UlTImATE SUccESS GUIdEthey said I didn’t have a chance.
“You just don’t have the aptitude to be a programmer,” they told me.
My dad had a different view of my prospects. He thought computer
people hung out in arcades all day and it was a waste of my time.
Surprisingly, I didn’t have trouble consolidating the two opinions. My
father thought I was too good for it, while the people I wanted to work
with didn’t think I was good enough.
I decided the opportunity was far greater than most people could see.
This would be the industry of the future, and I would be part of it. If
my resume wasn’t good enough, I would demonstrate that I was good
enough. If the industry was thought of as worthless, I would be the one
to help make it meaningful.
The relationships and connections I created along the way propelled me
to accomplish these goals.
WhY leARn, WhY teACh AnD When to shARe?Currently, most industries hire based on some form of academic qualifi-
cation. Back when I got started, you didn’t get an education in computer
programming. You had to find a way to learn from others and had to
create relationships.
Today, this industry has prospered more than any other. Now I take the
lessons I discovered then and teach others how to innovate, demonstrate
and find success.
I help people concentrate and focus more on what they can actually
bring to the table.
Therefore, consider making a list and define what your key competen-
cies are. This list is not of your academic achievements, but the skillsets
and behavioral habits you have built.
Now, build a strategy on negotiating and delivering what you believe
are your strengths. This exercise will demonstrate your abilities and as-
sist you to really focus on what you do. Refine this until you have a
summarized pitch that you can use on the fly when someone asks you
what you do or who you are.