The Microsoft Regional Directors Program
In January 2004, I was invited by Microsoft to be a member in the Microsoft Regional Directors program. Membership in this program enabled me to join a select group of elite technology professionals chosen by Microsoft for their passion for technology along with the ability and willingness to share their knowledge with the community. Here is Microsoft's official definition of a Regional Director:
"Regional Directors aren't Microsoft employees--they're independent developers, architects, trainers, and other professionals who provide a vital link between Microsoft and the developer community. These technical experts can give you the insight and informed perspective you need to start developing .NET-connected software today--whether you need help learning about the .NET Framework, training developers, or implementing all aspects of a solution. Contact a Microsoft-endorsed Regional Director to kick off your project today."
A Regional Director (RD) is usually heavily involved in the community as well as in speaking at all kinds of events, seminars and workshops. As the definitions states, we are not paid by Microsoft for our RD activities. Instead, we get two things that provide us and our business a huge competitive advantage. The first thing is visibility and the second is early access to Microsoft technologies doubled by open channels to the teams that actually develop these technologies. If you also take into account the limited number of participants in the program (it’s really a big thing to be invited) you can understand why the RD’s are such an elite group of professionals worldwide.