One of the things that has impressed me about Microsoft since I started paying attention is the lengths that it goes to with regards to encouraging IT Pros, both with community building and with helping individuals to succeed. Microsoft Canada, through its TechNet Canada Team, has been sponsoring user groups and helping them to grow and succeed for several years now.
A program that comes to mind is the annual TechNet Innovation Awards. Each year Microsoft Canada holds a contest to recognize IT Pros who make a difference – either in the community, for their clients, or in their own workplace. The nominees are vetted by the team to get down to a list of five finalists, and then you get to vote for your pick of those five. The winner receives a great prize package, which this year includes Two Thousand Dollars in cash, (that’s Canadian Dollars, not that funny money from south of the 49th!) as well as a free trip to Energize IT, including flight and hotel. As well they are donating in the winner’s name One Thousand Dollars to charity.
This year they are adding a new category, where you can nominate a team. So if you feel that the leadership of your local user group has done a spectacular job you could nominate them as well, and the winning team will receive Four Thousand Dollars in cash, as well as two trips to Energize IT, as well as One Thousand Dollars to charity in their names.
You can nominate friends, colleagues, or even yourself if you so choose, and it is free so go ahead and take a few minutes to do so! Sign up at www.microsoft.ca/technet/innovationawards and nominate yourself and your friends right now. I was nominated a few years ago and was proud to be considered by my peers.
Nominations are free so consider them as early Christmas presents and stocking stuffers J Tell them that you heard it here, and unlike the national elections… vote early and vote often!