Travel, Reflection and Change
Over the last week it seems like a lot of exciting things have been happening. I posted my first blog on SEO (which is a mild indication I am progressing above novice and really starting to understand our users and audience - and that is super important if I am going to be successful in helping refine our product strategy), I attended my first search conference, and I got to spend a work-week in NYC (which for some reason always makes me thinking about the world in a much bigger way).So here are some things I have learned about myself so far:
- I have no clue what my personal brand should be - I have so many broad interests and there isn't really one thing I am great at doing (well other than my job of course - but even then a VP Engineering does so many things technical management, people management/hr, cross group communication, writing, strategy, sales help, etc).
- I need to make my goals more granular. Right now my goals are very grandiose, and even though I broken them down into chunks some of them are still a bit less actionable. I have a 5 year, 10 year, and longer plan - but at the same time I feel like I really need to break things down into smaller more attainable pieces.
- I suck at networking - in a big way. I learned a lot at the conference, went to lots of sessions, took notes, tried to tweet meaningful lessons and interesting thoughts; but I barely made any new connections. I am just so shy and have such a difficult time talking to people I don't know - so I am going to read some books to help with those things.
- I really need to come up with better, comfortable clothes for traveling. On my flight to NY I was so impressed with how gorgeous the girls were dressed - in particular I absolutely loved the look of denim leggings with flat, slouchy boots and layered sheer tees and cardigans--so stylish. I totally wanted to go shopping and buy some of these awesome pieces while I was in NY, but I don't think I will get the chance - perhaps when I am back in Seattle.
Ah yes, just a big list of my problems - well hopefully I will be able to figure out some great solutions and be able to say I have done something really great :) But for now, these are the things on my mind.