LinkedIn Groups - a waste of time?

LinkedIn Groups, they represent a great way to raise your online profile by offering you the opportunity to impart some of that expert knowledge which you have been gathering over years from being in college, university or working as a consultant in your profession. Sharing feels good.

Finding a group which allows you to fully demonstrate your knowledge and donate your golden nuggets of wisdom is another issue though. If you choose to share your thoughts on a particularly popular forum, then you risk your well thought out responses or new discussions being literally buried in the matter of hours [sometimes minutes] by job offers from the middle east, spammers, and promotional material.

No one will notice that you were ever here...

If however, you choose to seed your highly valuable or contentious material into a 'dust ball' of a forum - then you risk talking to yourself forever or worse, being 'liked' every now and again. Which can feel a little bit like condescension [sometimes].

Is there a happy medium?

I'm sure there is. Crawling over the groups and finding those members who closest resemble your piers and/or potential customers gives you an edge for starters, because picking the right audience is crucial here. Time is precious and simply spamming each and every group which you have a vague interest in will look... well lazy and spammy. Trust me I know. I have done this for months [many apologies to those I have inflicted]. I still feel dirty from the experience.

The virtually irresistible nature of these groups [in their current form] is to become a useless waste of time for all those who wish to share in them. If your interest is to actually get something done, or make a concerted effort to answer a burning question or two - then the platform appears to fail us miserably.

Let me try to explain...

Group discussions, once created go one of 3 ways;

1. Viral. A particularly potent question, truism or external link is posted up in a timely fashion - and all of a sudden, all the group members seemingly climb out of the woodwork to deposit their educated opinions, in the hope that they can help resolve the problem or get noticed. In reality what happens is that the original discussion is rendered unreadable by the time it reaches around 15 posts. Some members are commenting on past comments, some are staying true to the original topic. The whole thing smells of a runaway forum which has a high likelihood of being hijacked by less than scrupulous marketeers - unless it is well moderated by the original poster. My experience tells me that no serious debate can be resolved this way, and it eventually becomes a breeding ground for justifiably disgruntled members [sometimes trolls] or weird and random posts.
2. Hitler and Sharks. Have you ever heard of the premise that all pub chats [that's chats down the pub], if left unchecked - will eventually end up either discussing Hitler or sharks? Well this happens in well stocked discussion forums too - especially on LinkedIn. It would appear there is a common underlying narrative which exists in the hearts and the minds of those of us who choose to post on forums like these. In a similar way which some experts maintain that everything we involve ourselves in, is somehow related to 'sex'. All popular discussions will eventually revert to the the groups unofficially adopted mascot topic. Now this could be anything. Really, anything. For example, a running group may always end up talking about new trainers. Enough said about that. 
3. Tumble-weed effect. Many groups very quickly become the source of hollow discussion topics, un-managed by the topics creators. The postings will also have an air of being 'talked at' rather than a genuine attempt to converse and share ideas with other members. Groups like these are bleeding to death.

All of the above begs the question, how is it that groups survive? To be honest, not many of them survive the test of time. The managers slowly disassociate themselves from moderating the discussions and forget to post up new material from time to time. There are so many groups to replace them that no one notices the odd group winking out of existence or slowly fading away. It takes dedication and time to build a interactive following.

The secret to sustainability of these group forums is the horrendous numbers of new members joining LinkedIn. Currently at 2 new members a second, LinkedIn is stocking these forums with new meat at a massive rate. 

What can be seen is the inevitable regurgitation of the same topics - end on end, with no easy way to moderate them or to point members to similar discussions which occurred just 2 weeks prior.

I normally finish my posts with an idea, which could help resolve the problem. Not this week though. I simply believe that the constant recycling of topics and the ever increasing sign up rate of new members will continue to feed the groups with what they need to survive. Up and until membership begins to flatten out that is... but by then, we will all probably be using a different professional networking platform to share ideas and a experiences.

One which may help resolve a problem or two...


Engine[er]

We all love Engineers! They're great.

Engineers at their best...

http://avatarengineering.tumblr.com/post/19787436493/helpfulengineers

Engine[er]

10 Things I Miss By Not Working for Someone Else

Working as a Structural Engineering sole trader has many benefits. I do love working for myself and being the master of my own destiny. Also, I am very fortunate that the area I work - St Albans Hertfordshire, is jammed full of friendly Architects, Builders, business owners and a wealth of construction opportunities to keep me busy.

BUT

It's been 7 months now, and there is a list of things which I miss about not working for someone else:

1. Free Stuff!! Pens, pencils, rubbers, free Blackberry, paper print-outs of my holiday insurance documents etc. etc.
2. Paid Holiday. That lovely feeling whilst you are on holiday, that you are still clocking up the hours. It's a tough life - relaxing.
3. Office Banter. Nothing beats a Monday morning catch-up session with your work mates over a coffee or 2 [free of course], or to share a juicy bit of gossip. It's good to share ideas and your worries.
4. Work Parties! Get togethers, Christmas Do's and lunch-times down the pub. Socialising is a great way to get to know your work colleagues, and of course feed the rumour-mill.
5. Holiday and Birthday Cakes. It's only free if you don't go on holiday or have a timely 'sickie' on your birthday, every year. Swings and roundabouts this one.
6. Professional/Institution Fees Paid! More free stuff for us engineers and technicians.
7. Protection from the Crowd. If you surround yourself with less than competent staff, you can look ace, and it's funny when others c0ck it up... and not you this time ;-)
8. Training and CPD. You are given countless opportunities both on and off company time to learn and to grow. Lunch-time CPD seminars with a free lunch! Who cares if you have no interest in what is being presented. It's paid for by the business.
9. Expenses Paid. Travel, meals and safety equipment, all paid for by the business you work for.
10. Being Thanked. My favourite one this. I miss being thanked for doing a great job and seeing, and hearing appreciation from colleagues, bosses, and graduates for the hard work that I put in.

If you can think of anything else to add, then please comment below.

Look out for our Friday Blog Post as usual tomorrow.


Engine[er]

About me. Why am I in your face so much?

I have thought long about this section of my blog site. The chance for me to introduce myself properly and answer the following question - once and for all.

Why am I in your face so much? What's with that?

I do not consider myself overly complicated, nor do I have a particularly big ego to maintain... and finally; to compliment the open palmed, shrugging 'Columbo' type character which I present to you here... I'm pretty easy going too.

As with everyone - I do have my moments though.

I got into engineering quite late [well I think so]. After a stint in the RAF, some time in Art College and an interesting few years working in a factory sorting carrots and potatoes - a very good friend of mine pointed me towards a card in the local job centre window. "You could do that Glen", was the phrase he used.

Trainee design engineer wanted.

I applied, and got an interview. The other applicant didn't show, so I got the job by default.

The next 7 years flew by. Gradually, I moved up through a technicians role to a structural design engineer. I studied at college [winning the students  'structural design' award 2 years in a row during my HNC in Civil Engineering. Sponsored by a local engineering firm], and then university one day a week for the total of 8 years before graduating - by the skin of my teeth. I learned that I could apply myself when required, but I was not an academic by any stretch of the imagination. Although, some subjects I found very easy. Maths was a cinch [especially statistics] and obviously structural mechanics was my bread and butter subject - which I loved.

During my career, I have been very fortunate to almost always have a great mentor close-by, willing and ready to offer advice, and to remind me of what needs to be done. It is experiences like these which were the most formative for me. As a result, I have an insatiable desire to pass on this knowledge, and constantly look for cleverer ways for doing so - whilst keeping myself 'free' enough to create, engineer and enjoy my life.

The truth be told, I have looked so many gift horses in the mouth during my career - that one might be convinced that I have a real fear for success. This may have been true leading up to my decision to start my own business... but not today.

Today, and the future is what concerns me the most. Will we [can we] take charge of our own destiny? Is it possible to prosper in our industry by thinking differently, acting differently or just by simply taking more responsibility?

What I am asking is, are there opportunities for engineers to get personal? What are they?

Here is a list of Engineering Blog Sites which I frequent, it's not an exhaustive list - so if you are missed off, then drop me a message and I'll update it to include yours too. Just to be fair ;-)

http://anengineersaspect.blogspot.com/
http://conservengineer.blogspot.com/
https://constructionetc.wordpress.com/
http://sharpeneer.posterous.com/
http://engineerblogs.org/
http://salesaerobicsforengineersblog.com/
http://www.engineeringdaily.net/
http://change.mickla.se/#home
http://metamorphs.blogspot.com/
http://happypontist.blogspot.com/
http://a-step-forward.blogspot.com [new]

Well that's me. Please don't forget to take a [look] at the crowd funding project which we started to raise awareness for engineers. We only have 10 days left to find all the funds. Leave a comment, or a pledge if you want a pack of Top Trumps [style] playing cards.

Engine[er]
@cute_life

No innovation for Engineers? You are the problem.

Innovation. There is no one easy way to categorise it. To some of us, it's just a 'buzzy' word which is used by managers to justify another life sapping meeting...

"Come on folks let's innovate!", sounds the call, but later that meeting. "Nothing today then folks?...let's try again next week." and the next and the next...and the next...

But, can we force innovation? Probably not, but I believe that you can lubricate it. What you can't do, is force others to do something which doesn't come naturally. But innovation does come naturally. So what's the problem?

You are the problem.

and

You will be guilty of thinking one of the following;

1. Paranoia! We all covet and protect our inner most innovative thoughts and ideas - like they are the next winning lottery ticket. We associate our ideas with a potential value, and fall into the trap of assuming that; "If I can't get rich on this idea, then no-one else will". Wrong. The truth is, someone else will eventually think of it. That person may also do something about it. 
2. Lack of Importance. You believe that ideas are numerous. So therefore you place no value in your original thoughts, and they never see the full light of day. You forget that one of those ideas could be a 'good idea'. One could be a 'great idea'...
3. You'll look dumb. No one likes to look stupid, you are not creative [so you've been told], and you keep your mouth closed, head down. Choosing the easy life.
4. Logic Bubble. Nothing kills creative thoughts quicker than thinking that you know it all already. This is what is called a logic bubble. You can act intelligently within it, but outside of it you need help, and possibly more diverse networking opportunities to innovate.

It may be that you exhibit one or more of the above behaviours, but even if you find yourself doing ALL of the above, you can still innovate.

So again, what is the problem?

You are the problem.

and

You will not be doing any of the following;

1. Taking Notes. You don't use a note pad, or a Dictaphone, or even your smart phone to record your daily thoughts and ideas. You don't free up the space in your head by having a download session every once in a while.
2. Listening and chatting to other groups of people. You definitely won't be the type of person who chats with strangers about their life, and you will not think of solving their problems with the experience which you already gained elsewhere. 
3. Exposing yourself to different environments. You will be sitting comfortably in your life's bubble, experiencing the same things week in and week out. That's fine, but if you want to stretch and learn and grow - then you have to be prepared to feel uncomfortable. For a little while atleast.
4. Exercise. Clinically proven to boost the quality of your thoughts. Running and walking for example has been linked to higher levels of brain activity. The surge of blood and endorphins to the brain turbo charges your ability to visualise. Well, you won't be doing any of that. 

In reality though, you can still achieve original thoughts - even if you never deliberately partake in any of the above experiences.

The question still remains. What is the problem?

YOU ARE THE PROBLEM.

and

You will be a happy, satisfied, comfortable, and scared engineer. Scared of what you are really capable of.

This is why you are the problem. That is why innovation will not happen for you. But you already knew all that.

Next time you arrive at your work office - try arriving 20 minutes early. Have a chat to someone who you have not spent much time talking to in the past [the cleaner if it makes you feel good]. Talk to them about their problems. Then, no matter how stupid it sounds, suggest one way in which they can resolve their issues.

Blurt it out to them, if you have to. Then go away, and write it down when you are able. Check back with that person a week later.

Finally, post it up as a comment here so we can all have a good laugh at it.


Engine[er]

It's becoming easier to be Rebel Scum

Last post I mentioned Kevin Taylor. A structural engineer who has worked his way through engineering technician status, had a long stint checking calculations for a local authority, and now busies himself with running his own one-man-band engineering practice [+ sub consultants].

Since posting up the links to his engineering websites to my [blog], I have had the opportunity to briefly chat with him on the telephone. I asked a few questions, like about how and why he is trying to push into a predominantly web based market? Also, I enquired as to how his business was fairing - at this stage.

A summary of Kevins' online ventures can be found within the [links] at the end of my last post.

What drew me to Kevin's online [businesses] was his apparent disregard for formalities. Paying no homage to the tried and tested business plans, which exist within smaller structural and civil engineering enterprises. The man has a plan, and it appears that he is not afraid to journey into the unknown, just to see what happens.

As you can imagine - I'm loving that. As an engineer, designer, creative and fledgling entrepreneur... I'm loving that adventurous spirit.

Please do not misunderstand me, Kevin obviously has thought long and hard before committing time and money to his ventures. Citing business and engineering role models such as Chris Wise, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and Bill Gates, Kevin appears to have transferred our trade mark engineering 'have a go' attitude into his businesses too.

The question is; will the time spent, pay off for him? To put it in Kevin's words "Time will tell" and "I didn't go into this expecting immediate results". Good man.

What I think is that this form of engineering business style is only the beginning. Since the established 'mini-me' consultancy paradigms seem to rely [in part] upon following the same analogous route of putting in time, leveraging connections, earning your stripes [blah, blah], and making the most of any opportunities thrown our way, it is only logical that small companies like Kevin's, will grab more and more ground through guerilla style marketing techniques. Or indeed, they will evolve in such ways so that the limitations in growth set by the larger, established engineering and construction companies become insignificant, and easy to circumnavigate.

Another question we should be asking ourselves as engineers is, what are we physically doing to reinforce or break down the status-quo of our industries historical business practices here? Why is it becoming easier to rebel, and who stands to benefit from the ensuing anarchy?

From my personal viewpoint - so long as we have strive for ingenuity and ethical behaviour; we are professionally capable, knowledgeable, AND we do not expose ourselves, our clients and benefactors to unesseccary risks... then innovation will out itself eventually. So change is a foot, and is a good thing.

• Why is it easier to rebel? The long tale has become unsettled, and is begging for change. Faster, more pervasive communication is readily available.
• Who stands to benefit? We all do. Even those who stand to loose the most, will gain a newly motivated, educated and business-like workforce. 

So what is standing in the way of change? I could say tradition. I might even be tempted to utter the word loyalty. Loyalty to a business paradigm which non-longer deserves our undying faithfulness to it.

The problem with both of those words, is with what value do you attach to them? Especially when your business is cracking up, or you are being pushed from one redundancy package to another. Or indeed, you can't even seem to give your time away to a local engineering consultancy, just so you can flesh out your CV, in readiness for better times.

Times are not good for the long tail... or are they?

I finished my last blog by remarking that I was scared, and I also invited the readers of this blog, to pose an answer as to why this might be the case. No comments back. But that's OK, because I am quite happy to reveal to you my thoughts.

There is an entrepreneurial spirit out there, amongst us engineers. With every new business start-up, the owners dreams [like seeds] are being cast upwards and outwards in the hope that they will land fortunately, and germinate in a nutritious environment.

The truth is, there really is no fertile soil left. We have over farmed this particular field.

Yes, Long tails like Kevin can survive in a less than welcoming environment, and represent the metaphorical localised testing of new 'super crops'. Unfortunately though, it is still far too easy to remain on the sidelines, to criticise, to abstain from providing support and to apply the 'if I had a time machine' retort to each and every venture we witness.

I'm scared because, what Kevin needs is support. Support from his clients and from his peers. But will he get it? Only the remaining engineering long-tails can answer that. That's you and me [of course]. 

As you know, I launched a small collaborative effort which has only cost me time, energy and the sharing of another idea from my mind. An experiment; the results of which are expected to help me plan my next engineering endeavour. By the way, please keep coming back here and supporting me where ever you can!

I really appreciate the emails and messages through LinkedIn. They all keep me going.

To finish off I would like to leave you with this cool reminder. We do make a difference to each others lives, careers, futures. Do not make the mistake of thinking that you are on your own in this world. There are always people out there who can help you - should they choose to.

So give innovation a go. Kevin is. 


Engine[er]

BIG SHOUT OUT TO RICHARD SALMON. Thanks for the support :-)

Weekend Challenge. Change the world...for the better.

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people" Eleanor Roosevelt

I read a blog post late this morning. It was a sterling post and represented a good idea. Quite literally. Check it out [here], please.

It was a shame that I didn't read it earlier, but it doesn't mean that I can't participate - or indeed urge you all to give it a try too.

As engineers - I have noticed that we are full of ideas. We are tickled by and receptive to propositions of a clever nature too. I think we can 'visualise' the how and why that an idea becomes a successful one, after the event. Creativity though, is recognising a great idea before it has been fully grown. Having said that - my experience is that we [engineers] are reserved, and often do not like to show our excitement initially. Quite often if we are to be the ones to call the shots on a pre-grown idea, we mull it over, run it through a number of filters and...YAWN...possibilities before making a solid commitment. By that time someone else [probably our competition] has already completed the original task, and begun pursuing the next stage of development. 

Perhaps this is what Lord Sugar was referring to... 

There's nothing wrong with that - as it seems to be the way which we are brought into this world. Childlike in our curiosity, Superhero like in our powers to shoulder responsibility.

Paralysis through analysis.

"Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door, is just one more good idea" Jim Rohn

Back to the original post. I propose that you all, take 60 minutes today or this during this weekend and literally smash this page with as many stupidly cool, preposterously funny, astoundingly magnificent, and uselessly crud ideas as possible. I'll do the same too. Just watch.

Finally today, I'm going to leave you all with an extraordinary engineering business venture which is taking place right under our noses. This engineer is pushing hard. I have been watching his online ventures with interest since 2008, and this is the first time I have ever mentioned him anywhere. His name is Kevin Taylor.

To put it simply, I am scared, and I don't know why yet... perhaps you can help me? 

Read these links and let me know what your thoughts are.

http://www.structuralengineerrefer.com/ [great idea being turned into reality]

http://www.beamcalcs.com/instant/index.html [interesting promotional tool]

http://www.steelbeamcalculator.co.uk/ [high risk - but could very well appeal with the right marketing]

"It is not once nor twice but times without number that the same ideas make their appearance in the world" Aristotle

Engine[er]