George Carlin: A Legacy Left Behind–Will You Be Remembered?

How do you want to be remembered? Does creating a legacy feel important to you? Would you like people to remember a contribution you made to your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions then it might be time to begin thinking about your own legacy. This article is written in memory of my best friend Charles Henderson who died of cancer in October 2006–this place will never be the same without these two guys for me.

George Carlin

George left behind a controversial, yet truth filled legacy of making people laugh while examining their own political values. He challenged everything from government, religion, status quo, and how we utilize our language. He was a champion of the little guy and proponent of the truth.

George made people laugh, gave them entertainment value, and he did it in a manner that often left people pondering their own ideals

What is Your Legacy?

Do you want to leave behind something people will remember you for, benefit from, and generally recognize as your contribution?

If you answered no or I don’t care then stop reading and go back to your bag of chips and soda. If you answered “I think so” or “Yes” then take heart you can create a legacy

What Do I Do?

1. Analyze what cause or interest you wish to support

2. Choose a charity or interest you wish to help, raise awareness, or raise funds to help

3. Consider ways your business or personal work can benefit people and how you can bring this to the masses

4. Can you teach?

5. Would you mentor a kid?

6. Create a charity event

7. Model your legacy after that of a person or organization you admire

Now What?

This is the easy part. Once you have decided in what direction to move–just move. Commit time to performing the task(s) that will move forward your cause, your work, or your vision. Bring it to the people. Be consistent and watch your efforts grow.

Remember

You don’t have to be famous or glamorous in order to be remembered. You just need to make an “impact” in one person’s life to begin crafting your legacy. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder–go out and create a masterpiece.

Ode to George

I saw Carlin perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. 15 years ago. I have seen some amazing comedians but none as thought provoking as George. May his legacy and magic continue to touch people. We will miss you George!

“Can I Buy You Lunch”: CSIX Founder Hamid Saadat’s Successful Vision

Hamid Saadat was newly out of work and getting restless with his new routine at home. He had just been victim of a layoff during a brutal economic down turn in the Valley circa 2001.

Feeling like getting out, Hamid decided to wander over to a nearby neighborhood Chinese restaurant for some lunch and a change of pace. On his way to the restaurant, Hamid decided that if he could find someone to go to lunch with he might make a new networking connection.

Eying a man walking near the restaurant, Hamid asked “Can I buy you lunch?” With that innocuous question, he unwittingly launched a new career and provided Silicon Valley with one of it’s most powerful networking organizations in the process.

Hamid Saadat is Founder and Chairman of the Board of CSIX Connect. Under his leadership CSIX Connect has grown from 2 people at its inception in 2001, to more than 3000 members, who share job leads, job search resources and mutual support.

Substance Factor

A veteran Silicon Valley player, Hamid has more than 20 years experience with companies like Cisco, Marconi, Network Equipment Technology and Calinet Networks. His expertise lies in Operations primarily in the networking industry.

Hamid holds his Masters Degree in Physics from the University of Oregon.

That Certain Something

Charisma is often a over used and abused word when describing people. In the case of Hamid Saadat it truly fits the man. A gregarious and joyful crowd pleaser, Hamid has that certain something so many people gravitate toward. He is a genuine, helpful, supportive power who’s goal is to help everyone find and land their desired job.

If you want to network, network effectively, create new friendships, and connect with Silicon Valley’s best then you should strongly consider paying CSIX a visit–it’s the place to be.