A dream come true… (looking back at 3 years of blogging)
“I’ve always believed in information equality.”
While hundreds of companies charge their customers for services with knowledge and experience as unique selling points (USPs), I’ve sat on the sideline enjoying the view. I heard these companies (most of them Microsoft Partners) complaining about shifting expectations and a changing landscape. They fear becoming obsolete, because customers wise up and Microsoft (among others) supply standard tools, frameworks and even products to replace their tools, frameworks and products. Lately even with Online Services. I’ve known information is dynamic in nature. I expected nothing less in this line of business.
“It’s why I started blogging.”
I felt information can be made available freely, without repercussions. Standard practices may be shared without cost, product pitfalls may be found easily and demos can be shown indefinitely. In the end for business it’s not information that counts, but relationships and reputation. I feel a customer should connect without you, not because he knows you’re capable of doing the job, but because you’re granted the job.
“It’s why I kept blogging.”
My employer benefits from my blog. Not in a direct financial way, but in an indirect relationship-based way. Because when I speak to a client I direct them to information I’ve shared here. Because when the (potential) customer reads the information he is reminded of the ways of his current IT partner. … and not just customers. Other IT Pros started reading this blog as well… and linking back to it. As a company we could have generated more revenue on the short term (if our sales force would be up to spec) but in the long term we’re seeing increased deal sizes, etc.
“It’s way this blog had 250.000+ hits in three years.”
Today marks the third anniversary of this blog. A lot has happened in my life. I’ve become a father, an MVP, a Product Manager and even a Bachelor in ICT. I’ve continued to share my creative views on using Microsoft products and technologies (Active Directory, Hyper-V) and people obviously like them. Starting from 0 visitors per day, back in June 2006, this blog picked up to receive nearly 700 hits per day (on weekdays). The rate in which these hits increase is even more staggering: It doubles every year. The first year this blog saw 35,000 hits, the second year 70,000 and in the third year it reached its current 140,000 hit/year average.
“It’s why I’m passionate about this website.”
With my blog receiving a third the hits of the DirTeam.com / ActiveDir.org Weblogs I didn’t need to think twice when Carlos asked me to become the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the website, effectively making sure the website(s) on these servers continue to run smoothly.
“It’s why I love this stuff”
Being awarded a 2009 Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award for Directory Services is simply the icing on the cake. I’m making an effort because I want to and because people ask me to. People keep telling me I’m doing a brilliant job. That’s what keeps me going. Microsoft recognizes me and values my feedback. That’s nice.
“It’s why it feels like a dream come true”
Just a simple guy, with a simple view and simple means, making an effort. Being noticed, being seen. It’s like a dream come true…