Tim Sackett, SCP 🟦 on Earning a Spot on Industry ‘Lists’

In a recent LinkedIn post, Tim Sackett, SCP 🟦 discusses the often-asked question of how individuals earn recognition on industry ‘lists,’ such as the HR Tech Influencers list. He addresses the underlying curiosity and occasional skepticism that can accompany such inquiries, framing his own inclusion as a significant honor.

Deconstructing the ‘Why Me?’ Question

Sackett begins by acknowledging the inherent undertone in questions about list selection, suggesting they often carry an implicit comparison: “Anytime someone asks that, there’s a little dig to it. The underlying meaning of the question is always, ‘Why would they select you over me?'” He emphasizes that being recognized by publications like HR Executive is a significant achievement in the HR technology space, one that many aspire to.

The Pillars of Industry Recognition

Delving into the factors that contributed to his own inclusion, Sackett outlines several key practices. He highlights his consistent engagement with the HR tech ecosystem.

Consistent Engagement and Relationship Building

According to Sackett, his active participation is a crucial element. He states:

I do over 150 demos of HR technology products each year.

Furthermore, Sackett points to his openness to connecting with industry players. He notes, “I say ‘Yes’ almost always to calls from vendors, startups, and HR & TA leaders when they ask for time to talk about HR Tech.” This proactive approach extends to relationship building and contributing to the industry community.

I get involved and build relationships within the industry and try to give back whenever possible.

Sackett also stresses the importance of visibility and consistent presence in relevant industry conversations and events. “I show up a lot in the rooms where conversations are happening,” he explains.

Passion as the Driving Force

Beyond specific actions, Sackett posits that a genuine passion for the industry is a primary differentiator. He argues that being selected for lists like the Top 100 HR Tech Influencers is about recognizing individuals who are deeply invested and enthusiastic about their field.

I believe the Top 100 HR Tech Influencers list – https://lnkd.in/eMcNNu4e is about recognizing the people who are complete nerds for our industry. They love it. They would show up regardless of whether they were on a list. It’s our passion, and we don’t apologize for that.

In Sackett’s view, these recognized individuals are not necessarily the smartest or most knowledgeable but are often those who are highly connected and deeply passionate. He describes this group as “a great big group of misfits who love what we do!” This perspective frames industry recognition not just as an award but as a reflection of dedicated community involvement and a shared love for the HR technology domain.