Category: entrepreneurship

We Do Not Know You

I have encountered the phrase “We Do Not Know You” a few times during the job hunting process. Recently I interviewed with a company that used this phrase. I threw everything at them including LinkedIn Recommendations, Contacts, Resume, Cover Letter, Links to Code Samples and screen shots. This was not enough. Continue reading →

What Languages do I Use

I was recently asked what I use to develop software and websites. I mostly use DotNet Technologies as it is often interchangeable between websites, web applications and desktop applications. I can often use the same data access classes and business logic between multiple platforms. I find that DotNet allows me to easier structure objects visually and logically.  I prefer to develop using C-Sharp, but I get requests to use VB.NET and J-Sharp on a regular basis.

When I went to college, I had learned C, Pascal, COBOL and some Mainframe language that I cannot remember.  Upon graduating I taught myself VisualBasic 3, RPG.  My first programming job was Visual COBOL.  I had created a company in the Caribbean Islands programming public utility and insurance software in RPG.   I can honestly say since I sold my shares of the company, I cannot foresee myself developing in RPG again.

Why don’t I use PHP?  Well I do use PHP, but for specific purposes and upon request by a customer. A specific purpose is when I create a WordPress site or other content driven sites. I will not often create a website or web application from scratch using PHP as Microsoft made ASP.NET easy for rapid development.

Do I use JAVA? Yes; I do believe there are cases where JAVA is still relevant. JAVA is still a good tight platform for developing small single purpose applications.  I have used JAVA 3 times in the past 2 years for applications that I believe fit the bill well.

Now, I am curious;  What do you use and why?

What is Leadership

A leader is a person who helps drive a group of people to a set goal.   A leader can drive the group of people to disaster or success.  It is in the qualities and attitudes that success or disaster can occur.   A person who operates in the capacity of leadership is not doing it for the money or larger office; although those are often part of the reward.


What is leadership?  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership


Qualities & Attitudes

  • Functions as servant to the group to which they are leading; not for oneself.
  • Positive attitude, even in adversity
  • Has a sense of humor
  • Can lead without being a dictator and without being buddy buddy
  • Humble in their abilities, but knows and has faith their abilities
  • Knows how to set direction and knows when to change the direction of the sails
  • Confident with themselves and their leadership
  • Is decisive when making decisions
  • Ability to listen to others
  • Strong communication skills
  • Willingness to learn and delegate according to the tasks at hand.
  • Must be able to influence their team
  • Must be able to challenge current processes

Leadership is slowly being lost in companies around the world.  As the current generation of leaders leave their positions, companies are scrambling to fill the positions.  It is very important that current leaders mentor and guide their successors prior to retiring or leaving the company.  Successor-ship is task a leader must take on in order to keep the team successful.

Canada seems to have world-class leaders that are sought worldwide.  It is important that we keep the cycle of leadership going; especially in Canada.   Are you the next leader?   We have a great source of entrepreneurship in our youth; are they our next leader?  Are you ready to lead and help create new leaders?