Blog Posts
What’s it like to be a real writer? And how do you become one?
What’s it like to be a real writer? By many definitions, I’d have to say “I don’t know.” I don’t have a published book. I’ve written a pair of screenplays, but no one has read them, nor are they particularly worth reading. I don’t write every day, like “real writers” […]
The Problem With Networking, Part 2
If you haven’t yet, go back and read The problem with networking, Part 1. There is a lot of truth to the statement: “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” While many employment consultants will tell you to get right out there, doing so before you are prepared […]
Decisions, Decisions…
We all make decisions. It’s a part of life, and more specifically, a part of our jobs. We make so many, that you’d think we’d all be pretty good at decision making by now. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case; even for confident people. Well, actually, most of us are […]
Cost Reduction in Design – Advice for Makers
If you’re looking for the absolute, cheapest possible assembly service, you’ll need to look outside of North America. If you really need a decent price with good quality and good service, you can keep your gaze West of the Atlantic and East of the Pacific. Like everything else in the […]
The Problem With Networking, Part 1
Unemployed? Looking for a job? Network. Get out to all those networking events. Call people and ask for informational interviews. Whenever you speak with anyone, get referrals from them. Right? Well, maybe. Sort of.A number of years ago, I went through a period of fairly long-term unemployment, and I think […]
How to succeed in marketing without really trying
If you’re old enough, you might remember the 1967 movie, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Well… you don’t really need to be old enough. The movie’s before my time and I’ve watched it. In the movie, window washer J. Pierpont Finch, reads a book titled the same […]
30 Minute Job Interview Seminar, Part 2
If you haven’t read it yet, might want check out Part 1 of this series. The job applicant needs to not just show competence, but also needs to show fit in the company. As a hiring manager, I know it’s rare to find candidates that have all of the skills and […]
Beware The Double Disruption
Have you ever been involved with the disruption of an established industry? If you’ve worked in a start-up, or have been a part of a new product release, you most likely have to some extent. New products and services are an endless chain of disruptions. However, what I’m talking about […]
A Few Words of Encouragement to Engineering Students
Even though software engineers seem to be in demand these days, I see a lot of young folks struggling with the path to get there. Some are having academic trouble in school. Some are at a loss for direction. Some have the fresh degree but have no idea how to […]
Run Your Own Race
High School was a long time ago for me. It wasn’t a particularly bad time for me, nor was it anything close to the highlight of my life. I don’t have “moments of glory” from my high school days to reflect back at. It was, however, a time and place […]