Blog following by Tony Green

Webblogs or blogs are becoming more and more popular. Any individual can showcase their thoughts in the event you want to say something and a platform to do so. A person can choose tofollow a blog which means every time an update occurs the latest entry can be read in a reader. In most circumstances somebody chooses to follow someone’s postings when the content of interest to them. The subject matter of the blogs you read on regular basis tell a lot about you, however, who you follow perhaps a bit more.
For the record here are the webblogs I follow, the reason why and how I came to add them over the noise of all of thousands of other communications I am bombarded with in a daily basis.

1. Joel Spolsky

I read his monthly column in Inc. Magazine. His postings provide a good balance of high technology, common sense and military knowhow. This isn’t surprising as his background from Ex Israeli army, a former employee at Microsoft, and now is running his own software company.

2. Robert Scoble

I read his material for the first time in Fast Company magazine. The link to the blog was in the byline of the article. I always tried to check out his latest musings when I could from then forward. I enjoy his postings because of their direct style. Additionally, they make me think about a vantage point on a topic I had not examined.

3. Denise Lee Yohn

I have never met Denise face-to-face. I was “introduced” to her while I was the VP of Workshops for the Silicon Valley American Marketing Association (SVAMA). I was considering conducting a seminar on Branding. Ultimately, we were unable to come to an agreement. In the end I wound up on her email list. During a quiet moment at home I read some of her postings. As an engineer trained marketer I am aware that many technical trained folks have no idea of the importance of a brand. Her insights caught my attention within an instant.

4. Denise Shiffman

I met Denise who led a SVAMA workshop last year on the topic of the Age of Engage. I try to conduct research the speaker to judge if they would be a fit in before agreeing to allow a speaker conduct a seminar. I find her insights witty and insightful. Her book, which is the same title of her presentation, is a definite recommended read if you want you know about social networking.

Is there a theme to the choice of these selections of blogs to follow? Is a recommendation to read printed magazines regularly? How about being active in non-profits marketing organizations? What does that say about me? I will let you check these blogs for yourself and be the judge.

Overall, I think that it would be quite flattering to have someone follow what I wrote. Who these people are would serve nicely as the topic of another blog posting. Anyone care to help me out by following this blog? Just kidding….

Photo courtesy of Dreamstime.com

Language and English by Tony Green

The way everyone views the world is shaped by their experiences through life. This is normally a combination of formal education in a class room setting, degrees, certificate, and informal education, which includes life experience, clubs, association, church, etc. My training is in engineering, with a stint in the military then business school after I left the service.

Overall, I am quite pleased with my background; it has provided me the opportunity to do what I enjoy and make a decent living simultaneously. My two shortcomings were foreign languages and writing.

I hate to admit but I underestimated the importance of these two skills. In high school I was pushed to a technical curriculum and I seemed destined to pursue either medical school or engineering. I thought writing and languages would be skills which I would not need to focus on. Years later I feel extremely silly for thinking that way.

Sure, I took language (Spanish) and writing courses. I enrolled in those classes and got through them to because of graduation requirements. That should have provided a hint in retrospect.

The reason languages are wonderful things to learn are they function as windows to minds and cultures of others. Insight into cultures is one of the most important methods of building relationships.

In regards to my writing on many occasions (as my M. B. A. professors can tell you) when I had many wonderful ideas, however, I had a difficult time expressing myself. The object of writing is being able to communicate and express your ideas to others.

Does this sound familiar to you? No worries, time is always available to improve and learn as long as you are breathing. Upon further thought I should pass the word along to my children as it is knowledge they would want to know. Communication, albeit written or spoken is something they will need as adults.

Majoring in Chemical Engineering by Tony Green

Every high student as arrived at college for the first time undecided on which major to pursue. The choice depends upon what you area you an aptitude is in and where you would like the degree to take you.

In my case during my high school course work I enjoyed my initial chemistry class enough to enroll in Organic Chemistry as a junior.

The first portion of my goal consisted of attending a good university and getting a quality education without bankrupting my families’ bank account. The second portion depended on obtaining a decent paying job devoid of being in school for 10 years. I learned engineers earned higher pay than their non-engineering graduates upon leaving school once I conducted some research and asked some people in the industry.

Moreover, various people pointed out to me that Chemical training would provide inroads into would various technology and industry positions not to mention other fields. Still, I questioned if I was doing the right thing and it might be beneficial to enroll general classes and chose a major in a few semesters. I decided to push forward starting, naturally, with my introductory chemistry classes.

After completing my course after some stumbles along the way I entered the work force concentrating on building a positive career.

Even though some of my undergraduate and early work experiences not enjoyable I was glad I choose to study Chemical Engineering. When I look back I do not regret my decision. Not one bit.

Photo courtesy of Microsoft Office ClipArt

Automotive Trend – in spite of tough times will survive but look may change by Tony Green

I have been working in the automotive industry for the last nine months in my new sales position. I had no previous exposure to the industry; therefore, I experienced a large learning curve. My unenviable task is to try and penetrate into the Big Three Automotive OEM’s and their Tier One suppliers with my companies products. It is obvious times are tough but I believe in the long term the American automotive industry can and will survive.


My reasoning for this is as basic as the geography of America. In many portions of the country public transportation does not exist. People will be required to get around as the average American drives 40-50 miles daily. As a consequence there still will be a need for automobiles since a typical automobile lasts 5-10 years in most circumstances.


Since American cars will exist in some capacity it is clear as a result of the lack of competitiveness in the global arena changes are on the horizon for the America automotive industry.


The largest factor I foresee driving change is the increase on foreign influence. Lately the sales of the Japanese just overtook for market share for the Big Three within the United States. Also, the European automotive manufacturer’s accounts for less than 10% of the U.S. market with mostly in higher end luxury vehicles. Recent news stories seem to indicate they are looking to increase their share in spite of the fact that past attempts proved unsuccessful. In light of the weakness of the American automotive industry one could not blame them. Many operate large factories within the United States already. The workforce that has been displaced due to layoffs should provide plenty of trained personnel to staff these new foreign plants. Further foreign influence will be noted as China and India are designing and manufacturing cars which will be available will be within the next few years.



The other large trend in automotive will be the increase in alternative vehicles– Plug-In, Electric, and Flex Fuel and Fuel Cell by the America public. Diesel powered automobiles, which run cleaner than gasoline powered vehicle, can make inroads especially if the price of diesel approaches gasoline pricing. The cost is presently 10-20% higher in most places.



Furthermore the largest car companies may be replaced by many smaller ones which work in well defined niches. One example is Tesla Motors who manufacture electric cars and drive-trains. In spite of the troubled times their backlog is still a year long.



The final trend for the future proposes all of the companies which manufacture automobiles for American customers have their supply chains for parts and vendors based in the U.S. This will result in non American companies becoming household names in the United States. A pair of examples of this genre includes BYD based out of China and Tata Motors based out of India.
In conclusion, the American automotive industry will stay in existence with a very different look. The question is will we recognize it? I admit that is a lot to think about. Shall we go for a drive (in an American car) to clear your head?