Resellers given a chance to shine

Anyone can claim to be the best, but proving it is difficult. For that reason, sales and marketing individuals and teams at UK-based resellers are invited to enter the first-ever CRN Sales and Marketing Awards (SMAs) this year. For the first time, an awards ceremony will spot-light the sales and marketing professionals who act as a pivotal point in most, if not all, successful resellers.

Entries are being taken online, and according to CRN editor Sara Yirrell, they are already coming in from a range of resellers and other technology providers. “Get your entries in as soon as you can,” she says. “While we do not wish to exclude anybody without fair reason, and we obviously want to be certain that the very best in every category have their chance at an award, for practical purposes we have to enforce a rigid deadline. All entries must be received by us no later than Friday 30 March at 5pm.”

Yirrell expects that the SMAs will offer a range of sometimes unsung professionals a chance to shine above the rest, and even above the company that was foresighted enough to hire them.

“Sales skills and marketing knowledge are often poorly understood by the rank and file, but they are critical to business success in today’s tightly fought, fiercely competitive business world,” adds Yirrell. “And without the superlative sales and marketing expertise present in UK resellers, vendors would falter and distribution fall.”

Take care

Those entering the reseller categories should take care to outline what they have done to stand out from the crowd. Look at the entire value chain, and where you fit into it. Ask yourself how much value, and of what kind, are you contributing to your employer’s business, and what sort of assistance you offer to the vendor partners. Don’t forget to look at the scenario from the other end as well: remember to describe the value on offer to the end customers of your employer.

“Give as broad a picture of the individual or team you are describing as possible,” says Yirrell.

Choose your category carefully. If entering multiple categories, tailor your entry in each case, for each category you enter. Duplicated entries could see your submission ejected from the shortlist.

If you do not have time to enter each category separately, it may be better simply to choose the category in which you feel you have the best chance, and concentrate your energies on that. And remember to include as many supporting facts and figures as you can; rest assured these competitive details will remain confidential.

Winners will be announced at a slap-up ceremony on 21 June at the five-star Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, west London.

For more information, contact Louise Forder on 020 7004 7435 or [email protected].