xRMvirtual.co.za meeting huge success

A while back Dylan Haskins contacted me about his interest in starting an xRM group in South Africa.  If you're reading this, then you know me well enough to know that that just pleased me to pieces and I wanted nothing more that to help him any way I could to have some xRM love in South Africa.  He'd been working on forming the group off/on between work and life obligations, but hadn't quite cemented it, but not for lack of want.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when my hubby was asked to teach a VS2010 class in Johannesburg, to which I repsonded "cool, I'm going too dear."  I emailed Dylan, it had been a while, to see if by chance they would be having a meeting while I was in town.  I really wanted to see them in action.  He quickly responded that they wanted to have a meeting if I was going to be around and tadah, they scheduled one.  Thinking back to the start of my xRMVirtual endevour, I needed that final push from my buddy Shan McArthur to get that group going.  What are firends for, eh?

When I say they scheduled a meeting, that is underselling what he and the others in South Africa accomplished.  They got the word out and had a membership drive, membership opened 8 days ago and they have over 100 members already.  The room today was filled for the meeting.  The content was great, prefect intro to see what the group wanted/needed.  I was honored to be asked to say a few words.

The local Microsoft folks, like Paul Slade, have an initiative for xRM rock stars, the xRM Rangers.  It's like a stepping stone for the awesome folks we all know will one day be CRM MVPs representing South Africa.  The first group of Rangers were announced today as well.

Over the years I have worked with several groups getting started, including my own.  Most of them start their first meeting with 3 guys huddled around a single laptop, not a full room and rockstar lineup of speakers.  These folks deserve a huge pat on the back.

Thanks so much to the group, Dylan, Paul, Sean, John for your hospitality and for making this girl with a funny accent feel welcome.  I look forward to another trip to South Africa.

P1010370

The xRM Rangers, v1.0
Johan Lotz, Dylan Haskins, Yolanda Du Preez, Kieth Hertz, Sean Vowles and Paul Mare

P1010368
Our full room. 
 

Previous Post

XRM Virtual User Group Upcoming Events

Jan 14
Yup, we took a bit of a break through the holiday season, but we’re back. Really back. Our first meeting of the year had record attendance. Details and recording are here. Dynamics CRM MVP Mitch Milam shared UI Tips and...
Next Post

Julie’s Practical Guide to a South African Safari

Jan 30
We just got home from my personal dream trip. We had a chance to go to Johannesburg for business and were fortunate enough to add a few days to the beginning of the trip for a safari. My sister and...

Comments

ThatCRMguy - Paul Slade

Julie ... it was a pleasure having you.

Thanks for speaking at the in person event and for supporting our local community! Come back soon!

Paul Slade

Art Yates

The dark on dark writing is hard to read.

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.

Working...
Your comment could not be posted. Error type:
Your comment has been posted. Post another comment

The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again.

As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.

Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.

Working...

Post a comment

Your Information

(Name is required. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.)