It all started in New Orleans, when a seemingly normal business
trip changed my perspective on the crazy things we all do to make a living. No, I
didn't decide to chuck it all and become a bartender on Bourbon Street, an artist in
Jackson Square, or experience any of the other free flowing lifestyles that people escape
to in places such as the Big Easy. Rather, my thoughts turned to the things that
make me happy in life, the things that I am good at, and things that I can do to make
enough of an income to keep my family living in the style that they deserve.
A tall order for some, but I think I've always known what I like
doing. The problem is that I wasn't doing these things for a living, ignoring my
creative tendencies for the income potential of a career in computers. I started out
as a programmer and found that my creative cravings were being satisfied through the
development of programs that became systems, much like chapters become books. My
systems were well received, as I always paid special attention to the audience that would
be using my creations, my perceived reader.
Unfortunately, I excelled at these technical challenges and
became the Manager of Programming. And then Director of Information Systems,
followed by Chief Information Officer. Further and further away from the happiness
of individual creativity, and deeper into the hassles of managing something abstract.
I was unhappy and didn't know why.
I found out in New Orleans at a three-hour workshop that promised
it would show attendees how to "Kick Up Your Career a Notch". I've been to
these kinds of sessions before, and always came out thinking, "Well geez, that stuff
was all just common sense." I found this session different however,
because it didn't prescribe a course of action or formula that was guaranteed to work for
everyone. Rather it focused on inspiring one to realize one's position in life,
analyze what makes one happy, rationalize areas of regret, and take action accordingly.
I took these lessons to heart, and created SmallTown Media as a
means to not only empower me to do what makes me happy, but also provide others interested
in shaping the world of modern media with the structure necessary to do so. As a
result I am very interested in your ideas, perspectives, and communications regarding
creative directions or projects on the web. I look forward to working with
colleagues throughout the world to grow this business and create a network of talented
individuals who enjoy creative pursuits.
Contact me today to explore ideas that you feel would be worthy
of exploration, and I will work with you to put together the resources to make things
happen. Together we can be successful at what we enjoy doing.
This write up would be deficient if it didn't mention Chip Madera of Dynamic Communications,
the presenter who brought me to assess my past, present, and future. I highly
recommend Chip as a professional speaker for your business or organization.
