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How to Think Like an Entrepreneur with this One Simple Step

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How to Think Like an Entrepreneur is a guest blog post by Daniel Hayes, PE, PMP

Think Like an Entrepreneur When I started my engineering career, I worked hard to understand and apply engineering principles and processes required to prepare deliverables in a technically correct and efficient manner.

I consider myself a good engineer.  There was a time I believed the work should speak for itself.  Being an introvert by nature, I don’t like to sell and don’t want to come off as salesy.  I spoke of what I could do for the client.  Yet, clients and prospects always wanted something more.

Why does this happen?  Because as engineers, we are not selling construction plans.  We are not selling the latest in engineering technology.  We are not selling deliverables.  Instead, we are selling solutions to problems.  Real world problems that our clients need to be solved.

If a real estate developer retains a civil engineering firm to prepare a set of construction documents or to acquire the necessary permits and approvals for development, what the client wants is neither the construction documents nor the permit.  What he wants is a completed development, ready for resale or rent.  Engineering is just one of many means to this end and that is why you should start to think like an entrepreneur.

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TCEP 041: Strategies for Starting A New Civil Engineering Job on the Right Foot

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Click below to listen to this episode on how to effectively start a new civil engineering job…

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new civil engineering job

In episode 041 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I interview Daniel Hayes, PE about how to start out a new civil engineering job on the right foot.

Here are some of the points Daniel reviewed in relation to starting a new civil engineering job:

  • Resigning correctly and communicating effectively with your new company during the process.
  • The importance to setting goals for yourself.
  • The importance of the first hour, first day, and first week of a new civil engineering job.
  • How to ask the right questions.

Quotes to think about:

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 Here are some key points discussed in this episode in relation to starting a new civil engineering job:

  • Always give proper notice when you plan to resign from your current job.
  • Work with your current employer to transition effectively, if they are inclined to provide you with someone to transition too.
  • Communicate with your new company as you really do not have a new civil engineering job until the day you walk in the door at that new job.
  • The first 90 days are very important for your success at any new firm. Always have a plan ready when you start working at a new company, even if your future employer has a plan for you. They may or may not be interested in your plan, but at least they will say that you have the foresight.
  • Making a plan is not as important as getting your brain connected to the new job, and getting yourself started.
  • The first hour at your new company is really your first impression, so you absolutely have to be on time for work.
  • Dress appropriately, because this is how people will instantly judge you.
  • Always put your cell phone away on your first day in a new job.
  • Be polite and sociable and save the introvert for another time.
  • Linger a bit and stay a little bit longer on your first day, in order to create opportunities to connect with people, and to show them that you are dedicated right from the beginning.
  • Get to know and make friends with the support staff. Respect them as they will be critical to your success.
  • You need to relax during your first week at the job. You are not going to solve the company’s problems in the first week. Spend more time listening and less time talking. No one is expecting you to be fully productive during the first week of a new civil engineering job.  Just focus on getting better at what you do every day.
  • Do not be afraid to ask questions. Start to understand the operations, and standards of the company, you are working for.

More details on effectively starting a new civil engineering job in this episode…

new civil engineering job daniel hayesAbout Daniel Hayes:

Daniel Hayes, PE is a registered professional engineer with over 14 years of experience in both the consulting and construction sector. He has experience in the project management and the development of construction plans, specifications and cost estimates for military, residential and commercial land development projects in numerous jurisdictions. Hayes has professional registration in Maryland, Texas (inactive), Virginia and West Virginia.  He has been a long time member of The Engineering Mastermind.

Sources/References:

Daniel Hayes’s LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by PPI, the leader of civil engineering FE or PE exam preparations. Use promo code CIVIL for 20% discount at PPI2Pass.com/coach.

Books mentioned in this episode:

 The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded

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The Pledge: Your Master Plan for an Abundant Life (Agora Series)

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To your success,

Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

 

 

Failure Lessons from Evel Knievel and How they May Apply to Your Engineering Career

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This is a guest blog post by Daniel Hayes, PE, PMP

failure

Evel Knievel is a ‘60s and ‘70’s era stunt performer and daredevil.  He was often seen on ABC’s Wide World of Sports on Sunday afternoons, jumping his motorcycle over cars trucks and buses.  A venerable showman, Knievel is most famous for the televised attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in Idaho in a steam powered rocket.  He owns the Guinness Record for having broken 433 bones when the human body has only 206 bones.  He also literally jumped the shark, in 1977.

Knievel made more than 81 ramp to ramp motorcycle jumps from 1965 – 1977.  He was successful 63 times.  While his success percentage is high, his failures were extremely high risk.  Broken bones, punctured organs.  Yet, Knievel kept jumping.

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Engineering Leaders, Check Your Bias

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This is a guest blog post by Daniel Hayes, PE, PMP

biasIt was a beautiful fall day, warm but not hot, brilliantly sunny.  I walk into the lobby feeling lean and confident, ready to slay the interview.  The company President comes out to greet me, and we begin the five hour dance.

The day goes well.  I present my engineering credentials and experience.  The interview team discusses company needs and the requirements of the position.  The opportunity would be an interesting challenge if we choose to move forward.

Inconsequential yet important back and forth banter on both sides propels us toward the conclusion of the interview.  As I drive away, I think to myself that this was a positive interview experience.  I feel I have left a good impression on the team, and I am interested in working for the firm.  I leave feeling as if they had envisioned me personally when they wrote the job description.

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When Accountability Is Not The Best Strategy To Achieve Your Goals

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This is a guest blog post by Daniel Hayes, PE, PMP

goals

Accountability is all the rage.  Goal setting literature is full of articles, features and columns, touting the benefits of finding an accountabilibuddy, one whose job it is to keep you on track, moving forward on your goals, performing what you planned and promised.  While I agree that having someone hold me accountable makes perfect sense, the idea has never worked well for me.  I have always struggled being on the hook to someone else; so much that resistance to accountability often pushes me off course.  I find myself pushing back on accountability because of this.


I’ve always wondered if there was something wrong with me.  Why do I push back on those trying to support me?  Why does my work suffer when I am held externally accountable?  Does this inclination and behavior of mine have to sabotage my career and personal development?

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