overboard with the niceties however remember to showcase how Microsoft technology helped you to be successful.

why wasn’t i successful?