I’ve taken a bit of hiatus from blogging as I’ve settled-into
my new gig at WSO2. But I’m back with a career and social observation that
applies to everyone.
This past week – partly by chance, partly by design – I’ve
had lunch/coffee with
- A CEO / Serial entrepreneur looking for marketing guidance on his latest venture
- A college alum reaching-out for an informational interview
- A product marketing leader wanting to share professional experiences
It’s been an interesting set of wide-ranging conversations.
But taken as a whole, it dawned on me that everyone, no matter what their level
or level of discussion, should go out of their way to expand their network and “pay
it forward” by sharing experiences, knowledge, and connections. Never turn down an opportunity to exchange
ideas or to meet someone new.
The LinkedIn era
This is a new career era where potential employment is as
much about using your network and knowing someone, as it is about being discovered
via blogs, LinkedIn, etc.
As a hiring manager, rarely does a good resume come
in because of a passive job posting. Rather, almost always good candidates are
found in the blogosphere, on LinkedIn, or through a referral by a friend /
colleague / Tweep.
So as the saying goes, one’s professional value is as much “what
you know” as “who you know”. Per the Network Effect, every
new contact you make exponentially expands your marketability, source of
knowledge, and overall professional value. So the act of expanding your network
makes you more discoverable and valuable.
A nod toward WSO2 Principles
The other aspect of my (new-ish) philosophy is reflected in two
of WSO2’s six new principles (we will announce them soon) that all of our
employees embody. I try to take-them-to-heart every day in the office.... and
outside. You should too:
[Life is a] Journey of Experiences
- Each person is on a journey of constant growth.
- We provide everyone opportunity for their best journey.
- We are humble in accepting feedback and act with integrity.
[We are a product of] Community Contribution
- We are part of a wider community.
- We stand on the shoulders of other giants.
- Everyone contributes; therefore, everyone can influence.
- We want to contribute to communities, facilitate external contributions and encourage community participation.
These two principles speak to me professionally – to see that my career is
a journey, and it is my (and our) individual responsibility to make the most of opportunities
to learn from anyone and everyone. And the broader tech/business community is
valuable to us when we constantly share our experiences amongst friends and
colleagues.
As corporate principles, they also speak to me – to appreciate
every employee and colleague’s experience, perspective and approach to their
job. And to take all feedback (the good and the bad) as a contribution. As part
of the open source community, we also have to be humble, but also realize it’s
our responsibility to contribute back to the community-at-large.
Networking is holographic - Our network of experiences, and our
contribution to/from our community, is true at work as it is in life. So meet new people. Struggle against being
insular; share information, don’t hide it.
Propel others. In doing so, you’ll propel yourself.
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