Great advice in this article. I've added a recurring reminder to my iPhone to connect with key players and receive mentorship from company leaders.

This article seems to assume that you can't be considered a success unless you're a manager.

No, it talks mostly about raises rather than promotions. Even if you focus on promotions, many companies will let you get more senior developer/engineer titles with the responsibility and money that comes with it without moving into the management track.

Now, the article does assume you care about moving up at least in salary and likely in position as well, but that is true for a wide swath of the population.

...yeah, I suppose you're right.

Really? I read it as "can't be considered a success unless you are visible" where success is measured by your perceived value to the company.

Read this instead: http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2009/10/07/the-gervais-principle-o... (on HN a few months ago)

This is one of the best arguments for joining a small startup. There is no need to work on getting your name out there for top execs at a startups.

"There is no need to work on getting your name out there for top execs at a startups."

But you will if they start to get any kind of investors.