Welcome to the “Biz Apps Partner Podcast,” a weekly video series designed to decentralize intelligence about how partners can scale their Microsoft practice by having short, to the point discussions with Microsoft leaders in product, engineering, marketing, partner management, programs, and more.
In episode 32, John Siefert welcomes Adriana Bade, Partner Marketing Director, Microsoft. The two discuss the purpose of the Biz Apps Partner Digital Summit and give an overview of each of the five modules, running throughout Q1 of 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Event overview: Co-created between Dynamic Communities and Microsoft, the Biz Apps Partner Digital Summit, running Q1 of 2025, features five modules running from mid-January to the end of February. Bade explains that the team is thrilled to replicate the success the team saw in San Antonio at the Biz Apps Partner Marketing Workshop, by creating a free digital summit with five modules, starting with detailed content and moving on to best practices and real-world examples. This initiative will allow the team to reach a larger group of partners, share Microsoft’s programs and benefits, and help accelerate partners’ business and pipeline.
- Module 1 overview: The first module, “Partner Solutions Designations,” starts on January 23 at 12 PM EST. Sanju Nair will explain how to achieve solutions designation for your practice, and Ben Vollmer will discuss how RSM’s partner solution designations and specializations have helped scale their practice through co-selling and funded engagements. This module is a great start to the series, as it covers requirements, benefits, and how to unlock opportunities like accessing funding for engagements, explains Bade.
- Module 2 overview: The next module, running January 30 at 12 PM EST, is led by Bade, Landon Boogaard, Addie Rodman, and Dalia Grinberg Silverstain. Module 2 will focus on creating funded engagements and their impact on partner businesses. This module will cover how to stack engagements, meet requirements, and ensure timely payment from Microsoft. Partners like Boogaard have seen significant benefits, such as a 147% increase in deal size, by stacking up to four funded engagements per tenant ID, which can result in substantial financial returns.
- Module 3 overview: The third module, “The Co-Sell Opportunity,” running February 6 will focus on co-sell opportunities, featuring a round table discussion with experts like Eric Fink, Ross Ladwig, and Robb Greg from the SMC side. Partners from Prentice Worx, Armanino, and Stoneridge Software will share their experiences in driving co-sell opportunities, while Clint Will, the Partner Development Manager at Microsoft, will lead the discussion to unpack the nuances of these opportunities. Bade notes that addressing this module will address the key question of how partners can get in front of Microsoft sellers.
- Module 4 overview: Module 4 will focus on ISV partners, with Jerry Weber leading a panel discussion on leveraging AI and Copilot to drive ISV success programs. This module will provide insights into how ISVs can enhance their practices and businesses using these technologies. More specifically, this module will cover best practices for selling on AppSource and provide resources from an ISV perspective, with dedicated tracks for ISVs, SIs, and general topics.
- Module 5 overview: The fifth module, running February 20, will focus on ISV best practices for scale, led by Natalie Soliski and a panel of top-tier ISVs. They will discuss and define best practices for creating Microsoft relationships, scaling customer opportunities, and building partner relationships to impress customers.
- Digital event purpose: As mentioned, this entire digital summit is completely free, designed to demystify Microsoft’s sophisticated partner initiatives and help scale practices, whether you’re an ISV, SI, or consultant; the goal is to dazzle customers by leveraging each module for your organization. Register today.
Stream the audio version of this episode here:
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