Oh man have I neglected my blog.  No excuses really, just so busy with a variety of things, and I haven’t really thought of any topics that inspired me lately.  Therefore I’ll use this re-awakening as an opportunity to update all those that care (probably like 2 or 3 readers, of which 1 or 2 are probably bots).

New Job

Started a new gig back in March.  I’m a Senior MVP Lead for Microsoft Office.  Fancy way of saying I manage the group of individuals that are professionally certified on the Office platform, and are the community leaders who provide insight, guidance, training, etc.  I’m their point person for the company.  It’s a pretty unique job, and I’m still trying to get my sea legs.  It will be awhile, and it’s certainly put the brakes on quite a bit of my social media involvement.  However I’ve got to get back on that bus, I miss it.

New Idea

I’m always going to be entrepreneurial in nature, and I finally got around to getting started on an idea I’ve had for quite some time.  I just finished reading Crush It, by Gary Vaynerchuk, and while I didn’t learn a ton, it was a bit inspiring, especially reading about his rise to the top.  The key takeaway for me was sticking to the premise of making sure whatever you dedicate your time to, is something you are passionate about.  You can’t fake that.  So I decided to work on launching AdultAthlete.com, a website that will be dedicated for adults who continue to compete in the amateur ranks.  Those that love sport, compete, and live a life of activity.  The site aims to be a place with rich content on a variety of sports, nutrition, equipment, etc., all geared for the 18+ demographic.  Still in the early stages, but I certainly plan to share my journey here as it continues to develop.  Be sure to visit the site for more info, or follow on Twitter and/or Facebook.

Tech Ed 2010 – New Orleans

I’m headed to Microsoft Tech Ed next week in New Orleans.  Never been to this event or the area.  Should be interesting as I don’t consider myself a very “techy” person, coming more from a Marketing background.  Regardless I always love to visit new areas, and I look forward to meeting a new group of people in a different part of the business.  Plus I get to put my video hat back on a help out with some interviews again.  More to share as I’m there next week.

That’s it for now.  I hope to get back on the blogging wagon, and share my insights on social media, community building etc. shortly.  Thanks for anyone that actually has stuck around!

More to come!

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10 months ago, I had the misfortune of being one of many Microsoft casualties in their rounds of layoffs.  It was a pretty jarring experience losing your job and all.  Especially when the reason you moved across the country was to work for the company.  While I was certainly impacted from a financial perspective along with the worry of what’s next, I actually felt more disappointed that they were letting someone go that had done quite well up to that point and had been a huge advocate for many things Microsoft.  Bottom line, my feelings were hurt.  However, wounds heal.

Now, 10 months later, and what I had predicted the day I walked out has come true.  They would want me back some day.  That day will be March 15th when I start my new role as a Senior MVP Lead for Microsoft Office.  Very much a community management type of role managing the relationships with Microsoft Office MVPs.  It’s an exciting and challenging opportunity that I’m thrilled about.  I always loved working in the halls of Microsoft, and I couldn’t be happier to be aligned with what I can no doubt say is an industry leading product that I love using.  Microsoft certainly has it’s work cut out in many areas, but I do feel like Microsoft Office is and always has been a winner.

A lot of people that were let go were angry, upset, and let their frustrations get in the way for a long time.  If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this whole process, is that it was never personal.  Yes, I think it was a foolish decision really only meant to appease stockholders, because let’s face it, the money never mattered.  But that’s one of the risks of working for a company of that size.  I truly believe that if you work hard, are smart, and treat people well personally and professionally, good things will find there way to you.  My patience and approach paid off for me, and I’m ecstatic to be back.

And to celebrate my new found career, I decided that it was time for me to enjoy my commute a bit more.  So I went and ordered this guy:

New job, new car.  Now I just need a new haircut….oh wait…

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