This is a partial solution to a question that’s been in my mind for some time. Since I created a Social Media Resume (SMR) a few months back, the point that I didn’t enable comments directly on the page has been bothering me.
Part of the reason for that is because I wanted to keep the resume page, clean and under control. However, a “Social Media Resume” by definition requires interaction – some kind of social aspect. Without that component, it’s merely a multi-media resume.
So this post will be the catch-all for the comments on the resume page – I’ll add a link to add a comment which will bring people to this page. So if you’ve got a comment on my SMR, by all means – leave one below!
And it is. As with most things that "go wrong", it’s usually self-induced. Today I realized after placing the "work" laptop into the port replicator that I somehow mucked up the system last Friday.
I do remember what I did too! I was working on one of my test distribution systems and created a Windows PE (a special version of Windows used by companies and hardware vendors to install Windows itself) boot CD, and during the process accidentally installed the boot files on my work laptop!
I knew it when I did it and I should’ve taken the 30 minutes right then that afternoon to correct my mistake. But alas, I thought I’d take care of it in the morning… this morning to be exact. Of course, I had 2 days to forget all about it too!
That about sums it up for the past two weeks. The "big client" as I have come to calling them, is an interesting place. Rather different than other clients and my last permanent corporate gig. It’s interesting to watch the transition in support resources and be part of that team to make sure that the details don’t get left out.
But that’s a whole different story. I’ve actually been having a blast learning how this group has implemented some of the technologies Microsoft blessed Systems Management Server with. It’s a combination of ideas that I had been thinking of in other environments, but only uses a portion of the canned Microsoft solution.
At any rate, it’ll be interesting over the next several months to make sure things are planned and ready for the next upgrade. This will be my focus at the big client until spring ’08.
While I’m busy with more enterprise-wide work again, I’m trying to get back into my blogging routine as well. Like I said a few posts ago, I’ve got lots of ideas, but have little time now. Getting that balance back is harder than I had thought it would be. I’d also like to thank a number of my blogging friends for their support during my blogger’s block. Your perspectives and advice have been a great help in re-engaging.
As I’ve mentioned awhile ago, I’ve started working with a new client in Minneapolis. It’s among the larger clients I’ve worked with an am enjoying the experience so far. While there is transition going on, the people here are pretty good.
It’s interesting to watch a department go through an outsourcing exercise and see the effects it has on the people and productivity. I’m not saying there is a productivity issue, but I started thinking how much a company can come to rely on outside resources like consultants to solve specific, important needs.
From my perspective, the consultant, it can be a challenge to dive in and learn the needs of the client, and the interaction of the team. Of course the technology as well, but that’s easy. It’s the people that interest me and how they work together. Being involved with social media for the last year, learning the online interactions and how they develop has taught me a new perspective to view closed environments. Like the corporate workplace for example, fun stuff.
But I was going to talk about being productive. Like I said, it can be a challenge when there is little direction or oversight. Luckily I am usually in this type of position and work best when I have to motivate myself and determine how to approach a problem.
I’m finding that my work in social networking and social media has helped me with this client more than others in the past. Listening to the stories, and the history of people helps to identify how to approach each individual. They all have their ideas and views on why I’m there and to be productive with everyone, it’s important to understand those views and opinions.
I’ve been rambling a bit (sorry) and am just trying to get back in my blogging groove again. My bloggers block seems to have passed, but I’m now short on time, but I’m still going to fit in a post as time permits until I’ve got a more organized schedule set.
I am interested in anyone’s thoughts on being productive in consulting gigs. What techniques do you use to "fit in"? What tricks do you have to put the client at ease and just "talk shop" so you can get started filling their needs?
@MAC_Arms Pay taxes when you make your money, pay taxes when you spend your money, pay taxes when you successfully invest your money, pay taxes when you save enough taxed money to afford a house, pay taxes to live in your house, pay taxes when you sell the house that you paid taxes on to
Yup, taxes are criminal and we need serious reforms. I've always said that if you want to see a tax revolt, make withholdings illegal and have Americans write a tax check every payday. They'll revolt for sure. You don't miss what you never had.
Sen. @berniemoreno says voter ID and proof of citizenship are simply common sense.
“We’re talking about a very low threshold — identify who you are and prove you’re a U.S. citizen when you register to vote. I think we’re getting closer to
