Connecting Microsoft Alums

It’s been 60 days. How are you doing?

Two months ago there was an event for Microsoft alumni got all connected together.

Just curious … How many of you have followed up with your commitments from that event yet?

I wanted to start with that call to action because as Microsoft alumni we know that it’s all about the action.

I’d like to ask that you:

• Reflect upon the event (if you were able to attend in person)
• On who you met, and whether you decided to do something with them
• Whether you found like minds willing to do business together

That’s what alumni networks do!

The Microsoft Alumni Network is continuing to reach out across community’s all around the world. Certainly, in the Pacific Northwest there is a large contingent of former Microsoft in place. That’s to be expected because of where The MotherShip is headquartered. However, there are chapters in various regions around the world and members can connect on the Microsoft Alumni Network site too.

Additional benefits Microsoft Alumni Network members can take advantage of include Outside in events throughout the year, The Reunion with a Purpose (here’s my write up on the 2017 event), the One Week event in August, and a whole lot more. While it’s true all of these happen in Redmond … the option to attend is yours.

The Alumni Connect Event

After a great introduction and kickoff by Rich Kaplan and Ali Spain there were three panel discussions with alums that have gone on to start or work for other businesses

1. Develop a Winning Strategy for Your Personal Brand with Justina Chen, Stacy Harris, and Jon Pinnette
2. Beating the Odds for Startup Success with Ed Fries, Ben Gilbert, and Geoff Harris
3. Rise UP! Taking a Successful Path to Entrepreneurship with Jean Thompson, Brett Alston, and Steve Banfield

Ask The Experts in Speed Mentoring sessions (hint: this is where the action and calls to action happened)

There were 17 mentors that took questions and provided answers in a 1:1 fashion. It was clear these were a highlight of the event. While alums were waiting to connect with a mentor they had lively conversations … perhaps some led to business opportunities. (Hint: Call to Action follow-up time!)

Leveraging the Network Effect

Chapters are forming in different parts of the world. If you’re already part of one fantastic if you are in the area where you think you like to start a group of Microsoft alarms to get together contact us here. If you are a Microsoft Alumni … check out the Microsoft Alumni Network website or email info@Microsoftalumni.com.

Boomerangs are Back (pun intended) - More and more Boomerang Employees are returning to Microsoft too. Of course, as Microsoft Alums we are happy to see them come back to where they started. This is one more advantage of the Network Effect that alumni networks influence.

Leverage the Network …

So, it’s been 60 days. How are you doing?

Take the time today to follow up with your commitments from that event.

The network appreciates it.

Bonus: If you are a Microsoft alumni and you are also in Microsoft Partner Network email at joining the IAMCP.

Thank you to all the alumni that took the time to attend. Thank you to all the mentors that shared their expertise. Thank you to the Microsoft Alumni Network for putting this together. And, a HUGE thank you to Microsoft for hosting this event on campus. I look forward to the next one and the next one and the next one after that.

I hope you do too!

Thanks to the MSA team too

None of this would be possible without an amazing team.

Here are a few additional posts you might appreciate:

• The best $99 you’ll spend all year
• Things you learn at Microsoft 
• The Day the CEO of Chanel came to Microsoft

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Jeff is business advisor, mentor and community engagement expert. He brings over 20 years of Channel Sales, Partner Marketing and Alliance expertise to audiences around the world in speaking engagements and via his writing. He has worked for Microsoft, Kodak, and K2.

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He is a contributing author to Entrepreneur, Elite Daily, Yahoo, US News and to
the Personal Branding Blog with over 250 articles published.