Edit: Now I am a Lifetime Champion. Some links no longer work.
Originally posted September 22, 2015 on AIXchange
Back in 2011 I wrote about the IBM Champion program and how happy I was to be one of those recognized. Since that time, the program went on a bit of a hiatus, and there hadn’t been any new nominations for Power Champions (my official designation). Occasionally, someone on Twitter or elsewhere online would ask about the program and when it would be revived.
I’m pleased to report that that time is now:
It’s IBM Champion Season! (nominations are open)
No, that doesn’t mean you get to hunt IBM Champions! What it means is that nominations are now open, so you can nominate IBM Champions for the following areas:
IBM Social Business (AKA Lotus, ICS, ESS)
IBM Power Systems
IBM Middleware (AKA Tivoli, Rational, WebSphere)
When: From September 14 – October 31
How: https://ibm.biz/NominateChamps
The IBM Champion program recognizes innovative thought leaders in the technical community. An IBM Champion is an IT professional, business leader, or educator who influences and mentors others to help them make the best use of IBM software, solutions, and services, shares knowledge and expertise, and helps nurture and grow the community. The program recognizes participants’ contributions over the past year in a variety of ways, including conference discounts, VIP access, and logo merchandise, exclusive communities and feedback opportunities, and recognition and promotion via IBM’s social channels.
Contributions can come in a variety of forms, and popular contributions include blogging, speaking at conferences or events, moderating forums, leading user groups, and authoring books or magazines. Educators can also become IBM Champions; for example, academic faculty may become IBM Champions by including IBM products and technologies in course curricula and encouraging students to build skills and expertise in these areas.
Take the opportunity to nominate an influencer of IBM Social Business, IBM Power, or IBM Middleware, now. Nominations for the 2016 IBM Champion program will be accepted through Midnight Eastern Time, October 31st 2015.
Nominations for IBM Champion are open to candidates worldwide, and candidates can be self-nominated or nominated by another individual. IBM employees are not eligible for nomination.
Tips for a solid nomination:
* Be specific about contributions. They need to be verifiable by either a web search, or by someone at IBM who can confirm the contributions.
* It is not a popularity contest – more nominations does not necessarily boost your chances. Content of the nomination is vital.
* Include links to the nominee’s blog, if applicable for contributions.
* Include the nominee’s twitter handle, if they have one.
* Include the nominee’s email address.
* Stick to contributions for 2015. Nothing prior to that is relevant as contributions are assessed each year.
I’m excited to see the program is back, and I look forward to seeing who will soon be joining the ranks of IBM Power Champions. Who do you plan to nominate?