Written by Mike Bernaiche, August 10th, 2023
In a world where big names often dominate the business landscape, boutique IBM reselling firms offer a refreshing and highly effective alternative. A boutique firm like Lodestar Solutions may be smaller in size, but its uniqueness lies in its personalized approach and specialized expertise. We believe our boutique size and laser focus on IBM analytic solutions is a key to why Lodestar Solutions has been so successful in implementing IBM analytics solutions and elevating clients’ soft skills for over 19 years.
Lodestar Solutions - Offering a Better Way with Analytics
As a boutique IBM gold partner, Lodestar Solutions is often asked, why should we work with you for our IBM analytics needs? Wouldn’t we be better off working with a large firm or IBM directly? Today we will share the 6 myths that you may believe when checking out a boutique firm and the reasons why you should embrace a boutique partner like Lodestar Solutions for your IBM Analytics software, support, training, and consulting needs.
Myth 1: It Costs More to Buy from a Boutique IBM Reseller Instead of a Big Firm
Choosing a boutique IBM reseller like Lodestar Solutions does not incur higher costs compared to larger firms. Our boutique approach offers competitive pricing, and we prioritize empowering your team with self-sufficiency. We embrace the 'teach a man to fish' principle by educating your team, and additionally, we provide exclusive benefits such as quarterly client-only virtual user groups and membership in our Analytic Success Klub (ASK). This commitment translates to substantial cost savings for our clients.
Learn more about our Analytic Success Klub which is free to Lodestar Solutions’ clients.
Myth 2: Working with Our Existing IBM Partner is Better for Us
Exploring new partnerships, such as collaborating with Lodestar Solutions, can bring significant advantages to clients. Our objective is not to replace your current partner, but rather to enhance their services with our distinct offerings. For instance, some partners might overlook discussions about new licensing options during support renewals, or they might not ensure seamless system upgrades to prevent audit issues. At Lodestar Solutions, we prioritize your success. Our commitment to excellence means we can seamlessly complement the services provided by your existing partner, ensuring a comprehensive and proactive approach to your needs.
Myth 3: I am Better off Working Directly with IBM
Choosing to partner with a boutique firm like Lodestar Solutions offers distinct advantages over a direct engagement with IBM. Our collaboration with IBM remains strong, ensuring that you don't sever your connection with the company. In fact, our close relationship empowers us to deliver exceptional support, harnessing the combined strengths of both direct IBM resources and our specialized assistance. Surprisingly, IBM's business model encourages midmarket companies to work with Partners, not directly with IBM.
Clients cherish working with Lodestar because of the stability we offer; our staff turnover and account transitions are notably lower than those experienced with IBM. Some clients have been with us for an impressive 19 years. Unlike the vast expanse of IBM, where each client interacts with multiple representatives for different aspects – be it software sales, renewals, or services – Lodestar Solutions provides comprehensive expertise solely in IBM Analytic Solutions. Our team is well-versed in support renewals, upgrades, training options, software consulting, and more.
While our core focus is on IBM Analytics, we extend beyond by offering programs to develop the essential soft skills vital for success in analytic solutions. Our exclusive initiatives include the Analytics Success Klub, Requirements Discovery Workshops, Internal Demoing skills, and the highly sought-after Software Upgrade Bundles. Partnering with Lodestar Solutions ensures not only specialized support but also a comprehensive approach to enhancing your analytic journey.
Myth 4: I Will Not Have Good Enough Service Coverage from the Boutique
Collaborating with a boutique firm like Lodestar Solutions opens the door to a wealth of resources, ensuring you benefit from the most comprehensive coverage possible. Despite our compact size, our access to top-tier resources is vast. Lodestar has forged strategic partnerships with fellow boutique IBM Analytic implementers across the globe. Unlike merely assigning available personnel to your project, we prioritize a deep understanding of your business, objectives, and timelines. This approach enables us to match you with the absolute best resource available, often consultants with profound industry insights to expedite your success.
Our commitment extends to addressing every facet of your IBM Analytics needs, guaranteeing meticulous and dedicated support. We recognize that each client's situation is distinct, and our services are meticulously tailored to accommodate your unique requirements. Designed to evolve alongside your growth, our services cater to entities of all sizes, be it a small business or a large enterprise. Our adaptive methodology ensures consistent, personalized attention and unwavering support quality.
The advantage of our boutique scale becomes evident in our responsiveness. Our expert team is at your immediate disposal, translating to prompter response times and swift solutions to any challenges that arise. Typically, our response time falls within 24-48 hours, often even quicker. Partnering with Lodestar Solutions equips you with a powerhouse of expertise and a rapid, tailored approach that prioritizes your success.
Myth 5: A Boutique IBM Reseller’s Resources Aren’t As Good
Boutique firms like Lodestar Solutions often stand out with superior resources compared to larger entities. Our certified professionals possess profound expertise in IBM Analytics, having undergone the same rigorous certification courses and exams as IBM itself. The key difference lies in the extensive experience many of our resources bring – often spanning over 20 years with IBM Analytics solutions.
Lodestar's mission, to 'Elevate Analytics and the People that Deliver them,' is at the core of our approach. Beyond educating your team on IBM Analytics solutions, we go a step further by enhancing your team's soft skills. Our commitment goes beyond simply placing an available individual on your project; we form a partnership to comprehensively understand your needs. Then, we strategically assign the ideal resource based on their knowledge, experience, and personality, ensuring a harmonious fit that maximizes project success."
Myth 6: Changing Partners is Scary & Painful
Making the move to partner with Lodestar Solutions doesn't have to be a source of worry or stress. We understand that change can be unsettling, but our dedicated team is here to guide you through the transition process seamlessly. Whether you're considering enhancing your current partnership or seeking a new one, we prioritize a smooth changeover that minimizes disruptions to your operations.
In light of recent shifts in the IBM partner landscape, many firms are adjusting their focus. However, at Lodestar Solutions, our unwavering dedication remains with IBM Analytics and the people who drive its success. Our unique focus and commitment provide us with direct access to IBM executives and top-tier talent.
Reach out to us today to start a conversation about your challenges. Let's explore how we can collaborate to deliver swifter and more cost-effective analytics solutions, all while ensuring a stress-free transition process.
Additional Benefits:
In addition to our core services, our extras, such as quarterly user group meetings, ASK training, and license review, offer unique opportunities for skill-building, networking, and ensuring compliance. These benefits directly contribute to your long-term success. We firmly believe that in the analytic world, it is people, processes, and tools – in that order! Our unique programs level up people, and improve processes, resulting in better end-user adoption of tools and happier, better-equipped employees that bring success to your organization.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the journey with a boutique partner, exemplified by Lodestar Solutions, unfolds as an expedition into a world of unparalleled advantages. Our distinct methods, customized solutions, and attentive care cultivate an environment ripe for achievement. If you're in pursuit of a partnership that harmonizes expertise, innovation, and an authentic dedication to your triumph, I urge you to contemplate the transformative journey with Lodestar Solutions. Together, we stand poised to chart a course toward excellence, scaling remarkable summits in the realm of analytics. Don't hesitate to connect with us at services@lodestarsolutions.com or sales@lodestarsolutions.com, and let's embark on this enriching adventure together.
Below are a few of our recently written blogs and demos for you to check out.
Unleashing Analytic Leaders - A Recap of Lodestar Solutions' Business Analytic Success Bootcamp