1 The UC Summit Consultant FAQ's 1. Why a ... - UCStrategies.com
1 The UC Summit Consultant FAQ's 1. Why a ... - UCStrategies.com
1 The UC Summit Consultant FAQ's 1. Why a ... - UCStrategies.com
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>UC</strong> <strong>Summit</strong> <strong>Consultant</strong> FAQ’s<br />
<strong>1.</strong> <strong>Why</strong> a “<strong>UC</strong> SUMMIT”?<br />
As the team at <strong>UC</strong>Strategies.<strong>com</strong> talks and works with vendors, dealers/VARs<br />
(resellers) and independent consultants in our industry, it’s apparent that many<br />
people at all levels are still working to best understand and leverage the unified<br />
<strong>com</strong>munications opportunity – what it is, who the manufacturing leaders are, why<br />
customers will be buying it and how they can best stand to benefit from it. In the<br />
case of a consultant, a clearer understanding of the “who, why, what and how”<br />
can only improve your ability make strategic decisions both about your business<br />
direction and about how best to manage your customers in the future.<br />
Vendors looking to build their position in the <strong>UC</strong> world are regularly approaching<br />
consultants. This then is their opportunity to talk directly and more intimately with<br />
the thought leaders among consultants, to learn more about what you think and<br />
need to succeed along side them. In addition, we know that the<br />
consultant/reseller (Solutions Integrator) relationship is a critical one to making<br />
<strong>UC</strong> a success for customers. Hence, the <strong>UC</strong> <strong>Summit</strong> –a chance for all three<br />
groups to connect together.<br />
2. Who are the constituents for this event?<br />
<strong>UC</strong>Strategies is inviting a decision maker (President, Owner, General Manager,<br />
Sales Manager) from Solutions Integrator organizations that have been identified<br />
as currently offering “converged solutions” (VoIP) to their customers, as well as<br />
Solutions Integrators who have already started down the <strong>UC</strong> path.<br />
In addition, we are inviting a select number of consultants who have been<br />
identified as working with customers on converged and <strong>UC</strong> solutions. We<br />
believe it is important for Solutions Integrators and consultants to learn from and<br />
network with each other as well as the vendors who will be attending.<br />
Vendors will be limited to those who we believe are in a thought leadership role<br />
and collectively represent a cross section of the various products/applications<br />
that go into a “<strong>UC</strong> solution” (i.e. collaboration, presence, mobility, security, VoIP,<br />
network management, etc.). <strong>The</strong> <strong>com</strong>panies will represent the very largest in the<br />
industry as well as some exciting young <strong>com</strong>panies.<br />
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3. What is the overall value of this relatively unique format, which appears<br />
intense and fast-paced?<br />
As a business owner or executive, your time is very tight, so the format packs<br />
numerous opportunities and experiences into very full days and evenings – along<br />
with some time for fun and relaxation. Solutions Integrators tell us that they are<br />
looking for more effective means to network, gain a <strong>com</strong>petitive advantage, and<br />
build a stronger business. And consultants have told us that they don’t want to<br />
be sold to but rather educated. We have structured the event to address these<br />
issues. In addition, as former educators, we know that people can absorb more<br />
information when they are involved in a variety of activities at varying paces. For<br />
this reason, the agenda includes numerous activities – from roundtable and<br />
panel sessions to an exhibit hall to cocktail parties and dinners.<br />
4. What experiences will I have while attending this event?<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Summit</strong> format has been used very successfully in the past. In a relatively<br />
short period of time it gives you:<br />
• A rare opportunity to meet with and talk in depth to a number of high<br />
quality vendors and resellers over a period of 2.5 days<br />
• An even rarer opportunity to network with your peers to discuss best<br />
business practices as well as “what’s hot and what’s not”<br />
• An unusual opportunity for learning more about the industry from a<br />
number of industry experts – in a forum that offers dialog opportunities<br />
rather than just presentations<br />
• An appealing resort setting that facilitates networking and education<br />
experiences while still giving you some time to relax<br />
5. What is the general profile of the Solutions Integrator attendees at this<br />
event?<br />
• <strong>The</strong> attendees <strong>com</strong>e from both the traditional VAR <strong>com</strong>munity (about 60%<br />
of the attendees) and the tele<strong>com</strong> <strong>com</strong>munity (about 40%). What they<br />
share is a vision for their future and an understanding that “business as<br />
usual” is no longer the road to success.<br />
• Attendees are selected to offer a broad representation of market<br />
coverage. Some focus on large and enterprise markets; some on<br />
government, education, healthcare, etc.; and the majority focus on the<br />
small and medium market.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> annual revenue of the invited Solutions Integrators generally falls into<br />
the $25-50m range, with some Solutions Integrators doing considerably<br />
higher revenue overall and others, in building mode, doing less.<br />
6. What can I expect to take away from this event?<br />
It’s really pretty simple, but very significant!<br />
• Fresh business ideas, strategies, and tactics gained through the time<br />
spent networking with your peers – more best business practices!<br />
• <strong>The</strong> potential for a strong relationship with some new vendors, a stronger<br />
relationship with some of your existing vendors and a variety of new<br />
relationships with leading Solutions Integrators for you to depend on in the<br />
field.<br />
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• Vital information on the <strong>UC</strong> industry that will help you make key decisions<br />
about your business and that of your customers<br />
• An expanded industry network because we all know the importance of a<br />
strong network<br />
7. OK, I can see that this event would be important for my business overall,<br />
but travel and hotels can really add up!<br />
First, let’s be clear that Solutions Integrators and consultants are the guests of<br />
<strong>UC</strong>Strategies. <strong>The</strong> only expense that you will incur is for your travel. You will be<br />
staying at the beautiful, intimate Estancia Resort in the posh beach town of La<br />
Jolla, California. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Summit</strong> event takes over the entire resort. And if you’re<br />
wondering why we’re willing to pay most of your expenses, it’s because the<br />
vendors in this industry understand very well that one of their most significant<br />
challenges in unified <strong>com</strong>munications is the growth of a consultant <strong>com</strong>munity.<br />
8. I get it! Who do I contact about an invitation?<br />
Contact Pam Avila at 303-400-6383 or pavila@ucstrategies.<strong>com</strong>. It’s that simple!<br />
But don’t wait because this event has been kept relatively small to facilitate<br />
networking and relationship building. <strong>The</strong>re is space for only 40 <strong>Consultant</strong>s.<br />
See you at the <strong>UC</strong> <strong>Summit</strong>!<br />
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