RE: Hello World

You are fortunate.  There are a few shops I would not use, in fact it 
embarrasses me to admit I ever was there. 
But for a learning curve I am finding there are many people prepared for 
change and growth but they are limited in budget and want to be brought 
along slowly anyway.  Too many of these people have been burned a few 
times by the newest and greatest.  Their attitude is that after the Next 
New Thing has been around for a year at least they will consider looking 
at it. After two years they will evaluate it. Adoption can be 4 or 5 years 
out.   This works well for me too because I am not bright enough to bounce 
from new thing to new thing as rapidly as most programmers.  The gradual 
curve is really good for me.

I'd add this.  As a marketing tool I find that active involvement in the 
local user group is welcomed by the user group and is very enjoyable for 
me.  It provides a learning environment I can respond to.   I've never had 
a direct contract from user group involvement, but I do know that it has 
allowed my name to be out there and I am not a stranger when I walk into 
most AS/400 shops in the area.

 
_______________________
Booth Martin
Booth@MartinVT.com
http://www.MartinVT.com
_______________________




Joe Teff <JoeTeff@earthlink.net>
Sent by: owner-consult400@midrange.com
07/17/2000 10:04 PM
Please respond to CONSULT400

 
        To:     "'CONSULT400@midrange.com'" <CONSULT400@midrange.com>
        cc: 
        Subject:        RE: Hello World

> What skill set do you feel you will need in order to retain/expand your
> customer base? Why?

Java, WebSphere, XML, Apache, UNIX. Because it sells.

 
> How many of your clients would you willingly use as referrals without
> hesitation or qualification?

I would use every one of my employers and clients over my 20+ year
career without any hestitation or qualification. This includes the IT
staff, users and management.

Joe Teff