Scott Knight's Blog

Goals vs. Objectives

Scott Knight — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 08:46:59 -0500

It’s been a year and some change since I began publishing on this site and I’ve recently been reflecting on the initial challenges I’d set for myself. One of these was to publish 100 posts in a year, which was a sincere objective at the time. It’s also one which I haven’t met. Does that constitute a failure?

This brings up an important point: there is a notable difference between goals and objectives.

Goals are long-term purposes one strives to achieve. A goal is the “end result”, and goals should be considered in long-term time frames. Goals are strategic and abstract.

Objectives are achievements along a path to achieving an overarching goal. They are the “means to an end” (the ’end’ being the goal), and should be considered in short-to-medium time frames. Objectives are tactical and concrete.

My point is that, while the objective of posting here with a certain cadence was not achieved, the associated goal of the site was not in alignment with that and/or has evolved over time, so I would not consider this a failure. It’s just a part of the ebb and flow of personal goals (in this case, an ebb).

It is natural and expected that one’s personal goals will shift over time as we develop in life, and one’s objectives, however sincere at the time, should change in accordance with one’s current goals.

We see this all the time with New Year resolutions. Many of us set objectives for ourselves each January 1st without aligning our true goals, and so we do not keep to them. To stay accountable and motivated to attain our objectives, we have to ensure that they remain as stepping stones on the path to reaching our overarching goals. Only then can we keep the resolve to achieve them.

So, I won’t be publishing here just for the sake of meeting some imaginary deadline.

While my writing cadence may shift from time to time, my goal of providing something of interest or value with each post remains.

Burning CDs in 2023

Scott Knight — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

After my grandparents’ house fire last year, we came across a bunch of old photo slides and 8mm film reels. Before we scrapped them I decided to buy some digitizing equipment and archive the content for us to preserve some of our family history. As I mentioned the project to other friends and family, I quickly realized this is a service that many folks are seeking.

I’ve since turned it into a local business providing media digitization services for customers in our local area. There are companies online who do this sort of thing, but in my experience the majority of people would rather not risk shipping off their original media. As fragile as it normally is, it would be catastrophic if something happened in shipping, so they’d prefer hiring someone local like me who’ll take extra hands-on care with their items.

So I’m currently digitizing some audio cassette tapes and film transparencies for a returning client who requested that the audio be burned onto CDs, so they can listen to the tracks on their home system.

Seems simple enough, but you may be surprised (ok, maybe not) at how tricky this task is in 2023.

As a kid in the early 2000s I can remember burning my music onto CDs with no issues. Since the world has moved away from the CD as a primary media format, less and less tech is even capable of facilitating its creation.

Luckily, I have an older Mac from 2011 around that has a built-in CD reader/burner. The only issue is formatting the audio properly so that CD players can actually play the media. Again, you’d think this was simple but I must’ve gone through an entire stack of CDs at this point trying to nail down the right configuration.

My research tells me most CD players should recognize .WAV or .MP3 format (some don’t support compressed formats like MP3, though) with a sample rate of 44100 Hz. I’m exporting the audio from Audacity and have tried every combination of these and more, yet not a single disc has played correctly on any of multiple CD players.

Maybe it’s just me, but burning audio CDs sure ain’t as simple as it used to be.

You Should Have a Website

Scott Knight — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:41:57 -0500

It’s often the case that I’m referred potential website clients who have never had their own site before. In many of these cases, the person is reaching out because someone they know told them they need one, but they still aren’t fully on board with the idea.

After all, they’ve gone this long without a website; why get one now?

Whether you’re a business owner or an individual with a personal brand, a fundamental way to establish your presence online is by having a well-designed, user-friendly website.

If you’re old-school and/or have had second thoughts on this, let me assure you—the benefits far outweigh any initial hesitations you might have.

Here are some reasons I believe it’s important to have your own website.

1. Professional Credibility

Imagine you’re in need of a particular service or product. What’s the first thing you do? You pull out your smartphone or sit down at your computer and search for it online. In today’s digital landscape, your website is often the first point of contact that potential customers have with your brand. A well-designed website signals professionalism and establishes trust. It conveys that you’re serious about what you do and are accessible to your audience.

If you don’t have your own website, then you’re not controlling your public image.

Speaking of which…

2. Control Your Brand Image

Your website is like your digital storefront. It’s where you have complete control over how your brand is presented. You can choose the colors, design, content, and overall vibe to ensure consistency with your brand identity. This control allows you to tailor the user experience, and in turn more effectively communicate your message and values to your audience.

3. Global Reach

The internet is a vast space, and having a website means you have the potential to reach a global audience. Your website is accessible 24/7, allowing people from different time zones to learn about you and your offerings, even when you’re asleep.

This global reach can significantly expand your customer base and generate new business opportunities.

4. Effective Marketing Tool

You can optimize your website for search engines (SEO) to improve its visibility in search results, attracting organic traffic. Additionally, you can integrate various marketing strategies such as email campaigns, social media integration, and blogging to engage and retain your audience, ultimately driving more conversions and business growth. With all of these working in your favor, your website can be a powerfully effective marketing tool to reach your audience.

5. Showcase Your Offerings

For artists, photographers, entrepreneurs, or anyone with a creative or business venture, a website is an ideal platform to showcase your work or products. High-quality images, videos, testimonials, and detailed descriptions can be displayed to captivate visitors and give them a clear understanding of what you’re offering.

6. Enhanced Communication and Engagement

Having a website allows for direct interaction with your audience through contact forms, email subscriptions, and comment sections. This two-way communication helps in understanding your audience’s needs, preferences, and feedback. You can address their inquiries promptly and build a community around your brand.

This can seem overwhelming or unattractive at first, I know. I’m simply illustrating the potential here, but you can start with the benefit of just having your existing points of contact in one place (even if it’s just phone or email).

7. Cost-Effective and Scalable

Contrary to what some may think, creating a website today is more accessible and cost-effective than ever. With various user-friendly platforms and tools available, you don’t need to be a tech whiz to set up a professional website. Moreover, as your business or personal brand grows, your website can scale with you, accommodating increased traffic and expanding offerings.

Closing Thoughts

Having a website used to be a novelty or a luxury. These days, it’s a necessity.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, an artist, or just someone with a passion to share, a website offers a platform to showcase your expertise, connect with your audience, and enhance your credibility in the online world.

FIRE Flow Chart

Scott Knight — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 18:17:05 -0500

There’s a ton of advice out there on personal finance, but I’ve only ever found one resource that provided an actionable path to gaining Financial Independence and Retiring Early (F.I.R.E.). Read more about that concept here.

It’s a handy flow chart created by a member of the r/financialindependence subreddit. Just within the last year this flow chart has helped me pay off nearly all debt, grow my net worth, and drastically increase my savings rate.

I wanted to save it here for quick reference, but if you live in the U.S. and want to retire early and/or become financially independent I recommend starting here.

Links

FIRE Flow Chart v4.3 - Light Mode (PNG)
FIRE Flow Chart v4.3 - Dark Mode (PNG)

(via Reddit)

How to Join a Board of Directors

Scott Knight — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:13:07 -0500

I’ve been a board member of a local non-profit for several years now.

My organization provides certified teaching staff, supplies, and facilities for children with dyslexia to get extra learning assistance outside of their school programs, all at no cost to parents. Being a board member of this organization has been a rewarding way to use my skills and business experience to give back to my community.

However, I’ll admit—joining a board of directors isn’t always easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. But if you’re up for the challenge, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Here are a few tips on how to join a board of directors:

Know the difference between corporate and non-profit boards.

There are several key differences between corporate and non-profit boards.

Corporate board positions are highly sought after because members are typically compensated for the position either through a salary, profit distributions, or both. Corporate boards drive the strategic direction and oversight of companies. Because of this, open positions are competitive and board members are chosen to fill specific strategic roles in the experience and skill set of the board as a whole.

Non-profit boards, as the name suggests, do not operate for profit and board members are not usually compensated for their work. Rather, board members operate on a volunteer basis, and are often even expected to help raise money for the organization or donate money personally to join the board. This concept may occasionally be referred to as “Give, Get, or Get Out”.

Although these tips apply to both types of boards, for the purposes of this article I’ll be mainly referring to non-profit boards.

Here are some key tips to help you find a good fit:

Start by networking.

One of the best ways to find board opportunities is through your network. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues to see if they know of any boards that are looking for new members. You can also attend industry events and conferences to meet potential board members and recruiters. When you talk to people, make it known that you are seeking a board position and what your goals are.

Do your research.

Once you’ve identified a few boards that you’re interested in, take some time to learn more about them. What is the organization’s mission? What are the board’s responsibilities? What kind of skills and experience are they looking for in new members?

It is not advisable to join a board just for the title. If you don’t have a complementary skill set or lack passion for the cause, you will not be an effective board member and could even do more harm than good. Finding the right fit is a critical step here.

Bonus tip: Be creative in your search. In addition to traditional networking and job boards, there are a number of other ways to find board opportunities. For example, you can search online databases like BoardStrong and OnBoard. You can also connect with recruiters who specialize in board placements. And don’t be afraid to reach out directly to organizations that you’re interested in serving on.

Prepare your pitch.

When you’re ready to start applying for board positions, be prepared to pitch yourself. Write a brief bio that highlights your skills and experience, and explain why you’re interested in serving on the organization’s board. You may also want to write a cover letter that addresses the specific skills and experience that the board is looking for. This will help you stand out as a solid candidate.

Be patient and persistent.

It may take some time to find the right board position for you. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the first few positions you apply for. Keep networking, doing your research, and preparing your pitch, and eventually you’ll find the perfect fit.

Here are a few additional tips to help you stand out from the competition:

Be specific about your interests and skills. Don’t just say that you’re interested in serving on a board of directors. Be specific about the types of organizations and industries that you’re passionate about. And be sure to highlight your unique skills and experience that would make you a valuable asset to any board.
Be confident. When you’re networking or interviewing for a board position, be confident in your abilities and your value proposition. Remember, you’re bringing something unique to the table.
Be prepared to give back. Serving on a board of directors is a big responsibility and requires a big commitment of time and energy. But it’s also a big opportunity to make a real difference at an organization that you care about. Look for opportunities to share your knowledge and experience.

Following these tips can certainly improve your chances of success.

Oh, and one last thing: don’t forget to have fun! Serving on a board of directors should be an enjoyable experience. If you’re not passionate about the organization and its mission, it’s going to be difficult to stay motivated. So choose a board you’re excited about, roll up your sleeves, and get to work making a difference.

With a little effort and creativity, you can find the perfect board opportunity for you. Good luck!

The Right to Repair: Fighting Planned Obsolescence

Scott Knight — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:41:08 -0500

“They don’t make stuff like they used to.”

We’ve all heard some form of this claim at some point and, unfortunately, it’s true. What’s concerning is that the decline of product quality and longevity we’ve seen in recent decades is fully intentional.

My family and I like to collect antiques and vintage goods we find at estate sales and shops on the weekends. Recently, this had me thinking: the items we find are noticeably sturdier and of a higher quality than anything you’d find on shelves today. From time to time we’ll even find vintage electronics or machines that still work like they did when they were new (or close to it)!

Many devices today are only good for a few years before they start slowing down dramatically, exhibiting battery life issues, physically breaking due to poor craftsmanship, and so on. To make things worse, the average consumer can’t even get into many of today’s devices to replace a battery or other parts. Myriad examples of these types of situations exist today.

Let’s talk about it.

What is planned obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence is the practice of designing products with a limited lifespan, so that they become obsolete and need to be replaced sooner rather than later. This is done in a variety of ways, such as cheapening materials, making products difficult to repair, intentionally reducing updates that slow down or disable older devices, or removing support for older devices altogether.

What is Right to Repair?

The Right to Repair is simply the principle that consumers should have the right to repair their own devices. This would include the right to repair information, spare parts, and tools necessary to accomplish successful repairs without needing to go back and pay for manufacturer’s service or replacing the product outright.

Obviously, this is not appropriate in all products for practal reasons. The Planned Obsolescence/Right to Repair conversation is primarily centered around the tech industry and its output.

Still, I would argue that we as consumers should have the option to repair most anything we own, if we so wish.

Why does it matter?

This principle is important for several reasons.

Having the Right to Repair helps to extend the lifespan of products, which can save consumers like you and me more money.
Repairing instead of replacing reduces waste and stimulates circular economic activity, which is great for the environment. When products are repaired, they are less likely to end up in landfills (currently a major source of pollution).
Consumers get more control over their devices and are less reliant upon manufacturers.
More jobs would be created in the repair industry.

How can companies transition?

While it will likely take legislative action to cause any significant change to these practices, here is a potential path for companies wanting to create more repairable products:

Use higher-quality materials that are less likely to break.
Make products easier to disassemble.
Provide clear repair instructions, diagrams, and documentation.
Offer spare parts and tools to consumers.
Allow independent repair shops to access diagnostic tools and software.

What can we do about it?

The right to repair is a growing movement. Canada, members of the E.U., and a number of states in the U.S. have passed Right to Repair laws, and other countries are considering similar laws as an instrument of consumer and environmental protection. As the Right to Repair movement continues to gain momentum, the hope is that more tech companies will start designing products that are more repairable.

If you are interested in learning more about the Right to Repair, there are a number of resources available online. You can also contact your local elected officials and ask them to support Right to Repair legislation.

If you’d like to discuss more about this issue, use the button below to email me. I’d love to hear your thoughts.