The early part of my career was easy. Seemed like things just got better every year. I had my picture in CA Magazine within a few months of getting my first business cards printed. On my second job was as primary writer on the Oakley sunglasses business. My next job included a lot of TV shoots and some awards. Heck, I musta been great at what I was doing.

You see, snarky TV, radio, and print ads are a specialty of mine. The kind that people want pulled off the air and will even talk about. I once wrote a bus board that ended up being featured on the local television news and received above the fold coverage in the Oregonian.

Later came a mid-career that was a lot tougher following the tech crash and a move back to my hometown of Atlanta from the west coast. My flair for snark was a near useless talent in the conservative South during a recession. Really, what marketing exec wants to rock the boat when there’s a shortage of jobs? This, unfortunately, meant what I was working on stopped being remarkable too. I even got laid off twice following account losses.

Why did things get harder? 

Well, I think it’s because people don’t want anyone to be what they think they’re great at. Business is not interested in supporting anyone’s art. Decision makers just want what they think is needed and what their bosses want. I was just lucky that, before the tech crash, my talent for writing edgy ad copy was perceived as needed.

Fortunately, a boss recognized another gift I have. I am not only naturally snarky, I’m also really freaking curious. This recognition has led me in the direction of social media.

But isn’t this supposed to be about you? Well, here’s what I think the take away is:

Don’t focus on just being good at something.

Try and understand why you’re valuable to someone else. Learn what they need from you and focus on their needs and not your ego.

Try and develop multiple talents so when one becomes less valuable you’ll have something else to offer.

Be curious.

Posted on: October 7, 2009, by : Jimmy Gilmore