Smart Lemming Diary: Who’s in Your Network?
August 26, 2005
Sales Training Delayed until After Labor Day
I was prepared to work through the weekend for an August 31 sales training. Tom’s almost finalized the value-added reseller (VAR) master agreement. I quickly created a work plan for Tom’s call with the VP of Sales just in case, so VAR’s VP of Marketing would know we were on top it. As of last night, I managed to have 47% of my deliverables complete. Now I can pace myself, but I’d prefer to get these done, putting me ahead of schedule in my 100-Day Plan.
Preparing for my Marketing Manager
I’ll have time to plan for Jonathan’s arrival by distributing a Needs Assessment to Amanda and the VP of Engineering for his new role. From there, I’ll drop the urgent deliverables into a 100-Day plan. Today, I’m receiving information, so I can write the job description for Jonathan’s position. I still love my new job as Director of Marketing. I never get tired of my boss’ appreciation that I joined his company, Amanda’s kind words of support, or the VP of Engineering’s reaction saying, “See, she’s nailing it perfectly,” as he’s shaking his head, grinning. I used to be a disillusioned knowledge worker. I thought I was done with my career in product management and product marketing, especially for the healthcare technology market. Then I received the fateful call from Amanda, asking if I was interested in their Director of Marketing position.
Limited Supply
My current employer places a high value on alums, who worked for two companies (the first one I started my product marketing career at and my latest employer). It’s weird how much they value us. We’re a small number of people, so there’s a limited supply. Unlike my previous employer who had a certain disdain for people, who had worked for my first employer, my new CEO wants these alumni. I never would have guessed that my first gig would have lead to this opportunity.
My Manager isn’t Perfect
I still haven’t found anything wrong with my peers on the Management Team, my boss, or any workers. Everyone has the right attitude, no political bones in their bodies, and all are trying to do the right thing for the company and for their coworkers. It’s refreshing. This experience has renewed my belief that companies can do right by its employees. Every day I love getting up, even commuting to work. I don’t have that pressure from 6:30 to 10:00 am that I used to feel in my last gig where I had to start my day early because of my home office or commuting issues. At this company, people just assume that I’ll be available around 10:00 am when I’m in the office, but know they can call me on my cell if it’s an emergency. My new CEO knows he is not perfect. He doesn’t pretend to be. Tom will be the first to admit that he’s not the best manager, literally looking to his direct reports to help make the right decisions and do the right things. He provides enough oversight to make sure the boat is following his navigation, but lets us manage the course to get results.
Are You a Disillusioned Worker?
Be patient. The job is out there. Not all companies, CEOs, COO, managers, or leaders are bad. There are people, who are genuinely good and wonderful to work with. The opportunity may come unexpectedly, so be open to things that cross your path. I have learned is that it’s all about your network and the people you enjoy working with. I have landed my last three jobs from former colleagues, who recommended me into companies. If you follow each other around, employers may place a high value the fact that you have worked together, so all of you can hit the ground running, giving them the results they need. Who’s in your network? Who do you love work with? Have they left your company? Where did they go? Find them and keep in touch, you never know what could happen.
The Smart Lemming Diary is a series that chronicles a journey of laid-off worker, who becomes a Vice President of Sales Operations & Marketing for a small entrepreneurial healthcare technology company. For previous entries in this series, click here.
