Friday, February 04, 2005

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I think I finally get professional networking. Not being a huge "joiner", and working in a small city for the same company for 12 years, I never felt like I had any kind of network. Working in consulting helped some, but then I moved out of consulting and to a different city. Now, though, I approach the situation much more deliberately. It helps that I work with a lot of smart consultants. Whenever a colleague--whether consultant or direct--of whom I think highly leaves, I make a point of wishing them well and suggesting we exchange email addresses. They are, of course, mildly flattered and happy to do so. I enter there address in my contacts list, and flag it with a Category of "Networking". I think I have a pretty good network already. Although I hope to not be in the position of needing or wanting to use it! 10:05:07 PM    comment []

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I just realized that my tenure at my present employer is now second longest of the 5 companies I have worked for in my professional career. Actually passed the milestone almost 6 months ago. And that doesn't count the year I spent consulting for them. 10:01:39 PM    comment []

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For a long time, before the advent of email, and not too far into the age of answering machines, I have cautioned friends and acquaintances not to assume a message got through, just because you transmitted it. With the ever-growing spam problem, this advice is truer than ever. 9:55:54 PM    comment []

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Neu's Laws. More to come. 9:53:55 PM    comment []

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Jargonwatch: Optics Yes, optics is a valid word, but we are seeing quite novel usages at work. Definition: the superficial appearance of a situation or arrangement, as would be gleaned from reading about it in a memo; particularly, the way it would look on an org chart. Usage: "I know it's not supposed to be a demotion, but the optics make it look like one, since I am now reporting to my former peer." Also optically: "Optically, it is always better to report to a VP, even if you really get all your direction from the PM". I suspect this one is not widespread. I haven't come across it anywhere else, and a web search didn't turn up anything (but it is a challenging usage to search for, since there will be so many valid usages crowding out the mis-usages I am seeking). 9:39:44 PM    comment []

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Is "random order" a tautology? 8:31:24 AM    comment []