How to Get Nominated for Microsoft MVP: Essential Tips

Becoming a Microsoft MVP is a prestigious achievement, recognizing individuals who share their knowledge and skill within the Microsoft community. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you on this journey.

1. Understand What the Microsoft MVP Program Is

The Microsoft MVP program recognizes community leaders who passionately share their knowledge about Microsoft technologies. These individuals are awarded based on their significant contributions in one or more Microsoft technology areas over the past year.

Key Pillars:

Passion for technology.
Commitment to sharing knowledge.
Helping the community grow.

2. Choose Your Technology Focus

Microsoft MVPs specialize in various technology areas, including Power Platform, Azure, Dynamics 365, and more. Find your primary area of skill and focus your contributions on that.

Tips for this step:

Choose a technology you are passionate about.
Stay up to date with the latest updates and innovations.

3. Start Sharing Your Knowledge Consistently

The MVP award is based on community contributions, so sharing knowledge is key.

Ways to Share:

Blogging: Write about tutorials, solutions, and updates.
YouTube/Videos: Create video tutorials or webinars.
Speaking at Events: Show up at local meetups, user groups, or virtual conferences.
Open-source Contributions: Contribute code or solutions to the community via GitHub or other platforms.
Answering Questions: Help users on platforms like Stack Overflow, Microsoft Tech Community, and LinkedIn.
Social Media Engagement: Share insights and technical content on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Tip: Consistency is crucial. Share your knowledge regularly and focus on creating high-quality content that helps others.

4. Engage with the Microsoft Community

Join in Microsoft-related events and actively engage with the community.

How to Engage:

Attend or speak at Microsoft user groups, online events, or conferences (e.g., Microsoft Ignite).
Join and engage in communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, or the Power Platform Community.
Join Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (if you’re a student).

5. Build a Personal Brand

Set up your identity as a thought leader in the technology of your choice. This involves more than sharing content; it includes interacting with the community and fostering relationships.

How to Build Your Brand:

Keep a blog or website with consistent branding.
Use social media to showcase your skill.
Network with other MVPs and industry leaders.

6. Document Your Contributions

Track and document your community contributions to make it easier when applying or being nominated for the MVP award.

Create a Contributions List:

Keep a spreadsheet or document with links to your blog posts, videos, talks, contributions, etc.
Include metrics (views, engagements, comments) to show the impact of your contributions.

7. Get Nominated or Nominate Yourself

To become an MVP, you need a nomination. A Microsoft employee or an existing MVP can nominate you. Alternatively, you can nominate yourself.

How to Nominate Yourself:

Go to the Microsoft MVP nomination page.
Give a comprehensive list of your community contributions from the past year.
Include details about each contribution: date, type (blog post, video, talk), and platform.

8. Follow Up and Continue Contributing

After being nominated, the review process can take time, so be patient. Meanwhile, continue contributing to the community. The MVP award is an annual recognition, meaning you must keep contributing to keep your MVP status.

9. Networking and Collaboration with Current MVPs

Getting to know current MVPs is beneficial. Collaborate with them on community projects, webinars, or events. Not only does it boost your visibility, but they nominate you.

Final Thoughts
Becoming a Microsoft MVP requires passion and consistency. It’s also about a genuine commitment to helping others grow within the Microsoft community. Focus on quality contributions, engage regularly with the community, and continuously improve your skills in your chosen technology area.

Good luck on your MVP journey!