While this won’t have context for some of you that might read this blog, this week was the MVP Summit at Microsoft. I had the honor of hosting the last 4 summits and up until 2 months ago was responsible for this years summit as well. Even with my exit from Microsoft I was welcomed back to give an opening day keynote to 1700+ MVPs on Social Media and online communities. Awesome audience. I got to spend the week with the “gang” attending some sessions, evening events, hallway conversations and bottom line just reconnecting with amazing friends from all over the world. I owe the MVPs and my colleagues at Microsoft associated with the program an huge debt. These past years running this program have taught me an incredible amount about communities, about Microsoft, about business, about cultures…and more importantly about myself. What an inspiration – thanks for sharing your space again with me this year!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Safe travels home and I hope I see you again next year…I’m pretty sure I can get into the summit as a guest!!
Take care!
Updated: Local coverage of Steve Ballmer’s closing keynote: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/microsoft/2004357297_microsoft18.html
Canadian MVPs should be especially pleased with the photo on the front page of the Biz section:
And, if you are interested in developing an influencer program, you can’t ask for much better or accurate press characterization than this:
Real influencer programs that work long term have to embrace the “unabashedly critical” … if your “fans” are just fans, they really aren’t as influential in the long term.
Sean