Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/461203
February 2015 • The PCB Design Magazine 53 PUSH THE BUTTOn, MAX continues Tim haag is customer support and training manager for Inter- cept Technology. tim's takeaways fast, grow, and adapt to change. If I hadn't made the change in jobs when I did, I may have end- ed up stranded when that first company even- tually eliminated my department. But as it was, I pushed the button and rode the wave of uncertainty into a new future. Some time back, a friend came to me with an idea for a new company. He and I spent many hours develop- ing the basic footprint of how this company was going to work; what our roles were to be, and what kind of resourc- es it would take. We created a business plan and even be- gan talks with investors. Then behind the scenes our plans were derailed by events that we couldn't foresee, and all of our long hours burning the midnight oil on our prepara- tions went up in smoke. Although it is a disap- pointment that we were un- able to start the business that I had planned on, what I ulti- mately gained from our efforts was well worth the time spent. I learned about the process of creating a business, developing a plan, and executing it. This gave me a huge sense of confidence knowing that I had done something that I had never expected to do, and that confidence has carried through to this day. If I had listened to the inner voice of fear that said, "Don't get involved. Stay where it's safe. It's not worth the effort," then I never would have benefitted from the new skills and the boost of confidence that these experiences gave me. Now, I have no idea what your circumstanc- es are and I am in no way advocating that you do something foolish or dangerous. I also would never suggest that you take a big risk without first considering all the possible ramifications. But I am encouraging you to at least take a look at whatever situation you may be up against, and give consideration to any ideas that at first seemed too risky to consider. You are the only person who can make the final decision, but when you are at a jumping off point and you've done your homework and it seems like a good idea, don't be afraid to take a chance. This Christmas I noticed that I had a strand of Christmas lights that wasn't lit. It was Christ- mas Eve and I really love those lights on my house, so I was annoyed to find that part of the house was dark due to some wires that had been cut. But here was my dilemma: Should I go without this strand of lights on Christmas Eve, or take a chance by splicing some severed wires back together again and hoping for the best? It was as if the lights were daring me. So on a ladder, at night, in the rain, and armed only with a roll of duct tape and a flashlight, I pushed the button. I really didn't know which wire went with which, but I took my best guess based on their length and was re- warded once again with a fully lit house. Not every chance we take will work out the way we want it too, I've certainly had my own share of misses. But I have also been amply rewarded with confidence, unexpect- edly rich new experiences, increased skills, and even the simple joy of colorful Christmas lights by taking a chance. Sometimes you just need to "Push the button, Max." Oh, and if anyone out there can correctly name which movie that quote came from, Editor Andy Shaughnessy will give you a free subscription to this maga- zine! (Of course, this magazine is free already.) See you next time. PCBDESIgn although it is a disappointment that we were unable to start the business that I had planned on, what I ultimately gained from our efforts was well worth the time spent. I learned about the process of creating a business, developing a plan, and executing it. " "