Saturday, June 23, 2012

How LinkedIN Doesn't Compare To Thomas The Tank Engine

Last week I decided to update my LinkedIN profile solely for the purpose of posting this year's #140confONT event.  After I went and accepted the 236 connection requests I began to update my profile.
I did my best to make it reflect who I am, both professionally and personally.  I'm not sure that it does.

Whenever someone asks what I do, I describe my job as the person who works for sign manufacturer, who does everything that doesn't have anything to do with making an actual sign. That list is a lot longer than it sounds.  LinkedIN is not really a place to put that I hardly ever do the same things day in & day out.  My multi-tasking skills would not seem up to par if I said "always manages to get everyone's break order right" "runs around the shop taking pics" "spends time getting to know the people in the neighbourhood"  but those are some of the parts of my job that I enjoy the most.

I did enjoy putting the Projects part of my profile together.  It was a nice walk down memory lane, but again it hardly captures what really is involved planning projects and coordinating events (where exactly does wearing a tiara go?)   I like making all the moving parts fit together.



 I can see the big picture, but know that it takes so many little tasks to achieve the goal.  I know the amount of work it will take and know that it will still take more work than originally anticipated.  I do it because I love to help.

 I love to be useful. 

 I grew up with the phrase BE LIKE MIKE.  As far as pro athlete role models go Micheal Jordan is the cream of the crop. Who wouldn't want to be like Mike?

It wasn't until this decade that I was introduced to Thomas The Tank Engine.  What I really strive is to be like him.  I'm not so sure that a fictional character reference fits on a LinkedIN profile.





If you could describe yourself in a way that doesn't fit with your professional image how would you do it?  What would say about yourself?  Who would you want to align yourself with?  If it's a little off the wall & out of place, chances are I'll want to "add you to my professional network" 

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