Sitting around with friends over dinner, talk often turns to blogging
and podcasting. They know I have been blogging for a while and that
I was one of the first 20 podcasters and they often want to know more
about both pursuits. One of the most typical comments from my friends,
though, when I tell them that they should be blogging and/or podcasting
is, "I don't have anything to say!" What?! Are these the
same people who can give me detailed dissertations on the native lizards
of California? Are these the same people who can recount every ride
on every rollercoaster they have ever ridden? Are these the same people
who can get off on an hour-long rant about why you should never do
X, Y and/or Z?
The fact is, we all have something to say and, more importantly, there
are others out there in the world who want to hear it. This could be
one of most defining aspects of your career, too. It is by actively
sharing our information that we gain experience, network connections,
friendships, new jobs and more. If you are constantly "hiding
your light under a bushel", how do you expect others to get to
know you? More importantly, how do you expect to grow as an entrepreneur
or employee? Be proud of what you know and show it by sharing it with
others.
Now I know what some of you may be thinking, because I have heard it
from my friends, as well. "How important can it be? I haven't
invented anything new. I haven't created my own company. All I have
done is collected up a bunch of information about a particular topic." To
which I always reply, "...and your point is?" Whether you
are creating new information, divining new information from old or
collecting up large resources of information, it is still important.
Inventing new ideas, new products and such isn't the pinnacle of worth.
Otherwise, why would libraries be so important? Aren't they just collections
of information? How about a museum? Some of our culture's most important
resources are collections of raw data that can be used in new ways.
Perhaps you know everything there is to know about the history of
your city or state. I can guarantee you that people will come knocking
on
your door because you have become the expert in that area. Your collection
of information is the place to start instead of each individual starting
all over at the beginning. Even more, because you have collected
up so much information, you will naturally start to connect disparate
pieces together. Maybe no one has even seen item A and item B together
before. Perhaps you are the first person to ever realize that this
part fits exactly into that part. You can never tell where your actions
will take you.
These are the beginnings of an improved career, or even a new career.
I would say that some of the luckiest folks are those who are able
to turn a hobby or interest into a money-making career. There are
dangers, sure, but when you start letting others know what interests
you most,
you might just find that someone is willing to pay you for that knowledge.
So, what do you have to say? I think every person has something unique
to offer, just as we are unique by our very existence. Imagine how
boring the world would be if we all looked and acted the same. I
would question whether the human race could ever survive such a
fate. It
is our individualism that allows us to find a place in the world.
This week, if not today, I want you to got out to Blogger.com, Vox.com,
MySpace.com, Wordpress.com, wherever you feel most comfortable and
start a blog to collect your most important thoughts. These might be
simple thoughts on your own life and family, or grand designs for mankind.
Whatever the content, though, getting started with sharing your information
is the goal. Sure, your blog will change over time. You will select
new topics, new thoughts, a new focus -- you might even create different
blogs to focus on different types of information. The important thing
is to get started. "Let your light so shine before men!"
Everyone has something important to say and the Internet has provided
us all with a way to say it...and be heard by other, like-minded
people. Unleash your ideas, thoughts, fears, inventions, accomplishments,
voice
and pen on the world and you will quickly find a community of others
who share your thoughts...or disagree completely. Either way, you
have found a way to let people know who you are and what you find
important.
You might also find a new career along the way.
- END -
Career
Opportunities
