Without leadership who do we look to for inspiration
As I lie awake in bed I could only reflect on how much our community has change over the last few years. I assume its due to the reaction of our new reality and the economy in general. SalesLogix superheros are falling away. Not so much as leaving the product or community, just becoming invisible and insular. The fact is, to be a ‘hero’ or evangelist in any community takes a great commitment and in real terms dollars, that few are happy to part with. For the longest time I had looked towards Ryan Farley, Mike Spragg, and Stephen Redmond for inspiration each supporting the community in providing a developer hub, writing the go-to book or the contributions to the forum, that greatly enhanced the skills of those who were seasoned as well as those coming into SalesLogix for the first time. We all came up through the product at the same time and my contribution at the time was the Legacy mobile platform. It was easier when I was promoting a product that I had a relationship with, and the capacity to announce/discuss whatever was happening in the development pipeline as soon as it was though up. The joys of a small company start-up was there was little communication filters so I was quite liberal on the conversation between myself, and the community as a whole.
Business partners I also observe like to keep their staff close to their vest, in as much as any work is done by the company and not individuals. For the most part there is no external promotion of the incredible skill and talent that does exist in our community nor is there any cross pollination.
I am lucky to say I also know some great people inside of Sage that I get to talk to regularly as I work on product for the team and there are several rock stars that I am happy to call friends, but what our community needs to true leadership outside of Sage to provide life and energy and excitement to all the incredible possibilities that the platform brings.
What do you think, is the SalesLogix superhero gone for good. Who do you derive inspiration from?