Geek will only get you so far ...
Have you noticed that some people in infosec simply have more success than others, however they may define success? Get the newly released book and learn valuable skills, ones most people never develop nor even understand.
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About Ted Demopoulos
Ted Demopoulos’ professional background includes well over 3 decades of experience in Information Security and Business, including over 30 years as an independent consultant. Ted helped start a successful information security company, was the CTO at a “textbook failure” of a software startup, and has advised several other startups. he is a frequent speaker at conferences and other event, author of the forthcoming Infosec Consulting 101, author of Infosec Rock Star: How to Accelerate Your Career Because Geek Will Only Get You So Far and two other books. Ted conducts leadership and information security Bootcamps for The SANS Institute, and is the principal of Demopoulos Associates, a consulting organization specializing in information security
Testimonials
"Ted, I have known you for nearly 30 years – yes, that long – and I am not sure I have ever shared with you how much of a mentor you have been to me. I would probably not be where I am right not if I had not known you, and I want everyone to know what formidable knowledge, wisdom and FUN you bring around you. "
“Ted, to those about to rock, I salute you … and always enjoy listening and learning from you. I always pickup new tips and tricks.”
Getting Started in Infosec Consulting proves that with proper tools and planning, transitioning into consultancy is possible. I have found the tips and ideas inspiring and motivated me to plan my journey and step into independent work. Ted shares his wealth of experience not only in terms of knowledge in the domain but from the shoes of someone who has ventured himself as an independent consultant and made it! Worth the read, and the application.
Latest Articles
How much does a Great Idea matter ?
How important is a great idea when you are doing something new, whether it's a startup or something else significant?
Most people think the "great idea" is essential, and if you have a truly great idea, life will be easy: it'll be easy to get people to join you, get momentum, get funding if you need it and more.
I will argue that a great idea, although "great," is not as important as people think. We will ignore right now that an idea, regardless of how good, is useless unless someone takes action.
Even with a smashingly great idea, and enormous success, that idea will have changed during implementation, it will have morphed.
It did for Android (they were originally making a camera operating system well before Google bought them), Nintendo (paper playing cards), Nokia (started as a paper mill), YouTube (a dating site), and many more.
My opinion: Don't worry about a great idea; go for the Big Execution!
Positive Procrastination
We normally think of procrastination as negative, but procrastination can be positive.If you procrastinate on the right things, you might never need to do some of them!
Why Get Involved with a Startup ?
Why would anyone get involved with a startup, leaving the relative safety of a corporate job?
First, let's define a startup: An endeavor with has high growth potential and is potentially innovative or disruptive in some way.
There are several reasons, and three big ones at least in my mind . . .
The Cost of Inaction
There is obviously a cost to do something. If I go on vacation for example, it's going to cost me time and money. If I go out to dinner tonight - there is certainly a cost as well.
Think of some of the things you have done in the past that have had great results, maybe even lifechanging results. If you hadn't done them, there would have been an enormous "Cost of Inaction" or COI.
For example, if I hadn't gotten married and had kids, my life would be much different now. Certainly far less rich and wonderful.The cost of inaction would have been immense.
A bit over thirty years ago, I left corporate life to become a consultant. It's worked out extremely well, with lots of world travel which I love, the ability to choose exciting work and I've had some great projects and continue to, and freedom the likes of which doesn't exist with a job. And the money has been great.
What if I hadn't left my great job at HP in 1990? The cost of inaction would have been IMMENSE!
Often people delay, sometimes forever, doing something because the time isn't right or they are not ready. There is never a perfect time for many things are some things you may never be perfectly ready for.
Think of the cost of inaction! And then move forwards.