You may think that Microsoft, yes Microsoft, has no need for a WOM Slam. But you'd be wrong.

The new DC area Business Development Manager for the Local Engagement Team, Stacy Miros, brought a unique business challenge to the WOM Slammer community at WOM Slam 5 and the community (as it always does) responded big time.

34 people refused to let the remnants of a snowfall stand in their way as Stacy asked them to think about

• the benefits she provides (marketing assets, collateral, the Microsoft name and community connections) 
• the challenges she faces (how to stand out from the crowd-particularly when Microsoft partners [her intended audience] are already assaulted from multiple sides-and be relevant.)

There are over 14,000 Microsoft partners in the DC metro area. Her team offers fantastic opportunities to help companies grow their businesses and she's looking for innovative ways to tell her story.

The teams of 4-6 took in Stacy’s challenges and brainstormed for an hour. Then, they each had 2:37 (yes, you read that right) to share out their ideas with the group.

Stacy judge them on:

• how easy are the ideas to implement
• how cost-effective they are
• would these benefit from the ‘force multiplier’ effect of social media
• would people REALLY actually do it

The winning team each got gift certificates to Mie N Yu (the home of the WOM Slam-disclosure client) and the runner ups got a copy of Jeanne Bliss’ book “I love you more than my dog” among a huge amount of other schwag (not the reason that people show up, but a nice bonus.)

Here is what Lindy Dreyer of Social Fish had to say

Microsoft hating was barred at the door. This is a networking event for people who are serious about improving their innovation and marketing skills.

and Peter LaMotte of GeniusRocket

 I asked Stacy how it went and she said:

“I am blown away by the quality of ideas we got tonight. It’s refreshing to get an outside perspective on this with ideas that are concrete and actionable. I’m going to take bits and pieces of each team’s presentation.”

To participate in a future WOM Slam, join our Facebook Group and follow us on Twitter

Here’s a cut of one team’s effort to win the WOM Slam crown:

  Josh Greene and Matt Rothman go a bit over the top in this piece.

 

Pictured: Rasul Shair, Maxine Teller, Kiki L’Italien, Jason Schnur, and Dr. Mark Drapeau