Article: To be considered for a Microsoft MVP award, you must first be nominated by either a current MVP or a current Microsoft employee. Therefore, the more connections you make with people in these categories, the more likely it is that you’ll be noticed—and, hopefully, nominated—by one or more of them.  If you attend tech conferences, you’re sure to run into people who fit into one of these categories. Don't be shy about introducing yourself and giving an "elevator pitch" that lays out your MVP-worthy credentials. You can search a list of all current MVPs (which number 3223 as of June 2019) at https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/MvpSearch. If you manage to sufficiently impress a current MVP or Microsoft employee, they may choose to submit your name as a nominee to the awards committee. This is an achievement in itself, but it's also only the first step toward the coveted MVP award.  There's nothing inherently wrong with asking to be nominated, but use your own best judgment about whether this is a good idea. Some potential nominators may be fine with this tactic, while others may take offense. Most people in these categories will know how to go about nominating you. If not, direct them to the nominating portal at https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-US/Nomination/nominate-an-mvp. Be sure to thank your nominator personally and profusely. After all, they've done you a great service! If you pass an initial screening after being nominated, you’ll receive a request for supporting documentation from the awards committee. They’re looking for tangible evidence that you deserve an MVP award, so be sure to make a great case for yourself!  The initial screening, along with the entire decision-making process for MVP awards, is intentionally cloaked in secrecy by Microsoft. They simply don't want potential recipients to know exactly how the process works. You might do the following to support your case: list the conferences you’ve spoken at, and estimate the number of people in attendance at your sessions; tally up your YouTube tutorials and the number of views; identify your written work in your contribution areas; and point out several of your best-received message board answers. After your supporting documentation has been reviewed, it’s possible that a member of the awards committee will contact you with follow-up questions. Answer fully and truthfully, while also showing the confidence to tout your achievements and your passion for sharing your expertise.  They may, for example, want further clarification on the topics of some of your conference panels, or they may want to know more about your views on a particular Microsoft product in your area of expertise. The awards committee frequently deals with a backlog of nominations, so you should expect the entire process (from nomination to final decision) to take 90 days or more.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Network with current MVPs and Microsoft employees. Secure a nomination for an MVP award. Provide documentation that supports your nomination when requested. Answer any relevant questions posed by the awards committee.

If your dog's ears are often bitten by flies, apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly to the area. Squirt a small amount of petroleum jelly into your hand and rub it into both sides of your dog's ears. This will prevent flies from landing there again and give your dog's wounds time to heal. Open bite wounds can attract more flies, so applying petroleum jelly to your dog's ears is important to prevent more irritation. If you want to avoid spraying your dog with chemical repellents, mix 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup (240 ml) of mineral oil with 1⁄2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)  of the following essential oils: citronella, lemongrass, bitter orange, eucalyptus, and clove. Finish the mixture with 2 cups (470 ml) of dish soap, then mix 1 part of the natural fly repellent with 5 parts water. Spray your dog with the fly repellent, targeting areas that flies often land on.  Keep in mind that this repellent isn't proven to be safe or effective. Hangable fly traps stay out of a dog's reach while catching any flies that may be in the house. If, for whatever reason, you are against fly traps, purchase a Venus flytrap or other carnivorous plant to naturally lower your fly infestation.  Venus flytraps can be grown outdoors or by a windowsill. They require routine care and maintenance to keep healthy. Citronella is a scent that's safe for dogs and that insects find repellant. If you would prefer not to kill flies, purchase several citronella candles and use them in the rooms your dog most often frequents.  Other citronella-based fragrances, like essential oils or cleaning sprays, can also repel insects but flies find smoke most repulsive. Never leave your candle unattended or low enough that your pet could knock it over. Not all fly repellents are pet-safe, so read the instructions carefully before purchasing one for your pet. Avoid buying fly repellents that are not explicitly made for dogs. Apply the fly repellent to your dog or its belongings daily or as instructed by the fly repellent to keep flies far from your dog.  Fly repellents made from pyrethrum are usually non-toxic and safe for dogs.  Pet-safe fly repellants are available online or at most pet stores. If your dog is frequently targeted by flies, bring them to a local vet for an antibiotic cream. Let your veterinarian know about any fly repellents you're currently using, and ask them for recommendations on natural or chemical fly repellents that are safe for your dog. Even if a cleaner is safe for humans, it still may be harmful or even deadly to dogs. If a cleaner is not specifically marked "dog-safe" or has not been recommended by your veterinarian, do not apply it to your dog.
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One-sentence summary --
Apply petroleum jelly to your dog's ears. Make a fly repellent from vinegar, mineral oil, and scented essential oils. Hang up fly traps or buy fly-trapping plants. Light a few citronella candles in your home. Buy a pet-safe chemical fly repellent. Ask your veterinarian about prescribed balms or dog-safe cleaners. Avoid fly repellents that are not specifically dog-safe.