EPISODE 13 - Career: How to become an MVP

08/05/24 • 9 min

Summary
In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses how to become a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional). He explains that an MVP is not just a technical expert, but someone who actively contributes to the Microsoft community by sharing knowledge and insights. Michael outlines the process of becoming an MVP, which involves doing community work and being nominated by other MVPs. He emphasizes that the motivation should be a genuine passion for community work, rather than the desire for the MVP title. Michael also highlights the ongoing commitment required to maintain MVP status and the lack of financial compensation from Microsoft.
Takeaways
An MVP is a Microsoft Valuable Professional who actively contributes to the Microsoft community by sharing knowledge and insights.
Becoming an MVP involves doing community work and being nominated by other MVPs.
The motivation to become an MVP should be a genuine passion for community work, rather than the desire for the MVP title.
Maintaining MVP status requires ongoing community contributions and reapplying every year.
Sound Bites
"How to become an MVP?"
"MVP means Microsoft Valuable Professional"
"Microsoft MVP award is an award for community work"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: What is an MVP?
02:57 MVP as an Award for Community Work
06:21 The Importance of Genuine Motivation
08:15 Maintaining MVP Status
09:06 The Lack of Financial Compensation for MVPs
10:29 Conclusion: Enjoy Your Week

Previous Episode

EPISODE 12 - Career: How to become a Tech Speaker?

Summary In this episode, Michael Seidl shares recommendations on how to become a tech speaker. He suggests starting with remote sessions to gain confidence and experience. Then, progressing to smaller on-site conferences before speaking on stage at larger events. He emphasizes the importance of feedback from the right people and learning from other speakers. Michael also encourages tech speakers to not be afraid of not knowing everything and to use feedback to improve their sessions.
Takeaways
Start with remote sessions to gain confidence and experience
Progress to smaller on-site conferences before speaking on stage at larger events
Seek feedback from the right people and use it to improve
Learn from other speakers and observe their techniques
Don't be afraid of not knowing everything and be open to different perspectives
Sound Bites "Are you willing to do speaking in front of people?"
"I prefer an on-prem session mainly. But for beginning, I think it's definitely better than going directly on stage to have a remote session."
"The last step is to do it on stage. You will get a session or you try to get a session which is on-site, which is on stage, which is mainly a one-day conference or more."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: How to Become a Tech Speaker
00:30 Starting Small: Remote Sessions
04:19 Progressing to On-Site Conferences
09:02 Finding Conferences and Proposing Sessions
10:54 Embracing Imperfection and Feedback

Next Episode

EPISODE 14 - Mindset: How to avoid Distractions?

Summary
In this episode, Michael Seidl shares his insights and tips on how to avoid distractions and have a productive work time. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and positive distractions, and focuses on finding one to two hours of concentrated work. He discusses the right place to work, the need for a dedicated space with a closed door, and the use of headphones to create a focused environment. He also emphasizes the importance of planning focus time in advance and removing distractions such as smartphones and other gadgets. Finally, he highlights the need to clear open loops and tasks from the mind before starting focus time.
Takeaways
Take breaks and allow for positive distractions to maintain focus and productivity.
Create a dedicated space with a closed door to minimize distractions.
Plan focus time in advance and set clear goals for each session.
Remove distractions such as smartphones and gadgets from the workspace.
Clear open loops and tasks from the mind before starting focus time.
Sound Bites "You need some breaks, you need some positive distractions."
"Have a room where you can close the door."
"Move away all those things, those which can distract you from your focus time."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: How to Avoid Distractions
02:23 Creating the Right Environment for Focus
03:22 Planning and Setting Goals for Focus Time
07:09 Removing Distractions from the Workspace
09:34 Clearing Open Loops and Tasks from the Mind
12:51 Conclusion: Stay Productive