That's more like it

[stephbg]

I woke up this mornin' (duh Nah nah nah NAH)
And I got outta bed (duh Nah nah nah NAH)
I had me a shower (duh Nah nah nah NAH)
And even got myself fed. (Wooooooooo!)



And then I got dressed, and drove to work, and drank some coke, and worked some more, then drove home, had a rest, got changed, drove to West Perth, went to an ACS presentation/discussion thingie about social networking for business purposes, then drove home, and watched Juno which I liked except for the excessive cuteness of the soundtrack and here we are.

Did I mention the caffeine? Did I? Did I?

The ACS thingie was actually an ACS-W thingie for wimminfolk. And there were indeed more females present than at the regular monthly gatherings, but there were quite a few blokes too. I didn't do a head count but there might have been more boys than girls in the crowd of about 40. I also learned that the Australian IT gender balance is much worse than anywhere else (probably meaning the US and UK): the proportion of women in the IT workforce in Australia is half that of other countries.

I haven't been to one of these W events before, mostly because they've been marketed as "Networking opportunities" and I much prefer the educational opportunities with speakers and more options for avoiding strangers. I mentioned this to the presenter (possibly), whom I failed to avoid during the pre-talk mingling, who said I should make sure the Branch VP knew this.

So dutifully I had a Little Chat with the VP (one of the traditional silver-suited males), and for bonus points managed to complain about query the gender-equality of the forthcoming Golf Day (my feminist flister sisters I am still amazed at what you've done to me over the last few years). Later we all sat down and the VP introduces the evening by recounting our conversation, mercifully stripped of the anti-golf sentiment. He does this whilst looking at me, so there was no hiding. Fortunately my desire for speakers at these events is something I will happily claim, so while I received some unexpected attention, there was minimal embarrassment. Which is nice, because I clearly recall earlier times in my life where under the same circumstances I would have wished the ground to open up and swallow me. These days my first response is usually a raised eyebrow.

The talk itself was medium interesting. I had hoped for more content about blogging for business purposes rather than Tweeting For Profit, but I still learned a thing or two and was glad I went. It was a bit sad that it was said that if a female ever anticipates being seriously employed she should never allow her cleavage to be photographed. We're not talking naughty cleavage either; just plain old-fashioned squished-together

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boobies. Seems a bit extra harsh on the ladies. And LinkedIn is treated far more seriously than I had noticed, but I haven't been in the recruiting game for some time (thank heavens).

But cameras and alcohol were everywhere, so if you want to establish an online profile, beware. Thanks for listening. Drinks, everyone?

I passed on the post-talk drinkies and photo opportunities and made my exit.

I don't know if the nature of my online presence has ever lost me a job opportunity, but I decided long ago how much of "me" I felt comfortable sharing with potential employers. My only concession to damage-control is the occasional flocked post plus a little disclaimer in my lj profile:

This is my personal blog. While I am a professional business and technical writer, this is where I let my hair down, so unless specified please do not assess my writings here with any commercial seriousness.

If you're curious, I am capable of strict grammar, correct punctuation, and a wide variety of formal writing styles; you just won't find them here.

:P

I figured that if a potential employer/client didn't like what they saw (and this includes my masquerade costumes), I probably wouldn't want to work for them. I guess I'll never know if that's been a problem.

Comments

[ozdragonlady.livejournal.com]

Well done! ... the getting up and doing bit :)

Some professionals seem to be swallowed by their own myths. Why anyone would consider Tweeting as a viable communications method for professional purposes is beyond me. Theyve tried it at work as well - have to get to those teens you know ... like theyd care! Made most of us cringe. I can understand the blogs - that can make a lot of sense - and Myspace is clearly useful for such folk as musicians, although the software and general presentation makes me cringe. Facebook? Im of two minds there - some businesses find it useful. It is great for events ... but the management leaves a lot to be desired. I suspect that if you are careful of your internet access, it could be an issue. Its not banned at work just because its potentially time-wasting.

LinkedIn? seems to work elsewhere - cant think that I would think of it if I were recruiting, but then we arent in the business of headhunting.

And networking? Yes, not something Id put in an event description if I wanted people to come. I suspect anyone going to any kind of industry association meeting would be conscious that it is a networking opportunity anyway.

Golf is a problem. There are few (any?) alternatives that provide the chance of private conversations in a healthy, attractive and universally accepted social activity that can also be done as part of a large group - that women habitually do. Not all men do it either.

The cleavage bit is sadly so ... but not wearing the playclothes that pass for fashion is what it is all about anyway. If you want to be taken seriously you have always had to dress conservatively. Alcohol can make anyone silly. Although for some reason in males its a sign of a "good bloke" - unless youre 20-something and do something completely stupid.

Online presence has to be carefully managed. Remember anything you say abut work can be a breach of confidence, slanderous, and a whole range of other no-nos. I dont know of anyone in Aus it has happened to, but a friend in the US lost his job because of what he had said in an open blog. There are many things that I cannot say because we are forbidden public comment on government stuff. The recent flurry of comment pre-Swancon about a certain guy was slander, because hes never been convicted (or, I suspect, since I didnt follow it closely) even charged with the offence. Unfortunately, while this might be your personal blog, it is also public comment, and in Aus, being a very small place, it is going to be read by everyone within 6 degrees of separation of you.

[ariaflame.livejournal.com]

Not charged, but I believe did admit in open forums. So slander probably not applicable.

But agree that we probably don't want to start up that discussion again.