Article: To be considered for a Microsoft MVP award, you must first be nominated by either a current MVP or a current Microsoft employee. Therefore, the more connections you make with people in these categories, the more likely it is that you'll be noticedand, hopefully, nominatedby one or more of them. If you attend tech conferences, you're sure to run into people who fit into one of these categories. Don't be shy about introducing yourself and giving an "elevator pitch" that lays out your MVP-worthy credentials. You can search a list of all current MVPs (which number 3223 as of June 2019) at https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/MvpSearch. If you manage to sufficiently impress a current MVP or Microsoft employee, they may choose to submit your name as a nominee to the awards committee. This is an achievement in itself, but it's also only the first step toward the coveted MVP award. There's nothing inherently wrong with asking to be nominated, but use your own best judgment about whether this is a good idea. Some potential nominators may be fine with this tactic, while others may take offense. Most people in these categories will know how to go about nominating you. If not, direct them to the nominating portal at https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-US/Nomination/nominate-an-mvp. Be sure to thank your nominator personally and profusely. After all, they've done you a great service! If you pass an initial screening after being nominated, you'll receive a request for supporting documentation from the awards committee. They're looking for tangible evidence that you deserve an MVP award, so be sure to make a great case for yourself! The initial screening, along with the entire decision-making process for MVP awards, is intentionally cloaked in secrecy by Microsoft. They simply don't want potential recipients to know exactly how the process works. You might do the following to support your case: list the conferences you've spoken at, and estimate the number of people in attendance at your sessions; tally up your YouTube tutorials and the number of views; identify your written work in your contribution areas; and point out several of your best-received message board answers. After your supporting documentation has been reviewed, it's possible that a member of the awards committee will contact you with follow-up questions. Answer fully and truthfully, while also showing the confidence to tout your achievements and your passion for sharing your expertise. They may, for example, want further clarification on the topics of some of your conference panels, or they may want to know more about your views on a particular Microsoft product in your area of expertise. The awards committee frequently deals with a backlog of nominations, so you should expect the entire process (from nomination to final decision) to take 90 days or more.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Network with current MVPs and Microsoft employees. Secure a nomination for an MVP award. Provide documentation that supports your nomination when requested. Answer any relevant questions posed by the awards committee.