The Cloud Show with Magnus Mårtensson ft. Tina Stenderup-Larsen - Ep: 40

Summary

In this episode of the Cloud Show, host Tina Ständer Blom welcomes a community program manager to discuss the significance of having Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) in a company. They delve into what an MVP is, the mutual benefits for both Microsoft and MVPs, and the value MVPs bring to their employers. The conversation explores the challenges employers face in supporting MVPs' community activities and the importance of recognizing the intangible benefits they offer, such as enhanced brand credibility and direct influence on product development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conversation explores the value of having Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) within a company.
• 🎓 An MVP is a deep technical expert in Microsoft Technology areas who volunteers to share their knowledge with the broader community.
• 🤝 Microsoft recognizes MVPs for their impactful work and allows them direct contact with product groups, providing feedback and insights.
• 🤔 Company leaders might support MVPs for the expertise, community leadership, and brand recognition they bring to the organization.
• 💼 Employers benefit from having MVPs as they are often passionate, knowledgeable, and can represent the company in a positive light externally.
• 💡 MVPs can contribute internally by educating peers and strengthening the company's technical skills, even if this is not part of their public MVP contributions.
• 💼 The script suggests that employers who are inflexible regarding MVP community involvement may risk losing valuable employees to more supportive companies.
• 🔄 There's a balance to be struck between an MVP's community contributions and their billable hours or full-time job responsibilities.
• 💼 Employers may not fully understand the value that MVPs bring, including direct access to Microsoft for problem-solving and the soft value of community engagement.
• 🗣️ The conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue between employers and employees who are MVPs or aspire to be, to align expectations and benefits.

Q & A

What is the significance of having Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) in a company?

Having MVPs in a company is significant as they are deep technical experts who can bring passion, expertise, and community recognition to the organization. They often contribute to the broader community by sharing knowledge, which can reflect positively on the company's brand and credibility.

What does the MVP award recognize?

The MVP award recognizes individuals who are deep technical experts within Microsoft Technology areas and who volunteer their time to share their knowledge with the broader community through various channels such as speaking at conferences, writing blogs, and contributing to forums.

How do MVPs interact with Microsoft product groups?

MVPs work directly with Microsoft product groups, having direct contact through distribution lists and weekly meetings to provide feedback on current products and future releases. They also have access to Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) information, allowing them to influence the future direction of products.

What are the potential challenges for an employer when having MVPs as employees?

Employers might face challenges such as managing the time MVPs spend on community activities versus their job responsibilities, and potentially higher costs associated with experts who are in high demand and have opportunities to attend conferences and other events.

Why would a company want to support an employee's pursuit of becoming an MVP?

A company may support an employee's pursuit of becoming an MVP because it can lead to increased expertise, improved company branding, and the ability to handle more challenging customer cases. MVPs can also provide direct feedback to Microsoft, potentially influencing product development.

How can an MVP's community involvement benefit their employer?

An MVP's community involvement can benefit their employer by enhancing the company's reputation, attracting top talent, and providing a direct line of communication with Microsoft for product feedback and support.

What is the role of an MVP in representing their employer at community events?

While representing themselves as an MVP at community events, they also indirectly represent their employer. This can lead to increased credibility and recognition for the company within the technology community.

How can an employer leverage the value of having MVPs on their team?

An employer can leverage the value of having MVPs by utilizing their expertise for internal training, challenging projects, and customer engagements. They can also benefit from the MVP's network and direct line to Microsoft for product insights and support.

What are some strategies for employers to support MVPs while maintaining productivity?

Employers can support MVPs by providing flexible work arrangements, such as allowing time for community contributions, or by integrating these contributions into the employee's job responsibilities.

How can an MVP's direct access to Microsoft product groups benefit their employer?

An MVP's direct access to Microsoft product groups can benefit their employer by providing a faster resolution to technical issues, early access to product previews, and the ability to influence product development through direct feedback.

What is the importance of the MVP brand for an employer?

The MVP brand is important for an employer as it signifies a high level of expertise and community recognition. It can enhance the employer's reputation, attract customers, and provide a competitive advantage in the market.