Learning my strengths and weaknesses took some time, and overcoming stage-fright took a really long while, but I'm learning to manage. Here's one thing that always came naturally: putting forth my best effort while helping others.
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I once had a thriving battery business that was looking to expand. Unfortunately, it went bust due to the Credit Freeze of 2008... |
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... but while it lasted, I worked with a great Norfolk, Virginia based sub-contractor, and I always paid on time. |
One of the many things I learned was that I really don't like selling. I guess you have to, but I'm a builder, not a hustler. I've found however, that when you actively seek partners that already support worthy causes, you always receive unexpected rewards = Gravy.
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I spent a lot of time and money working to patent and sell this tong and food protector |
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And I was supported by a workforce of superheros. (You've seen at least part of this image before = Gravy) |
Unfortunately, one of the other lessons I've learned is that government can really be a hindrance to the little guy. My battery business died on the vine waiting for SBA-managed proceeds from the Economic Stimulus acts of 2008-9.
But wait, there's more. I wasted more time and money at the US Patent Office - trying to patent a multi-source electric generator that's easy to manufacture and maintain.
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After spending years and thousands of dollars on original design, development and testing... |
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USPTO said there was nothing novel in my final design - "absolutely nothing" in fact! Not the wire channels or mounting holes or modular plates - to say nothing of the ventilation chambers! |
The take-away from this final lesson is to know every inch of the pond in which you swim - and make sure you're perfectly suited for it. I know software, so that's where I will innovate going forward.
My goal is to provide value to end-users and to those with whom I work. Reach out to me if you're working on something interesting and you need a great engineer to join you...
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