Perspectives & Strategy

I have been silent these past few days. In part it has bee lack of triggering material and in part it has been the fact that I am defining a new Social Media solution as a part of my new role with a start-up company. However silence should not be seen as lack of thought or a failure to care about my reader community. I have been taking the time to write a few Twitter updates, so likewise I have decided to take the time to add a few thoughts here. Please excuse me if this is a set of random thoughts.

Over the past couple of weeks I have been speaking with Bridgetti Lim Banda of the CIO Forum in South Africa. This is an information sharing community that was originally based around some Universities in South Africa, but I think this is becoming so much more. She has also setup a web based community (Click here for more information) on Ning. Whilst this forum is only a few hundred strong at the moment it is important to share knowledge with professionals having a similar focus, wherever they are located. If you do join the CIO Forum and you are from countries in North America please lookup and join my North America Group.

I would love to attend one of her breakfast meetings, but doubt time will permit currently (plus there is a large expanse of ocean between us). However I was also pleased to have received a recommendation from Bridgitti on LinkedIn which reads:

It has been a pleasure getting to know Peter and to be associated and to network with him. As a professional Peter has vast experience. His qualities include good organisational skills, strong leadership and insight with an evident passion for what he does.

I am pleased to be appreciated and having a good network to trust around the world.

On this point people question the value of Twitter for professional networking. I do not question its real value Whilst I have over 4500 followers on Twitter and I follow over 5000 Twitter is not just a stream of gobbledygook. Some of my best and most active connections have come through the Twitter channel. (OK here is the shameless plug – you can follow me at http://twitter.com/pgiblett).

Another person I have been in regular contact with over a period of many months is Mark Cummuta who recently wrote an article called “Finding Your Career Passion” on his blog on the CIO Website. Mark is currently between successes and will make a brilliant CIO or CTO of you are hiring. He states “one of the ways to zero in on your passion is to consider how frequently it occupies your mind and even intrudes on other aspects of your life and your time!” right now I have a project that I am passionate about and my partner and I seem to be focusing on making this a success. I will of-course tell you more in due course at the moment there are no competitors in our landscape, so secrecy is key whilst we are developing the solution.

Mark also volunteers with JobAngels, an organisation that has a simple but clear aim:

The JobAngels Mission: Help One Person In Their Quest for Employment

This is where another connection, Rick Stomphorst, comes to mind. Rick proudly states that “Job Search is my hobby” although currently it is also his profession as he is seeking a new IT Manager or Director role. Talking of job-search have you seen this site?

http://TwoUnemployedGuysRadio.com/

They are a couple of job-seekers who have started their own website and interview other jobseekers. I thought it was an interesting concept and something employers should check into as they are interviewing good people.

As a passing thought this site is now over a year old, last week was the anniversary of publishing my first article. In reviewing the last year I know I have changed my focus a great deal – I am also sure the Focus will change in the coming year, but from time to time I do plan on revisiting old posts and see how things have changed.

I added a photo at the top of the article and wanted to know what you thought the picture was? Answers in a postcard to… Nah Simply add a comment!

Have a GREAT summer!