3 Steps to Microsoft MVP!

“Be an expert, do lots of what you love, and let us know!” – Microsoft MVP site “What is takes to be an MVP”

A decade ago becoming a Microsoft MVP could be confusing.  While there were activities you could do there wasn’t a prescriptive way to become an MVP.  It actually seemed like wanting to be one would automatically disqualify you.  That is definitely not the case and it’s never been more accessible as the Microsoft MVP program has grown to over 2000 MVPs globally across dozens of technologies.

MVP award is something to aspire to.  It’s ok to ask other MVPs what activities they are involved in and how to be one.  In fact the Microsoft site http://mvp.microsoft.com has an entire section on how to become an MVP.  What it takes to be an MVP…

1. Be an Expert – 10,000 hours is all it takes to become an an expert. Put in the time.  Learn the products and help your company or customers, and share what you learn.  Learn to love it if you don’t.  It will be much easier to share your passion and love for technology if your passion is your job.
2. Get involved in the Community: Get involved in the community and do the things that you like doing best on this activity list and more. If you’re doing all this just to become an MVP you’re missing the point.  The MVP is an award that recognizes people for their contribution.  You should enjoy doing the activities you’re doing whether you are recognized or not.  These activities will benefit your career both ways and have a lot of satisfaction in doing them as you are helping others.
   1. Contributing code to Projects: Github, Community and Opensource projects
   2. In person speaking: Microsoft, Third party, and community Events and user groups!
   3. Helping others: Forums, Twitter, wikis, MSDN/Technet
   4. Creating Content: Blogs, books, videos, webinars, teaching and instruction
   5. Providing Feedback: Early access TAP programs, reporting bugs, User Voice, and connecting with Microsoft experts at the events like SPC, Ignite, Inspire and many more…

3. Get Nominated by an MVP and Submit Your Nomination: A nomination referral must be first submitted on your behalf by either a Microsoft Full Time Employee (FTE) or Microsoft MVP. (Even if you can have someone else do it, this is the preferred method.) Many aren’t aware of this part in the process. Once you’ve spent a good year doing the community activities that would qualify someone to be an MVP you should approach an MVP and ask to be considered an MVP which ultimately means asking an MVP if they would consider nominating you.

   A very important part of the nomination is making sure to keep your data up to date.  You should put in the whole entire year of activities, and then keep it up to date.  That’s key.  The nomination is an active process that is ongoing after you click submit, it is not the end.  It may be months before someone looks at the nomination and keeping the data accurate and up to date is very valuable.

Bonus TIP get to know your MVP Lead and the MVPs in your region and don’t stop there: There are different MVP leads in different parts of the world.  Asking an MVP in your region will help you get to know who the person is.  They play an important part of verifying your efforts in approving and submitting the nomination to Microsoft.  It’s not unusual to get a request from the MVP lead to send a list of MVPs or MS employees who could vouch for you.  Who are these people and how is your relationship with them?  Continue to work on your relationship

Don’t Give Up We Believe in You, I Believe in You!

If you ever feel like you’re not getting anywhere and just want to talk.  Please reach out on social media.  I understand that feeling and am happy to coach anyone who sincerely wants to help the community and get more involved.  I’m happy to help you get more connected with the other MVPs and RDs in your area.  You may think you’re off the radar or off the map, but really there is no place on the planet that is off the radar.  Let’s connect.

Read more about the MVP Program and Regional Director program at:

https://mvp.microsoft.com/

https://rd.microsoft.com