Michael Kaufman merged his passion for technology with his experience as a Registered Architect to pursue the developing trend of integrating cutting-edge technologies into the social experience. This includes both the physical spaces we inhabit and the virtual/social media world; specifically how these experiences relate to the products or brands. Through his blog, Michael seeks to generate engagement between developers and others who are interested in emerging technologies. Along the way, he often promotes the items he utilizes both through real world use and endorsements in online communities.
What are you working on right now?
I currently use blogging on Technogorilla.com as a platform to generate engagement between developers/manufacturers, architects/designers, end-users and myself. Through this participation, I often promote the items that I happen to be utilizing at the moment via real-world use and endorsements in online society.
I am also providing expert consulting for the selection and integration of new technologies to architects, technical installers & manufacturers, owners and others.
3 Trends that excite you?
Inductive Power, which you can read more about in my Journal on technogorilla.com.
Geo-Fencing
How do you bring ideas to life?
I find that the best ideas come to me when I surround myself with other people who have equally great ideas. For example, I attend every technology conference I can because I usually walk away with a few great ideas of my own. I am not sure why the creative juices flow so well in that environment, but they definitely do.
What is one mistake that you’ve made that our readers can learn from?
I have been “burned” by the same person more than once. That is something that just should not happen. It’s inevitable that you will come in contact with those who will be less than trustworthy and it is fine to forgive the incident. However, I think it is important to be mindful of this in any future interactions with them and their companies. Simply put: forgive but do not forget.
What is one book and one tool that helps you bring ideas to life?
I am a big fan of “Trust Agents” by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. It’s a great read the first time and the tenth.
The most useful tool I use would probably be automated web search results (e.g. Google Alerts). I have several active automated searches at any one time to provide me with updates even when I am not actively searching for that particular topic.
What is one idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Expect that the average person will do less than half of what you would do in the same situation. That being said, treat others the way you want to be treated.
What do you envision your current endeavors leading to in the next few years? After that?
I believe that I will continue to build my role as a trendsetter and expert through my blog and guest posts, which will lead to more speaking and consulting engagements. This entire plan is, as is the case with most non-material businesses, idealized and merely the current favorite path. Our plan could ultimately go in a multitude of different directions.
How did making the choice to move away from architecture as a profession affect you?
I had just returned to working full-time for myself when the recession hit full stride (not the best timing); in the space of two weeks every active and potential client called off their projects. I realized that rather than being the architect with an expertise and passion for technology, I could be the technophile with the unique advantage of being a Registered Architect. Once I decided to fully engage, it became obvious just how unhappy I had been trying to squeeze a “square peg” passion into a “round hole” career. Recently, a few clients asked if I would consider acting as both the technical consultant and the architect for their projects. I suppose nothing is out of the question.
Connect:
Technogorilla.com:
Michael Kaufman on Twitter:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.