PSI - Thinking Outside the Niche

Thinking Outside the Niche

Published as "Need to grow out of your IT niche? Visit the Internet", Front Range Tech Biz, January 21 - 27, 2002).

A few years ago, I picked up one of those computer-related magazines while waiting in line at an office supply store. As I thumbed through the pages, I was shocked to see how much the industry was changing, and especially how much had already changed. Having a degree in software development, it seemed only a short time ago that I could pick up a magazine like this and feel confident in knowing at least something about the topics being discussed. But this was different. Page after page triggered more questions and I found myself wondering where I had been while the industry had apparently left me standing in the dust.

A lot of industries - particularly those dealing with technology - are wide and diverse, with changes happening continually on a variety of fronts. My problem wasn't that the industry passed me by, but rather that I had allowed myself to get sequestered into a small niche of it. Perhaps you're familiar with this niche? It's that place where there's plenty to do to just maintain a living and there's little time or energy available to investigate or understand much beyond. Meanwhile, progress marches on, and the knowledge chasm between the niche and the industry grows.

As with most business people, there were a number of obstacles between me and going back to college for additional education. For starters, the family had grown particularly fond of things like food, shelter, and heat. Then there were the customers to support. And if these weren't enough, the basic expenses of going back to school were well outside of the budget at that time, especially if the day job - and corresponding income - were suspended for a time.

Instead, I needed a low cost - or better yet, no cost - training opportunity, something that wouldn't take a huge time commitment, and something that could be flexible to my dynamic schedule. If something like that were to exist, I reasoned, I could get the needed training without 1) breaking the bank, 2) starving the family, or 3) dramatically changing my otherwise busy schedule. Fortunately, I didn't have to look long to find the answer; Resources with ample information are all around.

My son Nick provided the first answer. "Daddy, look at the books we got at the library!". The library - of course! There's all kind of free information at the library. But where to start? With dozens - if not hundreds - of books about computers and the computer industry available, the task could intimidate even the most dedicated reader.

I decided to commit to two books at a time, based on a couple of criteria. First, both books must be something of interest. There's no value in checking out a book about radish farming if the goal is to learn about technology. (However, a book about technology in radish farming might have been interesting...) Second, one book must be something familiar, to reinforce existing knowledge and experience. The other book must be something completely new, thereby beginning the stretch outside of the niche. Furthermore, I resolved not to worry about completing either book, rather choosing to focus on learning a few new things at a time, rather than attempting to master everything written about the topic.

For some, however, the library is inconvenient. Perhaps the library is far away or the selection of applicable material is limited? Go online. The internet is constantly growing with educational material, some posted by students, some posted by teachers, some posted by people who simply found something cool that they want to share. Use a search engine like Google (www.google.com) to get started, and you'll be amazed at the volumes of material available on every topic imaginable.

Finally, whether online or at the library, it's important to first identify a specific topic to investigate, rather than meandering around without a clear purpose. When you find yourself asking "what's that?", make a mental note of it and go searching for the answer at your next opportunity. If at the end of every day a question has been asked and answered, no matter how insignificant, it's education. More importantly, it's progress.

(Incidentally, I recently picked up a current edition of that magazine and thumbed through it, much like I had before. This time, however, there were very few questions, only lots of good - and familiar - information!)

Kevin King is the President and Chief Technologist with Precision Solutions, Inc., a leading technology solutions provider in Longmont, Colorado. He can be reached by email at Kevin@PrecisOnline.com or by voice at 303/651-7050.