Microsoft had brought back an almost unbelievable offer for SBSC members. $1000 dollars to use for marketing that is simple to access and take advantage of. And you can use it for the HTS e-newsletter service as well as well as a number of other options. I wrote about that here last year when the funds were available.Microsoft Small Business Specialists (SBSCs) have access to rebate funds reserved for them and the timeline has been extended! SBSCs are eligible to receive up to $1,000 back on their marketing investments. Those funds are available for you to drive demand generation efforts through Ready-to-Go Marketing (includes Events, Campaigns, and various Marketing Services). We want to make it easy for you to grow your business.Don't wait: Those funds exclusive to SBSCs are valid until March 31, 2010 or until supplies last.* To get your reimbursement, submit your invoice at www.mspartnerdirect.com/rebate. Your special promotional code is: 'SBSC' (This CANNOT be used in conjunction with the 'LAUNCH' promotion code).Here's how to get started:1. Find a Ready-to-Go Marketing Service that's right for you here.2. Once you've received the invoice for the service, submit the rebate request here.3. You'll receive your rebate check in the mail within 4-6 weeks!If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Ready-to-Go Marketing Help Desk:Send an e-mail to a team member at rtgmktg@microsoft.com, or call toll-free at(866) 441-0237.If you are not an SBSC member, I have just 3 questions for you today:• Do you sell to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)?• Do you provide your SMB customers with Microsoft technologies and related services?• Do you want to differentiate yourself in your marketplace?If you answered Yes, have you considered joining the Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community, a group of 6,500 trusted technology advisors focused on selling to Small Business customers. Benefits of joining include access to exclusive marketing dollars, recognition from displaying the SBSC logo, support from an Online Technical Community, and increased exposure to partners and customers through the Microsoft Partner Finder and Solution Finder.As an SBSC Advisory Council member, let me tell you why I am part of this Community.The Microsoft SBSC program has been valuable in helping us differentiate our company in the markets we serve. We not only get a designation that sets us apart, but we also gain access to marketing and sales tools that help us drive business and reach out to prospects and customers. The SBSC program has been a valuable part of growing our business and our relationship with Microsoft.You too can become a Small Business Specialist in just 2 easy steps, as an Action Pack Subscriber:1. Take a Small Business Sales and Marketing Skills Assessment2. Pass one of five technical examsCurrently, Microsoft is offering a 100 percent off voucher applicable to exams70-653: TS: Windows Small Business Server 2008, Configuring and70-654: TS: Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Configuring.Alternatively, we are offering a 50 percent off exam voucher to complete the other three exams.Join the Community ButtonCall 877-254-6825 or send a message to msppexp@microsoft.com to pick up your voucher, and an expert agent will guide you through the sign-up process.Please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail message so I can help answer any questions you may have on the value that the Small Business Specialist designation adds to my business.
