In developing the 11th Annual SMB Nation Fall conference (fall.smbnation.com), we surveyed our best customers on what content was in demand. One conversation
Another example of this linear content framework is the original Jeff Middleton SMB MVP Tour, which was conducted a couple of years ago. Jeff and the MVPs put together an A-to-Z turnkey curriculum that “just worked,” and the eager attendees departed with a game plan. It was brilliant.
So under the assumption that it is often better to ask for forgiveness than permission, we are borrowing from both AMD and Jeff. How?
We have created pathways within our tracks (think of it as “a track within a track”). The “Geek” pathway I want to highlight is “Build the Coolest Company in the World” (CCW). Over the course of four (4) sessions at the fall conference, you will gain a solutions mindset that allows you to return home and offer a real-world hybrid IT network infrastructures to customers how are not all about cloud nor not all about on-premises infrastructure.
- CCW Part 1: Start, Desktop\BYOD. Introducing the Coolest Company in The World (CCW): Design Layout, Desktop, BYOD. This is the kick-off session as you complete a four-class pathway to create the coolest company in the world. Workbook included.
- CCW Part 2: OSI Layer 7: Apps. In the "old days," you first discovered the business need, and then selected the solution. This "old school" session will provide you with a needs analysis exercise that allows you to select the proper business solution. Choices include Office 365, Virtual Desktop, RDP, etc. You will use your workbook in this session.
- CCW Part 3: On-Premises Components. Learn the role of the on-prem IT infrastructure in the CCW. The reality is this: All solutions will be hybrid with an on-premises component. Specific hands-on guidance from the speaker, and a workbook will be provided that you can use on Monday. Includes licensing discussion. Extensive references to your workbook.
- CCW Part 4: Bringing It All Together! Completing the Coolest Company In the WORLD! We wrap up by adding all of the components needs: selecting the hoster, online storage, RMM, BDR, UC/VoIP, email filtering, printing and much more. Final workbook exercises to be completed here.