The VAR Guy

Looking to make a career move in the IT channel? Perhaps you should dial Lynn M. Bryant. An Arrow Electronics veteran, Bryant has joined Channel Sales Talent, an executive search firm that helps IT vendors to develop and execute channel sales staffing initiatives. Here are the details.

So, how can you find a great mentor? Some of the answers surfaced today at Cisco Partner Velocity in Paris, where entrepreneur Marc Lewis offered 10 rules for finding a great mentor. Alas, The VAR Guy only caught nine of the rules. Here they are:

Sure, the Federal Reserve Chairman recently said the recession is likely over.  But is the channel feeling the rebound?  How has the recession impacted channel hiring? Here are some clues from Cisco Systems.

Talk about getting burned on Barbecue Day. Insight Enterprises Inc., a well-known IT solutions provider, handed CEO and President Richard Fennessy a pink slip on Sept 7. Here’s the scoop.

The economy is turning for the better — but in many markets, ever so slowly.  I talked with a VAR a few days ago who is cutting his services rates by 25 percent for all work that can be completed by August 31, 2009. The VAR’s goal: To make certain his people stay busy through the summer. So a key question: Instead of cutting your rates  should you lay-off some staff to save money?

In-N-Out Burger is one of the most popular fast food chains on the US west coast. As a leader, what do you have in common with In-N-Out Burger zealots (a.k.a., their store managers)? You both have to manage employees effectively, retain top performers, and hold down costs while maintaining consistent quality. Here’s how to do so.

Cisco Systems is continuing its talent initiative to help VARs attract and develop talent, according to Celia Harper-Guerra, senior director for worldwide channels at Cisco. Here’s some background.