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Category Archives: influence

Customer support

One of the hallmarks of  a  great company for me is the way they treat their customers.   Whatever the order value, however big or small  the customer , it is important to treat him or her fairly.   It is far easier (and cheaper in the long run) to have a happy customer do repeat business than spend [...]

Engineers and autographs

Working as a engineer can be very boring , especially if you are working in design, preparing engineering drawings like wiring diagrams and cable schedules .  But there is one thing you have in common with  glamorous professions – you sign a lot of autographs.  So every plant layout, assembly drawing, wiring diagram, product specification and cable [...]

Rise of European countries

In the “Discovery of India”  by Jawaharlal Nehru,  I  find  one of the best explanations  of why India’s ancient civilization has declined and allowed itself to be dominated by European countries.  About Europe ” Behind this technical progress was the spirit of science and a bubbling life which displayed itself in many activities. New techniques [...]

Rumours and the internet

One of the biggest plus points of working as an engineer was that most decisions were made on the basis of facts, there  was little scope for gossip and rumours.  The specifications from customers and vendors were always  clear, and if  there was even the slightest doubt,   I could call and get a clarification.  There [...]

Judging the kind of person you are

From the Freakonomics blog, I liked this post  Rancid Chicken for $36.09 . (it is also mentioned in the book) Often people misjudge  a person they met briefly or have had limited interaction with. If  think the person is “nice” ,  many try to take advantage of it, only to suffer the consequences. As as engineer,  you would personally interact [...]

Rigour

There are  some big advantages of  working as an engineer and having factories running with systems you designed : You become very practical – don’t let your prejudices affect your judgement.  Keep an open mind Rigour – every statement you make should have enough supporting  evidence which you can justify to any one.

Lobbyist , influence

Interesting article on lobbyists, PR firms and the influence they have. http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?265345 Their services are employed by certain companies to ensure that they have a level playing field.

Trust numbers

There are many who claim to be experts and influential, but actually they are only good at making tall claims.   Their data is often not backed by facts and numbers.  Doing a little research will expose their lies.

Nepotism and corruption

If you have studied in the best college in the country strictly on the basis of merit and worked in the largest professionally managed company in the country, one of  the most unpleasant experiences of running an online business is the corruption and nepotism you encounter. Most people do so, because they think they can [...]

Problems and life

When things go as per plans, life becomes boring.   When people create problems for you, it adds some excitement , you get a break from your daily routine and force yourself  to learn some thing new. People who know me tell me, if  you lead a difficult life, you become so tough, you can face anything.