Well after several years of being independent I'm faced with a career choice.
The fine channel partner that I've sub-contracted as an independent for several months has advised me that they are quickly approaching a point where Epicor is releasing new partner "rules of engagement" policies that will impact my future with them. And as a result I either have to stay as an independent and cease my relationship with them, or become a channel partner through Epicor and sub out to them as needed at Epicor's rates or join then as a perm employee.
The new policy that is about to be released will penalize channel partners that have independents working for them. The word is that they could be de-authorized or even become blacklisted. Essentially Epicor wants everyone to 'play by the same rules' - their rules; the policy that says every new or existing engagement must be ran through the RCM for approval.
Given my current business, I am privileged to say their are 4 of us that work 40-60 hours per week helping clients that found us. And in no circumstance did we solicit or go find/pursue away from Epicor or another partner; rather they came to me and I obliged the rules of making sure the client wasn't already doing contractual work for Epicor or another partner. Moreover, as perspective customers reach out to me, I always confirm that they aren't part of my new partners customer list and I also check with a previous partner for whom I did work for. In my case I've built a decent list of customers - they have been "earned" and are very happy w/ the results provided. Lastly, my active client list has grown 5 fold over the past 18 hours. The staff works very hard and we offer a cost effective rate. So the question becomes, when does this proposal become thought of as a monopoly? Why can't the customer scour the market and choose who they want to service their needs?
I understand too that new sales contracts will contain legalize that states if the customer chooses to select a non-authorized and approved vendor it could void their ERP software warranty! I ask you, is this a free market approach? Shouldn't the customer be able to shop and choose IT solutions that make sense for them? Many companies don't have large budgets and can't afford to pay the Epicor rates.
Independents:
1. How do you keep up with training since you can't access courses?
2. How do you keep your knowledge up-to-date with new releases if you don't have the sales image? Yeah 9.5 can be understood, but what about the 9.05.700 and up?
3. What will you do when 10 is released?
4. What value do you see as being "certified"? typically you can't be as an independent.
5. How do you balance engagements so that everyone is happy? a win win for you, your clients, Epicor and any partners that you may cross lines with?
Partners:
A. How are you able to satisfy the strong Epicor market skills that are currently required and still retain relationships with independents that soon could be jeopardized by what's being suggested?
Indeed the resume' of my business justifies a partnership application; however that surfaces even another set of questions and constraint concerns. How much would it cost? Would I have to change my rates?
My challenge at hand is complex and will impact me personally and the business I've built - regardless of the direction I choose. Yes, this is a strategic career path in front of me, the forks in the road are clearly laid out in front of me provoking thoughts and discourses.
Let me know your thoughts - there are a lot of wonderful and highly intelligent people on this list. Best list ever! I appreciate your input, comments and questions.
Cheers,
Jim
The fine channel partner that I've sub-contracted as an independent for several months has advised me that they are quickly approaching a point where Epicor is releasing new partner "rules of engagement" policies that will impact my future with them. And as a result I either have to stay as an independent and cease my relationship with them, or become a channel partner through Epicor and sub out to them as needed at Epicor's rates or join then as a perm employee.
The new policy that is about to be released will penalize channel partners that have independents working for them. The word is that they could be de-authorized or even become blacklisted. Essentially Epicor wants everyone to 'play by the same rules' - their rules; the policy that says every new or existing engagement must be ran through the RCM for approval.
Given my current business, I am privileged to say their are 4 of us that work 40-60 hours per week helping clients that found us. And in no circumstance did we solicit or go find/pursue away from Epicor or another partner; rather they came to me and I obliged the rules of making sure the client wasn't already doing contractual work for Epicor or another partner. Moreover, as perspective customers reach out to me, I always confirm that they aren't part of my new partners customer list and I also check with a previous partner for whom I did work for. In my case I've built a decent list of customers - they have been "earned" and are very happy w/ the results provided. Lastly, my active client list has grown 5 fold over the past 18 hours. The staff works very hard and we offer a cost effective rate. So the question becomes, when does this proposal become thought of as a monopoly? Why can't the customer scour the market and choose who they want to service their needs?
I understand too that new sales contracts will contain legalize that states if the customer chooses to select a non-authorized and approved vendor it could void their ERP software warranty! I ask you, is this a free market approach? Shouldn't the customer be able to shop and choose IT solutions that make sense for them? Many companies don't have large budgets and can't afford to pay the Epicor rates.
Independents:
1. How do you keep up with training since you can't access courses?
2. How do you keep your knowledge up-to-date with new releases if you don't have the sales image? Yeah 9.5 can be understood, but what about the 9.05.700 and up?
3. What will you do when 10 is released?
4. What value do you see as being "certified"? typically you can't be as an independent.
5. How do you balance engagements so that everyone is happy? a win win for you, your clients, Epicor and any partners that you may cross lines with?
Partners:
A. How are you able to satisfy the strong Epicor market skills that are currently required and still retain relationships with independents that soon could be jeopardized by what's being suggested?
Indeed the resume' of my business justifies a partnership application; however that surfaces even another set of questions and constraint concerns. How much would it cost? Would I have to change my rates?
My challenge at hand is complex and will impact me personally and the business I've built - regardless of the direction I choose. Yes, this is a strategic career path in front of me, the forks in the road are clearly laid out in front of me provoking thoughts and discourses.
Let me know your thoughts - there are a lot of wonderful and highly intelligent people on this list. Best list ever! I appreciate your input, comments and questions.
Cheers,
Jim