The added value of optimal cooperation

 Advisory report on Microsoft partnership 

‘I was incredibly grateful and happy when I heard that I could join The Connection. I learnt a lot during this programme. I was able to develop myself tremendously personally and I found out where my strengths and ambitions lie. During this programme, you work together a lot with colleagues from other Conclusion companies, which expands your network considerably and broadens your knowledge about Conclusion. And you get the chance to actually contribute to improving Conclusion.’

‘During the talent development programme, I and my group wrote an advisory report on how Conclusion could improve its partnership with Microsoft. We started talking to the Conclusion companies that provide services for Microsoft Solutions to see where the needs were. We also visited Microsoft. Here we looked together at the current situation, the desired situation and where there were opportunities. Our final advice was to get more out of the partnership because we saw many advantages for both Conclusion, Microsoft and our clients. We also recommended writing a business case to justify the central organisation.’     

A new role within Conclusion

‘The report was enormously well received. Then the question arose from the management: ‘Who wants to make a business case of this and look into it further?’ I felt immediately addressed. In consultation with my group, I stepped forward. I like challenges, especially when they are accompanied by opportunities and create added value. I wrote the business case in which in advised that there needed to be a new role within Conclusion to make this a success: the role of Alliance Manager Microsoft.’

Bottom-up

‘Since a few weeks, I have been filling this role myself. As this is a new role, I do have to invent the wheel a bit. That requires self-reliance. I really enjoy convincing people of the added value and bringing them into a story. Bottom-up, rather than top-down. During The Connection, I also learned that these are my strengths and that this is what I enjoy doing most. That's why I think this position is for me.‘’

Added value 

‘At the core, I am responsible for maintaining the partnership between Microsoft and the Conclusion companies. I try to increase the added value of the partnership with Microsoft with all stakeholders. How? By relationship management, promoting cooperation and by organising events or other activities where we share knowledge. In doing so, I make sure that the right people from Conclusion are linked to the right people from Microsoft.’

‘I also regularly go out with or to one of the Conclusion companies to see together where we can find added value and how we can improve cooperation. Recently, we had a session with Conclusion Intelligence as well as with Microsoft's Data & AI solution experts. We increased our knowledge and looked together at our plans and vision for the coming year, as well as those of Microsoft. This helps us to improve the cooperation between Microsoft and Conclusion.’

Promising start

‘I have only just started as Alliance Manager Microsoft, but I already have an action list that says ‘you’! That's a good sign. Since it became known that I am in this role, I regularly get invitations for a cup of coffee. Everyone sees opportunities from the partnership. There are huge gains to be made and great opportunities. Fostering this partnership delivers a lot. It allows us to deliver the best service to our customers.’

‘The best thing about my job? Organising things so that the benefits of cooperation are maximised and both Microsoft and Conclusion are satisfied. That's what I get energy from and what suits me. I also learned that during The Connection programme, that I am very people-oriented. I like challenges, helping people, organising and solving problems.’