It was two years ago this time when I was feeling very lost in my career. I was unemployed, unsure of the career path I was moving towards, and quite honestly, bored. One of my best friends in the world suggested starting a blog. His blog was doing amazing things for him, and knew how a blog could be life changing, or even just keep me occupied during this awkward time.
Not long after his suggestion, I logged into wordpress and created my first free blog, Corn on the Job. My cute little blog baby was born, and just like a new parent, I had no clue what I was doing. My initial blog posts were rather boring, I wasn’t sure how to use social media tools to expand traffic and build a community, and my blog was the new kid on the block.
The first weeks were rocky, but after a couple months I started receiving traffic and more importantly, making great friends who I still talk to today. In October of 2009, I ‘met’ Matt Cheuvront, who at that time was in many ways starting out himself. I was impressed by his blog, and the blog design services he offered. Corn on the Job needed a facelift, and Matt needed his first paying client. But it was more than that, and we became much more than a business transaction to each other. After his work was done, we continued to talk through Social Media and Skype. When we needed it, we gave each other advice and pushed each other to go bigger. Hell, I was even in Matt’s bachelor party when he was married in 2010. I’m sure we both would have found success without that initial business relationship, but I can honestly say it would have taken me a much longer to find it without making that friendship.
While I’ve only detailed this one friendship, Corn on the Job is responsible for dozens of other friendships across the country. I’ve met people that mean the world to me and continue to inspire everything I do. Sarah White is someone that for probably over a year I talked to everyday. She helped introduce me to HR conferences and pushed me to think outside of the box about my career. Jessica Miller-Merrill teamed up with me for #JobHuntChat, and we continue to make it better every week. Marty McDonald, has become much more than an old work colleague. He’s become a mix of a business partner for Bad Rhino Inc., mentor, and most importantly, a great friend. I could write about every connection I’ve made, but there just wouldn’t be enough room.
To the readers, thanks for sticking with me through controversial posts, leaving comments on my work, and joining the communities on Twitter and Facebook. The best things are coming. I promise.
Nearly 2 years later, I’m calling on buddy Matt and his company, Proof Branding, to give Corn on the Job a facelift. It’s the blogs 2 year anniversary on Monday, July 11th, and I’m going to celebrate it with a new look. Corn on the Job is going down for maintenance starting tomorrow and you can check back on Monday to see what’s new here.
