I’ve read many books/blogs/articles over the years related to self-improvement, business start-up and obvious Software Development/Processes. But today I wanted to write about my experience so my kids can have something to look or read when they are ready.
Most of my career has been within the technology industry, started as a Help Desk Analyst. Here I answered phones, troubleshooting technical issues, escalated tickets to field technicians. Some days it was boring, monotonous or repetitive. That’s true in some case but I worked with a group of great individual that made the work fun and interested for 19 year young man. What I didn’t realize at the time was I was fine tuning my communication, critical thinking, listening, and problem solving skills. All things you and I use on a daily basis while interacting with family, friends and business associates. I did this before enter college and summer breaks between my freshman, sophomore and junior years while working on my undergraduate degree. I also did work study in the various labs throughout campus.
But please just stay with me.
During that time, I would come up with ideas that, at times, appeared CRAZY. Such as internet cafe where you can use a PC and get your favorite drink or purchasing out-date (DEPRECIATED – IRS.gov) computer equipment – tables full. I would take this stuff home clean, repair and sell it (AUCTION) online. I would price items based on what the internet prices were (FAIR MARKET VALUE). The buyer would pay a price plus shipping and handling. I, then, would offer at minimum a dead on arrival (DOA) warranty. I made some money, not a lot, but my initial journey as an entrepreneur began. I learned about competitive pricing and warranties (Service Level Agreements – SLA is what they call then today). I completed my degree and entered the workforce.
My first job out of college, a component assembly builder. Basically, I was a entry/junior level software developer. I worked on existing applications fixing bugs and enhancing software systems. But I continued to tune all the skills I mention above. Things were slight different this time, however. I began to understand how the workforce, employers (Companies), managers (Bosses) and employees (you/co-workers) interact. Understand the team structure and corporate cliques (Politics). What goals are and how they helped the company meet short/long term deams (Tactical/Strategic objectives). It put me on a path to achieving my own personal/professional dreams (Goals for life).
Remember you won’t have all the answer or even know if your current work situation is right for you but hang in there.
I learned about establishing friendships. These aren’t traditional friendship in the sense you hangout bring them home, party, etc. These working relationship of individual that are business profesional who are stronger in areas you are not and weak in areas you are. Its all about balancing yourself. Growing a network of business professional and associates required for you to better understand:
- Who has information you need to do YOUR JOB
- What the company is doing so YOU help out, Add-Value, Return On Investment – ROI.
- Where YOU would like to be professionally in relation to your employer, managers, co-workers.
- What programs, courses or classes they offer YOU to continue help THEM. Take advantage of these whenever possible.
DON’T LET OTHERS STEER YOU LIKE A HORSE WITH A BIT IN ITS MOUTH.
Ask me what this mean. I promise I have an answer for you!
During this time I also discovered more about me, Karega. I continued myself education in a multitude of ways. I read how to form various business entities. Sole proprietorship or self-employment – KS Technologies, partnerships or limited liability companies – Global IT Solutions, and corporations. This information should be easy to find on state and government websites such as http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com, http://www.sba.gov, and http://www.irs.gov (Employer Identification Numbers -EIN and Taxes), and remember to always use famous (Creditable and Reputable) sources. I also read technical stuff, contributed to and create my own blog, and wrote software ALL on my own time. I pursued graduate work (Not Required but could be worth it) and industry recognized certifications. I learned about flexible work schedules, plans for when I would like to stop working (401K, Company Matches, Investing Plans and starting my own business, etc). I did what I could to continue my personal/professional self grow.
Its funny because in the year 2000, I began creating my first website http://www.eTrueSavings.com which was designed to allow printing coupons from online for shopping at grocery stores. I didn’t stay with it but look now. Many companies have moved in this direction offering email coupons and other incentives to there valued customers.
Every customer is a valued customer because ita an opportunity to sell what you love, either a product like new shoes or service like teaching your friends how to download the latest smartphone app. They all are value because is also an opportunity for you improve your money, cash flow or ROI. Bottom line its an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
True me! Please just stay with me a bit longer.
After several years I gradually move from corporate into consulting. Here things got interested. I learning to deal with external customers, managing their what I was able to do for them or set expectations, determine what allowance I get or negotiating salary, projects cost, etc. I even working in various roles on different projects like participating in the school play. One year as Romeo, Juliet another, or the drummer some other time. All this design to get me more experience and knowledge about what I like or dislike about my job.
Remember don’t forget about your NETWORK of corporate friends. This is critical if you want to venture off on your own. This is a lesson I learned the HARD WAY. Whenever you meet a friend or business professional, get their contact information and periodically send messages. I ask how or what they are doing. A little message goes a long way.
But with fun times or good times, things can get really bad like failing a test, spilling juice on your shirt at lunch, or tripping in front of friends outdoors. These are called hardships and will come in many forms such as losing a job which I have, working on a failed work project or divorce. These are things you need to be aware of. Sometimes you fail due to yourself and other times failure is caused by others. But you have to Perservere, Get Focused, Get Backup, and Get Help all while maintaining your integrity and self worth.
IT CAN AND WILL GET BETTER. JUST CHOOSE TO MAKE IT BETTER!
Believe me. There is SO MUCH more to this story that isn’t said or shared due to time, but for now I leave with you with this. Present Day – March 2015.
I started my own corporation using all the things I mention above
- To confirm to my seriousness to conduct business with a high level of integrity and professionalism
- To locate other individuals who have a Similar Vision and Passion as I/You do
- To break a family/generation cycle of assuming the next generation will get it on there own or fix it.
Now, I’m reflecting on past experience. Things that worked and didn’t work. What challenges I faced and who/how I fixed (Mitigated) these issues/risks.
Now, I’m negotiating the contract terms and payment frequency (NET30, NET20, 2/10 NET30) for future projects.
Now, I’m setting expectations. Defining what I need for a successfully start and contract completion.
Only time will tell how if
- I reach my dreams or
- Made valuable contributions to society or
- Left you with enough to feed your curiosity or
- Helped you continue your dreams
Nyanna, Kiarra, Neysa, Kaniel and children of the world. There are people who do care and want you to succeed. Be passionate about what you love. Don’t loose your creativity. Remember to ALWAYS TRUST YOURSELF AND BE YOU!
“I can’t afford to give you the name brand shoes, designer jeans or latest gadgets. But I can equip you with tools to get those things YOURSELF”
-Trinetta Scott
Ask me what that quote means. I do have an answer! 😉
Software DONE Right 