The core skill certifications

The CompTIA F+ certification

This certification is for all those who are looking at a career switch to the IT sector. The certification imparts basic knowledge of IT terminology and IT concepts, fundamentals of the database, understand the concepts of application software, and the objective of application architecture. You will also know about the set of necessary infrastructures with a wireless network.
The CompTIA A+ certification

In this certification, you will gain knowledge of hardware and its components, networking, and various networking protocols, learn to configure and connect mobile devices like tablets, smartphones, and others. You also will learn to troubleshoot hardware and software with decision making trees, learn to work on various operating systems like Linux, Windows, iOS, windows, and others.
The CompTIA Network+ certification:

This certification helps you to gain expertise in information technology infrastructure and network protocols. With this certification, you can design networks, configure, manage, and troubleshoot networks. You can identify the advantages and pitfalls of the current network system.

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The Expected difference between CompTIA Security+

Every three years CompTIA releases a new and updated version of its exams. This year, on October 4, 2020, CompTIA is releasing the new Security+ SY0-601 Exam. Below we will take a look at what we believe the difference between CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 and SY0-601 may be.

The current Security+ SY0-501 was released on October 4, 2017, and will be retired in the spring of 2021, probably in March – there is a 6 month “grace period” where these two versions will overlap and you will actually be able to choose which exam you prefer to sit for (see bottom of this post for more on that).
How much of the content will change?

Between the new Security+ SY0-601 and the current SY0-501 we should expect about a 25% overall change in content with the rest being carried forward. The new exam will likely focus more on:
Cybersecurity threats
Risk management techniques
IoT threats – Alexa said that this isn’t a problem…
…and hands-on skills using technologies and tools

The main exam objectives will be re-organized to better reflect the changing emphasis of industry cybersecurity trends as well as instructional design enhancements.
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Cybersecurity Job Growth

Having CompTIA’s Security+ certification helps prepare you for a career in cybersecurity, a field growing so fast and with such high salaries that you could have your pick of positions.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites a median annual wage for information security analysts of $90,120 as of May, 2015. Job demand for information security analysts is projected by the BLS to grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations (seven percent), and even higher than for all computer occupations (12 percent).

Unsurprisingly, IT specialists and information security analysts tend to cluster around our nation’s capital, where they earn the nation’s highest average salaries in the sector. Typical annual mean wages in the Washington, DC area are $116,100, says the BLS.

Courseware developers have only had a few months to conduct courseware updates, with early content releases expected mid or late August. Interface Technical Training will immediately begin reviewing and preparing for delivery. Our planned preparation date is December 2017, and we will be ready to identify the course version on our website. After potential students read this review, we may be driven to provide a couple more cycles of the SY0-401 exam content. Sales and marketing may determine the shift in delivery schedule based on customer demand.

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CCENT and CCNA certifications

Next, decide on a Cisco or a Microsoft path. If you plan on working with Cisco devices, you can follow up with the Cisco CCENT and CCNA certifications, and should be able to get them within five to six months, followed by three more exams for the CCNP in another six months.

If you want to work with Microsoft products, the MCSA certifications are the logical place to start and you can typically get certified within four to six months, depending on which certificates you pursue. If you obtain the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification, you can follow it with two additional exams to earn one of the MCSE certifications. Each MCSE will take about four more months.

The ideal certification track of a network administrator is not set in stone, however the learning plan laid out above will help you build a well-rounded and highly marketable skill set, and prepare you to perform in the majority of network administration positions.

Microsoft’s mobile-friendly Windows 8 OS isn’t being adopted as quickly as the tech giant would like. Many organizations are sticking with Windows 7 so this certification is still preferred in many circles. An interesting article in Forbes suggests Windows 8 adoption may pick up around 2014, as the BYOD (bring your own device) trend gains steam in corporate culture.

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Ways Certification Can Lead to Bigger Things

One of the first things you can do to prepare long before test day is to download the CompTIA Exam Objectives. Read through the official exam objectives as outlined by CompTIA. They can be downloaded directly from the CompTIA website at https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives

This document is more than an explanation of the exam requirements; it can be considered a master guide as you go through the Computer Technician program. Use it as the ultimate checklist for your studies.

Students currently enrolled in the Career Step Computer Technician training program will want to register for the 220-701 and 220-702 exams since our current course has been designed around the 701 and 702 objectives. These exams will continue to be available until August 31, 2013. Career Step is currently revising the Computer Technician training program to meet the new 220-801 and 220-802 objectives and prepare students for the new exams. We’ll keep you posted on the revised program’s availability.
Regardless of the career path chosen, the CompTIA A+ Certification will open doors in the information technology field.
Many individuals who obtain their certification find employment as network administrators, network technicians, network installers, help desk technicians and IT cable installers.
More and more prominent organizations are requiring their employees to have a CompTIA A+ Certification. It’s a technical prerequisite option for IT technicians seeking to join the Apple Consultants Network and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense.

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What equipment do I need to prepare for Network+ certified

The absolute bare minimum to get ready for the exam:
A computer running at least one of the follow operating systems: Windows (7 or newer), OS X, or Linux
Software (most if not all of these you can find free versions of):
Packet sniffer
Port scanner
Wi-Fi Analyzer
Firewall
A notebook, as in the paper type
Access to practice questions
The Internet

Nice to have.
Access to the modern operating systems: Windows (7 or newer), OS X, and Linux
Crimper
Cable tester
Punchdown tools
Wireless router
Switch
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable
RJ45s

I would recommend that you do not go and spend lots of money upfront getting these items. Instead, purchase them if and only if you need them while preparing.

Interested in taking a certification prep course? Enroll in StraighterLine’s low-cost CompTIA Network A+ Certification prep course and prepare for your exam at an affordable cost!

About the Author: Scott Ford, M.Ed., is an award-winning senior instructional designer and President of Scott Ford Consulting. He has had the honor of developing training courses that have been used by the DEA, FBI, CIA, law enforcement officers, and oil and gas companies. Scott is CompTIA A+, Network+, MCP, MCDST, and MOS certified.
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Best certifications in database, analytics and other data technologies

Database technologies remain foundational to IT operations, while growth in big data and analytics initiatives is driving new career opportunities.

Certifications tend to be built around a single provider’s platform, including:
Certified data professional (CDP): The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) offers one of the most comprehensive certifications for data professionals. The CDP exists in five tiers, ranging from foundation-level to executive management, and you can focus on specific roles, such as business analytics, data governance, enterprise data architecture, data analytics and data warehousing.
Oracle certified professional: Oracle, the world’s leading database provider, offers certification in a range of database professions, from database administration and database application development to analytics, data warehousing and big data.
SAP certified technology associate — SAP HANA 2.0: This certification demonstrates your ability to install, manage, monitor, migrate and troubleshoot SAP’s database technology.
Microsoft SQL Server certifications: Like Oracle, Microsoft offers a range of certifications, including database administration, business intelligence, and data management and analytics.
CCIE data center: This Cisco certification demonstrates expert-level skills required to plan, prepare, operate, monitor and troubleshoot complex data center networks.

According to the Robert Half Technology Salary Guide, employers prefer to hire certified professionals, especially those who have college degrees and real-world experience to go along with them. Those who put in the effort to obtain credentials can expect larger salaries and quicker movement up the career ladder, not to mention a healthy shot of self-confidence.
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Increase the efficiency of your learning

Prioritize your study The best way to study for Security+ is to have a study plan at hand. A great place to start studying for Security+ sy0-501 exam is the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Objectives. It can serve as a roadmap to check your progress through the material as you prepare for the test and explains the objectives of the certification.
Get a good study guide. Consider using the official CompTIA study resources and textbooks. At the top of the list is the Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, which is available in eBook format for $149. Also check out this list of the 5 Best CompTIA Security+ Study Guides.
Join a Security+ online community. Studying with a group of like-minded people is a great way to stay motivated, get answers to your questions and share strategies. The internet is full of Security+ forums that allow both test takers and experts to share their experience.
Take an online Security+ training boot camp. Boot camps help you get up to speed quickly on the CompTIA Security plus exam topics. Such trainings are generally intensive, 3–5 day deep dives into the exam topics using a variety of course materials.

Take practice exams and review the answers to questions you miss. Practice test questions to figure out your weak areas so you can focus your studies. You can find practice exams in the CompTIA Store, and Darril Gibson’s popular SY0-501 Book has many different simulation questions and over 400 practice questions with answers and explanations. Remember, the Security Plus exam is 90 minutes long and has 90 questions, so time your practice exams and work out a strategy that works best for you.

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Build solutions together vs. operating in silos

When IT is viewed as a support role, there is a tendency to throw things over the wall. A business unit states what they need, and IT goes off and builds a solution. Strategic environments are far more collaborative. Every department brings their specialized expertise to the table, and there are clear priorities that define trade-offs. As self-service cloud systems became popular, business units experimented with doing their own procurement. But problems with security and integration showed that an enterprise architecture can’t be built piecemeal, and IT teams now play a role in future decisions—provided they have a working knowledge about the business issues involved.

Making the shift to a strategic IT mindset isn’t simple. If it was, more companies would have done it already and unexpected events wouldn’t cause such headaches. However, it may be the crucial part of digital transformation. Strategic IT requires changes throughout the organization. For IT teams—including businesses that provide the IT function for their clients—there is a chance to provide leadership by building skills around new processes and emerging technologies.

One common theme during the pandemic has been an acceleration in the changes taking place at work. Whether it is cloud adoption, remote working or general workforce practices, the rapid response to restrictions has driven new thinking about long-term operations. Many tech firms have been out in front when it comes to redefining how work gets done.

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Video Games Emerge as a Multi-Media Platform

Even before the pandemic, video games were big business. In 2019, U.S. video game content generated $35.4 billion in revenue, with esports adding another $950 million. During the pandemic, games such as Nintendo’s Animal Crossing have provided a welcome diversion. All this activity is leading to video game platforms evolving into major outlets for socializing and media distribution. Witness Travis Scott’s recent concert in the Fortnite gaming world.

Now [video game platforms are] pushing to become true media hubs, where entire albums may be distributed exclusively, and socializing is just as important as gaming. Even as people begin to emerge from pandemic lockdowns—and can get up from the couch—video games look to bolster their status as the new kings of communication.

Gamification was a hot trend in the early part of the last decade. It never completely caught on as a business practice, but there were valid reasons that it had such high appeal. Gaming has a unique way of rewarding progress, and it also fosters a sense of community. That community component, especially in a world with social distancing, leads to strong platform capabilities.

The possibilities for gaming platforms are interesting. They can be an outlet for content that is currently hampered by restrictions, such as movies or concerts. They are obviously a prime location for advertising. And they could be part of a strategy for virtual events or conferences. Many people may remember early virtual meeting places (such as Second Life) as being somewhat crude, but things have improved, and the current generation of gamers is more comfortable interacting online. Whatever direction society takes after the pandemic, gaming platforms have potential that cannot be ignored.
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Cisco CCENT and CCNA certifications

If you plan on pursuing a job as a network administrator, it’s best to lay a solid foundation with CompTIA's A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications. With a little dedication, you can obtain these three credentials in about six months.

Next, decide on a Cisco or a Microsoft path. If you plan on working with Cisco devices, you can follow up with the Cisco CCENT and CCNA certifications, and should be able to get them within five to six months, followed by three more exams for the CCNP in another six months.

If you want to work with Microsoft products, the MCSA certifications are the logical place to start and you can typically get certified within four to six months, depending on which certificates you pursue. If you obtain the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification, you can follow it with two additional exams to earn one of the MCSE certifications. Each MCSE will take about four more months.

The ideal certification track of a network administrator is not set in stone, however the learning plan laid out above will help you build a well-rounded and highly marketable skill set, and prepare you to perform in the majority of network administration positions. Good luck!
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Where CompTIA Goes from Here

Finally, attendees identified priorities for CompTIA’s Smart Cities Advisory Council going forward, especially in conjunction with CompTIA’s other advisory councils. From building awareness and solidifying industry best practice standards to aiding the CompTIA research team and adding new councils in AR and VR in the future, experts set the stage for sustained, innovative growth in the field.

Self-study is a great way to evaluate and understand the CompTIA Network+ knowledge. In the same vein, CompTIA makes its exam objectives available with a detailed outline. This includes five domains which are as follow,
Firstly, Networking concepts
Secondly, Infrastructure
After that, Network operations
Network security
Lastly, Network troubleshooting and tools.
Expert’s Corner

In conclusion, CompTIA Network+ certification is a great way to enhance your career. That is to say, CompTIA Network+ prepares a candidate by providing specific skills and capabilities for networking. And, CompTIA Network+ is a gift for IT Professional as it gives the required knowledge to solve complex networking issues. Moreover, it will help you in getting the job you aimed for. Most importantly, CompTIA Network+ has gained the trust of many organizations globally. So, crack the exam and make yourself a pro in the field of networking.
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Tips to pass Security+ exam successfully

One key to passing the certification exam is to know as much as possible about the rules and policies, so you’re not surprised on exam day.

Review test policies ahead of time. What if exam day is approaching and you don’t feel ready yet? Well, you can reschedule or cancel any time until 24 hours before the exam. You should also know that test takers are not allowed to use electronic devices, including laptops, smartphones or smartwatches, during the exam for any CompTIA certifications. Follow this link to get more information on the test policies. Get familiar with them before you go to the exam, so you can stay focused on what’s important and not worry about little things.

Use the right strategies during the test. Here are useful tips on the approach to answering the test questions:

Skip questions you are not confident in. Since the test is timed, if you are not sure about the correct answer to a question, don’t waste too much time on it. Instead, click the “Flag for review” option and come back to it later.

Read the test questions carefully. Pay extra attention to capitalized words like “BEST,” “MOST” and “LEAST.” If several answers might seem correct, you need to choose the one that corresponds to the capitalized word.

Be prepared for performance-based questions. To answer performance-based questions (PBQs), you need to perform a task or solve a problem in a simulated environment. These are more complex than other standard questions and often take more time to solve. They appear at the beginning of the test, but you will not see the clock that shows the time remaining while you are working on PBQs. If you are not confident about your answer, flag it for review and return to it later.
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CompTIA Security plus training and Certification helps

The advantage of the CompTIA Security plus Certification is that it validates not only adequate competency in the field of security concepts and tools but also to work applying the appropriate procedures to rectify and resolve any security related incidents. The CompTIA Security plus Certification also assures that IT Professionals possessing this type of IT certification can predict risks related to security and act accordingly to ensure protection.

In order to apply for the CompTIA Security + Certification an IT professional should have minimum two years of experience in the field of IT administration, with a special focus on security issues. Also, candidates should have sufficient experience in the field of providing regular daily technical information security. A candidate should be CompTIA Network + certified before they apply for the CompTIA Security plus Certification. Another benefit of considering the CompTIA Security plus Certification as a type of IT certification is the benefit that it offers for regular updation and enrichment of skills and understanding in the field of security, as CompTIA Security plus Certification holders are required to renew their credentials within three year periods. You can renew your certification by earning Continuing Education Units. The renewal can be carried out in two manners. There are three ways to renew your certification. They are:
Clear a higher-level certification exam.
Complete activities to show new learning, such as attending training courses, participating in industry events, conferences and applying relevant work experience or college courses.
Go for newer version of the certification exam
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the CompTIA A+ is a good start

Earning A+ certification can open a lot of doors for you. Whether it’s networking or IT security, the new A+ provides you with the foundational knowledge you need to be successful in all areas of IT. When you’re ready to narrow your focus and go-vendor specific, your A+ certification will certainly have been worth it.

There’s a lot of reasons to earn A+ certification, so don’t let naysayers deter you. Even if your aspirations are higher up the IT ladder, certifying in A+ isn’t going to hurt you. Earning certs shows a strong commitment to learning and keeping your skills current.

There’s a general notion that A+ is only good for a job repairing computers or working the help desk. (As though that were a bad thing.)

Not everyone aspires to the CCIE or an AWS Solutions Architect. And *gasp*, maybe you actually enjoy interacting with people. Let’s be honest, some IT jobs consist of long hours staring at screens and hanging out in server rooms. Not exactly the best fit if you’re a more social person.

Besides, you’ve got to start somewhere. The help desk is the first stop for many IT pros. And to land that first job, the A+ really helps. You can stay there, or specialize when you discover a passion.
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CompTIA A+ Practice Tests

Nothing builds confidence like a practice exam. Learning to ace the CompTIA course with REAL questions that can be found on REAL exams is a huge boost to morale. Several IT Professionals have passed these tests and taken the time to create AWESOME materials that push you towards success. Exam-Labs offers excellent tests that cover a wide range of tech topics such as CompTIA A+ Certifications. These are an invaluable asset to passing the A+! It is critically important to look over some real-world problems and study what the Exam feels like before dropping hundreds of dollars to pass on Exam day. Practice exams for the CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 can be found below and will help you feel cheerful and bold on Exam day, instead of fearful and stressed.
220-901 practice exam
220-902 practice exam

CompTIA is abbreviation for Computer Technology Industry Association, which was found in 1982 under the name of the association of better computer dealers. The history of CompTIA A + certification dates back to 1993, when the first A + certification test was developed as a way for new technicians to demonstrate efficiency when performing installation, repair and maintenance of various computer tasks. In 2003 the A+ certification requirements were updated, and the candidates were required to pass two different exams to get A+ certification one is A+ Core Hardware and other is A+ Core operating system technologies exams. After that CompTIA Updates its requirements for every 3 years.


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Have your future proofed your business?

Despite the disruption happening across IT today, optimism is at a two-year high; thanks in part to these very changes. In the CompTIA’s latest State of the Channel report, emerging technology was been cited as the main driver for change across the tech ecosystem, yet firms will be tested to the max in order to reap the benefits. As you think about what the next year and beyond looks like, consider the following to help you thrive in the business of the technology:
Be well positioned to sell IoT, drone, VR, AI and ML solutions.
Train support staff to be prepared for emerging technologies.
Be the best customer of your vendor partners and commit to them.
Offer customer business advisory services.
White label products and services.
Actively look for M&A opportunities.
Utilize automation in all applicable business processes.
Help to give customers a competitive advantage through technology.
Form and take advantage of a customer advisory board.
Provide career pathing for partner employees, particularly for techs.

The proposed tariffs on tech goods was a top priority for member companies in 2018. The ongoing efforts to rebalance the U.S-China trade relationship and the resulting impacts of the tariffs will continue to be a top priority in 2019.

CompTIA joined other associations and their respective members for meetings with government officials as well as signing numerous letters advocating on behalf of better deals to protect American technology companies while not harming the economy.

On June 19, CompTIA also penned an op-ed on “Why trade wars over tariffs are not the answer for tech” in the San Jose Mercury News.

Later in the year, CompTIA staff joined other U.S. companies in a trip to China to continue the discussions on trade and how best to move forward to ensure American technology businesses aren’t shut out of the market but are well protected while doing business there.

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Connecting the Dots to Get Back Online

“I can’t get on the network,” is another common – and frustrating – issue for end users. Both the cause and the resolution can be one of many – hardware, software, network connections, security issues. Two users could report the same problem and require very different resolutions.

While diagnosing and addressing a network connectivity issue certainly requires understanding hard tech facts, like the difference between TCP and UDP ports and their purposes, there's not a single schematic that tells the whole story to an IT pro doing the work.

Manufacturers build things differently, different device models vary in how they're built and computers can have innate design flaws that cause problems. Approaching network connectivity problems can take a combination of next-gen knowledge and old-fashioned elbow grease to fix. Figuring everything out can take some intuition and some artistry on the part of a help desk pro.
Get Ready to Get CompTIA A+

You have many training options to help you prepare for your CompTIA A+ exam, including self-study materials, virtual labs, videos, online classes and in-person career prep classes. In 2020, CompTIA Tech Career Academy is bringing its IT-Ready Technical Support program to classrooms, so that students get the training they need to earn CompTIA A+ and launch their IT careers on the help desk.
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Delivery of Broadband Communications

The Internet is the infrastructure of the global economy. To ensure innovation, economic growth and social interaction, it is imperative that we keep the Internet open, encourage deployment of new, faster broadband networks and find ways to get more Americans online.
View 2019 Federal Policy Priorities
State Government Affairs Policy Priorities

CompTIA has boots on the ground in every state to ensure that the technology industry’s voice is not muffled or silenced, and to work with lawmakers to keep them informed on the important state issues affecting companies or all sizes either based in their states or that do business there. The issues somewhat mirror those that are at the forefront in Washington, as one would expect, but each state is unique so advocacy becomes all that more important.
Champion the Tech Entrepreneur

CompTIA supports reasoned and competitive tax policies that promote research and development (R&D), innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital investment within the technology industry. Empowering the entrepreneur through state policies that encourage innovation and support the vital work these citizens do allows states to reap the many benefits these new businesses deliver on multiple fronts – from economic development to improving the quality of life for residents.
Lead in Secure Internet-based Platform Technologies

Economic expansion rests on the creation of new and innovative business models that leverage internet-based platforms that are trusted, secure and accessible. CompTIA supports common sense data and cybersecurity policies that secure our networks and promote responsible use of consumer data so the technology experience can continue to expand and improve.
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Why Should Job Seekers Care

As a cybersecurity professional, performance certifications like CASP+ can show employers that you have the skills they are looking for. When you apply for jobs and go on interviews, highlight the skills covered by your IT certifications, whether the employers listed the certifications in the job description or not.

By not just listing your certifications and skills, but by being able to explain what they mean and how you’ve applied them in your previous roles, you can prove to employers that you are the right candidate for the job.
Why Should Corporations Care?

Corporations are increasing their ability to fight cyber threats and weaknesses with the skills covered by the CASP+ certification. Making CASP+ certification a requirement in job postings increases the likelihood that you will hire the right person for your cybersecurity enterprise operations.

CASP+ certification ensures that your employees can exercise critical thinking and judgment across a broad spectrum of security disciplines to propose and implement solutions that map to enterprise goals.

Look at where areas of concern are and use it to prioritize your budget.

Use previous responses to cyber-incidents. What inhibited your team from reacting as best as they could? When seeking technical answers, ask what do you want to know and what is presently unknown? Talking to your team members about this can help identify present and future problems from occurring.

Build a relevant incident response (IR) plan.

First, automate the manual analytical steps. Next, create a step that represents reality – a simplified plan can help establish unity among your staff. A well-thought plan is one with inputs from the entire team and is in the form of a living document. Do not create an IR plan for audit purposes only.

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An Expedition to Fix a Social Problem

Karen Lord is a Barbadian writer with a science degree and a Ph.D. in the sociology of religion. After the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004, surviving Sri Lankan fishermen who lost their wives and children spoke candidly about trying to rebuild their society. Reading that news, Lord imagined the Caribbean becoming a whole planet that welcomes communities of interplanetary refugees.

In her book, interplanetary refugees from Sadiri organize a sociological expedition and DNA testing to help locate potential spouses. Much like a series of short Star Trek episodes, each meeting with another community teaches the expedition team more about themselves (while a lot goes wrong).

The Best of All Possible Worlds explores risks and human vulnerabilities. It’s also both a possible love story and a project manager’s nightmare.

Your product doesn’t matter if the company doesn’t know how they can use it.

“They have to care why you’re talking to them or you’re never going to move the needle at all,” she said.

Help potential customers connect the dots on what your product can do and explain why it will help them. When you’re doing your fact-finding on the company, listen to their needs and communicate in ways and terms that work for you and them.

“If people can understand their role in the project, they’re more likely to be engaged,” she said.

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