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For better or worse, many years from now, my kids will hear a chiptune song on their watch computer and be reminded of building legos.

Following the path less traveled.

On avoiding the race to the bottom

A discussion near and dear to my software-developing, services-selling heart: the downward trend of pricing things with hidden complexity.  From the post:

…there is an underserved category of work between direct employment and fixed bids. Between every layperson that has a need and every cookie cutter project, there is a gap. A gap of missing expertise. To fill this gap, we require the foresight to determine what needs to be done, the strategy of the best way to do it, the well-honed ability to execute on an on-going basis, and, certainly, the experience of what constitutes good work.

Check it out: http://www.sidedolla.com/blog/experts-dont-fall-for-the-race-to-the-bottom

Surviving Client Work

I wrote this post over at SideDolla.  It’s some advice for those starting out from my experience over the years.

http://www.sidedolla.com/blog/5-tips-for-surviving-client-work

#4 – Communication is the most important, with a close second, reputation.  The two are linked.

Also, is that photo at the top not the best thing you’ve seen all day?  I LOVE how mad that guy is!

Number 4

And, as is the trend, each one later and later, meet: Norah Bliss Wille.

She is unique in that she has this Little Pink Tractor Beam that works really well on me.

Are you looking for side work?

A new project of mine has launched: SideDolla.

It’s one of those passion projects that come along every once in awhile.  I built this while thinking about specific friends and co-workers.  Some employers out there aren’t great for the creative person.  They aren’t great if you want to feel like you are making a difference in whatever the business sells.

SideDolla is a way to get that creative outlet.  It’s intended for those with experience in any field to be able to offer their services as part time work out side of a full time job.  It’s a hit with everyone we talk to about it.

Check it out: SideDolla

Detroit Marathon Runners & Their Causes

So one of my projects is called Socialply.  We have almost 2000 runners in the 2013 Detroit Marathon fundraising on it.  That’s not the impressive part.

The impressive part is what these amazing people are doing.  They have collectively raised over three quarters of a million dollars, all for charity!

Incredible.

Check it out: https://www.socialply.com/marathon

Logo, Bullshit & Co., Inc.

PSA: Change Your Insurance

Remember to change your auto/home insurance every so often.

After 3 years, Allstate hiked my Homeowner’s Insurance by $700 to $1500.  When my auto policy was to renew, they hiked my premium up to $4,500 from $2,760.  Almost $2K more!  That was with no accidents and no tickets.

If I wasn’t in an a hurry, I would have shopped around.  I was on the computer already so I checked Progressive.  Their quoted auto premium for 6 months?  $780.  For 12 months, that’s over $1000 less than what Allstate used to be.

There is no concept of customer retention in insurance.  Buh Bye!