Radish Sprouts

A NOBLE PURPOSE FOR ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND BUSINESS

In talking recently with John Trefny, President Emeritus, Colorado School of Mines, he mentioned, "What are some of the problems faced by society?  It is obvious that many of these are driven by one primary cause – population growth!"

Population Growth Brings Challenges.  Trefny continues, "We are literally in a race against time to address such challenges as:  World health; food supply; the depletion of natural resources including materials, non-renewable energy and water; a deteriorating infrastructure in developed countries and the total lack of same in developing ones; serious challenges to our environment; and many more."

Where are the Solutions?  Besides the clear and sometimes 'politically incorrect' focus to limit  population growth, the world needs the development and diffusion of appropriate technical solutions.

Noble Purpose of Engineers and Scientists.  Trefny continues, "Now, more than ever, we need universities to develop engineers and scientists who will take responsibility as leaders to:
• accurately assess the carrying capacity of our planet;
• communicate clearly the physical realities that constrain us;
• develop all technologies possible for indefinite supplies of energy including the technologies that will bridge between non-renewables and renewables;
• optimize farming and the generation of crops for food, energy, and materials;
• develop efficient recycling of all materials, mining in effect what has already been used;
• plan not just for 2020 but indefinitely into the future for the sustainability of mankind; and
• who can envision not only that sustainable future, but can also help steer it towards the noble purposes of which we are all capable.

Take a look at Trefny's longer discussion on this topic at http://coloradohigherednews.com/Pages/Archive.php?id=357

Beyond Education to Pursuit of this Noble Passionate Purpose. Even the best technical solutions are not enough.  They need to be successfully implemented and widely used. Technologists must work with business application experts, marketers, and many others to stimulate wide diffusion.  World citizens, its our job to be hopeful and take positive action to save Mother Earth. Together we can make a difference. 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com)

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM GENERAL MOTOR's ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Have you read the book, "The Car That Could:  The Inside Story of GM's Revolutionary Electric Vehicle" by Michael Shnayerson?  It includes a list of ten EV "commandments:"
1.  Come to work each day willing to be fired.
2.  Circumvent any orders aimed at stopping your dream.
3.  Do any job needed to make your project work, regardless of job description.
4.  Find people to help you.
5.  Follow your intuition about the people you choose, and work only with the best.
6.  Work underground as long as you can -- publicity triggers the corporate immune system.
7.  Never bet on a race unless you are running it.
8.  Remember it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission.
9.  Be true to your goals, but be realistic about the ways to achieve them.
10. Honor your sponsors.

For people trying to successfully pursue passionate purpose in companies large or small, these rules are important. By using them and questioning authority, you might just accomplish great business performance while having more fun along the way. Give them a try!

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com)

HOW'S YOUR FOLLOW-UP?

The Business Women's Leadership Group of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce held an interesting program  last week on "Creative Client Follow-up."  Note only was the meeting outside in the park at the top  of beautiful Flagstaff Mountain with over 70 attendees, there was useful information shared. Here are  some of the pointers:

*  Be persistent, not pushy. Be genuine, give the right reasons, and don't give up.
*  Develop rapport through listening and questions. Ask YES questions.  Ask if this is a good time to talk. Pay attention.
*  Be consistent.  Be yourself and follow-up regularly.
*  Have a system.  Set the time for your next contact.  Keep records.  Write it down.  Do it now. 
*  Measure results.  Determine what is and what is not working.

What is the best and the worst follow-up you have experienced? Learn from these experiences and revise your own follow-up approach.  Remember, it typically takes over five times in follow-up to make the sale. If you want to increase your sales, improve your follow-up.

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com)