Can one google you? Can we find you on the cover of a glossy? Your career needs a communication plan.
When one talks about CIO career building activities, networking is at the top of the list. Networking is a powerful tool and perhaps deserves its top billing. However, there is an important activity that is perhaps as important but often neglected. I am referring to communications.
We have all seen pictures of CIOs on magazine covers with that confident smile conveying a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Nothing is more vile and self serving than seeing your picture on the cover of a glossy. But boy does it work! Instantaneously, you are a superhero – king of geekdom and defender of the IT universe!
Then there is the CIO interview. You are the thought leader commenting on weighty topics; untangling the web on meaty issues; solving intractable problems. “How you are shaping the future of technology by implementing the latest SAP module,” “How you changed the world with your implementation of Windows Vista, ” “How IT will solve world hunger if only they embraced open source just like you did” “How you won the war on terror by encrypting your laptop,” and the list goes on and on. Everyone is reading your pithy comments and salivating at the prospect of seeing their picture on that cover one day. How did he do it? How did she keep going on despite the odds? It does not matter whether you have a clue because you, my friend, are in print.
CIO videos and podcasts are in the same genre. It is you, single handedly and tirelessly, working against the world and taking a sledgehammer at those darn issues that are keeping the business world from salvation. Once again, you are in front of the world online.
These and other means are telling the world: You da man! (or woMAN as the case may be)
Overcome your inhibition of appearing self serving because this world celebrates “in print” heroes not shy wall flowers. Do not worry about “deserving” because who knows who deserves what. Go for self proclaimed or anointed or any other means of gaining your place in the sun.
All kidding aside, a CIO must find a way to be in the media. Cultivate your media contacts – if you are the CIO of a fortune 500 this task is easier; others will have to work for it. Did you do something spectacular recently? Tell the world about it through an article or interview or video or podcast. Do you think there is a way to do something better? Again, go for print or online.
Do you have a communication plan? Get one. Your career is waiting for it.
