Dell launches small business blog targeted directly to the end customer

Posted By: Josh  Published in Sales Tags: , , , , ,

22

Apr

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Well folks, you have heard me say it a hundred times, here comes Dell into the small business managed services market. And what do I always say right after this, don’t fear them… they will spend the money you and I don’t have to educate the market on managed services and they you and I will provide the high touch service that they will not be able to.

Check out their blog when you have a second:

http://direct2dell.com/smallbusiness/default.aspx

I don’t know that any blog launched to date has as shamelessly promoted the writers agenda. Hold on folks, laptops are gaining ground with small businesses – I never would have guessed – and Dell has new cool laptops in their unbiased opinion – shocker there as well.

It is rumored that Dell will also be launching a blog focused on their channel partners as well but I have to say that this blog is just another step in Dell isolating the channel in an effort to sell direct.

Anyway enough of my ranting let me know what you think about Dell’s efforts to speak directly to your customers.

JC

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Lionel Menchaca Says, on 4-22-2008 at 16:38:17     

Josh: I understand where you’re coming from, but the reality is that we’re launching group blogs to enable more conversations.

Truth is, Direct2Dell has grown to a point where customers are asking us to get more detailed in certain areas of our business, and that includes small business, channel partners and others.

We are working on plans to share more information with channel partners. But, we’re not looking to marginalize those customers like you suggest. Our channel business will be a key element of our strategy moving forward.

We welcome more of your feedback here or on any of our blogs.

Sincerely,

Lionel Menchaca
Chief Blogger, Direct2Dell

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Josh Says, on 4-22-2008 at 20:32:07     

Hey Lionel,

thanks for weighing in. I don’t mean to be antagonistic (Mike can tell you I am that way by nature) but I am sure people are wondering how long we should wait for Dell to figure out their channel play while talking directly to our customers.

I work with 5 person IT shops all over the country that are running for cover as you all make your direct managed services push into the market. Procurement services are pitching their services as a way to insulate our customers from you, and the partners of the vendors you have acquired (Everdream, Silverback) are still wondering what their future holds, what do you say to this?

Why not launch your channel initiative first and then roll out your direct play?

JC

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APaxtonatDell Says, on 4-22-2008 at 21:39:40     

Josh, I know that you’ve been posting several questions around Dell’s partner program. I would be more than happy to continue this discussion with you, please feel free to email me at Amie_Paxton@Dell.com

Best,
Amie

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TrentD Says, on 4-22-2008 at 22:40:23     

Hey Josh,

Great post! Glad to see that you’re getting some attention. I couldn’t agree more with what you are saying. We’ve been huge Dell supporters for years and I’m now aggresively pushing my team towards HP because of the moves Dell has been making.

Trent

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Josh Says, on 4-23-2008 at 04:00:41     

Thanks Trent, I appreciate you weighing in. I think the sentiment across the country (and in Canada in your case) is exactly what you have expressed.

Amie, I am open to speaking anytime and will email you.

JC

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APaxtonatDell Says, on 4-23-2008 at 17:48:10     

TrentD, I’d like to hear more regarding your company and your suggestions for Dell. Feel free to email at the above.

Best,
Amie

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Mike Says, on 4-23-2008 at 19:17:35     

Leave it to Josh to start trouble! In all seriousness, we would welcome a guest post from Dell to clarify their position on how the channel will benefit from the work Dell plans on doing in managed services.

As Josh and Trent both suggest, it’s all a little fuzzy to us right as to how the channel could benefit.

I can tell you that Everon was directly responsible for over $1m in Dell purchases last year, so we haven’t exactly been stearing customers clear of Dell. That being said, many in our industry think we are sleeping with the enemy.

Amie and Lionel…please let us know if you or someone else at Dell would be willing to clarfiy.

Mike Cooch
CEO
Everon Technology Services
SMBITPros.com

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APaxtonatDell Says, on 5-1-2008 at 20:16:55     

Mike,

Thank you for your business over the years, I am interested in knowing more about your experience and your suggestions for our PartnerDirect program.

In regards to this conversation, I hear your concern about our position and would welcome the opportunity to guest blog. I have been in contact with Josh and l am looking forward to coordinating this effort.

Thank you,
Amie

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