I joined Medium and have been writing articles since July 2016.
But I could have been more active and serious about writing on Medium. I was more involved in writing for my blogs — Mazlan Abbas, IoT World, and others.
Sometimes, I would come back to Medium and republish my blog articles on Medium, thinking people would be able to read them, too.
I was wrong! Only a handful of people are reading and following my republished articles.
I joined the Medium Partner Program (MPP) at the end of September 2023. Because I wanted to read the articles behind the paywall, I couldn’t resist the temptation of reading all the great and catchy headlines.
But I also made a target that I should be active and ensure that the money earned from my writing can pay for the subscription.
Below is the traffic stats from August to November 2023. You will notice that the traffic (views and reads) was very low before the end of September 2023. It was much quieter since July 2016.
Screenshot August 2023 Traffic Stats (Author)Screenshot September 2023 Traffic Stats (Author)Screenshot October 2023 Traffic Stats (Author)Screenshot November 2023 Traffic Stats (Author)Screenshot December 2023 Traffic Stats (Author)
The stats gave me a view of my performance and made me understand what works and what doesn’t.
Screenshot Earnings Stats (August — December 2023) (Author)
In August 2023, although I had one of the highest read ratios, I earned nothing, probably because of other factors such as low views and reads. I was not engaging with other writers. I’m only busy republishing my old content.
Reflecting on your experience before and after joining the Medium Partner Program, several valuable lessons can be drawn from your writing journey. Here are three key lessons:
Create Content That Resonates with Your Audience: Your experience highlights the importance of crafting articles that genuinely resonate with your audience. While republishing blog content on Medium seemed like a good idea, it didn’t yield the expected results regarding reader engagement. This suggests that understanding the preferences and interests of the Medium audience is crucial. Tailoring your content to meet these preferences, whether it’s through topic selection, writing style, or presentation, can significantly increase reader engagement and following.
Catchy Headlines Are Essential: Your observation about being drawn to articles with great and catchy headlines on Medium is a crucial lesson. A compelling headline is often the first point of contact with potential readers. It can make the difference between someone deciding to read your article or scrolling past it. Investing time crafting engaging, intriguing, or thought-provoking headlines can significantly increase the likelihood of attracting more readers.
Continuous Engagement with Other Writers is Key: One of the most important lessons from my journey is the value of engaging with other writers on the platform. Initially, I focused more on republishing existing content than actively engaging with the Medium community. However, engagement with other writers helps build a network and provides insights into what works well on the platform. This engagement can take many forms, such as commenting on other articles, participating in discussions, or collaborating with other writers. Such interactions increase my visibility and provide opportunities for learning and growth as a writer.
These lessons are valuable for writing on Medium, as well as for content creation and audience engagement in general.
They underscore the importance of understanding your audience, the power of first impressions through headlines, and the benefits of active participation in a writing community.
Start 2024 with a new skill or up-skill your IoT knowledge with AI.
Favoriot will be offering this training on May 6–9, 2024. Mark this in your calendar and register for an early bird price!
Unveiling the Mastering AIoT Course: A Synergy of AI & IoT
Today, we are seeing the fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), giving rise to the next wave of the technological revolution — the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT).
Recognizing this, we have meticulously designed a 4-day intensive course, “ Mastering AIoT — From Theory to Practice, “to provide a robust understanding of AIoT integration.
Course Objectives: Bridging Theory and Practice
The course is strategically developed to meet the following objectives:
Integrating AI with IoT: We start by familiarizing participants with the convergence of AI and IoT, a critical skill set for tomorrow’s innovators.
Exploring the IoT Ecosystem: Participants delve into the architecture and components of IoT, gaining comprehensive insights into its functioning.
Mastering Edge Computing with Jetson Nano: Focusing on the Jetson Nano hardware (or similar platforms) equips learners with hands-on expertise in IoT device management and data processing.
Interfacing and Data Transmission: We train you to interface sensors with Jetson Nano, ensuring seamless data flow to platforms like Favoriot.
Unlocking IoT Data Analytics: Specialized techniques are taught to decipher vast amounts of IoT data, turning information into actionable insights.
Empowering Creativity: The course culminates with designing and constructing intelligent IoT applications using AI, Python, and the Favoriot IoT Platform.
Target Participants: Who Will Benefit?
This course is tailored for:
Aspiring IoT Developers: Those looking to jumpstart their career in IoT development.
Data Scientists and Analysts: Professionals aiming to specialize in IoT data analytics.
AI Enthusiasts: Individuals keen on exploring the application of AI in the IoT space.
Academics and Researchers: Those involved in AIoT research and education.
Entrepreneurs: Visionaries seeking to innovate with AIoT solutions.
Learning Outcomes: What You’ll Achieve
By the end of this course, participants will:
Comprehend AI and IoT integration fundamentals.
Develop IoT applications utilizing Jetson Nano, Python, and the Favoriot IoT Platform.
Interface sensors with hardware like Jetson Nano for IoT data collection.
Implement IoT-specific data analytics to derive significant insights.
Apply machine learning algorithms for intelligent data interpretation.
Training Modules: Your Roadmap to AIoT Mastery
Module 1: The Foundations of IoT and AI
We begin with the basics, exploring IoT’s architecture and ecosystem and an introduction to AI, covering various learning types and their IoT applications.
Module 2: Data Acquisition on the Favoriot Platform
Diving into data acquisition and analysis for IoT, we provide insights into the Favoriot platform’s structure and data handling capabilities.
Module 3: AI Hardware Essentials
A comprehensive overview of Jetson Nano’s hardware, setting the stage for IoT development with practical Linux command training.
Module 4: Machine Learning Foundations
Exploring data analytics and machine learning types, introducing tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch, and hands-on model building.
Module 5: Delving into Neural Networks
An in-depth look at deep learning, including CNNs and RNNs, and practical exercises in building neural network models.
Module 6: IoT Integration Techniques
Connecting Jetson Nano to IoT devices and implementing edge computing for real-time data processing.
Module 7: IoT Data Analysis with Machine Learning
Preparing and analyzing IoT data with machine learning, visualizing results for unambiguous interpretation.
Module 8: AI Model Deployment
Finalizing the course with AI model deployment on hardware and optimization for peak performance.
Hardware Utilized in the Course
Participants will get hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, including the Hibiscus Sense, reComputer Jetson Nano 4G Dev Kits, and WiFi dongles, ensuring a practical learning environment.
Conclusion: Your Path to AIoT Expertise
This 4-day course is more than just a training program — it’s a transformative experience that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to innovate in the AIoT domain.
We invite all interested individuals to embark on this journey to learn and master the intricacies of AIoT.
For those ready to step into the future of intelligent technology and harness the full potential of AIoT, “ Mastering AIoT — From Theory to Practice” is your pivotal training ground. Join us and redefine what’s possible in the world of smart technology.
Are you an IoT developer or System Integrator that handles multiple IoT projects for your customers?
Do you have a headache managing multiple accounts, systems, and dashboards for them?
Businesses are constantly seeking efficient ways to monitor and manage their assets.
Whether it’s a warehouse, logistics network, building, factory, or agricultural operation, the need for a simple, effective monitoring solution is universal.
As an IoT solution provider, you can cater to these needs using the Favoriot Developer Plan.
This plan is a game-changer for developers looking to create customized IoT solutions for multiple clients.
With the ability to handle up to 100,000 data points daily from various devices, it’s ideally suited for most IoT applications that don’t require massive data processing.
This makes it an excellent choice for monitoring assets and providing alarm notifications for events needing immediate attention.
Customizable Dashboards for Diverse Needs
One of the critical features of the Favoriot Developer Plan is its flexibility in creating different dashboard views.
This means you can tailor each dashboard to meet the specific monitoring requirements of each client, whether they’re tracking the conditions in a warehouse, the status of their logistics, or the health of crops in an agricultural setting.
With an annual subscription costing only RM 1.2K, the potential for return on investment is significant.
For instance, if you manage to onboard five clients, each paying RM 0.5K yearly, you quickly recoup your initial outlay and generate profit.
This pricing model makes the Favoriot plan attractive for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to develop IoT solutions.
Beyond the Basics: The On-Premise Model
For those requiring more extensive data handling, Favoriot also offers an on-premise model that supports an unlimited number of data points.
This option is ideal for more complex IoT solutions where vast amounts of data are the norm.
Streamlining Development and Deployment
Favoriot’s Developer Plan doesn’t just simplify the creation of IoT solutions; it also streamlines the entire development process.
This ease of use means you can focus more on innovation and less on the technical complexities of IoT solution development.
Conclusion
The Favoriot Developer Plan is a powerful tool for any IoT solution provider looking to deliver high-quality, customizable solutions to various clients. Its affordability and the potential for customization and scalability make it an excellent choice for businesses venturing into the IoT space.
If you want to explore this opportunity further, consider subscribing to the developer plan, and don’t forget to check out the accompanying video for more insights.
This article offers a conceptual overview of how the Favoriot Developer Plan can be leveraged for IoT solutions. For more detailed information, specific technical requirements, and the latest updates, please refer to Favoriot’s official resources or contact us info@favoriot.com .
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Embarking on a journey as the CEO of an IoT company, especially when one has never envisioned reaching such a pinnacle, is an experience filled with unique challenges and valuable lessons.
My path to becoming a CEO was unconventional, as my career goal was always to become a CTO.
However, life had other plans, and I found myself at the helm of a new IoT company, a subsidiary of a publicly listed company.
This 2.5-year tenure was eye-opening and instrumental in shaping my professional insights.
Lesson 1: Understanding the Multifaceted Role of a CEO
My first revelation was the expansive scope of a CEO’s responsibilities.
Furthermore, this is a new subsidiary responsible for a new business venture.
And the business area is very new – the Internet of Things (IoT).
Unlike my previous technical-focused roles, being a CEO required a holistic approach, managing product development and technology and steering the business’s strategic direction.
Building a team of experienced professionals, we created Smart City Solutions, a venture that demanded a blend of technical understanding and business savvy.
Lesson 2: Navigating the Complexities of Selling IoT Solutions
One significant challenge was underestimating the complexity of selling IoT solutions to local councils.
The sales cycle was excruciatingly long, a factor I had initially overlooked.
Lesson 3: The Pitfall of a Singular Market Focus
Our strategy initially focused on a single market with a singular product line.
This approach was a miscalculation due to the lengthy sales cycle and the need for extensive customer validation.
In hindsight, pivoting earlier to a different product or a more competitive market segment would have been more effective.
Lesson 4: Establishing a Brand in a Nascent Industry
A silver lining in our journey was the ease of establishing ourselves as an IoT brand in Malaysia, one of the industry’s early players.
This positioning opened doors to numerous opportunities, including invitations to conferences globally, enhancing our brand visibility.
Lesson 5: Overlooking Synergies Within the Parent Company
A missed opportunity was not leveraging the strengths and networks of our parent company’s group.
Instead of venturing out to find new markets and customers, tapping into the existing network within the group would have been a strategic advantage.
Lesson 6: The Imbalance between Product Development and Market Outreach
Our focus leaned heavily toward product development, overshadowing the need for effective marketing and customer engagement.
This imbalance led to a lack of real-world feedback and potential partnerships, which could have significantly influenced our market presence.
Though my tenure as a CEO was brief, the lessons learned are invaluable.
They have enriched my professional outlook and laid a strong foundation for my future endeavors, particularly in building my own startup.
The journey taught me the importance of flexibility, understanding market dynamics, and the power of strategic partnerships, insights I eagerly carry forward into my next chapter.
Journeying Through the Telecom Labyrinth: Lessons from a Diverse Management Career
Embarking on my career at one of Malaysia’s leading telecommunications companies, I found myself in a whirlwind of varied management roles.
My early days were a deep dive into the multifaceted world of telecom, from research and development to network operations and business management.
This rotational approach wasn’t just about career advancement; it was a journey into the heart of the industry’s complexities and interconnections.
Each role presented its unique challenges, shaping my approach to leadership and excellence.
I learned the art of agility, adapting swiftly to changes and innovating in the face of complex problems.
Tech Evolution: Riding the Wave of Change
The technological aspect of my tenure was nothing short of exhilarating. Immersed in an industry characterized by rapid evolution, I developed a passion for the ever-changing tech landscape.
This inclination towards dynamic and innovative environments significantly influenced my career trajectory, pushing me towards creative and strategic roles over routine operational tasks.
The Art of Team Management: Understanding Diversity and Adaptability
One of the most challenging yet fulfilling aspects of my journey was managing diverse teams.
The variation in team sizes and the unique mix of backgrounds and attitudes brought forth distinctive challenges.
It was imperative to develop adaptable management strategies.
These experiences sharpened my skills in conflict resolution, team cohesion, and empathetic leadership, underscoring the importance of empathy and understanding in managing diverse teams.
Balancing Tech and Market Needs in Product Development
My role in product development was particularly enlightening.
It required me to balance technical feasibility with market demands, emphasizing the need to align technical solutions with business objectives.
This period highlighted the necessity of ensuring our products not only met technological standards but also catered to and satisfied customer needs.
The High Stakes of Business Management
Taking the reins of a division with nearly RM 50 million in annual revenue was a daunting yet rewarding challenge.
It demanded acute business insight, strategic foresight, and robust risk management. Juggling ambitious growth targets with the imperative of operational sustainability was a constant balancing act.
Crisis Management: Overcoming Billing System Transition Challenges
A particularly challenging phase was overseeing the transition to a new billing system.
This phase, laden with technical challenges and customer dissatisfaction, was a rigorous test of my crisis management abilities.
The high-tension environment and the fear of a key staff resignation potentially crippling the company taught me valuable lessons in resilience and strategic problem-solving.
The Lasting Value of Professional Relationships
Beyond the professional milestones, the enduring friendships formed during my tenure at the telco are among my most treasured experiences.
These relationships, spanning over two decades, extend beyond professional boundaries and remain a cherished part of my life.
Conclusion: Reflecting on a Journey of Growth and Connection
In summing up my 13-year tenure with the Malaysian telco, it’s clear that it was a journey marked by challenges, triumphs, and significant personal development.
It instilled in me the importance of adaptability, the value of lifelong learning, and the power of human connections.
I am deeply grateful for the myriad lessons learned and the enduring relationships built, which continue to enrich my life in countless ways.
The Author was standing in front of the lecture theatre.
Imagine spending days meticulously crafting a presentation, only to face a presenter’s worst nightmare: corrupted slides.
This was the scenario I encountered before a recent lecture at a local University (UNITEN).
The Discovery
The chaos unfolded just as I was setting up for the big day.
It was the third day of 2024!
My laptop was hooked up, the projector was ready, and I was about to dazzle the audience with my well-prepared slides.
But fate had other plans.
To my horror, I discovered several of my slides were blank, devoid of the crucial information I had painstakingly compiled.
The timing couldn’t have been worse!
The Warning Ignored
Reflecting on this mishap, I recalled a critical moment from the previous day.
As I was packing up, my computer, running PowerPoint, flashed a warning about a problem with the file’s save process.
In my haste, I dismissed this. The issue stemmed from my decision to rename the slides folder.
Unaware of the impending disaster, I saved the file under a different name and thought nothing more of it.
My fault!
This is the lesson for being too complacent and overconfident!
I have previously made hundreds of presentations, and everything ran smoothly… until that day!
The Improvised Solution
There I was, in front of an eager audience, grappling with the reality of my situation.
Time was ticking, and I needed a quick fix. Scrambling through my digital archives, I found old slides from past presentations.
It wasn’t ideal, but it was a start.
The process was cumbersome, having to merge and present two separate files.
The seamless flow I had envisioned was now a patchwork of old and new, with some of the freshly prepared slides tragically lost to corruption.
The Silver Lining
Despite these unexpected events, the lecture was a partial disaster.
I navigated through the improvised presentation, covering as much material as possible.
Admittedly, key points needed to be addressed due to the missing slides.
However, the experience became an impromptu lesson in adaptability and problem-solving – valuable skills in any professional setting.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
As I reflect on this incident, backing up work and heeding software warnings stands out starkly.
In the world of digital presentations, such mishaps are not uncommon.
The key takeaway for me, and one I hope to impart to others, is the significance of being prepared for the unexpected. Always have a backup plan, and maybe a backup for the backup!
The Author managed to recover back the old slides and continue with the presentation.
This experience, though fraught with challenges, was a memorable start to my lecturing endeavors in 2024.
It served as a reminder that the best lessons are sometimes learned outside the confines of meticulously prepared slides.
I must not be complacent and overconfident.
You can also check out my personal Blog here or the latest eBooks I have recently published — here.
After preparing presentation slides for several days to give a lecture to Uniten students yesterday, I found that the slides had become corrupted.
Many slides were missing information! This happened just as I had connected my computer and projected it onto the screen.
I remembered that when I was about to shut down my computer before heading to Uniten yesterday afternoon, the PowerPoint software warned me that there was an issue with saving the file.
Perhaps it was because I changed the folder name while making the slides. But I continued to save it with a different name without suspecting anything.
Back to my story in front of the students, I had to quickly search for old slides I had previously used.
I combined two presentation files. Therefore, I had to open and present them separately.
However, some of the new slides could not be shown because they were corrupted.
Thankfully, the presentation yesterday still went well, although I lost a few points that I couldn’t convey.
That’s a brief story of my first presentation or lecture experience in the new year 2024.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 