The kernel of the idea is based on an exchange. I am not an untalented guy. Yes, my area of expertise is somewhat limited, but it is a useful bundle of related tasks, for the right organization. I'll exchange access to my skill set for an appropriate fee or fee equivalent. This organization would benefit from my experience, knowledge, capabilities and in exchange, they would provide some sort of 'fee'.
That fee could be a free room for the duration of the exercise in an interesting city, a product produced by the organization or a service the organization provides. It might be an opportunity to have lunch with an interesting person or travel in a helicopter.
I'm not sure of the tax implications of all this, but it would be a short vacation so those implications should be relatively minor for both parties. I am also not looking for a new job. The one I have is interesting and I enjoy what I do and who I work with, so that is not the goal.
Here is a quick summary of my skill set.
- I can think. Yep, I'm a thinker. Not necessarily a conventional thinker and that has both limitations and advantages. Looking for the same oh same oh? Yes, I can do that--most adults who have been alive half a century can do that quite easily. I can think in non-traditional ways and come up with alternatives that might be considered unique or unconventional. I've often wondered if Mom had taken some experimental drug during my time in utero that altered my brain structure at a delicate point in my development. I know for a fact she did not, but still I know that I often come up with creative solutions to problems.
- I have an extensive background in project management and production planning. If you are reading this you may have worked with me or know of my career. MRP, EOQ, Gantt, critical path, MTO, MTS, ETO, ATO, ROP, DDLT, SMED, PDCA, Kanban, JIT, Lean, TOC, MPS, S&OP, SI&OP, CRP, PAC, input/output control, gross requirements, throughput, DBR, DRP, Push vs. Pull, net requirements, PO, RFQ, RFP and most general manufacturing concepts--I understand all of these in detail and can both explain and apply them in their appropriate settings. I can also tell you when they are not appropriate for your current situation.
- I'm not afraid of a difficult task.
- I'm computer competent. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Visio--call me an advanced intermediate user. Access, HTML--intermediate. Coding--less than beginner. I am not a code monkey. No offense intended to those talented code monkeys out there.
- I can speak in public. I can speak intelligently in public for the items covered in #2 above.
- I'm a nice guy and usually get along well with others. I did, in fact, pass kindergarten.
- The offer has to be interesting to me.
- The offer does not have to compensate me monetarily. Just cover my expenses, and if located far from my home in Madera, California, help me to arrange some sort of modest lodging. I'm a non-smoker and (for the duration of this experience) non-drinker (unless the offer is at a micro brewery, oh please be from a micro brewery). Russian River Brewing Company, do you take in Pliny the Elder taste test interns? I promiss to chart the results in Excel.
- If I can take an inexpensive trinket or two home as a reminder that would be nice.
- Let me keep all the experience and memories of doing something tangible that makes an impact on the organization and I would be grateful.
- I would also expect permission to write about the experience. Not much risk here as I have about six people who follow this blog.
- If it is physically demanding, I'll pass. I'm not a young man any more and my back is a constant reminder of that fact. I did, once, with the help of three young sons, fill a large swimming pool with dirt over a summer. Ping me and I will tell you that story.
- If it is something I have already done, it would have to be in a really interesting environment for me to consider it. Need to set up a VMI hardware program in your shop? If it is in Anchorage, Alaska, get in touch with me. Is it for a professional racing team? Give me a call.
- I am not looking for the 'fee' to be monetary. A great experience, a sense of accomplishment, toss in some achievement, good and lasting results--these are the things I am looking for. If the offer does not have a good sampling from that short list, I would likely decline the offer.
- If the offering is political in nature I would pass. Neither major party matches my view of what government should be, so no thanks. The smaller parties cannot have the impact I'm looking for unfortunately so they are out as well. (That last sentence actually makes me a little sad.)
- I will not do anything for a tobacco-related company. That drug is too addictive and destructive for me to assist with a clear conscience.
- Offers that would take more than 10 consecutive days to complete are too big for the scope of this experience. As this is a working vacation, I can work as long or short as I want in any one day. 12 hour working days are my norm now, so keep that in mind. I generally work six days a week. Yes I slack off on Saturday--that is usually only seven or so hours. Sundays are non-working days. Formula One races are on Sunday. Running events as well, so Sunday is off limits.
What are my business qualifications?
- I hold a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Adminstration from the University of Phoenix. If you have a problem with University of Phoenix, I understand. Who would want someone that can go to school fulltime while holding down an equally fulltime job and raise a young family, while completing demanding courses that require you to be prepared on the first night of class to deliver a presentation, turn in a 8 page report after having read 6 chapters from a textbook. That sort of requirement is no way to develop time, task and prioritization skills that directly apply the the demanding world of business.
- APICS certified in the following programs: Certified in Production and Inventory Management at the Fellow level (CFPIM). Certified in Integrated Resource Managemenet (CIRM). Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
- CompTIA Network+ certified. This means I know just enought to understand how much I do not know in the IT world.
- I've developed curriculum for employee training for both ILT and CBT delivery modalities.
Use it or lose it.
