Lessons Learned While Building VND

By Manuel Oblitas 9 years ago

I spoke at CodeUp today. They are an organization that hosts coding classes in “boot camp” style to turn a new breed of web developers to serve our growing San Antonio, Texas market. Its fast paced and quality learning. Love what they do.

My topics were 3 areas which I feel are key to every person’s personal development, regardless if they are looking to land a better job or starting a company in the software arena. I used some life experiences while growing VND as examples throughout. A little history always helps. Here they are:

  • Constant learning. Learning starts at home. Are you spending time doing the things you love, working on that cool special project even though you aren’t getting paid for it? I did and it was rewarding.
  • Bold moves. Drastic change is good, being persistent is good, doing the uncomfortable is even greater! Just do it like Shia said here: https://youtu.be/ZXsQAXx_ao0, and of course, “fake it till you become it!” as Amy Cuddy said on her TED talk here: https://youtu.be/Ks-_Mh1QhMc. That video teaches you more than power posing techniques, it has a powerful message about how to believe in what you will become to become it! And don’t forget. Sales is a trade “everyone” should be exposed to.
  • Life hacking. I hate wasting time and I am always looking for ways to save time by using multiple hacks. Check out these two guys: Tim Ferris: http://fourhourworkweek.com/blog/ (see the blog topics on the right of his blog) and Noah Kaggan: http://okdork.com/blog/ (Love the blunt approach he has. Its worth browsing)

My presentation slides are here for more: CodeUp Presentation Slides.

And don’t forget to: