There was once a time, not too long ago, that I had to actually study books for certifications and pass exams. I still do, but answers are now easier to find with the web. There is no doubt that a good solid education is important, but we live in an era where information is abundant and access to it is instantaneous. Learning has become different and condensed with the content available to us via the web.

With the advent of Google, the entire search engine industry was redefined. The “secret-sauce” of Google is what separates them from all other search engines. The competition is a far second and not even close. Google’s ability to “crawl” the entire World Wide Web and index all the content by Google’s massive servers farm is only the first phase. Google then applies their (“special sauce”) algorithms to sort in relevant ways that makes them the crown jewel of the Internet. The searches are seemly “spot on” or at least relevant to what we are looking for. So much so that we have become spoiled with having such a good tool. There is even a website called, “Let Me Google That For You” (http://lmgtfy.com/). It is a website that creates a script you can email someone that walks people through on how to find an answer to a question. Google’s success is due largely in part because everyone else just sucked. They have set the new standard, the “bar” raised high.

This tool is great for personal use, but many people come to leverage Google as a professional tool. I have to say that there are times when I may not have the answers to a technical question, but when I am in that situation, the first thing I do is I Google it. I come off as an expert because of my background, but I get to maintain that level because I know where to find the answers (and fast). It amazes me how many other people rely on Google as their right hand and to become the expert or consultant. It isn’t always about what we know, but how we are perceived. Google is our best friend. I have known people who have left psychology and have become computer experts, cab drivers that became web coders. Self-taught by Googl-ing any challenges and questions that may come up in the process. We are so fortunate in this era. What would we do without Google? I can even think about it…

I am tempted to experiment on launching a second career in something else that I have not done before relying solely on Google to give me all the answers I need to succeed. I know I can succeed because I am sure I am not first to do so.