Today’s guest post is written by Joe Hackman.

The fast-paced evolution of technology creates opportunities for any “average Joe” with some forethought and courage. It levels the playing field, and allows those who take advantage of it, to see accelerated success for their brand or cause.

Allow me to back this up with a few examples that I hope will encourage you to take your own leadership role in your journey.

In 1997, I left my job as a sales rep for a Fortune 500 company, to start my own IT services business because I saw the future need for this. Honestly, I am not sure what business a sales guy had starting an IT services company.

But I was passionate about it.

Two years later I had five employees and had contributed to several industry trade magazine articles and two books. My company was taking business from established but complacent service providers.

I credit that success to timing (Y2K anyone?) and my willingness to embrace and try new things. (more…)