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TOP IDEA: Heath Port In the business world, a mission statement defines the purpose and guides an organization and spells out who/what it is to its stakeholders. I believe when career planning we should do the same thing a first step: ttp://tinyurl.com/7qahe28

2 weeks ago from Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking, Blogging Ideas and Denver Careerists2 more

JRandom42: Classic Dilbert on mission statements:

MoreClassic Dilbert on mission statements:

http://tinyurl.com/6rvqjof

http://tinyurl.com/83vtyyb

2 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Heath Port It's a New Year and time to retake stock of my priorities and make sure I am focusing my energy effectively! http://wp.me/p1MmA7-41

3 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking and Boulder, CO2 more

 
TOP IDEA: Heath Port There is so much to consider when planning long term for your career, but if you take a more strategic approach it can help sift through the noise. http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3W

14 weeks ago from Rocky Mountain Networking, Boulder, CO, Denver Careerists and Blogging Ideas2 more

Noel Rozny: I like this post and am definitely going to use some of these ideas as I start planning for the new year. Definitely leave room for surprises too. ...MoreI like this post and am definitely going to use some of these ideas as I start planning for the new year. Definitely leave room for surprises too. It's a cliche, but it's true: "life is what happens when you are busy making plans."
13 weeks ago
Heath Port: Thanks Noel. I agree. Definitely want to build flexibility into the structure. That's why I like approaching career planning this way. The ...MoreThanks Noel. I agree. Definitely want to build flexibility into the structure. That's why I like approaching career planning this way. The further out in the planning time line you go the more open you can keep it to compensate for life's changes and as you get closer to real time you can be more precise and deliberate. I plan to get more into this in the follow-up posts I have planned.
13 weeks ago
 
Heath Port I decided to starting writing reviews of books I have been reading as part of my blog. Here is the first one on "Lift - Becoming a Positive Force in Any Situation". http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3z

15 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking and Boulder, CO2 more

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Heath Port: @Vickie, yeah, I figured why not. I am already reading the books and figure someone could benefit from my thoughts on the book before reading it ...More@Vickie, yeah, I figured why not. I am already reading the books and figure someone could benefit from my thoughts on the book before reading it themselves. Plus, if other have read it and comment on it then will only enhance the benefit for everyone.
@Edward. Thanks for the tip. I will definitely check it out!
15 weeks ago
Mike Ambassador Bruny: @heath, that is great. I'm working on going through all of Seth Godins books. I started a Seth Godin Book Club on FB where I capture notes and ...More@heath, that is great. I'm working on going through all of Seth Godins books. I started a Seth Godin Book Club on FB where I capture notes and will put it all together at the end of the year. www.facebook.com/groups/sethgodinbookclub . Feel free to give it a look.
15 weeks ago
 
Heath Port I am fascinated with organizations' and individuals' behaviors as they navigate change. My latest post explores our natural reaction to change and some simple things to consider to be ready for change in a professional setting. "To Fear Change is Human. To Adapt is to Add Value." (http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3J). Would love to hear your suggestions on prepping for change as well!

15 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking, Boulder, CO and Blogging Ideas2 more

 
Heath Port Have you effectively used lateral moves as part of your career path or do you see them as a career killer? http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3s

16 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees, Blogging Ideas, Rocky Mountain Networking, Boulder, CO and Denver Careerists3 more

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Barbara: Lateral moves are a career killer, unless you are offered experience overseas, or certainly retards your career growth, if it is not at corporate HQ.
15 weeks ago
Heath Port: @Barbara, I think it depends on how you define "career growth." If we talking about purely moving up the ladder to the next title then you are ...More@Barbara, I think it depends on how you define "career growth." If we talking about purely moving up the ladder to the next title then you are probably right. For me I feel like my career grew as I gained more experiences and skills from each lateral move. I even made a lateral move from one large company to another. When I finally did move up the ladder, I was actually able to use the experiences from each move to get the promotions because I could show how each position helped prepare me for that new higher role. On the other hand I have seen people make lateral moves that did not seem connected mainly because they saw a higher paycheck or hated their current position. This made it harder for them to speak to why they had made lateral moves rather than upward ones. In that case, I would say that can hurt or slow down your career progression. Also, I think it comes down to the individual. Not everyone is motivated by climbing the ladder, some are more motivated by taking on new challenges and can be happy at a certain level. I have talked to more and more recruiters that don't necessarily see this as a bad thing like they did in the past. As long as you can show that you are effective at what you do and can learn something new and solve the problems they are looking to have solved.
15 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Heath Port Sometimes you have to take risks to explore new career avenues! My recent posts explores this concept with my recent decision to leave the safety of my job in Chicago and move to Denver without a new one lined up. http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3o. Feel free to share your own risk taking stories!

16 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking and Boulder, CO2 more

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Laura: @jrandom42 Ha, Michael Brown had a generalist command of patronage, and that was about it, but I guess that's all you need to climb the ladder.
17 weeks ago
Laura: At a company I used to work for, in a true Dilbert moment, they abolished "centers of excellence" which were essentially work centers staffed by ...MoreAt a company I used to work for, in a true Dilbert moment, they abolished "centers of excellence" which were essentially work centers staffed by specialists, because in some geography and in some subject matter, it didn't work. The work centers continued on but we couldn't call them centers of excellence, so we coined the term "periphery of mediocrity." Point being, it's a polarizing issue and I'm not even sure why.
17 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Heath Port While on the job hunt I have been thinking about how I sell/brand/present myself and blogged about my thoughts/approach here: http://wp.me/p1MmA7-2N. Feel free to add your own tips and experiences!

18 weeks ago from Interview Advice, Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists and Boulder, CO2 more

 
Heath Port My brother sent me a post the other day that explored the idea that people are hardwired to fear creativity and may not realize it. This got me thinking about my own experiences and inspired my most recent blog post: Beware of Those Shifty Creative Types! http://tinyurl.com/3ujlhc5

22 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking, Blogging Ideas and Mentors & Mentees3 more

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Heath Port: @Kathryn, thanks for sharing that perspective. I hadn't thought about how complexity of the solution could play a role. Also, I will have to ...More@Kathryn, thanks for sharing that perspective. I hadn't thought about how complexity of the solution could play a role. Also, I will have to look for that Wired article. It sounds interesting and definitely something I would agree with at initial pass. I think that need to find the "bullet-proof" solution plays to our need to control and have certainity in our decision making process. I think it gets back to risk aversion, and even though the creative solution has more potential holes, it could have a greater potential pay-off compared to the sure thing, yet more times than not we will move towards the sure thing with the lower pay off. I think the ability to override the tendency to go the safe route is what really separates entrepreneurs from others.
22 weeks ago
JRandom42: "Shifty Creative Types" like Bernie Madhoff? :)
21 weeks ago
 
Heath Port If you haven't read it, I highly recommend this book. I am reading it now and it is excellent so far. Even if you aren't in the business world I still highly recommend it and its a quick read. The concept centers around openly sharing knowledge and helping others as the key to success in the new economy as opposed to the previous method of divide an conquer intrigued me. http://timsanders.com/books/love-killer-app.html

22 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees, Networking Tips, Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers, Denver Careerists and Boulder, CO3 more

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Heath Port: You both have good points. I think it's my fault for not being clear on the crux of the book. Its not really focused on business models per say ...MoreYou both have good points. I think it's my fault for not being clear on the crux of the book. Its not really focused on business models per say as much as it is on individual behavior. His main point is really to be willing as an individual to be open and help others and be seen as a wealth of knowledge that you are willing to share with others rather than the old model of knowledge is power so you should keep it all to yourself. The argument is that you set yourself up more to be seen as valued by others over the long run and throughout your career rather than a mini tyrant. Now don't get me wrong there are lots of people that have built their little fiefdoms hoarding information, but that is as much that individuals employers fault for rewarding the behavior as it is that individual. These people typically don't do well when in a situation where they are moving from one new career move to another. They only can operate if they can manage to hold on to the position they are currently in. And in this day and age where people move around a lot professionally, that isn't as sustainable.
21 weeks ago
JRandom42: As big and powerful as Linux has become, it's become even more vulnerable. Kernal.Org, the main repository of the core linux kernal software, got ...MoreAs big and powerful as Linux has become, it's become even more vulnerable. Kernal.Org, the main repository of the core linux kernal software, got hacked and no one realized it for over 6 months. They still don't know if the kernal was compromised or not still. Also, with over 500 different distributions of Linux (see distrowatch.org), it's vulnerable to forking and fragmentation in more and different directions.

And let's not get into the long-standing fights on the direction of Linux, as chronicaled by slashdot.org
21 weeks ago
 
Heath Port Some people have a natural ability to promote themselves, but for me this is typically an uncomfortable experience. Is this an easy experience for you or do you struggle too? Check out my post and let me know what you think! http://tinyurl.com/3qmvea9

23 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees, Blogging Ideas, Boulder, CO, Denver Careerists and Rocky Mountain Networking3 more

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Todd Halverson: I agree Heath. When switching career paths, I have found that most employers are looking what skills do you have that will benefit the company. ...MoreI agree Heath. When switching career paths, I have found that most employers are looking what skills do you have that will benefit the company. They want to know that you are a leader and not a follower. You accomplish and get results you are not just a doer.
22 weeks ago
JRandom42: @Todd, so this brings me back to a couple of philosophical questions: If everyone leads, who follows? And if everyone leads, which direction do ...More@Todd, so this brings me back to a couple of philosophical questions: If everyone leads, who follows? And if everyone leads, which direction do they go?
22 weeks ago
 
Heath Port I saw a stat the other day that many of the unemployed are made up of younger generations and those around retirement age. Then I saw this HBR blog post on the entitlement of Millenials and unemployment and wanted to get the Brazen crowds thoughts: http://tinyurl.com/3rek99h. What do you think? Unfair characterization? Spot on? Or somewhere in between?

23 weeks ago from The Madtown Crew, Madison MAGNET, Boulder, CO, Mentors & Mentees and Denver Careerists3 more

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Shelly Pleasant: Edward.. that is too funny! Im soo going to use that!
23 weeks ago
Todd Halverson: @Edward.... that is a great line from one of the masters. There are also reports out there that the highest unemployment rate is military ...More@Edward.... that is a great line from one of the masters. There are also reports out there that the highest unemployment rate is military personnel with tours in Iraq and/or Afghanistan.
22 weeks ago
 
Heath Port Saw an interesting study on how mean people tend to get paid more and it got me thinking...http://tinyurl.com/3tyy24r

24 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Blogging Ideas, Madison MAGNET and Rocky Mountain Networking3 more

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Heath Port: @Noel, doesn't it just give you that extra energy to feel that productive on a day off? I know sometimes I can feel like my days off were wasted ...More@Noel, doesn't it just give you that extra energy to feel that productive on a day off? I know sometimes I can feel like my days off were wasted which can be a real bummer!
@Kathy, glad my use of groovy brightened your day a little bit. :)
24 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus: No, not in the least. And I do have work to do...and have to be to bed early for tomorrow.
24 weeks ago
 
Heath Port Purpose can be a powerful thing, but I didn’t realize just how powerful of an impact it can have on the achievement and fulfillment until recently. http://tinyurl.com/3ve6qlg

26 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking and Blogging Ideas2 more

 
Heath Port Purpose can be a powerful thing, but I didn’t realize just how powerful of an impact it can have on the achievement and fulfillment until recently. http://tinyurl.com/3ve6qlg

26 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking and Blogging Ideas2 more

 
Adriana Dwan Hi Boulder friends! I'm recruiting for an email marketing usability study that pays $50 for 1 hr remote web conference session on Wednesday 8/17 or Friday 8/19. You must be employed, based in the U.S., responsible for the management of email programs, and manage a subscription base of over 10,000 email addresses on one or more lists to participate. For more details and to take the pre-qualification survey, please click the link below. http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/605950/3ed8c3e65ebf Thanks!

26 weeks ago from Boulder, CO

 
Heath Port Hello all, my wife and I just moved to the Denver area so she could take on a new job. I ended up leaving my career in corporate strategy and planning in Chicago behind to make this move and I am now on the job hunt in the Denver metro area. Would anyone have any recommendations on area recruiters? I have an extensive background in the health care industry but I don't necessarily need to stay in the industry for my next job. Any advice, information, etc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

28 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO and Rocky Mountain Networking1 more

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Heath Port: @Regina. Thanks for the tip.
@Edward, thanks for the warm welcome and the tip on collectivenet. I will definitely check them out. We are ...More@Regina. Thanks for the tip.
@Edward, thanks for the warm welcome and the tip on collectivenet. I will definitely check them out. We are excited to be here!
28 weeks ago
Cal Shilling: Heath, I'd reach out to a company called Constant Contact. They are a strong Saas email marketing company with a regional office in that area. I'm ...MoreHeath, I'd reach out to a company called Constant Contact. They are a strong Saas email marketing company with a regional office in that area. I'm not sure what roles they may have available but they are always hiring.

27 weeks ago
 
Heath Port I am always amazed when I am treated to great customer service. When this happens it not only makes my day that much better, but it also makes me wonder why this isn’t the norm? http://tinyurl.com/3zvl4z6

28 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, The Modern Strategist, Rocky Mountain Networking, Denver Careerists and Boulder, CO3 more

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Regina Richardson: When I get great customer service, I make a point of speaking with the manager(s)...they so rarely hear the good stuff.
28 weeks ago
JESS Kalinowsky: A great deal of the time when one is treated well, they fail to give acknowledgment. I find it especially gratifying to make a point of thanking ...MoreA great deal of the time when one is treated well, they fail to give acknowledgment. I find it especially gratifying to make a point of thanking for the good customer service. Recently I reviewed a restaurant, and pointed out to the owner how great the customer service experience was from a busboy. The owner never shared that info with his employee. I asked the employee a day or so later if the owner had shared my compliments, and his response was "he never says anything nice to us!" That is sad! BAD OWNER! And I will point that out in my next review of the restaurant.
28 weeks ago
 
Heath Port Just published a blog post about how a recent trip to the doctor's office got me thinking about motivators and the importance of understanding them. Would love to hear other's thoughts on the subject: http://tinyurl.com/3cs6u2w

31 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking, Boulder, CO and Mentors & Mentees3 more

 
Heath Port My wife and I are relocating from Chicago to Denver this summer so she can take the next step in her career. This means I will be leaving my career here in Chicago and will be looking for a new professional home in the greater Denver area. If anyone has any tips on companies, solid local recruiters, people/groups to network with, etc, I would love to hear them. My background is in the strategy and planning field in health care but I am open to other industries as well. Thanks!

40 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking, The Modern Strategist and Networking Tips3 more

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Rebecca Thorman: That's so great, Heath. Thanks for sharing. Always fascinates me how modern couples make decisions. It sounds like it's a great move for both of ...MoreThat's so great, Heath. Thanks for sharing. Always fascinates me how modern couples make decisions. It sounds like it's a great move for both of you! Hope you love Denver :)
40 weeks ago
Heath Port: Happy to share Rebecca! My wife and I are a team and which ever one of us is in a situation to make things better for the both of us or put us ...MoreHappy to share Rebecca! My wife and I are a team and which ever one of us is in a situation to make things better for the both of us or put us closer to our other goals (geographic location, lifestyle, etc) we go with that. I guess we tend to be strategy nerds that way!
40 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Heath Port I truly believe in the importance of balancing your physical, emotional, mental and spiritually capacity is key in any longer term professional success. I just kicked off a series of posts on this topic. http://tinyurl.com/63428xl

47 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, The Modern Strategist, Denver Careerists and Boulder, CO2 more

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Heath Port: @Dana, I ask myself the very same thing. I was totally in that boat and then realized that I needed to value my health and well being first if I ...More@Dana, I ask myself the very same thing. I was totally in that boat and then realized that I needed to value my health and well being first if I wanted to be happy and productive in both my personal and professional life. You are right though, so many of us neglect our well being first when it comes to our careers!
47 weeks ago
Heath Port: @Vicki. Thanks for your comment on the blog as well and I look forward to your thoughts on the other pieces!
47 weeks ago
 
Heath Port My wife passed this HBR post on to me. It does a good job of showing that the issues with our health care system are not just related to insurance; and how Health IT can help overcome the cultural/systematic issues that make it complicated and expensive today. It also touches on how generational differences among providers could cause barriers to its adoption. Would love to hear what you all think. http://tinyurl.com/4p3r6zh

49 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Blogging Ideas, The Modern Strategist, Boulder, CO and Rocky Mountain Networking3 more

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Kim Luu: Heath,

You brought up the providers (doctors) and that's a cost that no one is really talking about. Providers are being squeezed so hard in ...MoreHeath,

You brought up the providers (doctors) and that's a cost that no one is really talking about. Providers are being squeezed so hard in some cases that insurance will not guarantee you services. For example, we have insurance and went to a specialist for a family member's treatment. The specialist that we wanted (one of the top in the field) is on our insurance plan but he does not do billing. You have to pay him $168,000 up front for the treatment and then get reimbursed by your insurance company for the negotiated rate that he falls under. Needless to say, the reimburse rate was far less.

So the choice is to get full coverage and pay 40% out of pocket for a doctor who has done 5 surgeries in his entire career or 70% out of pocket for a doctor who performs the same surgery 4X a week.

My teeth cleaning now costs $750/year vs. $0 5 years ago because my dentist will not accept the insurance reimbursement rate.

These costs are coming out of our pocket and are rarely factored into the health care costs discussions. What the providers are willing to take for payment. They have to make a living too.
48 weeks ago
Heath Port: Kim,

My point was to highlight that the issue of cost was a systematic issue that includes patients, insurers, providers, medical device ...MoreKim,

My point was to highlight that the issue of cost was a systematic issue that includes patients, insurers, providers, medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, the government, etc. I agree that providers need to make a living but I don't think that they are exempt from helping with working toward a solution. Providers have their own inefficiencies they bring to the table not the least is a extreme variation in service costs, hence why rates are negotiated. I am not arguing in favor of one constituent in this issue only to point out that each player needs to be willing to work with the others and that the issue is more complex than just pointing to one area and saying that's where the fix should happen.
48 weeks ago
 
Heath Port I recently watched a lecture on the power of vulnerability and blogged about my personal experience with the topic. I would love to hear your perspectives. http://tinyurl.com/48lejd5

48 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers3 more

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Matthew Sigmon: Some wonderful insight in your reply, Heath, and I see where you're coming from. Anything like this that cuts straight to the nature of identity ...MoreSome wonderful insight in your reply, Heath, and I see where you're coming from. Anything like this that cuts straight to the nature of identity is ultimately profound, and I really appreciate you being bold enough to lay it out in an open forum. Thanks so much for sharing your views on this and being open to mine!
48 weeks ago
Alyssa Maas: @Heath - Thanks again for a great post. The thing that hit me the most about your post and the professor's talk, was the word "embrace." I think ...More@Heath - Thanks again for a great post. The thing that hit me the most about your post and the professor's talk, was the word "embrace." I think that is what all relationships come down to, whether personal or professional (with your work, or with people) embracing that you are who you are and believe in your fight is all you can do. I once heard a definition of word integrity that I think applies here as well. A professor of mind said, "integrity, at it's root is doing what you say you are going to do." - For me, being a person of integrity requires you to be vulnerable - if commitment to action is what you stand for, you are better off being upfront about your limitations than promising the world and delivering less.
48 weeks ago
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