Create a Peer Knowledge Network

This might be the most useful piece of advice in this chapter. As you meet other technology professionals, you will naturally meet some who you believe have great skills. You need to create the most effective method to stay in touch with them.

I am not a big user of online chat programs. Usually they are a distraction and waste time. However, in the context of your peer network, these programs can provide instantaneous information.

At a minimum, you could use any one of the online discussion/forums software packages to track conversations with your network. Group communication websites such as MSN Groups and Yahoo Groups can provide e-mail notification of messages and are free.

You must also take part in thriving technical forums. When I say thriving, I don't mean constant friendly banter. I am talking about technologists who post and respond to legitimate questions.

Such a network increases your available intellectual capacity. You become part of a larger, more experienced community.