New in ServiceNow? Don’t be desperate - ServiceNow is much too powerful!

You are new to ServiceNow and don’t know where to start? You’re welcome, that’s a feeling a lot of people have when first being exposed to what I just call “THE PLATFORM”. Their is an ocean of opportunities ahead of you, set sail to the future !

The biggest “weakness” of ServiceNow as a Platform is the endless options and possibilities. The times where you could know everything are long gone.

Of course, a lot of people in the ServiceNow community have a very good overview and a deep knowledge on plenty of modules. Also, ServiceNow makes it rather easy to dive into the topics quick as the underlying principles are the same or at least very similar in the different parts of the platform.

But the new applications and functions introduced by every release are overwhelming, not counting all the improvements to existing functions. So, you must accept that you can’t know everything, that’s impossible.

And the closer you get to the Business Process, the more you need to know about a certain topic to find the optimal solution for the demand in “THE PLATFORM”

So, my advice to all newbies in the ServiceNow space, chose your path wisely. Not only which courses you are taking, but which role you want to fill in a project or line organization on the long run.

Becoming a Developer, a Solution Designer, a Platform Owner or even dreaming of becoming a certified Master Architect is a goal, but it will not happen overnight. It will need a high level of work, passion, and the ability to learn.

Maybe my journey in the last 5 years is an example how not to do it, decide yourself. ??

• By chance I got exposed to ServiceNow in a possible tool replacement and consolidation project. Until this time I was focused on HP Service Manager, Asset Manager, ucmdB and such things, I really loved it. But then ServiceNow stepped into my life, where I must admit that I have been reluctant to the beauty and charm of the platform at this time (no kissing on the first date )
• Due to a retention program, I left my employer and started at DXC to become the manager of a great group of people who were in love with ServiceNow deeply. And they opened my eyes, taught me beauty of “THE PLATFORM”, infected me with their passion and love, so I was doomed from this moment on. (Rule 2 – Get a Mentor + Rule 3 – Build a Network)
• After starting to get into “THE PLATFORM” I’ve done a Fundamental Training (I thought it was easy, but two fellow colleagues told me that this isn’t a small hurdle and what should I say, they have been right – I failed the first time, second time I learned)
• I’ve also done the CIS ITSM training, but somehow missed to do the Certification. Need to work on this (Rule 1 – Never stop learning, there is always something you don’t know)
• Fun fact, all the ServiceNow Partners I was working for, started with the letter D (DXC, Deloitte, Devoteam – somehow strange)
• As I was made redundant due to Corona and got fired, I was starting my own company
• RocketNow started as a one man show first, which now gets into something bigger as I started with Jakub Jandel Flow-IT Slovakia, an independent ServiceNow consulting and implementation company with a focus on Workflow and Operations. (Btw, we are hiring, if you are either from Kosice, Slovakia with at least fluent English/German (optional) or Germany with fluent German, let’s talk!)
• What would I call my role now? The HINGE or JOIN might me a good job title.

My work consists today of consulting on different layers for the platform and the teams dealing with it.

• Starting with the selection process on an RfP
• Jumping into the early project setup phase for an upcoming ServiceNow Implementation
• Coaching teams who are already operating “THE PLATFORM” for some time to identify areas for improvement
• and be the link between Business Demand and Implementation for identifying the right solution and keep the “THE PLATFORM” under control on the long run.

?What are my personal key take aways that you can maybe adopt and extend for yourself:

• Never stop learning, you never know either enough and you are far away of knowing everything what it’s worth to know.
• Get a Mentor for the start, this can help a lot, but it shouldn’t stop you from thinking yourself
• Build a network of people you can ask questions, but don’t forget to contribute as well
• Join communities (e.g. there is a Discord Channel where you can learn a lot just by reading posts from others, next to the usual ServiceNow Learning offerings)

I hope you enjoyed the read, feedback or your story is more than welcome. And if you have any question, feel free to get in touch, always happy to help.