Being a reference: What’s in it for me ?

Hey, I told you these would be some random items I saved up over time. Here's actually a reference (pun not intended) to a PureSystems blog post by Debbie Black (Senior Marketing Manager for IBM PureSystems). But I think it's valid for System z as well. It talks about the concerns of becoming a client reference like

• Do I need to get approval from our PR or external communications department?
• Our company has a policy against endorsing any vendor.
• Will I overstep my personal boundaries within my company?
• I’m not sure I’m ready to be a reference.

But I think the last question is the most important one

• What’s in it for me?

Well, more than you would think. How about

• Growth of your personal network
• Expanding your skills and knowledge base
• Influence inside your organization

You can find more detail on this in the blog post itself. And I would add one more which I even find more valuable

• Respect inside and outside of you organization

So next time, you're asked to become a reference : think twice !