Confronting Reality

Called an audible on today’s post for this week’s news. Attacks on Tree of Life Synagogue, bombs mailed to prominent Democrats, a convenience store shooter first tried to enter Black First Baptist Church, and Molotov cocktails thrown at Iglesia ni Cristo Locale of Seattle, a Church of Christ. This year there were attacks against Afro-Americans, Christians, Gays, Hispanics, Indians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs (often mistaken for Muslims) and more.

Everyone knows ISIS and Al Qaeda are violent and try to influence young people to commit violence. Right Wing Extremists killed more people than ISIS over the last decade. (Thanks to Peter Singer DefenseOne). Live on west coast where Antifa promotes violence and Animal Activists burn down labs and homes. Lets not forget the bigotry against races and religions leading to violence. It is only time until people die.

Remember most people are not violent. They love their children. We need to listen to the concerns of others. We need to treat others with respect. Especially if we disagree with their views. And they need to let us disagree.

For security don’t focus on politics, race or religion. Don’t ignore women either, even though most assaults are committed by young men. ISIS and Al Qaeda use women and children as bombers. The best focus for security is people’s actions. Regardless of beliefs their actions are similar. Security is only successful if we talk about all extremists and their actions. Simple answers don’t work. Security requires effort.

Extremist and armies tend to dehumanize the enemy so they don’t feel guilty killing others. We need to acknowledge everyone. We need to talk with everyone. We need to let people know they are important. 

It is up to you. Acknowledge, talk and respect others. No matter how different they are than you.

National Security Pros, It’s Time to Talk About Right-Wing Extremism

https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2018/02/national-security-pros-its-time-talk-about-right-wing-extremism/146319/?oref=d-dontmiss

Business Rules

Consultants and others will sell you all sorts of secrets about running a business. There are No Secrets. Here are your day to day priorities.

Business is about Relationships

People Buy your products and services, not businesses. People buy from people they like. Not always the cheapest, but someone they can depend on.

Customers First

The More Empathy for what the Customer is Experiencing, the more successful your business will be. Know how your and your competitor’s products and services are used. Where is it not easy, there are Opportunities.

Look Out for Your Team

No one can do everything themselves. Not only are coworkers valuable for implementation and delivery.  They solve problems and come up with ideas.

Small businesses need to team up with other businesses or services to grow. These people are your priority.

What is Your Main Offer?

Good offers Sell. Customers place orders and repeat orders. They recommend you. They upgrade to your premium products and services. 

If your products or services are not selling, your offer is either not meeting potential customer needs or it is priced wrong. How can you better your competitor’s offers?

Technology

 Yes the engineer businessman put this last. Outdated technology won’t sell, but customers tend to buy what works. Have the people closest to the customers prioritize your investments. Better quality, faster delivery, reduced customer efforts and selling points are what you need.

Notice did not specify industry, business size, nor customer type. These rules work whether a Fortune 100 or business in a garage. What is Your Priority Monday morning?

Rest in Peace Paul Allen

Paul Allen passed away today from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Paul is know as the co-founder of Microsoft, and may be known as the owner of sports teams Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Seahawks. He invested in real estate development, medical research, and artificial intelligence among others. He gave millions to museums, MoPOP, the Heritage Flying Museum, and other charities for the homeless.

Paul was an engineer and the son of a teacher and a librarian. He grew in the leader may of us admire and miss today. 

Paul Allen was reserved and personable. He was the boss who listened to your concerns, gave feedback or direction, then let you go do your work. He not only donated money, Paul tried to figure out what was wrong and fix it. For instance working on climate change figuring out the why the coding was wrong.

Paul also really loved music was always with his guitar. His players knew him from the sidelines and locker room. No matter how busy he was, he communicated one on one. Paul Allen is a great example to model for leadership. 

Prayers and sympathy for his family, co-workers and friends.

Career and Earnings Lessons

Education & lifelong learner handled changes. What can you learn from one career?

1973 Lifeguard - $2.35 per hour. ($0.50 above minimum wage)

Back from 6 week cross country summer trip. Had lifesaving certificate and replaced friends off to college. Bought 10 speed out of $253 earnings.

1978 - Process Engineer - $7.79 per hour.

Graduated college working heat treat department in aerospace manufacturer.  Not use to so much money, lived on 1 of 2 paychecks saving the other. Started MBA classes next year.

1983 - Production & Quality Engineer - $11.54 per hour.

First company laid off half of employees. Got opportunity with nuclear manufacturer before got my lay off. 40 mile commute led to quitting grad classes. Bought first home for $65,000 with 5% down.

1988 - Manufacturing Engineer - $16.45 per hour.

Navy shut down nuclear company. Crossed picket line 2 years for firearm manufacturer in extended strike. Followed 2 short term jobs with small manufacturers. 6 months unemployment was best experience & motivation to develop more skills.

1993 - Manufacturing & Quality Engineer - $19.06 per hour.

Small hardware manufacturer in poor market conditions. Wore many hats, developing ideas into new products. Company employment shrank, but company grew market share from #3 to strong #2. However 2-3% raises not helpful. Had roommates and worked 2^ndjob to pay mortgage and car payment.

1998 - R&D Engineer - $32.88 per hour.

Joined large hardware manufacturer crossing country. 2^ndrelocation to west coast came with promotion. Sold 1^sthouse after 13 years for $72,000 (net loss $1,300). Bought 2^ndhouse for $190,000.

2003 - Commercial Appraiser - $20.00 per hour.

Self employed assisting partner and learning new industry. Difficult how much needs to be done to be successful as entrepreneur. Sold 2^nd house for $262,000 living off proceeds for 2 years. Year met my wife.

2008 - Contract Engineer / Marketing - $29.00 per hour.

Real estate market collapsed in 2006. Got back into engineering rationalizing overgrown product lines for Spa / Whirlpool Bath manufacturer. Wound up leading marketing project. Studied Solidworks computer design software.

2013 - Manufacturing Engineer / Project Management - $43.05 per hour.

Relocate to Pacific Northwest for development program at large aerospace manufacturer. So much need to be done. Keep moving projects and desks. Studied for PMI project management certification, but did not take $600 test while unemployed. Healthy raises & asked would I consider management, but management’s life is challenging. Bought 3^rdhome for $265,000.

2018 - Manufacturing Engineer / Project Management - $52.20 per hour.

Program went from development to sustaining. Out of 1,100 manufacturing engineers, 1 of 123 left on program. Worked 13 projects & had 24 desks in 8 years. Raises dropped to 2-3% as demand slowed. (Age is a factor.) However a new program in development and will be opportunities for promotions. Expect to work 10-15 years more.

Lessons:

1) Employment tomorrow is Not guaranteed. 

     (Unemployed 2.5 out of 40 years)

2) Save for your future and hard times. 

3) Times change. Moved between industries, 7 states and new technologies. 

4) Education never stops.

5) Growth comes from taking Responsibilities and Risks.

6) Persist for Success.

7) Account for Inflation. 3 median priced houses: $65,000 in 1983. $190,000 in 1998. $265,000 in 2010. (Houses are up 80% in 8 years here)

8) Cash flow determines how comfortable your life is.

These lessons work. Apply them to your career and industry.