July 1st was the notification day for all Microsoft MVPs. Microsoft changed it a couple of cycles back to be all on the same day helping all candidates to come to a single emotional day. I received my notification early that morning and found that I was awarded the MVP again for the 2020-2021 cycle. This is my 7th award overall. I know, I know. It has been over a month since I found out. I had some technical issues to work out with migrating my blog to a new hosting provider (it was a good move).
I am humbled to be among so many great professionals and honored at the same time for having been chosen. Are you curious about this MVP thing? Well, its sorta like being named MVP for a sports league while at the same time a little bit different. Here is what Microsoft has to say about the MVP. I personally think you may get more out of reading about the MVP here (a little bias might be involved).
This is a community award for your efforts to promote and help others work with Microsoft products. I was awarded for my efforts in the Data Platform. Many others receive the award for their efforts in Enterprise Mobility, Powershell, or Cloud (as examples). Generally, the people that are awarded are seen as being passionate about the Microsoft Product. These people spend a lot of time, effort, energy, and sometimes money to help share their enthusiasm for the product.
Microsoft is doing a fantastic job at recognizing people for their efforts in promoting the MS brand. Not everybody that promotes that brand gets to be an MVP – sadly. If you didn’t make it this time, keep trying. I just advise that the goal be more about the community than the award. The MVP award is great, but giving to the community is the real reward.
I want to congratulate all those awarded a Microsoft MVP award past, present and future. I also want to thank all of those who have given to the community regardless of whether an award was received or not. There are many of you out there that have been a positive influence whether you know it or not – just for giving to the community and helping somebody else. THANK YOU!
