Future View

To sum it up: I am considering shutting down the Own Web Now Partner program. If you’re interested, intrigued or insulted please read on.

I am writing this blog post 30,000 ft in the air, on my way to one of the last conferences Own Web Now will sponsor this year. Over the past year and several dozen conferences we’ve sponsored and attended it has become quite clear to me that the channel has changed. The thriving community that once was has disappeared. The dynamics of the marketplace, the commission structures, the profit margins and relationships between the highly successful people going forward are not what they were in the past.

We had an incredible year, one that still shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Year over year we’re in the triple digit growth percentage and our profitability has moved up a few points as well.

But the future is not so bright because the value of technology on the mass scale is being driven down to nothing. What I’m suggesting is that the job you hold right now either already is or soon will be done for free by entry level personnel. If you doubt that, consider the carnage at all levels of technology, from the mighty Microsoft to the regional Circuit City to the plethora of computer consultants who have had to fold up their tail and find a job.

If you are still reading and have not closed the window in disgust and despair, there is still hope for you…

… because you likely poses the insight into the market and your clients technology demands and where your profitability rests in the future. Yes, if you’re indiscriminant to the amount of money and respect you receive, you will undoubtedly be able to continue what you’re doing right now as either a nice retirement gig, hobby or a professional distraction.

But if you’re able to see the opportunity technical advisors have in the coming world of software for nothing and hardware for free, the opportunities to create solutions are immense. It will take some uncomfortable attitude adjustments, it will take some rather humble steps, it will take a significant amount of effort to transition.

To what is an interesting question and one I will explain through series of blog posts throughout the 2009/2010 Vladville season. After all, we all beat our own path. One thing I want to make clear right now is that the responsibility of OWN and OWN Partner Programs is changing (as of a few weeks ago). Our focus will now go beyond the perks and tools, beyond the best products and best pricing, and transition into helping our partners move to the next level we need to be at.

Because, frankly… dear friends, partners, clients and employees… the innovation in our industry has made our current expertise obsolete. And with the rainbow of Ferrari’s incomplete, expect me to be the hardest working one of all to help move our partner base to that next level.