Back in highschool, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do career wise. I was always good at history, science, and computers, but hadn’t found that one thing I absolutely loved doing. I knew that I loved computers, but wasn’t sure if that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. While still in highschool, at age 16, I actually studied on my own time to earn an A+ Certification….. which is a standard certification for those looking to be become a computer repairman.

After passing the two tests, I actually became more engaged in the computer field. I started learning more about networking, the internet, and building websites. At this time, I was certain that the IT industry was the career path for me…. until I got my first job. In 2000, I got a job at Sears selling electronics. It wasn’t until this time period did I realize how much I love working with people, overcoming objections, and learning to influence people’s decision making.

Now, I pretty much have my dream job. I work in sales for IZEA, a web based social media marketing company….. which means I get to deal with both IT and sales simultaneously.

Do you have a dream job? Have you ever considered IT Security? Right now, one of the most trendy (and lucrative) jobs in the IT landscape is ethical hacking. An ethical hacker is someone who is legally hired to break into various computer systems/networks to test their levels of security. The first step to becoming an ethical hacker is becoming certified. EC-Council offers various online classes that are both flexible and reasonably priced to help you achieve the certification in a timely manner.

Just think about how cool it would be to tell all your friends and family members that you are a real life hacker! If you are considering a career change and are interested in computers, this may be a good option for you.

Fun Rollercoaster:

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Here is the parody.

Like most people, my eyes were glued to the screen for the debate. To be frank, I was unimpressed with both sides. I was expecting more punches and aggression. Both candidates seemed too repetitive and indirect. I was hoping McCain was going to cream Obama on Iran, Iraq, and foreign policy due to his inexperience. And Obama to come back extremely strong with attacks on McCains recent ignorant economy statements.

I am really excited about the VP debate, hopefully it will be more entertaining.

If you are like me and spend a bazillion hours online each day, then you start looking for cool ways to aggregate content. I personally am a big fan of political, funny, and odd videos online, but it’s always hard finding the good ones.

Viral Video Chart is a cool little utility that not only displays the top 100 videos, but also breaks down their key metrics.

My favorite tool is called “right now“, it basically lists what videos people are embedding into their blogs at that very moment. This gives you a sense of current conversations across the blogOsphere.

Not sure who is behind the site, but from what I gather they charge advertisers a fee to try and make their videos go viral.

If you follow any of the A-list blogs like TechCrunch or Valleywag, then you probably have been reading about all the new Microsoft ads. They just wrapped up a deal with Seinfeld and recently hired Pharrell (rapper) and Rashad Evans (fighter) as pitchmen. When discussing the ads, most people are rather critical. Mentioning that they are odd, irrelevant, and inadequate compared to Apple.

Microsoft’s agency is Crispin Porter located in Miami. They have a reputation for almost crossing the line. They came up with the “Man Law” ads for Miller back in the 90’s, but lost the account. Now they handle Ask.com and Burger King. I am not too fond of the folks there, as I met with them personally earlier this year.

The ads must be working to a degree as everyone seems to be talking about them. Do you think it is true that there is no such thing as bad press?

Hard economic times…. maybe.

My ramblings about IZEAfest: