The winter of my sixth grade year my class had the opportunity to join a skiing program; basically every Tuesday evening we could climb in a bus and head over to a TINY local ski bump. I didn’t know how to ski and to be honest had not even thought of skiing being a part of my physical activity…ever. During Christmas dinner that year my Mom turned to me and told me to lift up my plate. Seeing no food on the plate I figured this to be harmless, underneath I found a gift certificate to this same hill so that I could get in some lessons before the school-sponsored program started.
My smile was fake as I thanked both my parents, but inside I was scared stiff of putting my feet on two planks and letting gravity dictate my fate. The day of the lesson I threw a fit, refusing to get in the care. My Mom came into my bedroom and told me this:
“Don’t grow up to regret not experiencing something new simply because you were afraid.”
Perhaps these were not the exact words (many, many skiing falls later my memory is a bit shattered, thanks Mom), but ever since, avoiding regret has always been one of my main goals, professionally and personally. It is why on March 5th I let you all know that I was off to find something new. That day led to a figurative avalanche of response from this community…the experience has become my personal social media case study!
As I met with companies I posted about what I wanted in my next venture:
- Opportunity to prove social media works.
- Opportunity to provide a better future for my family.
- Opportunity to learn new facets of marketing from a proven professional.
- Opportunity to have fun while working.
- Opportunity to experience something new.
- Opportunity to work with an executive team that is smart, genuine, honest and focused.
I’m really excited that I not only found that type of opportunity, but we are also heading to Austin, Texas!! I’ll be taking on the role of Director of Marketing at BreakingPoint Systems, working with Pam O’Neal (Twitter/Blog). This encompasses all of the opportunities I listed above; particularly the last two. Almost immediately we will be diving into a new web site, engaging with their community and much more…my hope is a role similar to Jeremiah Owyang’s definition of a “web strategist”.
Personal thanks to Bryan, Todd, Scott, Paul, Len, Liz, Laura and Connie who went above and beyond in providing me with advice about my next move. Thank you!
The same sentiment, of course, goes to my wonderful family, who I don’t typically drag into this space, but they understood how important all of this was for me. Each day they make me regret nothing.
–Kyle Flaherty
14 Responses
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Kyle, really awesome news. Congratulations! Based on my own visit to Austin in February, I can vouch for it being one heckuva town!
Just took at look at the BreakingPoint site. Looks like you are in for an interesting experience engaging with their community.
Also, that was an impressively short search. It’s probably a point in your case study but the ability to connect with so many people in social media must have definitely helped.
Congrats and enjoy Austin. (I hear they don’t have nearly as much snow down there.)
Kyle, Congratulations on the new gig – it looks like a great opportunity..!
This is totally exciting and an amazing opportunity, not only for you, but your family! I’m looking forward to keeping in touch via Facebook, Twitter and your blog to see what new adventures you will experience in Austin. Good luck!
“KYLE FLAHERTY, COME ON DOWN!” So glad to hear about your new job right here in beautiful Austin. Consider yourself drafted for Social Media Club, and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you and your family make the transition.
Kyle! Congrats! We’ll miss you here south of the city (including those @ Granite Links) but I’m excited for your new adventure. Like Liz I’m glad we’ll stay in touch through the web …. congrats again!
Kyle – this is really great news and certainly a well-deserved opportunity. I wish you luck in your next move and will be looking forward to seeing the results of the fine work you’ll be doing for BreakingPoint. I hope the distance won’t decrease in our interaction (at least of the online sort) and that we’ll be able to meet up when we’re in each others’ respective cities.
Kyle, congrats! Wishing you all the best. Lemme know when you’re ready to open SHIFT-Austin, amigo.
Congrats Kyle, on the new opportunity! Funny that it doesn’t matter in this space that you and I are both uprooting and moving thousands of miles away from our current locations, as long as we continue blogging, Facebook-ing and Twittering to our “web friends.” Best of luck to you in Texas. Yee-Haw!
Boy were you tight-lipped yesterday! Congrats on the new gig and best of luck in the West Berlin of Flyover Country!
Bryan, thanks and again thanks for all your advice.
John, like any great opportunity the challenge needs to be steep, I’m pumped to strat attacking it soon.
Jeff, thanks for the well wishes!
Lizzer, you rock and I’ll certainly be missing you, but now you have a place to stay during SXSW!
Connie, it was your pink hair that won me over :)
Lisa, same sentiment as Liz, I can see you both having a nice visit to Austin next SXSW and the real one (i.e. music)
Scott, you have been a great help during this process, you’ll probably be haring more from me!
Todd, don’t you worry, you’ll be the first to know!
Lauren, isn’t that SO true and it actually makes it a bit more easy since I’m going to miss my family and friends terribly.
Doug, I just didn’t want to jinx anything.
/kff
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