Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
This podcast is for aspiring entrepreneurs and those that want to become a designer and implementor of great software solutions. We look at the whole skill set that makes a great developer. This includes tech skills, business and entrepreneurial skills, and life-hacking so you have the time to get the job done while still enjoying life,
info_outline
Positive Focus - Victories and Tasks That Recharge Us
11/25/2021
Positive Focus - Victories and Tasks That Recharge Us
Holidays and vacations are meant to recharge us. They help us maintain or restore a positive focus and improve productivity. Nevertheless, we want to avoid too much of a good thing. A long vacation of a week or more can be highly renewing. However, we can also lose focus, momentum and miss opportunities. Retrospection And A Positive Focus The slow times that seasonally appear in our lives are perfect times for review and retrospection. Likewise, we can spend some time reflecting while resting during a Holiday meal or lounging around. The best use of such times is with a positive focus. Yes, there are mistakes we want to avoid or correct. But, on the other hand, we can adjust our plans and schedule to embrace positives and things that energize us. Energizing Or Draining We do not spend enough time considering what energizes or drains us. Our focus is often on what needs to be done and tasks to complete over approaches and maximizing happiness. That may seem a foreign idea. However, it is a key to being more successful and happy. We may be in a position where we are the chief, cook, and bottle washer. That is rare. We underestimate opportunities to outsource and delegate. We can also find ourselves split over our approach to a task by not defining how best to proceed. Personality Flaws and Strengths It is not uncommon to find suggestions on approaching relationships and tasks based on your personality profile. These are not empty suggestions. There are tasks and ways to work that drain us and others that energize us. None of us can do only the "fun" tasks. However, we can approach our plans with a focus on doing more tasks that energize and less that drain. That net positive will allow us to avoid burnout. Of course, we may have some days that are better than others. Nevertheless, a retrospective that highlights what we do best is a critical step in keeping a positive focus.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/21235388
info_outline
Embrace Downtime - Make the Most of Slow Times
11/23/2021
Embrace Downtime - Make the Most of Slow Times
We are starting into that time of year where you might be most busy or struggle to find meaningful work. For those that are experiencing the latter, this episode is to help us embrace downtime. There are two important considerations during these times. First, we want to avoid backsliding on our progress and momentum. However, we also want to rest and recharge. No one can run full steam without rest. These downtimes allow us to do so. We also can use these periods for reflection and planning. Embrace Downtime And Recharge First and foremost, we need to use these times to refill our tank. There are many reasons to take some time off from work. Nevertheless, the primary focus should be rest. We do not have near as many opportunities to stop and relax as we do to push ahead. Respect the rarity of time off and slower days to use them wisely. That means you may need to be happy with a shorter to-do list and fewer things completed some days simply because you had less to be done. Continued Momentum One of the best tools we have for becoming better developers is momentum. That habit of making regular progress is powerful. It is a critical motivator each day and affirmation as we see improvement over time. Therefore, we do not want to lose momentum. A three-day weekend is not likely to break our focus. However, a week or two of vacation can completely derail that progress. One way to keep our momentum is to keep doing what we always do. That might be easy and not impact our vacation. For example, fifteen minutes a day is not much to ask. On the other hand, the momentum from an hour or two of focused work may keep us from needed rest. In those cases, we should look for ways to reduce our effort. For example, we can reduce time spent and possibly focus on planning or review rather than implementation. That allows us to keep things fresh in our minds with a minimum of effort. Reflection And Planning There is an art to reflection and planning. They are activities that require intention and freedom to let your mind roam. There are rabbit holes that we can come across in either of these tasks that are worth exploring. Thus, time constraints can make it difficult or impossible to give these the attention they need. Instead, we can embrace downtime and use it to allow us to explore some of those rabbit holes, if not all of them. The added benefit of seasonal downtimes is that they often come after a long or busy work period. Those are the perfect times to be retrospective and assess what we want to change in the future. That is how we get better. We measure, evaluate, and correct course.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/21220874
info_outline
Set A Pace - Maximizing Your Productivity and Minimizing Stress
10/28/2021
Set A Pace - Maximizing Your Productivity and Minimizing Stress
We finish the season of interviews with a discussion of how to set a pace that leads to success. We often refer to milestones and steady progress as productivity tools. However, here are some steps you can take to find success. Sometimes the most significant obstacle is our focus and prioritization. Set A Pace - Assume A Marathon The side hustle is often a form of drug for an entrepreneur. First, we see a problem and a solution. Then, we want to get that solution to those that need it most. That is part of what drives us and energizes us. Therefore, it only makes sense that we will sacrifice a lot to achieve that goal or vision. However, we are still human and need to plan our schedules with our limits in mind. Assume that your project will be a marathon and not a sprint. Thus, the schedule for each day and week must be one you can maintain over time. Do not fill your days with work and no rest for long periods. Instead, set a pace you can keep, and that takes your rhythms and needs into account. Declining Productivity Developers suffer from an inability to self-assess, similar to drinking and driving. Some will even argue they drive better after a few alcoholic drinks. Likewise, some developers think more hours always equals improved productivity. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Lack of your hour-over-hour productivity. Even worse, several adverse health effects are linked to long work hours.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20922863
info_outline
Achieving Goals - Setting A Milestone And Hitting The Mark
10/26/2021
Achieving Goals - Setting A Milestone And Hitting The Mark
The season of interviews is wrapping up. First, however, I want to share some points about achieving goals and setting them. This past season was a little different from other ones for the podcast. It required a different approach. That has helped me gain new insight into ways we can plan out milestones and find ways to hit them. It is not easy and requires effort. Nevertheless, here are some steps you can take to find success. Achieving Goals Requires Deadlines The key to achieving a goal is to meet deadlines. First, you have to set them. Then, you have to meet them. I have had numerous conversations over the years with those that are trying to push themselves. Those often include a softer view of deadlines than when someone else sets them. Many of us find excuses to pass on a personal deadline that we would not if someone else set it. That is the challenge of being a self-starter. We need a reason to do many tasks, and often we rely on others to give us that impetus. provide a mechanism for driving us forward and taking the necessary steps. Appropriate Markers and Deadlines A journey requires us to progress towards the destination. Random progress markers do not help. They might even take you off track. Instead, set milestones that are pulled out of the progress you naturally will make. Avoid adding tasks that are simply there to show progress and instead use existing tasks. Find points where you have a well-defined success-fail measure and then set a date for that to be achieved. This process may seem simple. However, it can be handy in providing accountability and pressure to keep you on track. Build In Buffer Side hustle tasks and similar "not our day job" work can often be pushed aside. However, we are far more susceptible to letting life get in the way of those goals. Priority setting is essential, and we need to include that in our side hustle and other areas of life. When you feel you do not have enough hours in the day, it is an indication to scale back somewhere. Likewise, tasks with lesser priority need to include some buffer time in the planning. You know you will push back a milestone for something more critical so give yourself some time to account for it. Then, be aggressive in tackling your milestones sooner rather than later. You might get done early and be able to shift focus elsewhere or otherwise build some buffer for life's more significant distractions.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20878565
info_outline
Enjoy The Challenge - Finding Joy In Your Work
10/21/2021
Enjoy The Challenge - Finding Joy In Your Work
The greatest blessing you can have is to find joy in your work. It is a cliché to say you will never work a day in your life. However, that does not mean it is also not a true statement. Jeff Dillon has found that and plans on retiring to focus on what brings him joy. This situation may be a perfect example of how to enjoy the challenge of the job most suited to you. Enjoy The Challenge Or Face Boredom We wrap up our interview with Jeff looking towards the future. He is ready to embrace his new full-time job. That sets up an excellent example for the rest of us. Of course, he could retire and ride off into the sunset. However, that seems anticlimactic and even dull. Instead of resting on his past successes, Jeff is looking forward to enjoying the challenge this new direction provides. We need to be pushed to grow. Thus, obstacles and challenges are not things to avoid. Instead, they should be pursued methodically so that we grow in the direction we desire. Find A Win The conversation with Jeff points to another thing we need to be able to do. That is to declare victory at some point. We do not need to do this randomly. Instead, we find a good point to consider a task or project complete and declare victory. When we take that step, we free ourselves to pursue other challenges and paths. Retirement is only one such way to achieve this sort of closure that leads to growth. A Little Background Jeff has 21 years in higher education technology leadership at two public Universities. He was on the cutting edge of web development during that time and a leader in mobile evolution. He has founded three successful companies, with the latest being EdTech Connect, a platform created to democratize the Higher Education conversation. Over the past year, EdTech Connect has kept him on the leading edge of the future of Higher Education technology. That ranges from the latest mobile apps and chatbots to how institutions will soon use to enhance the student experience. We will see how he can speak to many perspectives of Higher Ed Technology. Check out his site:
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20842652
info_outline
A Community Effort - Building Your Content and User Base
10/19/2021
A Community Effort - Building Your Content and User Base
One of the challenges of building a community is providing enough value to the members. That requires a community effort from almost the start. We continue our interview with Jeff Dillon, discussing the obstacles they face at Ed Tech connect. Chicken And Egg Addressed Through Community Effort It all comes down to a "which is first" problem, also known as chicken and egg. Your community needs content and involvement to be valuable. However, you need the members to provide some of that content and participation. This obstacle exists for almost every site you like to frequent. The solution is often offered through investing time and money into the content initially. Sometimes, this is augmented by providing members other incentives early on. For example, some sites pay members in the early days or offer freebies down the road. In any case, there has to be a way to draw in members. Gamification The lowest cost approach to the above problem has often been to use gamification. For example, gifts cards and monetary awards can be provided. However, it is not uncommon for users to be happy with unique badges, titles, or labels to distinguish their membership. Jeff found this to be a good starting point for their needs and has incorporated it into the solution. Reviews and feedback lead to rewards. Thus, the members are slowly building the needed original content. A Little Background Jeff has 21 years in higher education technology leadership at two public Universities. He was on the cutting edge of web development during that time and a leader in mobile evolution. He has founded three successful companies, with the latest being EdTech Connect, a platform created to democratize the Higher Education conversation. Over the past year, EdTech Connect has kept him on the leading edge of the future of Higher Education technology. That ranges from the latest mobile apps and chatbots to how institutions will soon be using to enhance the student experience. We will see how he can speak to many perspectives of Higher Ed Technology. Check out his site:
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20789171
info_outline
Finding Software - Navigating A Web Full Of Options
10/14/2021
Finding Software - Navigating A Web Full Of Options
We continue the interview with Jeff Dillon of with a solution for finding software. That is not a simple problem to solve in the modern world of dozens and might be hundreds of options. There are solutions that partially or completely address your needs. However, you need a way to reduce those options to a few and then one. Finding Software Without A Guide There is an amazing amount of software available on the market from broad-purpose to highly niche solutions. That can add up to a herculean task when finding software to fit your specific situation is required. Technology In Higher Ed - More Than Registration Any university or similar institution lives and dies through registration. They need students and want to make the sign-up process for those students as smooth as possible. However, that is not a simple problem to solve. The modern student profile and course requirements are complicated and tough to streamline. Likewise, financial aid is its own headache and is almost unique to each situation. That is the tip of the iceberg we explore in this episode. A Little Background Jeff has 21 years in higher education technology leadership at two public Universities. He was on the cutting edge of web development during that time and a leader in the mobile evolution. He has founded three successful companies with the latest being EdTech Connect, a platform created to democratize the Higher Education conversation. Over the past year, EdTech Connect has kept him on the leading edge of the future of Higher Education technology. That ranges from the latest in mobile apps and chatbots, to how institutions will soon be using to enhance the student experience. We will see how he can speak to many perspectives of Higher Ed Technology. Check out his site:
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20788997
info_outline
Jeff Dillon - EdTech Connect - Technology In Higher Ed
10/12/2021
Jeff Dillon - EdTech Connect - Technology In Higher Ed
We start the next set of interviews with a discussion about technology in higher ed with Jeff Dillon. He has spent his career in this area of focus and has a wealth of ideas. These are applicable to multiple verticals as you will find during our conversation. Of course, if you are in the world of higher ed, you will likely find his site invaluable. Simple Beginnings The path Jeff has followed does not seem particularly special. However, when you look at his trajectory and the growth of technology in higher ed you will see a perfect pairing. He is like a fine wine paired with a high-quality meal. While each is good on its own, you get so much more considering them together. The is much that has transpired in the world of education over the last few decades. Jeff has had a front-row seat. We can learn from him how to keep up with rapidly changing environments. Technology In Higher Ed - More Than Registration Any university or similar institution lives and dies through registration. They need students and want to make the sign-up process for those students as smooth as possible. However, that is not a simple problem to solve. The modern student profile and course requirements are complicated and tough to streamline. Likewise, financial aid is its own headache and is almost unique to each situation. That is the tip of the iceberg we explore in this episode. A Little Background Jeff has 21 years in higher education technology leadership at two public Universities. He was on the cutting edge of web development during that time and a leader in the mobile evolution. He has founded three successful companies with the latest being EdTech Connect, a platform created to democratize the Higher Education conversation. Over the past year, EdTech Connect has kept him on the leading edge of the future of Higher Education technology. That ranges from the latest in mobile apps and chatbots, to how institutions will soon be using to enhance the student experience. We will see how he can speak to many perspectives of Higher Ed Technology. Check out his site:
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20736689
info_outline
Technical Fit - Assess Your Tools and Processes To Find A Match
10/07/2021
Technical Fit - Assess Your Tools and Processes To Find A Match
We take a break from our interviews and a wealth of recommendations to review how to apply these. There is a technical fit and organizational fit for . It is critical that you know how these may fit your specific situation. Technical Fit The idea of technical fit is possibly the easiest to see from the outside. There are specific requisites in the solution that must match the problem definition. For example, a development shop that uses C# for its code will not benefit from a Java code generator. There may be some helpful output. However, it will not fit the development standards. Thus, there is little difference in a process or other non-technical solutions. You may see constraints related to resources, budget, speed, maintainability, or other areas. Those include solutions for business growth. In a simple example, you may grow a business through more customers in a current market or moving to a new market. Therefore, your mileage may vary based on your focus. Buyer Beware The most significant challenge in finding an organizational or technical fit is determining where it will not be suitable. Thus, the focus is often on where a fit occurs rather than where it does not. That is part of the nature of selling products or convincing ourselves which solution is best. Therefore, focus on where needs are met rather than where requirements are not. This approach will expose solutions that do not fit.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20692208
info_outline
Planning For Growth - Give Your Changes Time To Take Hold
10/05/2021
Planning For Growth - Give Your Changes Time To Take Hold
The last part of our interview episodes with Krishna Mohan dive into how he helps companies grow. The primary concept is planning for growth. However, we also need to ensure we give the changes time to be effective. Krishna often sees this as an annual approach and that fits well with budgets, resources, and incorporates seasonal differences where they occur. Planning For Growth The first part of any plan is . We need to create a finish line that is our current situation plus the desired growth. Once we have those in place, we need to set a course for those end goals that have reasonable milestones along the way. It is unlikely you can double or triple your business in a year. However, you can grow aggressively and load up your pipeline with resources and potential customers to make the needed steps over a longer term. There is a reasonable limit to growth smart and effectively. That limit constrains what we can do over a year, but we can stretch our timeframe beyond twelve months and achieve those objectives. Avoid One And Done There are the above limits on growth that we need to be aware of. But, likewise, we want to grow sustainably. This situation is like a diet that works but then is immediately abandoned. We instead want to take steps and grow in a way that builds momentum and habits. Those will allow us to grow and continue to build on past success instead of struggling to maintain our new levels of success. A Little Background Krishna loves to share what he has learned along the way to becoming a successful Entrepreneur and Business Coach. You might be able to convince him to share a copy of one of his books. 1. Elite Real Estate Professionals- Leaders in Real Estate Industry (#1 Best Seller on Amazon) 2. Insiders Secret to Build Business Credit and Financing 3. How I find $10K in any Business within 45 Minutes (Available for Free on my website: https://geniusbusinesscoach.com/ ) He also is offering a 3 Part business education series for free.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20688230
info_outline
Are You Ready For Growth? - Krishna Mohan Part 2
09/30/2021
Are You Ready For Growth? - Krishna Mohan Part 2
We continue our discussion with Krishna Mohan with a focus on the question, "are you ready for growth". Everyone wants to grow their business. However, not everyone is truly ready to pay the price in focus and effort to do so. There are risks and investments required. We start there and then move into the concepts of working in your business as opposed to on your business. Are You Ready For Growth? Growing a business requires you to be ready to sacrifice short-term goals to invest in the future. There is no magic pill that allows you to continue focusing on your business and grow it at the same time. There is planning required and a diversion of resources towards growth. You can look down or ahead but not both. There are many reasons to say "no" when asked, "". There is nothing wrong with that. We can look at how to adjust a plan for your level of risk acceptance or need to maintain the current course of a business. You may also want to get more things stabilized in your business before focusing on growth. Work In Or On Your Business Many businesses languish as small operations because there is a lack of work on the business instead of in it. The difference between these two approaches is whether your daily business needs consume your time and resources or if they allow you time to plan and look for new business. When your current customers consume all of your resources you are working in the business. On the other hand, when you have time to search out new customers, you are working on it. A Little Background Krishna loves to share what he has learned along the way to becoming a successful Entrepreneur and Business Coach. You might be able to convince him to share a copy of one of his books. 1. Elite Real Estate Professionals- Leaders in Real Estate Industry (#1 Best Seller on Amazon) 2. Insiders Secret to Build Business Credit and Financing 3. How I find $10K in any Business within 45 Minutes (Available for Free on my website: https://geniusbusinesscoach.com/ ) He also is offering a 3 Part business education series for free.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20598767
info_outline
Krishna Mohan - Turning Specific Experience Into General Solutions
09/28/2021
Krishna Mohan - Turning Specific Experience Into General Solutions
This episode starts a discussion with Krishna Mohan. We start with some of his background and a journey from specific experiences to building general solutions. This is a story about converting your unique experience and approach into something that is a fit for others that they may not have found otherwise. A Typical Start There is a lot of Krishna's background that can be glossed over and seem typical. He started out as a hard worker and smart individual then went to work for a big company. That could have been almost the end and he could have ridden that corporate path. However, he saw value in what he had experienced that was unique and needed to be shared. All of those specific experiences could be adapted to provide more general solutions. Thus, was born. A Little Genius Sprinkled In Few would argue that Jack Welch is a legend in the world of business. We see in Krishna's story how far-reaching the impact of can be. While there are important things to note that he learned from that early experience, it is also important to realize what you might be able to do for others. Becoming a better developer is not just a selfish pursuit, it will impact others as well. A Little Background Krishna loves to share what he has learned along the way to becoming a successful Entrepreneur and Business Coach. You might be able to convince him to share a copy of one of his books. 1. Elite Real Estate Professionals- Leaders in Real Estate Industry (#1 Best Seller on Amazon) 2. Insiders Secret to Build Business Credit and Financing 3. How I find $10K in any Business within 45 Minutes (Available for Free on my website: https://geniusbusinesscoach.com/ ) He also is offering a 3 Part business education series for free.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20575349
info_outline
Meaningful Discussions - Learning From Others While Giving Back
09/23/2021
Meaningful Discussions - Learning From Others While Giving Back
This episode offers a side trip during the interviews season and focuses on meaningful discussions. We have mentioned difficult discussions. However, the important ones are the ones that teach us and provide experience without having to experience failure. We can find them anywhere and just need to go into them with an intent to go deeper. Meaningful Discussions - Start With Tell Me Your Story There are many ways to get others to share their experience with you. I have found the best way is to directly ask them to share their story. This may be the journey of their career or how they managed to buy that hotdog they are eating. The scope and range can vary widely. However, the key is to get them to share the desired story. You are showing interest and they likely will respond with a valuable conversation. Honest Curiosity When you start from a position of curiosity and open acceptance of the position of others it can lead to meaningful discussions. That seems to be an important point to make in the modern world of my way or the highway. The good news is that you will grow and learn by being challenged by the experience and opinions of others. You do not have to blindly accept nor reject their position. Take it in, reflect on it, and allow it to refine and define your views and thoughts. It is a way to think outside of the box with others serving as your muse. Take The First Step There are many ways to reach out to others. You can find a mastermind group such You can also find sites like the . These are just a few ways to get yourself out of your comfort zone and grow your network of resources. I think you will find it is far easier to learn from meaningful discussions than you expected.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20512022
info_outline
Memorable Marketing - Find Ways To Stick In Your Customer's Mind
09/21/2021
Memorable Marketing - Find Ways To Stick In Your Customer's Mind
Here is a bonus episode in our interview with Sam McNeill. They provide a memorable marketing sort of tool known as insta-hit. He mentioned this during the interview, and it is impressive to see it in action. That gives us an excellent launching pad for talking about ways to stick in the mind of your customers. Use What You Have For Memorable Marketing There is definitely a link from the insta-hit to work done by Song Division. However, it is just a fun little thing they can add to any event. You have talents related to your work and beyond. Use those to find ways to add a little color to a drab presentation. You might even be able to get them to remember your key points and relate them to your company. Wow! That is almost like a brand. Yes, those little things can go a long way towards building memorable traits around your company that can define your brand. Have Fun One of the points mentioned by Sam is that he remembers these songs years later. They provide a unique experience for the customer but also keeps it fresh for the artist. Do not underestimate the value of keeping morale and excitement high. When you start phoning it in, the end is coming soon. You will see everything deteriorate. Therefore, the more you do to keep everyone looking forward to the next job, the more likely you are to see continued success. A Little Background Voted as a Top Five Speaker in Spice Magazine’s Hot 100, Sam McNeill - SongDivision GM for UK & Europe - is an in-demand Corporate MC and accredited DiSC Facilitators. Sam has hosted over 600 interactive face-2-face and online experiences. These include musical team-building workshops, gala awards events, and product launches on five continents. Sam’s accolades include winning ‘Future Leader’ awards for Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Sam is also a member of Connect Corporate’s esteemed list of ’40 under 40’ industry professionals. Sam’s professionalism and energy have made him a favorite among some of the biggest brands in the world, including Coca- Cola, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Spotify, and Fujitsu, and Virgin. Sam earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Studies (Classical Voice) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Learn More You can learn more about Sam's work and the organization he loves by visiting the Song Division website. If you think they might be able to help you, then give him a call.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20464163
info_outline
Sam McNeill - Difficult Conversations and Building a Culture of Teamwork
09/16/2021
Sam McNeill - Difficult Conversations and Building a Culture of Teamwork
We wrap up the main part of the conversation with Sam McNeill as we mention difficult conversations. That is a perfect start for his stories about building a team and maintaining high morale. Next, we discuss roles and cross-training in the wild without getting into the academic terms and suggestions. Take notes as this is a valuable conversation. Difficult Conversations Sam mentions the book about dysfunctional teams and difficult conversations. There is a link below to learn more about this book from Patrick Lencioni. We move forward from there to see how Sam has managed to sort of avoid difficult conversations. Yes, they still exist. However, they are not so difficult when everyone is on the same team and shares goals. People can self-select themselves out of places they don't feel comfortable and would not be very productive. Leadership is still required, but it tends to be more player-coach in its approach, and everyone feels valued. Cross-Training We wrap up this episode talking about how he has grown his team. First, he found areas where he needed help. Then he found people that could provide the needed skills. Of course, there is always overlap and a need to avoid people falling into ruts. Nevertheless, filling skill and experience gaps are important steps during the early growth of a team. The unmentioned part of all of this is chemistry. It may seem hard to find someone that does not get along with a personality like Sam, but we all get on each other's nerves at times. The important part of building a team is finding people that generally gel while still being comfortable and different enough to raise questions. We want to row the same way while keeping a lookout that we are not rowing in the wrong direction. A Little Background Voted as a Top Five Speaker in Spice Magazine’s Hot 100, Sam McNeill - SongDivision GM for UK & Europe - is an in-demand Corporate MC and accredited DiSC Facilitators. Sam has hosted over 600 interactive face-2-face and online experiences. These include musical team-building workshops, gala awards events, and product launches on five continents. Sam’s accolades include winning ‘Future Leader’ awards for Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Sam is also a member of Connect Corporate’s esteemed list of ’40 under 40’ industry professionals. Sam’s professionalism and energy have made him a favorite among some of the biggest brands in the world, including Coca- Cola, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Spotify, and Fujitsu, and Virgin. Sam earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Studies (Classical Voice) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Learn More You can learn more about Sam's work and the organization he loves by visiting the Song Division website. If you think they might be able to help you, then give him a call. Another Useful Link:
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20463800
info_outline
Sam NcNeill - When Things Go Wrong , Great Leaders Step Up
09/14/2021
Sam NcNeill - When Things Go Wrong , Great Leaders Step Up
We continue our multi-part series of interviews with Sam McNeill with a look at when things go wrong and an examination of leaders. There are times that we go a little off the rails and times where things go completely awry. The way you respond can help keep the former from stumbling into the latter. When Things Go Wrong, And They Will Sam has a history of being the "guy with the microphone." That can be the best way to handle challenges or the worst. You are in the position to impact the situation. Therefore, it is best if you enjoy being in that role. One can either run the show or delegate. Sam enjoys the former and gives us insight into one of the things that make him tick. He feels most comfortable being on the stage as if that is what he is meant to do. While we skimmed over that in the interview, that is something we should all know and pursue. You will always be happiest when you are doing what you were meant to do. Build Your Team It helps to have a solid and reliable team when things go wrong. The story and details Sam provides at this point of the interview are worth noting. He mentions the idea of matching strengths to roles and also how to focus on a team as such. Even when there is a team leader, the team is the most important part. They do the work and share responsibilities. This may be best summarized by the Song Division values of excitement, energy, and a willingness to work hard. A Little Background Voted as a Top Five Speaker in Spice Magazine’s Hot 100, Sam McNeill - SongDivision GM for UK & Europe - is an in-demand Corporate MC and accredited DiSC Facilitators. Sam has hosted over 600 interactive face-2-face and online experiences. These include musical team-building workshops, gala awards events, and product launches on five continents. Sam’s accolades include winning ‘Future Leader’ awards for Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Sam is also a member of Connect Corporate’s esteemed list of ’40 under 40’ industry professionals. Sam’s professionalism and energy have made him a favorite among some of the biggest brands in the world, including Coca- Cola, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Spotify, and Fujitsu, and Virgin. Sam earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Studies (Classical Voice) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Learn More You can learn more about the work Sam is doing and the organization he loves by visiting the Song Division website. If you think they might be able to help you, then give him a call.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20392409
info_outline
Sam McNeill Part 2 - Win Customers With Excitement and Professionalism
09/09/2021
Sam McNeill Part 2 - Win Customers With Excitement and Professionalism
We continue our interview with Sam with a deeper dive into enthusiasm. He describes how his love of his job helps him to win customers. However, that is just the beginning. He then goes into some excellent examples of how professionalism leads to customer success. There is more to winning over customers than simply getting that sale. He walks us through how to ensure each customer is satisfied. Know Your Role The musical band and recording session examples are highly relatable to the IT world. We can see many of the personalities he describes among studio musicians and "the talent" in our technical teams. The key to success is understanding your role as much as it is clear on the roles themselves. For example, if you are playing background for Sir Elton John, your role should be obvious. However, what role John Elton plays on your development team may not be so clear. Win Customers Then Keep Them Sam has dealt with and customers over the years. All of those little projects have provided him a pattern for what works and what does not. The success he has had at Song Division comes from traits the organization espouses and executes. These include professionalism, consistency, understanding the needs of the customer, and focusing on success. That last item can be tough when things go haywire. Nevertheless, success can still be possible and must be pursued. That is how you not only win customers but also keep them. A Little Background Voted as a Top Five Speaker in Spice Magazine’s Hot 100, Sam McNeill - SongDivision GM for UK & Europe - is an in-demand Corporate MC and accredited DiSC Facilitators. Sam has hosted over 600 interactive face-2-face and online experiences. These include musical team-building workshops, gala awards events, and product launches on five continents. Sam’s accolades include winning ‘Future Leader’ awards for Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Sam is also a member of Connect Corporate’s esteemed list of ’40 under 40’ industry professionals. Sam’s professionalism and energy have made him a favorite among some of the biggest brands in the world, including Coca- Cola, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Spotify, and Fujitsu, and Virgin. Sam earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Studies (Classical Voice) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Learn More You can learn more about the work Sam is doing and the organization he loves by visiting the Song Division website. If you think they might be able to help you, then give him a call.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20382062
info_outline
Sam McNeill Interview - Love Your Job And Find Success
09/07/2021
Sam McNeill Interview - Love Your Job And Find Success
We start our next series of interviews with an example of what happens when you love your job. Sam McNeill is highly successful and entertaining because of the energy he brings. You will see that as we go through a discussion of his background, his challenges, and becoming a key part of the success of a company he loves, . A Natural Talent Sam is one of those people that is born with plenty of natural talent. He started as an aspiring musician and actor. He briefly describes that childhood and his early loves. This sets the table for his career. The two worlds of childhood and his future meet up at a Microsoft event as he is introduced to SongDivision. Love Your Job = Success We almost start at the end as Sam points out how much he enjoyed working with SongDivision and the people in the organization. This enthusiasm put him on track to join the company and see a lot of success. The important point for us to learn is that success took work. However, he enjoyed every minute and was even more effective at his job because he had found what he loved to do. Optimism and excitement are contagious. When you exude these, you will find success following close behind. A Little Background Voted as a Top Five Speaker in Spice Magazine’s Hot 100, Sam McNeill - SongDivision GM for UK & Europe - is an in-demand Corporate MC and accredited DiSC Facilitators. Sam has hosted over 600 interactive face-2-face, and online experiences. These include musical team-building workshops, gala awards events, and product launches on five continents. Sam’s accolades include winning ‘Future Leader’ awards for Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Sam is also a member of Connect Corporate’s esteemed list of ’40 under 40’ industry professionals. Sam’s professionalism and energy have made him a favorite among some of the biggest brands in the world, including Coca- Cola, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Spotify, and Fujitsu, and Virgin. Sam earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Studies (Classical Voice) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Learn More You can learn a lot more about the work Sam is doing and the organization he loves by visiting the Song Division website. If you think they might be able to help you then give him a call.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20382047
info_outline
Style Stages - Find the platform that works for you (DP Knudten Part 4)
09/02/2021
Style Stages - Find the platform that works for you (DP Knudten Part 4)
We jump into a discussion about repetition as key to your brand success. However, the next topic of style stages is just as critical. Then, we touch on several nuggets and suggestions to wrap up our interview with DP. He provides a few challenges and valuable insight to leave you with plenty of food for thought. Style Stages A key concept for this episode is the idea of style stages. There are numerous (maybe countless) social media platforms available today. We should take advantage of many of those, if possible. On the other hand, some provide a better stage for our presentation content and style than others. These style stages vary from written form to audio to long or short-form videos. Therefore, we have a range of options to embrace and find what works best for us. For example, if you have a face for radio, then go the audio route. When your content makes more sense, and you are comfortable writing, then use those tools. Building The Connection We should balance our comfort zone with how these style stages impact the audience. DP provides a quote about how people interact as blog readers, video viewers, or audio listeners. These are important to consider. Where possible, audio is one of the best formats as it builds a personal connection due to being in the listener's head. A Little Background DP’s worked on some of the biggest brands in the business, including Coca-Cola®, The Athlete’s Foot®, and ClosetMaid®, during tenures at DDB Needham (Chicago), McCann Erickson (Atlanta), and creative shops in Denver, Sarasota, and Madison, WI. He is the author of and co-author of and the creator-host of the popular podcasts, The ROTOMA Podcast and NONFICTION BRAND. He is also a keynote speaker and clinician in branding, social media, creativity, and culture for groups throughout the United States. Contacting DP You can learn from DP directly or as a student of his experience. First, DP has a podcast called Non-Fictions Brands. I highly recommend you give it a listen. However, you might desire other ways to follow him or send a message. You can do that through his personal website. Check out the links below.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20258075
info_outline
Niche Brands - Personal Or Otherwise - DP Knudten Part 3
08/31/2021
Niche Brands - Personal Or Otherwise - DP Knudten Part 3
This episode starts right away with a continuation of the niche brands discussion. We then move to DP's thoughts on social media and using those tools. He even moves into examples of live-streaming and ways to use these tools no matter your strengths. Niche Brands - Livestream Anything DP dropped a couple of examples that are highly niche right out of the gate. First, he talks about who uses twitch to lifestream software coding. Then he shifts right into mentioning he live-streamed writing his book. How can you get more niche than that? However, these have followers and are ways to build a community. These tools can build relationships in ways marketing never used to be able to touch. Even a podcast interview can build a relationship among the participants. Influencers All of that brings us into a discussion of influencers and personal brands. The people that like to label themselves an "influencer" are not highly praised by DP. However, he does point out that all of us are influencers. The niche of our audience may be small. Nevertheless, we bring influence to those people, which could potentially be highly valuable to some sellers. We should never underestimate what we can do for others. A Little Background DP’s worked on some of the biggest brands in the business, including Coca-Cola®, The Athlete’s Foot®, and ClosetMaid®, during tenures at DDB Needham (Chicago), McCann Erickson (Atlanta), and creative shops in Denver, Sarasota, and Madison, WI. He is the author of and co-author of and the creator-host of the popular podcasts, The ROTOMA Podcast and NONFICTION BRAND. He is also a keynote speaker and clinician in branding, social media, creativity, and culture for groups throughout the United States. Contacting DP You can learn from DP directly or as a student of his experience. First, DP has a podcast called Non-Fictions Brands. I highly recommend you give it a listen. However, you might desire other ways to follow him or send a message. You can do that through his personal website. Check out the links below.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20257871
info_outline
Brand First Principles, A Foundation In Truth - DP Knudten Part 2
08/26/2021
Brand First Principles, A Foundation In Truth - DP Knudten Part 2
We dig into the ways to build a non-fiction brand in episode two. The focus is on brand first principles and sticking to truth in building upon it. DP starts with his "a-ha" moment that took years to develop. Then he weaves a series of points to help us build a brand, personal or otherwise. Write Some Stuff The non-fiction idea started with a simple statement, "write some stuff." He was working on advertising content and had only those instructions. That caused him to halt and note that he is not a fiction writer. His advertising process required facts and truth so he could present them. It was not sufficient to simply make up a story for a product or brand. Brand First Principles DP highlights his personal brand first principles and gives us a foundation for ours. We need to stick to our first principles and build on those. That is the case whether you are building a brand or selling a product (including your resume). These are the traits that make you special or unique. They are your strengths and should be the basis of your value to customers. However, you might want to review what you want to be as well as your strengths. The goal might be to pick up diamonds instead of potatoes. A Little Background DP’s worked on some of the biggest brands in the business, including Coca-Cola®, The Athlete’s Foot®, and ClosetMaid®, during tenures at DDB Needham (Chicago), McCann Erickson (Atlanta), and creative shops in Denver, Sarasota, and Madison, WI. He is the author of and co-author of and the creator-host of the popular podcasts, The ROTOMA Podcast and NONFICTION BRAND. He is also a keynote speaker and clinician in branding, social media, creativity, and culture for groups throughout the United States. Contacting DP You can learn from DP directly or as a student of his experience. First, DP has a podcast called Non-Fictions Brands. I highly recommend you give it a listen. However, you might desire other ways to follow him or send a message. You can do that through his personal website. Check out the links below.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20216390
info_outline
DP Knudten - Nonfiction Brands - Match Products And People
08/24/2021
DP Knudten - Nonfiction Brands - Match Products And People
We continue our interviews with the first part of our discussion with the author of nonfiction brands - DP Knudten. His book sparked my interest, and now we get to sit down and talk to him. We cover a lot about brands, both personal and corporate. Thus, you will have a better grasp of these concepts after listening to him. NonFiction Brands - Sell To The Right Audience A common misconception of advertisers is that they sell items to people that do not need them. Contrary to that, DP focuses on nonfiction brands as a path to get the audience that wants your product. The key point is that we will build better relationships with customers when we have what they need. That also makes the sale much easier. They need our product. Therefore, we need to point out how it meets their needs. Advertising becomes almost responsive instead of proactive and in your face. Brands And Emotions There is always an emotional appeal in the best marketing. It is one thing to sell features, but another to sell how they make the buyer feel. Think of the opposite of buyer's remorse. A brand predicts a pleasant experience and post-sale feeling for the buyer. Likewise, a personal connection in the sales process will help provide a warmer experience than a cold corporate approach. A Little Background DP’s worked on some of the biggest brands in the business, including Coca-Cola®, The Athlete’s Foot®, and ClosetMaid®, during tenures at DDB Needham (Chicago), McCann Erickson (Atlanta), and creative shops in Denver, Sarasota, and Madison, WI. He is the author of and co-author of and the creator-host of the popular podcasts, The ROTOMA Podcast and NONFICTION BRAND. He is also a keynote speaker and clinician in branding, social media, creativity, and culture for groups throughout the United States. Contacting DP You can learn from DP directly or as a student of his experience. First, DP has a podcast called Non-Fictions Brands. I highly recommend you give it a listen. However, you might desire other ways to follow him or send a message. You can do that through his personal website. Check out the links below.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20194547
info_outline
Professional Publishing Secret - Get Started And Be Consistent
08/19/2021
Professional Publishing Secret - Get Started And Be Consistent
We wrap up the interview with Dale L. Roberts sharing his professional publishing secret. He tells us to get started and be consistent. However, he shows us that a love of our work is always key to success. We need the drive to be successful, and the more we love our work, the more that comes naturally to us. Professional Publishing Secret - Burn The Boats Hunger is an excellent motivator for almost everyone. Unfortunately, that does not always lead to us doing the best things we should. However, we need the motivation to keep us putting in those hours to work through the process. There is a lot of work required for success in any form. Thus, we need to embrace our goals. We may decide there is no plan "B," but there are other ways to set ourselves up for success as well. Find out what is your best motivating factor. No Overnight Success I return to this point. Instant success is a fantasy. At some point, everyone has to put in the work. Otherwise, success will always elude them. We see this and accept it in our technology careers. Likewise, we need to be aware that it is the case for any career. That being said, when we love what we do, time will fly by. Years of effort and work will feel like a blink of an eye. That may not impress others. Nevertheless, you will reap the rewards. A Little Background Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and video content creator. Dale’s inherent passion for life fuels his self-publishing advocacy both in print and online. After publishing over 40 titles and becoming an international bestselling author on Amazon. Then, Dale started his YouTube channel, Self-Publishing, with Dale. Feedspot voted it among the Top 50 YouTube channels about self-publishing. Thus, Dale cemented his position as the indie-author community's go-to authority. Contacting Dale There are many ways to contact Dale. However, these are the best ways to reach out or learn more about the various ways he can help. Website - YouTube – Twitter – Facebook - Instagram – Publishing Links We mentioned a few sites for self-publishing. Here are those links.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20131139
info_outline
Publish Wide - Dale Roberts Advice for Building Your Platforms
08/17/2021
Publish Wide - Dale Roberts Advice for Building Your Platforms
An interview of a self-publishing expert is not complete without a discussion of "publish wide." That refers to the many platforms available to publish your book. It includes traditional print books, audiobooks, and e-books. Therefore, the conversation with Dale L. Roberts continues to look at how we can grow to reach people. We learn it does not matter how they prefer to consume their content. Publish Wide = Many Platforms Dale lays out several platforms, including the elephant in the room (Amazon KDP). In comparison, each of these has its strengths and weaknesses. It is worthwhile to pursue them all. The key is to start with one and get comfortable with it. Do not try to be everything to everyone in your audience out of the gate. Your bonus recommendation is to take a close look at Kobo. Dale rates it highest for UI and experience. The World Has Changed Self-publishing has always been around. However, modern tools and platforms make it easier than ever to do so. Likewise, self-publishing is truly a viable option. It is often your best approach for an e-book. Do not underestimate the various ways to deliver your content. We can now reach an audience through e-books, audio, traditional, and so much more. You put a lot of time and effort into that book. Make sure you give it the broadest possible reach to wherever your audience members reside. A Little Background Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and video content creator. Dale’s inherent passion for life fuels his self-publishing advocacy both in print and online. After publishing over 40 titles and becoming an international bestselling author on Amazon. Then, Dale started his YouTube channel, Self-Publishing, with Dale. Feedspot voted it among the Top 50 YouTube channels about self-publishing. Thus, Dale cemented his position as the indie-author community's go-to authority. Contacting Dale There are many ways to contact Dale. However, these are the best ways to reach out or learn more about the various ways he can help. Website - YouTube – Twitter – Facebook - Instagram – Publishing Links We mentioned a few sites for self-publishing. Here are those links.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20131220
info_outline
Define Your Audience For Publishing Success
08/12/2021
Define Your Audience For Publishing Success
We continue our discussion with Dale L. Roberts with a discussion around how to define your audience. That is an important step in any product. Books and written content are no different. We continue the discussion with getting that book written and your first steps in self-publishing. Define Your Audience There are some guides that refer to your ideal audience as your avatar. This vehicle should be a well-defined image of who you are speaking to. That is a key factor in success whether you are selling or communicating. Therefore, the avatar must be defined early and preferably before the writing process begins. Dale provides a perfect example. He wrote exercise books and it seems only logical that an exercise routine differs by age, goals, and fitness. The routine for Betty White is not the same one for my goals. We have people that benefit most from our content. Those are who we want to speak to. Therefore, define your audience by who "needs" to read your book. Perfect Is Not An Option A critical step in self-publishing is writing the thing to be published. That may seem an obvious statement. Yet, Dale mentions multiple times where people ask about publishing before they have written even a word. Start with writing. Also, do not worry about a perfect first draft. Get the content down and then focus on the clean-up. Once you have that rough draft, it can be a basis for crafting your work of art. Note the discussion about editors. An editor is not simply a grammar-checker. This person helps the writer craft a story and present content in the best way. Think about selling a house. Your house may be perfect for a buyer. However, staging the house will help drive that point across and often increase the offer you receive. A Little Background Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and video content creator. Dale’s inherent passion for life fuels his self-publishing advocacy both in print and online. After publishing over 40 titles and becoming an international bestselling author on Amazon. Then, Dale started his YouTube channel, Self-Publishing, with Dale. Feedspot voted it among the Top 50 YouTube channels about self-publishing. Thus, Dale cemented his position as the indie-author community's go-to authority. Contacting Dale There are many ways to contact Dale. However, these are the best ways to reach out or learn more about the various ways he can help. Website - YouTube – Twitter – Facebook - Instagram – Publishing Links We mentioned a few sites for self-publishing. Here are those links.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20092331
info_outline
Dale L. Roberts Interview - Getting Started With Self-Publishing
08/10/2021
Dale L. Roberts Interview - Getting Started With Self-Publishing
.This episode starts a new multi-part set of interviews with Dale L. Roberts. He is a guru of self-publishing with dozens of books to his name. The focus is how to get started, platforms you can use, and how to find success in this far-ranging discussion. Our first episode provides background on Dale and getting started. A Self-Publishing Firehose Start with a focus. There is . Many pieces go into being successful. Dale refers to it as being a firehose of activity. There are two ways a firehose works. One is uncontrolled and sprays water everywhere. The other is focused and puts out fires. Next, we talk about how to take reasoned steps. That lays out a process to keep your efforts effective. Stick With It We all make mistakes. Those mistakes come far more often when we are new or learning. Writing and publishing a book is no different. Your initial goal should be to write the book. Of course, that is a challenge in and of itself. Once that is done, then move on to the publishing process. Note that the critical part of success in all of these is consistency. Therefore, stick to your plan. It can be easy to grow discouraged and quit. However, staying the course and regular progress will get you to the finish line. A Little Background Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and video content creator. Dale’s inherent passion for life fuels his self-publishing advocacy both in print and online. After publishing over 40 titles and becoming an international bestselling author on Amazon. Then, Dale started his YouTube channel, Self-Publishing, with Dale. Feedspot voted it among the Top 50 YouTube channels about self-publishing. Thus, Dale cemented his position as the indie-author community's go-to authority. Contacting Dale There are many ways to contact Dale. However, these are the best ways to reach out or learn more about the various ways he can help. Website - YouTube – Twitter – Facebook - Instagram –
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20079047
info_outline
Finding A Mentor - Creating a Solid Foundation
08/05/2021
Finding A Mentor - Creating a Solid Foundation
This bonus episode for our Tim Stratton interview digs deeper into finding a mentor. First, we look at what makes a good mentor relationship. This is a situation where all parties need to contribute to the goals and receive benefits. Thus, the focus is on the relationship itself and what to look for when you desire a mentor. Finding A Mentor Organically There is an industry out there of people that advertise being a mentor. They even have processes and cookie-cutter approaches in some cases. This may help, but I do not see it as a true mentorship. Finding a mentor is not like finding a plumber. You do want someone you can trust. However, many other factors go into being a true mentor. Similar Interests Or Goals The primary objective in finding a match should be similar goals or interests. This is someone you want to emulate. Therefore, they should have a path you can relate to and a destination you also want to reach. Beware of a mentor that has goals or achievements that are only tangential to your path. They , but the closer they align with your goals, the better. For example, a player that wants to be a basketball star can benefit in some ways from a hockey star, but not as much as from a basketball star. Know the areas where your mentor is similar and different. Listen and Then Act The goal of most mentors is to provide useful knowledge. They want you to act on what you are taught and become better in those skills. That is how they know it is useful. If you never take action, then the utility of the knowledge will never be known. The goal is not to fill your head with trivia. Instead, they want to provide you with stepping stones for your career climb. That means you need to plan actions based on what comes out of mentor sessions. Absorbing is not enough. Take the lessons learned to heart and apply them sooner rather than later before you forget what you were taught.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/20004650
info_outline
Mentor Relationships - Timothy Stratton Interview Part 5
08/03/2021
Mentor Relationships - Timothy Stratton Interview Part 5
The last part of the series in the Tim Stratton interview goes into how he got here and touches on mentor relationships. While we stick to the specifics, there are some valuable generalizations to take away from it. We saved the best for last as we wrap up our time with Tim. Mentor Relationships Change We briefly dropped the idea that Timothy has had multiple mentors throughout his life. It is important to note that these have to do with the stage of life we are in. I think most of us know that a childhood mentor is not going to necessarily help us as an adult. However, it is important to remember that as we move through our careers. The invaluable person in our early career development may not be very helpful and might even hold us back as our career proceeds. We can outgrow our mentors and leaders in life. Nothing is Free Nothing worthwhile is free or easy. We have to put something into in order to get value out of them. Timothy spends some time talking about how he takes these relationships seriously. He is intentional about listening for guidance and then acting on it. He also provides feedback after the fact in order to get further mentoring. A Little Background Timothy is a software development manager at XSolis with a strong development background. He has a master's degree and a love for learning. We gave some details in part one and then dug deeper into how his career started and how those steps led to success today in part 2. Contacting Timothy You can send an email to [email protected] for other methods of connection. Unfortunately (for us), he is not a fan of social sites. Thus, he keeps that footprint small. However, he is happy to help others, and we can connect you through any of the normal Develpreneur avenues.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/19994564
info_outline
A Better Manager - Tim Stratton Interview
07/29/2021
A Better Manager - Tim Stratton Interview
This episode of our interview with Timothy Stratton delves into experiences and how to be a better manager. We compare notes on what has worked for us and traits of those we seek to emulate. While the focus is on developer managers, there are many general suggestions as well. The Better Manager Summary There are many . We hit on the more generalized of these in our discussion. These come from our experience as a manager and being managed. We started our careers as developers and think we have some good insights into managing developers because of that foundation. It is easy to do the things that you found to be positives when the roles were switched. A golden nugget in this area is to remove obstacles for your team. The Weight of the World One of the more significant challenges in moving from developer to manager is becoming less hands-on. We have skills that allow us to jump in and help get tasks accomplished. However, that is not always the best use of our time. There is a mental adjustment needed to move from a "do-er" role to a guide or director. That is not an easy step to take and can often keep developers on a technical track rather than managerial. Fortunately, there are rewards for either of these paths and we have good options for an extended career. A Little Background Timothy is a software development manager at XSolis with a strong development background. He has a master's degree and a love for learning. We gave some details in part one and then dug deeper into how his career started and how those steps led to success today in part 2. Contacting Timothy You can send an email to [email protected] for other methods of connection. Unfortunately (for us), he is not a fan of social sites. Thus, he keeps that footprint small. However, he is happy to help others, and we can connect you through any of the normal Develpreneur avenues.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/19956377
info_outline
Interview With Timothy Stratton - Continuing Education
07/27/2021
Interview With Timothy Stratton - Continuing Education
We continue our discussion with Timothy Stratton with a dive into continuing education and how to keep up in the fast-moving world. There are always job responsibilities to address that keep our time at a premium. We talk about finding ways to stay up-to-date and the cost of this career path. The Cost of Continuing Education Let's start with the bad news. There are only so many hours in the day, and that means we have to trade off other pursuits for our careers. However, it is not all bad. The things that Timothy mentions as giving up can always be reviewed later. You may not watch as much television or go to the movies, but you can do that later in life. That is the price you pay when your career is starting and . Trust me. I went years without keeping up with current TV and movies and then was able to catch up as desired once life got less hectic. Constant Reader One of the most important requirements for continuing education is reading. Whether it is books, journals, blogs, or news sites, most of the best content must be read. There are and similar outlets. However, most of what we need to keep current is communicated better through reading rather than listening. That means we should expect to read a lot and fit it into our regular schedule of tasks. Fortunately, digital delivery allows us to take and consume this content anywhere. Our continuing education effort can become part of shopping for groceries, waiting in line for a meal, or kicking back on our porch. We can convert any part of life into a classroom. However, do this in moderation. We still need to be able to find some semblance of balance with our personal lives. A Little Background Timothy is a software development manager at XSolis with a strong development background. He has a master's degree and a love for learning. We gave some details in part one and then dug deeper into how his career started and how those steps led to success today in part 2. Contacting Timothy You can send an email to [email protected] for other methods of connection. Unfortunately (for us), he is not a fan of social sites. Thus, he keeps that footprint small. However, he is happy to help others, and we can connect you through any of the normal Develpreneur avenues.
/episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/19923950