Amanda Blevins

I recently presented this at the Kansas City VMUG UserCon, and the session was a hit. Here is the blog version of that session.

Over the past couple of months, the opportunities I’ve had to discuss careers and brands have increased exponentially through others’ or my own requests. I’ve been mulling over those conversations as well as doing personal reflection. This blog organizes my insights into something that can help anyone who is thinking about an adjustment in her career or life. What I have learned is that the growth and change necessary to build a career is like a second job! It is highly rewarding though. The lessons I’ve learned about improving myself, my outlook, and my actions have a positive influence on all aspects of my life.

The most important thing that you will hear from any self-help book, spiritual guide, or someone who has rebuilt herself from the ashes is that you must do what brings you happiness. Someone recently shared with me that he ranked various parts of his life in order of importance to him like work, family, values, etc. He thought that his rankings might not be “right” and he should have a different order. My response was a very colorful, short, Amanda-like phrase which amounted to, “Don’t listen to that voice.” I reminded him, “You need to do what brings you happiness. You need to take care of yourself.”

Ok, now that we have the obvious yet often elusive happiness thing out of the way, let’s move on to some details. One, we figure out where to start. To do this, we need to ask ourselves questions:

1. What do I want to be when I grow up (or for now)?
2. Is it possible and probable?

It is important to be honest with yourself when you answer these questions. Weigh in factors like: Will I find it fun? Am I passionate about it? How will this affect my time with family and friends? Is there too much or not enough travel? What are the work hours? Does it align with my personality? How will it affect my hobbies? What technical skills do I need? What soft skills do I need?

There are no right or wrong answers here. We are gauging the true interest we have in that position and determining if it is the best choice for us based on what else we want out of life. If we think it is a match, great! If not, great! No is always the second-best answer. Just try again with another possibility until the answer to number two is yes.

This list sums up my brand:

1. Be Tenacious and have Grit. I don't let something go if I believe it is the right thing, and I'll speak up to whoever will listen. I will come with solutions, not just problems. I don’t stop at the first roadblock or the second. There is always another path.

2. Identify gaps in the company, offerings, or myself. I look for a gap in our offerings. It might not exist. Or if it exists, it might need a massive overhaul. Then I come up with a plan and allies to create the solution. Then I act with #1.

3. Be confident. This is related to personality, but truly it is an effect of being prepared. I like to feel solid about the subject at hand. If I’m not, I don't feel as confident.

4. Act as if. If I think I am a good fit for a different position, I start doing that work. At some point, it just makes sense to give me the title. If it doesn't, then I need to be doing something else.

5. Expect to work a lot of overtime. Mediocrity doesn’t go far. And neither does only forty hours a week – inspiration arrives at any time. Still, work smart. Don’t put in unnecessary hours.

6. Relax and decompress your brain whenever possible. This means in the middle of the “workday” too – since every day is a workday! Have fun. And I don’t take things too seriously, especially myself.

7. Be vulnerable. People want to be able to connect with someone on a personal level. This might mean sharing a bit about your weekend, family, hobby, friends, personal interests, or something else that is important to you before diving into business. You might be lucky if you’re talking to a fellow geek and the technology is your connection, but there is more to share. I find this easier said than done for me, and I am working daily to do this more.

8. Find a way to communicate with each individual. My default style of communication is straightforward mixed with dry humor. This is fun for a lot of people. Others do not appreciate it as much. It could be off-putting to them. Therefore, it is important to identify how people like to communicate and adapt to their style. This is another item that is easier said than done!

The list above is about me. Some of them might work for you, others might not. It all depends on your personality, your style, what you’re willing to sacrifice, etc. But the list should give you a great place to start on building your own brand. Be sure it is true to yourself and you are comfortable with the characteristics. Most of it shouldn’t be too hard. If one or two things are, that’s ok. If it were easy, it would have already have happened.

Once we know where we want to be and how we will act to get there, the final thing is execution. Gaps might need to be filled in around technical knowledge, articulating strategy, executive presence, business acumen, relationships, or others. Do this with as much help as possible! Grow your network and gain as many mentors as you can. Mentors are people who possess something you want to have. This isn’t necessarily a job. It is more often a quality or characteristic. I’ve also found that I learn from every conversation I have. This might be because of something the other person shared, or it could be something I realized about myself while sharing my experiences. Most importantly, don’t be scared to approach someone. I believe it is my responsibility to start the conversation. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but I have never regretted the action.

Finally, whatever you learn, share! Blog, tweet, give talks, have roundtable discussions, go to lunch, and video blog. Whatever your favorite medium is – go for it! It is important not to hoard information. It doesn’t give you job security or make you better than the next person. Sharing your knowledge with others helps everyone. When other understand what you know, it lifts you up to the next level and frees you for what is next