The first spirit that visits Scrooge is the “Ghost of Christmas past,” who forces him to remember more innocent times in his life. His heart starts to warm as he views scenes of his boyhood — caring relationships that, after years of neglect, have long since ended. As we meet with friends, family and co-workers this holiday season, we should pause and consider the meaningful relationships (past and present) we’ve enjoyed throughout our lives. As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about communities (business and otherwise), I am proud to be part of an industry organization that fosters countless relationships through numerous networking opportunities. This interaction allows business to develop, support opportunities to be created and often, friendships formed.
The second spirit, the “Ghost of Christmas Present”, takes Scrooge through many differing scenes and elicits a sense of responsibility from his pupil. A similar feeling of accountability is what drives much of the educational content at CompTIA. I often marvel at how people who are ordinarily very competitive can come together in a trade association to contribute ideas and experiences that will help their peers and the general industry. It’s enthusing to see our IT communities in action; sharing best practices in an effort to assist others.
The third spirit is the most somber of all; the “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.” Still reluctant to renounce his actions, Scrooge is given a view into the future, his own neglected and untended grave. This is the turning point, where he sees his life of promise come to a ruinous end, dying alone and unloved. Moved by the visions, Scrooge wakes the next morning with a determination to change his ways and avert the outcome the spirits shared. Scrooge is overjoyed at this second chance at life and spends throughout Christmas day treating his fellow man with kindness, generosity and compassion. The story closes with the narrator affirming that Scrooge’s transformation is both complete and permanent. While a stretch, I’ve had the opportunity to see examples of similar resolve to change and the desire to make a better world for all. The development of our IT Healthcare 10 week guide is one such example where many people came together for the benefit of all. It’s this spirit that drives our community initiatives and gives power and so much potential to these collaborative groups.
As you celebrate the holidays, make a resolution to join one of our eight communities (IT Services & Support, Managed IT Services, Cloud/SaaS, Healthcare IT, IT Security, Managed Print Services, Small Business Owners and, the latest group, Unified Communications) to network, learn and impact your world for good. I’ll close this post by listing our upcoming community activities to help you fulfill that promise (and enrich your own business and professional development). Please reach out to us at anytime at [email protected] , we’d be happy to help you connect with the right group or answer any questions.
- Unified Communications: Dec. 14 at 2 PM ET – Conference call, inaugural community meeting
- Managed IT Services: Dec. 15th at 2 PM CT – Conference call, end of year wrap-up
- Cloud/SaaS: Dec. 15th at 2 PM ET – Monthly meeting via conference call.
- Healthcare IT: Dec. 16th at 12 PM ET - Monthly meeting via conference call.
- Managed IT Services Industry Credential SME Group: Jan. 12-14, 2011; Downers Grove, IL offices
- US IT Services & Support: Jan. 24--25, 2011; Las Vegas, NV; quarterly community meeting
- Managed Print Services: Feb. 1, 2011 – Initiative workshop meeting in St Louis
- Canadian IT Services & Support: Feb. 17, 2011; Toronto, ON - quarterly community meeting
