Life is Beta
Several weeks ago a student asked me if we were finished developing WhyHire.me. I looked at her and said we are in perpetual beta because we are constantly on the hunt for new features that students, teachers and employers are looking for and integrating the latest tools that are available. That’s when the discussion evolved into, “isn’t everything in beta?”
One of our goals as a business is to evolve and be listening to the needs of our different audiences. We have to be ready to change, adapt and evolve. But doesn’t that hold true for life in general.
We are teaching our students that they need to discover their passion, reveal they initiative and connect with industry. By adopting an entrepreneurial approach to their careers, they will in turn stand out in a competitive market place. This is also a philosophy of being prepared for change and continually evolving.
As businesses and as individuals, we have to all stay current, continue to learn and evolve because life is beta. There’s always room for improvement and you never know what’s just around the corner.
7 Responses to “Life is Beta”
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Ian on January 3rd, 2010
Interesting sentiment and I tend to agree. Beta is usually thought of as pre-production which is perhaps fitting for students before their first career choice.
At some point both businesses and people need to be ready for general release. There is a point at which you are ready to switch from pre-production to genrally available and revenue ready.
While being adaptable is essential there is also a point at which you need to decide good enough is great.
Kevin J Porter on January 3rd, 2010
Patti,
I completely agree. The moment we think we have learned everything about a subject, someone will cross our path who knows significantly more in the same subject area. The thirst for knowledge and lifelong education is a key ingredient for success.
Thanks!
Kevin
ctinari on January 4th, 2010
Hi Patti,
I enjoyed this article! I think taking an entrepreneurial approach to one’s career is essential in today’s hyper-competitive job market. I realize that it can help you stand out from the (huge)crowd, but I am curious about one thing. What happens in a few years when everyone is doing this and we are no longer distinguishable from everyone else? My goal is to be as separated as possible from the crowd, but I know that everyone else will soon be taking the same approach.
Patti Church on January 6th, 2010
Hey Chris,
Everything evolves and changes and you have to change and stay at the front of the change cycle. The reality is that more and more people will jump on board the digitial presence bandwagon because it will become expected by employers, prospects, colleagues and partners. The trick will be to evolve and change with technology and your brand. I just discovered a student in Toronto, Josh Clarke @desinicism, who has embraced video blogging and within a week he’s on Canada’s top 100 list. Josh has embraced a medium that few are using professionally. He’s given it his own twist and is definitely developing his brand. He’s putting himself out there and he’s getting recognition for it and he’s just dabbling right now. It will be interesting to see how things evolve for Josh.
Innovation will be key. Thanks for adding your thoughts, Patti
Patti Church on January 6th, 2010
Ian;
Guy Kawasaki once wrote ‘Don’t worry by crappy’ with the same sentiment. Get it out there, see how it goes, adapt, modify and keep going. I just found his blog post, http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2006/01/the_art_of_inno.html#axzz0bqnLkMLZ.
I really need to come visit the Code Factory soon. I’ve heard great things.
Patti
ron_van_holst on January 7th, 2010
Some great dialog and certainly something to think about. Life is a journey of learning.
Some days life feels more like alpha
Take Care,
Ron.
Andy on January 17th, 2010
That is so true Ron!