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 money in new customer acquisition.
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 schedule has to be checked and signed by the concerned engineer.
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 gave military strength and allowed them to dominate the East”
About India , ” The creative spirit fades away and gives place to the imitative. Where triumphant and rebellious thought had tried to pierce the mysteries of nature and the universe, the wordy commentator comes with his glosses and long explanations”
Though these words were written more than sixty years ago, they are very relevant even today.
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 are always 2 sides to a story, and if you do not listen to both the viewpoints before taking a decision, you are the loser. Online rumours and gossip seem to flourish.
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 with customers, vendors and colleagues. So after some time, even if I was “simple” looking, people would tell me on my face that I was the worst person to pickup a fight with . Online , there is less interaction, so more people try to act smart, but a good engineer always has a water tight defense.
There are some big advantages of working as an engineer and having factories running with systems you designed :
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.
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.
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 get away with it due to their contacts.
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.