Proof is in the pudding…
So it’s just over two weeks to go until the Microsoft World Wide Partner Conference in Boston and I’m busy preparing the presentation I’m hosting with Tom Crosbie and Mark Taylor for the Small Business Symposium on July 10th. Part of my piece will focus on the world wide community and in the process of preparing I have thrown a few emails out to my friends to ask them what their views our ‘world’ is. The response has been positive and pleasing that it’s not just the well-known few that enthuse about it. Here are a few that I may/ may not be able to squeeze in on the slides but I wanted to share with you:
“Three years ago I was a lone SBS network administrator, and I had never even *met* another SBS user. Since then I’ve started a local user group, written case studies, done a proof-of-concept with Microsoft, traveled throughout the US meeting with other SBS users and groups, been a presenter at live Microsoft events, hosted Microsoft webcasts, met the people in person who designed and support SBS, helped start user groups in other cities and countries, and I even co-authored an SBS book. That’s the kind of difference the community can make in your life and in your business”
“Over the last 12 months, we have found the community grow in the UK and believe the information and support that is available helps to benefit all parties involved, SMB Companies, clients, End Users and visibility of the great Microsoft Products out there.”
Keith Bucknall | Promo-IT (UK)
“We have met like-minded individuals by being part of the community, and this has allowed us to share a wealth of information and ideas. One of the biggest advantages we’ve seen is the ability for individuals to team up with others in order to provide extra cover and resources to their clients. We’re currently assisting a few individual SBSers in this regard, and it means they can take a holiday without worrying that their clients are going to call them when they’re sunning themselves on a beach somewhere….”
Vin Jauhal |Wem & Co Computer Solutions Ltd (UK)
“SBS is a better integrated product because of how it’s parts ‘talk to each other’ and the Community of SBS is no different.”
Talking of Susan, you can find a video of her shouting about the community from a recording taken at TechEd this month. The video discusses the value of an MVP to the community and how you can be part of the bigger picture now! One of the key points that I will be taking away from it for my presentation will be ‘paying it forward’ in order to encourage community growth. Vlad’s opinion may slightly disagree at times to this view but I know that both would agree with me when I say that you are more likely to share with those who you know who will give back.
I never been technically adept like Susan or Vlad and never will be. However, they both help me because they know I try and do my best in other capacities. These capacities include evangelising about something they are also passionate about: our world wide small business specialist community. One of the biggest things I have found in preparing for my presentation is the positive attitude my community friends have shown me and many have gone beyond just helping me with just a one liner. I have had a lot of positive support for my role as ambassador for the community at the WWPC and I hope that I do their efforts justice. Expect to see more examples of the community in action in our presentation and we’re bringing a truely global feel to what is going to be an exciting few days (including some more video!)
My thanks to all of those who have helped me in my efforts and I hope to be able to transform your help into an exciting presentation.