SMB Top 150? Thanks But You’ve Got the Wrong Influencer
A few days ago, I received an email alert indicating that I’d been nominated for the SMB Top 150 — a survey that attempts to track the 150 most influential people (SMB Pros…) in the SMB market. I appreciate the nomination. But I have to respectfully decline the potential honor. Here’s why.
As many readers know, the SMB Top 150 is organized by Harry Brelsford (publisher, SMB PC) and Jim Locke (President, SMBTN). I suspect there is a small amount of overlap between the SMB Top 150 and our own MSPmentor 250 global survey — which tracks the world’s top managed services experts, executives, entrepreneurs, coaches, community organizers, etc.
Reality Check
Thanks to whoever nominated me for the potential SMB Top 150 honor. But I need to bow out. I respectfully request that you all nominate my business partner instead — Nine Lives Media Inc. CEO Amy Katz. Here’s why.
Plenty of folks know that I seemingly blog and travel non-stop. But imagine a song writer without a stage. An actor without a producer. Or a blogger without a business platform upon which to stand.
During the worst economic recession in recent memory, Amy and I co-launched Nine Lives Media Inc. in January 2008 to (A) disrupt established IT media and (B) define emerging IT media. I had plenty of ideas. But Amy had her own ideas — plus the know-how to build, manage and grow a business. She’s essentially our CEO, CFO, Chief Marketing Officer and VP of sales all wrapped up in one person.
At a time when most media companies have been imploding (to put it politely), we’ve publicly stated that Nine Lives Media Inc. remains profitable, growing and debt-free. Some of that success involves my blogging, community and travel efforts. But I’m no fool. There’s a reason why Amy runs our SMB business.
So if you’re completing the SMB Top 150 survey, put the spotlight on Amy Katz, Co-founder and CEO of Nine Lives Media Inc., producer of MSPmentor, MSPtweet, The VAR Guy, VARtweet and WorksWithU. I challenge you to find a CEO who has launched and built a more well-respected media company over the past three years.
The MSPmentor 250
And if you’re in the managed services market, be sure to fill out our third-annual MSPmentor 250 survey. Our first- and second-annual MSPmentor 250 reports (the 2008 and 2009 editions, respectively) received hundreds of thousands of views. No doubt, the MSPmentor 250’s global readership will further expand when the third-annual report debuts in August 2010. The survey closes July 23, 2010.
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It is my belief, Joe, that you were likely nominated because you have been the recognizable face of Nine Lives Media at community events. That certainly does not take anything away from Amy’s contributions and I applaud your efforts to see that she gets appropriate credit for her work in SMB.
I would also encourage members of the SMB community to nominate appropiate peers and managed services providers to the MSPmentor 250. At the end of the day, I believe the intent of both the SMB 150 and the MSPmentor 250 is to recognize key individuals in our market sectors. To that end, I wish us both a great deal of success.
Jim: Thanks for the note. I suspect Amy is busy at a sales or finance meeting at this moment 😉 But we both wish SMBTN well with the effort.
-jp
Joe –
While I respect your humble nature and your deflection of recognition to Amy, you are both instrumental in the success of NLM to date. Many of us think the world of you both.
But while we are on the subject of your fantastic partner and CEO, Amy Katz, let’s give a shout out to Amy’s Alma Mater….nice to see a fellow UMASS kid out kicking sUMASS.
Love you guys. Rock on.
Justin
UMASS ’92
Justin: Me humble? Not really. I’m pretty arrogant when it comes to my own skills building media brands and covering the IT market. But when it comes to being an SMB leader… that’s Amy (for all the reasons noted above). And as a New Yawker, it’s extremely difficult to do a shout out to UMASS. I’ll agree to do so if you have time to recap the NBA finals with me…
And by the way: Let us know when you start your new position.
Best
-jp
Wow Joe, you are so cool and such a boyscout. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. But don’t worry, most of us see clear through your act. Still, it was fun to read.
Hi Roger,
I’m confident in my market reputation. That’s all I have to say about that.
-jp