Job Change

What’s Up?

I wanted to quickly inform people that I am no longer at BridgePort Networks.

For the last 2+ years, I was the Director of Marketing at BridgePort Networks. It is a telecommunications software company that focused on fixed-mobile convergence. It was a great gig where I did everything from Return On Investment financial modeling to writing, designing and picking the color of brochures. Also, it dealt with fantastically interesting and complicated area of technology. Unfortunately, we were a bit “ahead of the market” – a market I still believe in. But the reality is that I - along with about 8 other talented folks - are now looking for a new direction.

What now?

This is the first time in my 19-year professional career without a job. Now, I have the opportunity to look at a lot of interesting options. This freedom is tempered by the need for health care and money for kids’ education. Good things come in threes, so I will define three categories of my options: 1) short-term contracts, 2) entrepreneurism, and 3) re-employment.

Short-Term Contracts

I already have some leads on short-term projects, but the more, the merrier. Those of you who have worked with me know my analytical skills and creative impulses. For those who need more information, I can send you my resume’ and a portfolio of my work. I enjoyed telecommunications, but my sweet spot is any “network” industry: telecom, transportation, electricity, and energy. My skills are also applicable to many other industries.

Entrepreneurism

In the last few days, I have discussed a wide range of entrepreneurial ideas with friends and colleagues. Some are my ideas; some are their ideas. Some are high tech; some involve using a table saw and driving a van. We will need much more due diligence before I find the right venture. Luckily, between the BridgePort Networks folks, neighbors, friends, and fellow Kelloggians, I have a great support network to develop, and launch a new venture.

Re-employment

Of course, I could always go back to working for The Man. Oh, wait, . . . I am The Man. My current criteria are Chicago locations that do not involve the management consulting lifestyle. I see several companies that are interesting. The smaller ones are always harder to find. Let me know if you have ideas and leads.

The plan is to stay in Chicago, but we could be enticed by the right location and job.

How Can You Help?

Cash and food (especially pretzels, mmmmm). Seriously, what would be great is the following:

1) Stay in touch. Give me a holler, email, IM, or post at my blog. I need encouragement and a network more than ever.

2) Leads on short-term work in finance, strategy, or marketing. If you are on this blast, it is because I would love to work with/for you again.

3) Contacts – not necessarily employers, but three of your contacts that I can get to know who can send me in the right direction.

4) Ideas for new businesses. I won’t steal ‘em. I will hand them back to you in better shape then you gave them to me. And then, maybe we can run with them together.

5) Names of Chicago companies that you think I might be a good match for.

6) Advice about healthcare options – especially from those of you who are self-employed.

7) Hints on working from home with 2 kids without driving myself or my wife crazy.