5 ways you can get more from the Microsoft Partner Network

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This is one for your bookmarks.

It can be tricky to know where to get started with the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). It's full of resources - everything we think you'll need to train your employees, impress your customers, and boost your profits. With so much going on, we wanted to put together the ultimate place to start. This blog post is it.

Here, you'll find five ways you can get more from the MPN. And yes, it's probably more than you can read in a single session. But keep it handy - you never know when you might need a guide.

1. Get started or get a refresher.

Join Emma Oxley for the Microsoft Partner Network 101. In this 30-minute introduction, she covers the structure of the programme, what it takes to get on board, and some of the benefits of joining. This is a great place to start if you want to build your plan for moving to the next level.

And if you feel the same way about working together as we do, you'll want to watch this quick video from our Senior Director of Marketing, Kati Quigley. It'll give you a good idea of what we think goes into a successful partnership - so you know what you can expect from us when you join the MPN.

2. Know what the MPN can do for you.

You want to be up and running in the MPN as soon as you join. We want to help you make the most of being here. That's why we focus on three things: enabling you with training; encouraging you with incentives; and empowering you with support and resources. Click on any one of them to see what's in store.

3. If you're not sure, ask for help.

You're not alone. There are over 800 partner-centric experts around the world - ready to help you. I've written about them before. Take a look at this blog post to see how they fit into the partnership, and how they can help your business take off.

Or, if you'd rather get up to scratch at your own pace, there are plenty of support topics on the portal.

4. Don't be afraid to try something new.

A great business is never finished. There's always more to do and explore. That might mean finding a new area of expertise. Or doing more to increase profits and optimise operations. You might want to improve how you engage customers and market yourself. Or look inwards and give employees better training. You'll find the tools to do all of this in the links included here.

Try these cloud practice playbooks, for example. If you want to get more from your Azure practice, you'll want to give them a read. Inside, you'll find new ways to drive revenue, as well as the marketing strategies and lead-capturing tactics you'll need to get customers' attention, and tips on how the technical stuff works.

5. Make sure you stay in touch.

And we're always up for a chat. Make sure you join the UK Partner Zone in Microsoft Partner Communities where you can share your stories, get advice from other partners, and enjoy a little friendly competition. To stay up to date with the latest partner news, follow us on Twitter, too.