This Tanner Friedman Blog entry is authored by our Account Manager Maggie Sisco. We’ll continue to share perspectives from our colleagues, whenever we have an opportunity.
Every company is known for something and not always for what they want it to be. What a company “stands” for and what a company is known for are often times two very different things.
When thinking about how a company is known, remember that the office walls are thinner than ever. People talk, they text, they email, tweet, update statuses, share, like. We live in a time when the global population is more communicative than ever. That means news travels fast. Good news AND bad news.
Why does it matter? Because if you’re looking to start a career, build your own personal brand, or even start client relationships, you should first know what’s already been said about the company you are about to associate yourself with.
I once did a job shadow with a company early in my college career at the encouragement of a very well-meaning mentor. The experience turned out to be a total disaster. Sitting in an office for 8 hours listening to the latest office gossip and learning about the newest version of whatever online game was popular at the time felt like a waste of time, and money (since I had taken the day off from my paying job).
Following that experience I asked around and heard similar stories about that company from three different colleagues. With the benefit of hindsight I realize that I should have done my homework. I should have asked questions. In an era where Google has made obtaining information exponentially easier, I should have spent some time online and saved myself a little time and trouble.
This can be a common mistake early on in any professional relationship, whether it be finding that right fit at a company or with a client.
There are always calculated risks when making any professional decision. Just be sure you’re taking the right ones, before you jump into the “mud.”