tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89951587644317985212024-03-13T20:11:33.051-07:00Bruce Solberg's blogSharing idea opportunities in career growth, personal motivation, and innovation in business operations through software solutions <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/brucesolberg">
<img src="http://www.linkedin.com/img/webpromo/btn_profile_greytxt_80x15.gif" width="80" height="15" border="0" alt="View Bruce Solberg's profile on LinkedIn">
</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-1557204271212271972013-09-04T04:07:00.003-07:002013-09-04T06:09:36.003-07:00Make BADD day your best day ever!The <a href="http://austin.iiba.org/">Austin IIBA Chapter</a> held the <a href="http://austin.iiba.org/index.php/chapter-events/atxbadd">2nd Annual Business Analyst Development Day</a> in August 2013. The event provided an opportunity for business analysts in the Austin area to come together for workshops in various topics such as Agile methodology, Business Process Modeling Notation, and Better Decision Making. In addition to helping BAs in Austin further their knowledge in business analyst knowledge areas, the event also provided an opportunity for peers to help each other with the questions or issues that are facing business analyst roles and responsibilities. The event was a sell out with 80 attendees!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qIQFX_YZFYCYB55Ff5LbULOh_AaUlQNYFaIvkJGB_tq4ZSxVFfaYEXIqNkHiZ5yLBO64b8JG3bnsMfyHU9eSG-nLFQnzLCpdpBriwC-XELm-FFd4Gru1XIIzr9WuUFjbZ8ccWPF7dsqi/s1600/its-the-best-day-ever+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qIQFX_YZFYCYB55Ff5LbULOh_AaUlQNYFaIvkJGB_tq4ZSxVFfaYEXIqNkHiZ5yLBO64b8JG3bnsMfyHU9eSG-nLFQnzLCpdpBriwC-XELm-FFd4Gru1XIIzr9WuUFjbZ8ccWPF7dsqi/s320/its-the-best-day-ever+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a>As the president of the Austin IIBA Chapter, I still struggled with understanding why more BAs in the area were not trying to attend. If needed, we could have handled a few more attendees. I asked a few of the BAs that attended why others at their companies were not coming. I heard a few comments such as:<br />
<br />
- "My company's training budget is really tight this year."<br />
- "My company would not provide us a training day to attend."<br />
- "We have too much work and taking time off for training is just not feasible."<br />
- "There is no formal training plan for a BA in my company, so we just don't receive any training."<br />
<br />
In the over 15 years I have been involved in business analysis roles, I agree with many of the above comments. I do agree that companies struggle to determine the training plan for BAs, and I do agree that for many BAs - their company will not provide training either due to budget constraints or work conflicts. BUT - none of the above is a reason for not taking control of your own training and career development. From my experience, you (as a BA) cannot rely on your company to provide you with the time or training budget to further your BA career. You (as a BA) need to plan for your own training which may include taking personal vacation days and spending your own money for training classes.<br />
<br />
So the next time there is a BADD day in your area, take advantage of a great opportunity! Make a plan to attend Business Analyst Development Day to make your BADD day - your best day ever - no excuses!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-60076525170963849472013-05-24T04:32:00.004-07:002013-05-24T10:48:59.464-07:00Cosmic Truth about the Business Analyst JourneyOn Friday, 5/17/2013, the Austin IIBA Chapter had the great opportunity to hear a presentation from <a href="http://www.austin.iiba.org/index.php/chapter-events/event-category/details/56-Cosmic%20Truths%20about%20Software%20Requirements">Karl Wiegers - "Cosmic Truths about Requirements"</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4ArqcIO_7shv85QA79lPc-YK8ayD3yFQ0Yhw5Y_1Ew7maerEuFNgbhLJN7Ad_KdJzDD_6zwtwuTqiu88cszjOx_GypHw1LJzL21_fqA2_mYxuSSbvhMWTBXmFB5bgvMOeFCUl8R82igv/s1600/M33-Subaru-Gendler-S950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4ArqcIO_7shv85QA79lPc-YK8ayD3yFQ0Yhw5Y_1Ew7maerEuFNgbhLJN7Ad_KdJzDD_6zwtwuTqiu88cszjOx_GypHw1LJzL21_fqA2_mYxuSSbvhMWTBXmFB5bgvMOeFCUl8R82igv/s320/M33-Subaru-Gendler-S950.jpg" width="320" /></a>As the president of the Austin IIBA Chapter, Karl's presentation brought me full circle to how I started down the path of a business analyst. In 2003-2004, I had been hired as a business analyst at a couple of software start-up companies. At the time, minimal direction was provided to me in terms of the role and responsibilities of "business analyst". The software companies knew there were challenges in determining customer needs and business objectives, and also being able to communicate that information back to the product software teams.<br />
<br />
It was during my struggle to understand the role of business analyst, that I picked up Karl's book - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735618798/processimpact">Software Requirements 2</a>. In chapter 4, I found my answers to my career direction as while as being able to define my role as a "Requirements Analyst". Karl's book became a source that I continued to revisit time and time again, especially when my assignments on software projects would deviate from being a "Requirements Analyst". I used Karl's book as my compass for guiding me forward on future career opportunities.<br />
<br />
When the Austin IIBA Chapter was approached by <a href="http://www.seilevel.com/">Seilevel</a> to sponsor Karl as a speaker, I knew this would be a great opportunity to help other BAs in our chapter understand the role of business analyst. The Austin IIBA Chapter had a full house of attendees for a presentation that provided all of us the <a href="http://www.processimpact.com/more_about_reqs_book/chapter_2.pdf">"Cosmic Truths about Requirements".</a> Karl helped me almost 10 years ago by sharing his insights through a great resource - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735618798/processimpact">Software Requirements 2</a>, and I hope others that attended the meeting and are finding the same challenges I did at the beginning of my BA journey, will continue to use IIBA and thought leaders such as Karl Wiegers as resources to guide them in their business analysis profession.<br />
<br />
Thank you Karl for visiting Austin!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-56614831386512089862013-02-17T06:17:00.000-08:002013-02-17T06:17:51.146-08:00To Sell Is Business AnalysisFor the past year, I have been in a pre-sales business analyst position. This role has helped me gain experience in supporting sales representatives in requirements elicitation during the sales process, and also provided me with the opportunity to gain experience in solution selling.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_63qyTEWihyy63yMOWTmCGUaZ-bEXmNn3-zLIbcLIvDN41DIpLyedMPcOi66yCYCIbS_9aDOfpbDjc7s39U5TCxLDeNS10iPM6r3jzLAdKuU7WhIpad_OmRN-x7Waza9zXXENrMTjWwd/s1600/movingothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_63qyTEWihyy63yMOWTmCGUaZ-bEXmNn3-zLIbcLIvDN41DIpLyedMPcOi66yCYCIbS_9aDOfpbDjc7s39U5TCxLDeNS10iPM6r3jzLAdKuU7WhIpad_OmRN-x7Waza9zXXENrMTjWwd/s320/movingothers.jpg" width="320" /></a>As part of moving into a pre-sales BA position, I have been reading many articles and books on selling. So when, Daniel Pick announced has new book - <a href="http://www.danpink.com/books/to-sell-is-human">"To Sell Is Human"</a>, I knew he would be helping me in understanding the world of selling and how sellers in today's new economy are succeeding.<br />
<br />
To my surprise, I found <a href="http://www.danpink.com/books/to-sell-is-human">"To Sell Is Human"</a> more applicable to the study of business analysis. As Daniel notes in the beginning of his book that only 1 in 9 workers are engaged in direct selling, and the remainder - 8 of 9 - are engaged in "<b>non-sales selling</b>. We're persuading, convincing, and influencing others to give up something they've got in exchange for what we've got."<br />
<br />
Yes - business analysts are in non-sales selling - persuading, convincing, and influencing.<br />
<br />
Daniel introduces the following key word -<b> moving </b>- "much of what we do also seems to involve <b>moving.</b> That is, we're moving other people to part with resources" To be able to focus on the concept of moving others translates directly into the core attributes of a successful business analysts.<br />
<br />
If you are a business analyst looking to bring a new perspective to your role, I encourage you to pick up a copy of <a href="http://www.danpink.com/books/to-sell-is-human">"To Sell Is Human"</a>. BAs are front and center in the moving of others and the key is understanding how to be successful in non-sales selling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-7065416821209044632012-12-31T10:19:00.001-08:002012-12-31T10:19:31.366-08:00Johnny Business AnalystThis football season has been an full of surprises for those following the Texas A & M Aggies. With the move to the SEC, and a new football coach, expectations for a winning season were a bit tempered. But, as few predicted, the Aggies have prevailed to completing a regular season with a 10-2 record.<br />
<br />
What contributed to allowing the Texas A & M players, and specifically Johnny Football to thrive and quickly come together as a winning team?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCso2wondBwM_AHurKL9fVaTqlaQfut5yv-coYEICnWOh7dT82vM0KJvNHXtxSs1kK8ds26tx_jlw1horhZswFdlu6LmWBGRod1AkuxAs6ZXFfB_K6YtAjHuNDlOiGxMAWJRFSPUln-ABk/s1600/22526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCso2wondBwM_AHurKL9fVaTqlaQfut5yv-coYEICnWOh7dT82vM0KJvNHXtxSs1kK8ds26tx_jlw1horhZswFdlu6LmWBGRod1AkuxAs6ZXFfB_K6YtAjHuNDlOiGxMAWJRFSPUln-ABk/s200/22526.jpg" width="200" /></a>As the Austin-American Statesman noted in an article on November 16th -<a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/sports/am-offense-is-very-informal-but-highly-efficientag/nS7gw/"> "A & M offense is very informal, but highly efficient"</a> - simplicity is key and there is minimal playbook documentation. Johnny Football was able to <b>use his abilities to execute and avoid the overhead involved in managing complexity</b>.<br />
<br />
There is more than just the playbook and the on-field performance. The best programs today in college football have moved into managing even the little details - <b>"the process"</b>. Fortune Magazine put together a great article,<a href="http://money.cnn.com/2012/09/07/news/companies/alabama-coach-saban.fortune/index.html"> Leadership Lessons from Nick Saban</a>, on how Nick Saban, Alabama Head Football Coach, has learned through years of coaching football, that the focus of building a great team has to be on the "the process", and then winning is an outcome of the daily pursuit on executing on all the details.<br />
<br />
As a business analyst, when you enjoy watching the remaining college bowl games for 2012 season, think about how excellence on the football field can support your own understanding of pursuing excellence as a business analyst - 1) Simplicity of Requirements 2) Avoid the overhead of complexity with minimal documentation 3) continue to use the BA process as outlined in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Guide_to_the_Business_Analysis_Body_of_Knowledge">BABOK Knowledge areas</a> in your daily BA activities.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-31423422048160689162012-09-29T08:22:00.000-07:002012-09-29T08:22:35.192-07:00The Perfect Business Analyst: Lionel Logue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66lhoV3S0-sTpFIlw2JG6X8BM2_lbNea2dzQ7M1RYbB5FA0cZR1AXZO1vNXY8Am5beSGIjNs0N8JcTtM7t8WW6t1dy0_I6sy-6nfBViJ_e5JT39RCPpZbGo_cNv6LMLcsI0LkK5Xv17UD/s1600/lionel+logue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66lhoV3S0-sTpFIlw2JG6X8BM2_lbNea2dzQ7M1RYbB5FA0cZR1AXZO1vNXY8Am5beSGIjNs0N8JcTtM7t8WW6t1dy0_I6sy-6nfBViJ_e5JT39RCPpZbGo_cNv6LMLcsI0LkK5Xv17UD/s320/lionel+logue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In July, I presented to the Austin PMI Chapter a presentation called - <a href="http://www.pmiaustin.org/index.php?option=com_jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&evid=201&Itemid=84&year=2012&month=07&day=24&title=chapter-meeting-july-2012">"The Certified Business Analyst: A PM's best friend"</a>. This was a great opportunity to promote the <a href="http://austin.iiba.org/">Austin IIBA Chapter</a>, and also continue to further the understanding of why business analyst are a critical asset to project success. In order to level set the presentation on the expectations of "The Perfect Business Analyst", I presented the main character - Lionel Logue - from the movie <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King's_Speech">"The King's Speech"</a> as the perfect business analyst. Lionel's assigned project was to work with King George VI of England through a debilitating speech impediment which eventually allowed the King to inspire and unite his people in battle.<br />
<br />
From the lens of a business analyst - what can we learn from Lionel Logue and consider using in your own BA career?<br />
<br />
1) Lionel was successful in <b>establishing trust and credibility</b> with the King. From the beginning of the speech therapy sessions - Lionel openly requested equality, and took a step further by calling the King by his first name - "Bertie". As a business analyst, taking time at the beginning of a project to establish trust and building credibility through project work is key to success.<br />
<br />
2) Lionel <b>demonstrated results very early</b> in the sessions which was instrumental when questions arose by the Church of England on his credentials and whether he was qualified to assist the King in preparing for speeches. Lionel was a commoner from Australia with no credentials as a speech therapist. He only could rely on proving value through his results. <br />
<br />
3) Lionel was able to <b>recommend solutions</b> by using tactical techniques, and also performing root cause analysis in order to move the King in a direction where the King could implement change and ultimately succeed at leading the people of England. As business analysts, we focus on what needs to be changed, but taking the next step to recommend solutions is where a good BA becomes a highly valued BA.<br />
<br />
To be a PM's best friend, I recommend business analysts watch <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504320/">"The King's Speech"</a> and learn from Lionel Logue on how he established trust, demonstrated results, and recommended solutions to achieve project success!<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; margin: 15px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-51648082791155100602012-08-11T09:13:00.001-07:002012-08-11T09:13:35.379-07:00Change - Risk - Opportunity - Permanent Beta - Startup of You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXIZZsIsgdPXUndwUBgr34yM5ZjJtDymX0GeloEuKYp53JhUl_ga-wQumLOCzfZiU-umIgvC7mN1_J2GoxW-ry0je_aw6sXoREYO1Q2atwCC3F30fqa-8ogdecB-DbaO0bv0LYTzzMf1R/s1600/Broken-Ladder-of-Success1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXIZZsIsgdPXUndwUBgr34yM5ZjJtDymX0GeloEuKYp53JhUl_ga-wQumLOCzfZiU-umIgvC7mN1_J2GoxW-ry0je_aw6sXoREYO1Q2atwCC3F30fqa-8ogdecB-DbaO0bv0LYTzzMf1R/s320/Broken-Ladder-of-Success1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been through many job changes during my profession as a
business analyst over the past 15 years. In attempting to build my career and
continuing to thrive in a constantly changing career marketplace, I have often
reflected on what are considered essential steps that must be taken to continue
building future career opportunities. Reading "</span><a href="http://www.thestartupofyou.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">The Start-Up of You</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">" by Reid
Hoffman and Ben Casnocha, really helped me reflect on why many of us (including
me) are continuing to face an ever changing career marketplace and how we can
position ourselves to manage our career. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the past 15-20
years, a dramatic change has taken place in the corporate world where the
traditional career ladder has been drastically altered. With globalization and
demographic influences, your career is no longer just looking for the next step
in the corporate ladder. You must be able to understand this new career
environment in order to continue moving into a fulfilling career. As the "<a href="http://www.thestartupofyou.com/">The Start-Up of You</a>" notes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuugDarz2HI6_UprYhkOfzPr9iB3dcxscMA3rK1ryy3YeDfMx0fBvhlv1U7yZgtf9UX82gjSPqNSiumNtAeFohIDVmP7V1AifITbZmmlXmC_45rrAvQQav3s59s2DFNqVltXJ3-E5GiFBa/s1600/start+up+of+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuugDarz2HI6_UprYhkOfzPr9iB3dcxscMA3rK1ryy3YeDfMx0fBvhlv1U7yZgtf9UX82gjSPqNSiumNtAeFohIDVmP7V1AifITbZmmlXmC_45rrAvQQav3s59s2DFNqVltXJ3-E5GiFBa/s1600/start+up+of+you.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- "We are all
works in progress"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- "We call
this mind- set 'permanent beta'" (You are constantly reviewing your
current skills and opportunities and iterating to the next version of yourself)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- "Each day
presents an opportunity to learn more, do more, be more, grow more in our lives
and careers. Keeping your career in permanent beta forces you to acknowledge
that you have bugs, that there's new development to do on yourself, that you
will need to adapt and evolve."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are in times of
uncertainty, and only when you take every opportunity to help others and
yourself, then and only then, will opportunity tap you on the shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Five years ago, I
was working in a large corporation, hoping that the massive layoff wave surfacing
in the company would not find me, but it did. In reflection, I realized that I
was hiding from my own ability to pivot to new opportunities. I was stuck until
the layoff wave wiped me out. After surfacing, I took steps every day to move
towards break-out opportunities:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- I joined
<a href="http://www.toastmasters.org/">Toastmasters</a> and learned how to confidently present in front of others (prior
to that I avoided presentations which was a detriment to career visibility)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- I joined <a href="http://www.iiba.org/">IIBA (International Institute of Business Analyst)</a> and from the confidence I gained in Toastmasters, I was able to step into the
Chapter President role of the <a href="http://austin.iiba.org/">Austin IIBA Chapter</a> (again in the past I would
join groups but never step into leadership - confidence from Toastmasters lead
to confidence in leading a group.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- I have helped
Austin IIBA Chapter to put together a professional development conference and
that will bring together peers in the business analyst community to meet and
help one another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tomorrow, when you
wake up, will you reflect and understand what you have to take to improve? to
help others? to begin making changes that influence a community through
leadership? I have started my Start-Up. Will you?</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-42018000591260480632012-04-10T04:32:00.000-07:002012-04-10T04:32:43.328-07:00Focus on the WHYIn my business analysis work, I have always placed my lens of focus on what a customer is trying to accomplish - their objectives. What steps in a process that are in place to meet a need. Until I picked up a copy of <a href="http://www.startwithwhy.com/Read.aspx"><i>Simon Sinek's</i> book - Start With Why</a> - did I understand the magic on focusing on the WHY. As Simon notes in his book, many companies can have operational excellence, but until a company can lead with why they are in business, they will not reach the scale and success that others such as Apple, Southwest Airlines, and Harley Davidson have experienced.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPurA8uN6I6rpJ9SksGP3bynJrLbJ7IGAay-hnnLD0MmvbueHrg1G27y6DLXqr_ojv6pW3wrIU15UpM-mEtF8sD7ua_tvwxt-5Gne_13iIU3UdB4QFyGzuRce9ltpO8y2obXFoHIt46YDA/s1600/SimonSinek_read.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPurA8uN6I6rpJ9SksGP3bynJrLbJ7IGAay-hnnLD0MmvbueHrg1G27y6DLXqr_ojv6pW3wrIU15UpM-mEtF8sD7ua_tvwxt-5Gne_13iIU3UdB4QFyGzuRce9ltpO8y2obXFoHIt46YDA/s320/SimonSinek_read.png" width="156" /></a></div>
Simon also notes that at an individual level, understanding your why can have powerful influence on your career decisions and directions. I encourage you to watch his TED video - <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html">http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html</a>, and also read his book to dig into WHY to help you understand how to move your career work in the direction that aligns with purpose!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-74393474999076935622012-02-28T13:49:00.002-08:002012-02-28T13:53:05.762-08:00Help build a community of practice!I have been involved with the International Institute of Business Analyst for the past 3 years, and during that time I became very involved in helping the <a href="http://austin.iiba.org/">Austin chapter</a> grow. My decision to step forward as a volunteer was prompted by my own challenges in trying to grow in my profession with no group of peers to turn to for advice or direction in future career steps. Having recently read a great post from the <a href="http://iiba.informz.ca/admin31/content/template.asp?sid=1899&ptid=77&brandid=5015&uid=0&mi=170257"> IIBA BA Connection newsletter on the "Global Community of Practice"</a>, I realize that my own efforts to bring together my peers is very much aligned with the direction of the IIBA.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP27KvwOkg0ypmI15pzhgOxLzGXViSgz7j5ufT-rfICYg4qZY8Pvg2JkJ6uZbVwCCNEAOYnE7kxeKjPIxG0K54PJzXE-scAsXzh0fUN3gLKf5HtSq7onFGZeT_uM17zoKX5ETueZNkXjdp/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP27KvwOkg0ypmI15pzhgOxLzGXViSgz7j5ufT-rfICYg4qZY8Pvg2JkJ6uZbVwCCNEAOYnE7kxeKjPIxG0K54PJzXE-scAsXzh0fUN3gLKf5HtSq7onFGZeT_uM17zoKX5ETueZNkXjdp/s1600/group.jpg" /></a>As stated in the <a href="http://iiba.informz.ca/admin31/content/template.asp?sid=1899&ptid=77&brandid=5015&uid=0&mi=170257">article by Julian Sammy</a> "<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">A community of practice is more than a group of "people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly." (</span><a href="http://iiba.informz.ca/admin31/content/l.asp?u=0&m=170257&s=1899&p=77&l=http://www.ewenger.com/theory/index.htm" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">http://www.ewenger.com/theory/index.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">) People do not work in isolation. A competent BA can't do much to help an organization if the organization doesn't see the value in the work that the BA does. Performance may go down; even as BAs in a community of practice help each other acquire new skills, learn new techniques, and discover new tools. Any really effective Community of Practice must understand, educate, influence, and engage with the stakeholders who surround the practitioner community. These people can raise up the practice—or cause it to fail." </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">It is the when we come together as a group and help each other understand how others are moving a "practice" forward - that is when we are building the community! Do not work in isolation and try to figure out by yourself the best way to pursue your direction - I encourage you to reach out to your community of practitioners in your field and share how you can help!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-7813531383279558042012-01-02T04:39:00.000-08:002012-01-02T04:55:49.011-08:00Be a volunteer in the new yearThis past year many of us have faced job changes or are seeking new opportunities in our careers. One step you can take to open new doors in your career path is becoming a volunteer in one of your local professional organizations. I took the plunge at the beginning of last year to become the president of the local <a href="http://austin.iiba.org/">Austin Chapter of IIBA</a>. As part of continuing to build my professional network, I took the step to devote time and effort in contributing to and leading an organization. The Austin IIBA Chapter has always been able to attract great speakers on subjects that business analysts can immediately apply to improve in their jobs - see list of prior events -
<a href="http://austin.iiba.org/index.php/chapter-events/archived-events">http://austin.iiba.org/index.php/chapter-events/archived-events</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOHWN16d1jA/TwGkLSg3g8I/AAAAAAAAH5Y/ceGmWMajW-U/s1600/help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOHWN16d1jA/TwGkLSg3g8I/AAAAAAAAH5Y/ceGmWMajW-U/s1600/help.jpg" /></a>Not only was this group a great resource for me, but I also knew that individuals pursuing a business analyst career need to have a group where they can engage with others in understanding their dynamic role and how a business analysts can grow in their career path. The role of volunteering at the Austin IIBA Chapter has moved my focus from personal gain to one of understanding that being a volunteer is giving of your time to help others. It is the helping of others - helping them connect with others for new career opportunities, and helping them understand how to gain new knowledge to grow in their business analyst career.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Take the step this year, and decide to volunteer in your local organizations. It is by helping others, that you will find your path in moving forward in your career and finding future professional opportunities.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-20689834184081616372011-12-24T07:46:00.000-08:002011-12-25T09:36:51.344-08:00The Power of the StoryMy work involves putting together software requirements for developers to code against. Much of that effort gets into very low level detail, and quickly can become an exercise in delivery of details that may not trace back to the objectives of the project. I have found in my efforts to set boundaries of what is delivered as the product starts with defining the business objectives of the customer. And the best method of communicating those objectives is through "telling the story" of why, what, where, how, and who is involved. A software tool called <a href="http://www.blueprintsys.com/">Blueprint</a> that was presented at the <a href="http://austin.iiba.org/index.php/chapter-events/event-listing/details/13-October-Presentation">October Austin IIBA meeting</a> is a great software tool to investigate when trying to tell the story of your software project.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Tr8ldcBaBk/TvXzGxrgyPI/AAAAAAAAH5I/vwSX50CgXCA/s1600/story_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Tr8ldcBaBk/TvXzGxrgyPI/AAAAAAAAH5I/vwSX50CgXCA/s200/story_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
This process of story telling not only in software engineering projects, but also in presentations is very powerful, and when you can start with that story in either a presentation or defining scope of a software project you will be very effective in communications. I also recommend looking into Doug Stevenson's <a href="http://storytelling-in-business.com/">Storytelling In Business</a> books and CDs. By putting on your Story Telling lens - you will find the process of communicating business objectives and providing key messages to inspire or motivate in connecting with others.</div>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-26103661443276793732011-10-16T19:45:00.000-07:002011-11-25T10:06:54.814-08:00Keep it Simple! - KISS principle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsccUF6j6cFo53L1u34fvUyuYk_Q5ZAq6CtSBQ8Y6FU8nBvEGb8AQ2_2VBfS6yHb-WnlaW5n7hJL8MqlpWl2HDFgMHpNqMN7Y73rarszvR-8joxpVHBChHNz2SkXUDwfTf4P3Cd80pthNg/s1600/kisses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsccUF6j6cFo53L1u34fvUyuYk_Q5ZAq6CtSBQ8Y6FU8nBvEGb8AQ2_2VBfS6yHb-WnlaW5n7hJL8MqlpWl2HDFgMHpNqMN7Y73rarszvR-8joxpVHBChHNz2SkXUDwfTf4P3Cd80pthNg/s320/kisses.jpg" width="320" /></a>For most of the past year, I thought that I needed to change my blogging platform. And with that change, somehow, I managed to stop blogging due to the excuse that it will take time to setup a new blog. Well, during that time, Google improved their blogging platform, and I realized that Keeping It Simple is better than using an excuse to not blog at all.<br />
<br />
I find it interesting how we can quickly rationalize why something takes too much time, or why we think we don't have enough time. Recently, I have encountered many others that use an "excuse" for why that can't take that extra step that is needed in either their business or professional career. For instance, I attended a <a href="http://www.ripplecentral.com/">Ripple event in Austin</a> and I met a lady that is struggling to keep repeat customers for a sewing business. I asked her if she has started blogging or using on-line video that would help continue building relationships with existing customers. She told me that she was too busy with her new orders, that maintaining a blog or on-line videos on sewing would be overwhelming - well how about - Keep it Simple principle!<u> just start something and Keep It Simple</u>.<br />
<br />
That is why I am back to sharing on Blogger and I will keep it simple!<br />
<br />
-BruceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-55223802168889502442011-09-25T20:07:00.000-07:002011-09-25T21:07:26.300-07:00Moving to new blog platform!I will be moving my blog to a new Wordpress platform in October 2011.<br />
<br />
With the move, I will continue to focus on ideas in motivation and career, but I will also provide my thoughts in the software requirements space around requirements development and requirements management. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you on my new blog!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-25947247322229233562010-12-29T05:34:00.000-08:002010-12-29T05:34:03.441-08:00One word - Purpose<u>Purpose!!</u> - what a great word to sum up the key to becoming a leader in an organization or improving your own career direction.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_coGcZwCHaSNaJ2VVrFhsmVrhOkGUgaPr1shleiYWP_VV2boQmUr5VmiimIKRbmt7BKjqM5LgexuuxfXAQ4WNGlenA3r0-jZNYwX1MGODtLU04o6tMI8w5YlNrUDAnoSHAKLfwsR_LwP/s1600/spence-2l-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_coGcZwCHaSNaJ2VVrFhsmVrhOkGUgaPr1shleiYWP_VV2boQmUr5VmiimIKRbmt7BKjqM5LgexuuxfXAQ4WNGlenA3r0-jZNYwX1MGODtLU04o6tMI8w5YlNrUDAnoSHAKLfwsR_LwP/s320/spence-2l-10.jpg" width="246" /></a><br />
With this new year upon us, if you are looking to make changes that will move you forward in your career goals - I encourage you to pick up a copy of Roy Spence's book <a href="http://www.itsnotwhatyousell.com/">It's Not What You Sell, It's What You Stand For</a> in order to understand how other great leaders have been able to clarify their purpose and rally others around them to build great companies. In his book, Roy provides insight into how he worked with leaders at Walmart, BMW, Southwest Airlines, Charles Schwab, and Whole Foods to define a purpose at each company that employees can rally around to build passion and understand the difference they are making in the world.<br />
<br />
I heard Roy present at the <a href="http://www.mbcaustin.org/">Austin Metropolitan Breakfast Club</a> last year during his book launch. He presented his core message of this book: great companies must 1) be built to make a meaningful difference 2) lead by leaders of great purpose 3) bring purpose to life in meaningful ways in the marketplace. But, Roy also took his review of "purpose" a step further to discuss how as individuals we can change our thought process to approach living a life of purpose - he played the following song during his presentation <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2NEU6Xf7lM">"Hallelujah"</a> - listen and think about how this coming year can be a year that you are driven to work and live by purpose!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2NEU6Xf7lM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2NEU6Xf7lM</a><br />
<h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.8333em; font-weight: bold; height: 1.1363em; line-height: 1.1363em; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 1.1363em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></h1><h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.8333em; font-weight: bold; height: 1.1363em; line-height: 1.1363em; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 1.1363em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Thanks Roy!</span></h1>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-8337695099100136882010-11-10T19:34:00.000-08:002010-12-17T04:04:09.105-08:00Be a Change Master!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGqUbh32FKjl1WX7zuFMmVJWPT8BtmtUfTC_QiWqRUGNWdhjitCCvVGmEt-cL-QFfWfI_RLKPrGj9ozk4AF1Gv31Xq8f_4AMms9isdKRq0j-Z-uaOQwEjArsIKTSWW2GezxFPr53AhCyl/s1600/neurons-and-change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGqUbh32FKjl1WX7zuFMmVJWPT8BtmtUfTC_QiWqRUGNWdhjitCCvVGmEt-cL-QFfWfI_RLKPrGj9ozk4AF1Gv31Xq8f_4AMms9isdKRq0j-Z-uaOQwEjArsIKTSWW2GezxFPr53AhCyl/s320/neurons-and-change.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The speed of change in our careers and life in general is happening at an exponential rate. And with that change, we encounter problems, challenges, and issues.<br />
<br />
<ul><li>What can we do to "control" the change that is spinning out of control?</li>
</ul><br />
I enjoyed attending a <a href="http://www.austinpmi.org/professional-development/2010-professional-development-day">Austin Project Management Institute training day</a> last month and had an opportunity hear <a href="http://www.pmbrilliance.com/">Traci Duez</a> introduce how Neuroscience and Axiology have provided a path for individuals to not only embrace change, but to understand how to "change your mind."<br />
<br />
She provided the basic classes of values in<a href="http://pmbrilliance.com/images/stories/articles/neuro-axiologyleadershipwhitepaper-sept2008.pdf"> neuro-axiology</a> - Systemic, Extrinsic, Intrinsic - as a starting point to focus on where you can be a "change master". If you can take your level of thinking to the <b>intrinsic level</b> - personal, focus on great ideas, visions, and courage - that becomes the highest value habit to pursue. Most individuals try to manage change by changing circumstances, but if you understand and leverage <a href="http://pmbrilliance.com/images/stories/articles/neuro-axiologyleadershipwhitepaper-sept2008.pdf">neuro-axiology</a>, the focus will be on changing oneself for exponential change.<br />
<br />
Thanks Traci!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-41252489999500907882010-10-05T16:54:00.000-07:002010-10-05T19:52:26.598-07:00What's your motivation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgtfLod2_YhPHZLc7Buy2A51HpN-AxXSNDYIscUmJhGqXFxfn2jxnk5FAgEyXMJyjaTopsDaVDky1bN4AwcfmA19-jowFJZ1_XUPN_iwXo0mI2sKpmNS7deo3aKcDEFU1wjQM3ys-FX8a/s1600/drive.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgtfLod2_YhPHZLc7Buy2A51HpN-AxXSNDYIscUmJhGqXFxfn2jxnk5FAgEyXMJyjaTopsDaVDky1bN4AwcfmA19-jowFJZ1_XUPN_iwXo0mI2sKpmNS7deo3aKcDEFU1wjQM3ys-FX8a/s1600/drive.png" /></a></div>With the world of work changing at a rapid pace, how we are motivated to perform work and contribute to society through those efforts is captured in a great read - <strong><em>Drive</em></strong> by <a href="http://www.danpink.com/drive">Daniel H. Pink</a><br />
<br />
Daniel's first chapter introduces a prime example of how "the business case" falls flat on its face when trying to understand success in this new century of work - Microsoft versus Wikipedia - how could Microsoft lose in the on-line encyclopedia market to a company that relies on volunteer efforts?<br />
<br />
This is where Daniel is able to highlight decades of study in human motivation theory - succeeding in business and in careers will be through <strong>intrinsic motivation - the key tenets: autonomy, engagement, and purpose.</strong><br />
<br />
If you are looking for an understanding of how we must all change to succeed in our careers and contribute to a purpose, check out <a href="http://www.danpink.com/drive"><b><i>Drive: A Whole New Mind</i></b></a>!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-61030060188405328732010-08-01T20:08:00.000-07:002010-08-02T08:12:43.909-07:00Toastmasters is a journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PHxmvOgljcuvXA4ThhkXMXEoMNgRFMwTRmJkmJjI-wQ-U_LnCka8pQedhd9S5WtrZjpHAWk9RJzcC6hcmGANIiVdOMFNHqnrSDrD9PvHFzEKwTrnNQu4iwox5HTblPQLbE7AiPzdukC1/s1600/storytheater-book-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PHxmvOgljcuvXA4ThhkXMXEoMNgRFMwTRmJkmJjI-wQ-U_LnCka8pQedhd9S5WtrZjpHAWk9RJzcC6hcmGANIiVdOMFNHqnrSDrD9PvHFzEKwTrnNQu4iwox5HTblPQLbE7AiPzdukC1/s200/storytheater-book-large.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br />
At the beginning of last year, 2009, I joined a Toastmasters group in Austin with the intention of improving my public speaking ability. I attended every Monday for 8 months and completed 5 speeches. It was during that time that I found that public speaking is so much more than delivering information. When attending the Toastmasters group, I found the most engaging speeches shared 2 qualities:<br />
<br />
<b>1) A personal story was told by the speaker<br />
2) The audience was able to identify with the speaker's story, make a bridge of commonality. The speaker's willingness to be vulnerable, establish affinity – make a connection.</b><br />
<br />
During that time, I also met 2 individuals that furthered my understanding of the personal story and making connections. First, Doug Stevenson presented to a Austin National Speaker's Association meeting where I was introduced to the <b><i style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://storytelling-in-business.com/products-for-presenters/books-a-media">Story Theater Method - Strategic Storytelling in Business</a></i>.</b> And second, I met Steve Harper at a Ripple event where he introduced <i><b style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.ripplecentral.com/">The Ripple Effect</a></b>.</i><br />
<br />
It was through those 2 events - understanding how to tell the story and then how Ripples of a speech can form relationships - that I was able to continue the Toastmasters journey - the chance to connect - to help others - so many times it happens through a speech!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-17723893477914379052010-06-08T05:13:00.000-07:002010-06-08T05:19:08.974-07:00Networking - Action - Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOM2qWHAWPvEAb6gM7PGjLlrhQglCRJ3Wec0vIOof-vJOo6rfUVcimr3OdPNShyphenhyphen8pueuw6GQbsISmnxgBpwKHkQEU8lOppWdhIFReWxwMX6mgTni0Z_uib3xqx8ro2IRJBViIix3XUB0gP/s1600/book1_side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOM2qWHAWPvEAb6gM7PGjLlrhQglCRJ3Wec0vIOof-vJOo6rfUVcimr3OdPNShyphenhyphen8pueuw6GQbsISmnxgBpwKHkQEU8lOppWdhIFReWxwMX6mgTni0Z_uib3xqx8ro2IRJBViIix3XUB0gP/s320/book1_side.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>Networking to build your career and open doors to future opportunities is not only a necessity, but a requirement to succeed in today's job market. But, I think most of us don't really look at how to really be "successful" at networking. Yes, we go to some professional organization meetings and follow up with some folks, but are we really moving forward in building and leveraging this network to future opportunities??<br />
<br />
I recommend reading <a href="http://www.keithferrazzi.com/products/never-eat-alone/">Keith <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Ferrazzi's</span> book - Never Eat Alone</a> to understand how you can take the right steps. Keith provides his own lessons learned, but most importantly, his book helps surface questions that we need to answer to make sure we can move forward in a powerful, action oriented way. <br />
<br />
-BruceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-17485771524235131132010-04-30T03:22:00.000-07:002010-04-30T12:44:14.816-07:00Be Empowered or Entrapped?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA8n-8LpZHH8DN_x3dXaKxN8zm0U6ocush9IZsfEkcrof5zsqmJNOESHkbSEV7fo6zpOjVg27ia8P3_dqsCDnMY-TbcUZ-egaqrbFyKj5NfUb9-6N48YB0Z9v4MfyAx6oJ4ozqp_eP3QK/s1600/brain.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA8n-8LpZHH8DN_x3dXaKxN8zm0U6ocush9IZsfEkcrof5zsqmJNOESHkbSEV7fo6zpOjVg27ia8P3_dqsCDnMY-TbcUZ-egaqrbFyKj5NfUb9-6N48YB0Z9v4MfyAx6oJ4ozqp_eP3QK/s200/brain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465882380397102146" /></a><br />I attended a <a href="http://www.austinpmi.org/events.php?id=182">Project Management Institute chapter</a> seminar in Austin this week. The event session was presented by <a href="http://www.savar.biz/aboutus/leadershipteam.html">Sheila Savar</a>. Sheila brought a powerful action plan to the group on how to move from allowing life to control you to you controlling your life. <br /><br />She boiled it down to two root emotions: <span style="font-weight:bold;">Love and Fear</span><br /><br />And as she went on to explain - each of us has a choice to make on which emotion we want to "feed". We feed it by our thoughts - which drive our behaviors - which drive our emotions. We become empowered or entrapped in our life by what we choose to focus on. <br /><br />When we focus on: What I don't want - What I don't have - we generate fear based thoughts<br /><br />When we focus on: What I want - What I have - we generate compassion-based thoughts<br /><br />Start today in looking at your thoughts and understand that you have a choice to create positive thoughts to replace the negative ones!<br /><br />-BruceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-35290721855578901192010-03-09T05:20:00.001-08:002010-03-09T15:00:53.165-08:00Let's help our neighbors - Barn Building<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpgILWgfn9HVuO2JZAIlczHhc9AVoONTBEOi1sKZN_HbAOTsN0CzKt0b90soDeBOaNVYgfsBaQtpFtv8QA8hZkawDH0s0OFpsMHb8990PeUTTQx06krJPxOiZ3EmNVcbgZ9cknTcurVpK/s1600-h/barn-building-255px.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpgILWgfn9HVuO2JZAIlczHhc9AVoONTBEOi1sKZN_HbAOTsN0CzKt0b90soDeBOaNVYgfsBaQtpFtv8QA8hZkawDH0s0OFpsMHb8990PeUTTQx06krJPxOiZ3EmNVcbgZ9cknTcurVpK/s200/barn-building-255px.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446770387212922786" /></a><br />Last week, I attended a session at <a href="http://www.riseaustin.org/">RISE Austin </a>titled "Building a Resilient Startup". It was presented by Kevin Koym, co-founder of <a href="http://techranchaustin.com/">Tech Ranch Austin</a>. I heard from Kevin some of the basic key tenets to thriving as an entrepreneur such as passion, resilience, and bootstrapping. But there was one concept that Kevin continued to revisit during the session based on his own experience and studying others:<br /><br />- anyone that is trying to create a business can not operate in isolation. As an entrepreneur, they must get connected with others and leverage each others strengths to help build successful ventures.<br /><br />Yes, if we in America are going to continue to build a thriving economy, we all have to reach out to each other and help. As Kevin noted in his presentation, we are moving to a stage in our country very similar to prior generations where we can only rely on our neighbors to help in building our barns.<br /><br />Check out Tech Ranch Austin's service - <a href="http://techranchaustin.com/barnbuilders">BarnBuilders</a> - and make sure we all help each other in building our barns!<br /><br />-Bruce<a href="http://www.riseaustin.org/"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-54449964926021126212010-02-28T19:59:00.001-08:002010-03-05T12:24:56.042-08:00Now we are all connected by pixels!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RtDigxmv74e9JEDhOcGC4LftIBYEOQ0uiNgtV_vhtd6D7D-zTLZrxH9lGB6O2dcgBSH8mMpvsX4w2Ff_umklhOtHlkdGQLx_5LHMldsJxg4BtaQrlpiPGYYt9S0jZzpcw0YtiKPdtxbK/s1600-h/six+pixels.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RtDigxmv74e9JEDhOcGC4LftIBYEOQ0uiNgtV_vhtd6D7D-zTLZrxH9lGB6O2dcgBSH8mMpvsX4w2Ff_umklhOtHlkdGQLx_5LHMldsJxg4BtaQrlpiPGYYt9S0jZzpcw0YtiKPdtxbK/s200/six+pixels.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443512965239438226" /></a><br />As part of my research into understanding how networks are key for opening future opportunities in both professional and personal endeavors, I am becoming more and more aware that this new social network world via such tools as Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, etc...is moving us into a very new paradigm of connection. No longer is it the personal network connection that will be the catalyst to open doors, but the ability to establish your "brand", what story you want to tell the world, and how you want to share and help in the world. For me to understand this new connectivity and where we are headed, I reviewed the book <a href="http://www.twistimage.com/book/">Six Pixels of Separation</a> by Mitch Joel. If you are wondering what is changing in business and society through social media, read Mitch Joel's book. Mitch ends his book with a challenge to us all - "How are you going to spread your story, connect, and add value to your life and the people whose lives you touch?"<br /><br />-BruceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-31504665489769326012010-01-31T06:51:00.000-08:002010-01-31T07:15:02.018-08:00How will you impact others with your ripples?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSW9yKIfo2VTJTOTLCkMG7KKcpMvbW64e02NEx-MZwt2ASnEuupFTa56cfTYUP6X3f6BcL82nbDc69DdXzlWozOe2S3ix8rA7g4DSGGLEAkpe5MEiZJa2WFaUlT_xC2nPi09OsjxvaljK/s1600-h/Ripple_lrg.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSW9yKIfo2VTJTOTLCkMG7KKcpMvbW64e02NEx-MZwt2ASnEuupFTa56cfTYUP6X3f6BcL82nbDc69DdXzlWozOe2S3ix8rA7g4DSGGLEAkpe5MEiZJa2WFaUlT_xC2nPi09OsjxvaljK/s200/Ripple_lrg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432922454443308562" /></a><br />Last summer, I had the opportunity to meet Steve Harper at a <a href="http://www.flowidealism.org/index-project.html">FLOW Austin</a> meeting. I was in a job search and trying to understand how others had successfully built networks that they can leverage to help them grow personally and professionally. Steve presented the idea of the <a href="http://www.ripplecentral.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">"The Ripple Effect"</span></a> - that we must be willing to give of our time, talent, and treasures to help others - being selfless. Through the actions of reaching out to others to be a resource of help, encouragement, or support - you will create ripples - just like throwing a rock in the water - the waves will spread and eventually bounce back to you to open doors and create new opportunities. <br /><br />I encourage you to review Steve's revised book <a href="http://www.ripplecentral.com/book.php#why">"The Ripple Effect" </a>. By consciously understanding the power in our own actions, we can help others through our own ripples.<br /><br />-BruceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-34683561216916371412009-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:002009-12-30T12:50:35.341-08:00Just for TodayWhile involved in Toastmasters this year, I heard several speeches from Toastmaster members that referred to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Carnegie">Dale Carnegie's</a> research and subsequent published books. So, I bought 3 of his books and have found a wealth of information about managing change in life and making the most of every day. <br /><br />I recommend reading the following 3 books:<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People">How to Make Friends and Influence People</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Stop_Worrying_and_Start_Living">How to Stop Worrying and Start Living </a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Quick_and_Easy_Way_to_Effective_Speaking">The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking</a><br /><br />I will leave you with the following excerpt that Dale cited in his book <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Stop_Worrying_and_Start_Living">How to Stop Worrying and Start Living </a> - the program is called "Just for Today" written by Sibyl F. Partridge<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will be happy. This assumes that what Abraham Lincoln said is true, that "most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Happiness is from within; it is not a matter of externals.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will try to adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my family, my business, and my luck as they come and fit myself to them.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will take care of my body. I will exercise it, care for it, nourish it, not abuse it nor neglect it, so that it will be a perfect machine for my bidding.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will try to strengthen my mind. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will exercise my soul in three ways; I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out. I will do at least two things I don't want to do, as William James suggests, just for exercise.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress as becomingly as possible, talk low, act courteously, be liberal with praise, criticize not at all, nor find fault with anything and not try to regulate nor improve anyone.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will try to live through this day only, not to tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime.<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will have a program. I will write down what I expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. It will eliminate two pests, hurrying and indecision.<br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will have a quiet half-hour all by myself and relax. In this half-hour sometimes I will think of God, so as to get a little more perspective into my life.<br /><br />10. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Just for today</span> I will be unafraid, especially I will not be afraid to be happy, to enjoy what is beautiful, to love, and to believe that those I love, love me.<br /><br /><br />How about for this new year, make a new year's resolution "Just for Today" and everyday next year?<br /><br />-BruceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-27738178755710620542009-11-28T05:04:00.000-08:002009-11-28T08:13:12.552-08:00Don't be stuck in the "now trap"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3MFdkXZQnLId7oYvhgHetvxNcrdQYjqTYrzF6YuUi633Qj7PmXMXjJ06XZPfrRUhdTBhSyghExM46nIq_iT2gfY0NdZTCuf-YIRMn20JeLBPI63sxGj9CKzUpduZ1-r4SVcWDuXN2skS/s1600/theleap.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 87px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3MFdkXZQnLId7oYvhgHetvxNcrdQYjqTYrzF6YuUi633Qj7PmXMXjJ06XZPfrRUhdTBhSyghExM46nIq_iT2gfY0NdZTCuf-YIRMn20JeLBPI63sxGj9CKzUpduZ1-r4SVcWDuXN2skS/s200/theleap.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409144793831603986" /></a><br />Most of us will have careers where we are required to reinvent ourselves several times during our 30-40 years of working. But, most of us find that it is easier to stay in our comfort zone in our current job, and avoid taking the leap to discovery of new passions, new ideas, or new careers. <br /><br />If you are looking for a good read on how start taking steps to continue to grow in your career and not stay in your comfort zone, I recommend reading <a href="http://leapbuilder.com/">the Leap</a> by Rick Smith. <br /><br />Through Rick's own experience he found that if you:<br />1) find your passion<br />2) center your passion on a big, selfless, and simple idea<br />3) and then let the "spark happen" - series of exploratory events that allow you to get exposure, confidence, and finally take the leap<br /><br />It is too easy for us to stay in our comfort zone - will you take the leap?<br /><br />-BruceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-5559196800504356552009-10-31T06:22:00.000-07:002009-12-10T19:50:44.748-08:00Too busy to keep up with your network?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLnEAvZXxv7b2TchVmCDsHDDQFQuGKDV6lJLaTVqdwrimtRlcmRl7bIM0s4yadqGfEDD5ZhUlx95AKnjfbmUuiIk8evpe3DPzUA_Cyhpfk064UiiSavf65WUkRk1LzqctGY1yTuFSgnTu/s1600-h/balls_1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLnEAvZXxv7b2TchVmCDsHDDQFQuGKDV6lJLaTVqdwrimtRlcmRl7bIM0s4yadqGfEDD5ZhUlx95AKnjfbmUuiIk8evpe3DPzUA_Cyhpfk064UiiSavf65WUkRk1LzqctGY1yTuFSgnTu/s200/balls_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398871460727736370" /></a><br />During my job search this year, I knew that I had to become better at building professional relationships and maintaining them going forward. <br /><br />I am not a "natural networker" - it is very easy for me to get involved with my work and my family, and keeping up with others just does not happen. <br /><br />- If you struggle to keep up with all your professional networking contacts<br />- If you find it difficult to effectively manage who to contact and when<br />- and (like me) if you don't have a "process" to keep you disciplined<br /><br />then really consider using a web service like <a href="http://www.jibberjobber.com">www.jibberjobber.com</a><br /><br />I signed up for jibberjobber this summer after meeting Jason Alba, company founder, and being convinced by him and myself that when you are truly involved in networking, you have to have a system to help you. <br /><br />In my case, once I ended my job search, I stopped using the tool, and then realized after 5 months, I was returning to my normal ways of just focusing on job and family - well - I am now convinced that everyone needs to be the CEO of Me Inc. - so check out <a href="http://www.jibberjobber.com">www.jibberjobber.com</a> or a similar website that can help you establish and maintain your professional network!<br /><br />Thanks Jason!<br /><br />-BruceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8995158764431798521.post-84382942021523521862009-09-26T20:25:00.000-07:002009-09-26T21:01:51.329-07:00Looking for meaning in life?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJC_jGUWhdFVRodFBkxJBawDag3gS4W47O4NuRtoNVASObnX5L4pDkfv1kszB8yrJ7pEqfbiIb60fcnDW1LNOq0V8Z2jUcpjy4LNBMHReeKfUafslVsOx19Mv38PWjWIKoRLKI9TaotQb/s1600-h/mans-search-for-meaning.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJC_jGUWhdFVRodFBkxJBawDag3gS4W47O4NuRtoNVASObnX5L4pDkfv1kszB8yrJ7pEqfbiIb60fcnDW1LNOq0V8Z2jUcpjy4LNBMHReeKfUafslVsOx19Mv38PWjWIKoRLKI9TaotQb/s320/mans-search-for-meaning.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385989423568798882" /></a><br />If you are wondering what your next steps are in a job search, or in a life decision/transition, I recommend picking up a copy of - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man%27s_Search_for_Meaning">Man's Search for Meaning</a> by Viktor E. Frankl. I continue to come back to this book when reviewing life decisions and trying to understand the impact of decisions on the sources of meaning. Frankl saw three sources for meaning: <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1) in work - doing something significant<br />2) in love<br />3) and courage in difficult times</span><br /><br />Most of book deals with his experience in dealing with life in Nazi death camps and how he and others found hope to survive through meaning. It is not the drive to find pleasure, it is the pursuit to find meaning in life and move forward!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09866862861704205425noreply@blogger.com0