This book popped onto my radar at just the right time. You know, one of those moments when you’re scrolling endlessly, looking for that spark of inspiration to hit?
Well, hit it did, and let me tell you, it was more like a lightning bolt. I’ve been toying with the idea of dipping my toes into the thought leadership waters, but honestly, I didn’t have a clue where to start.
First off, Denise doesn’t just talk the talk; she’s walked the walk. With a resume that’ll make your head spin, she’s the real deal, and she’s generous with her insights.
The book lays out a seven-step process that’s like a treasure map to becoming a thought leader.
And the best part?
You can start this journey from wherever you are in your career. No need to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a Silicon Valley wiz kid.
If you’ve got expertise and a network, Denise shows you how to harness them to make waves in your field.
What really got me were the real-world examples. Reading about folks like Robin Chase of Zipcar and Chip Conley felt like having mentors whispering in my ear, telling me, “Hey, you can do this too!” It’s one thing to read a how-to guide; it’s another to see that guide brought to life through stories of people who’ve actually been there, done that.
But let’s get down to brass tacks — this book isn’t just a feel-good read.
It’s a workbook, a planner, and a mentor all rolled into one.
Denise doesn’t let you off easy. She’s got this knack for making you want to roll up your sleeves and get to work. And work you will.
With tips, strategies, and what feels like a personal success coach by your side, you start to see how even 15 minutes a day can set you on a path to making a real impact.
It’s for anyone ready to take their career beyond the conventional success metrics and venture into the realm of lasting influence and legacy.
Denise Brosseau has crafted not just a guide but a companion for this journey, one that I’ll be keeping within arm’s reach as I take my first steps toward thought leadership.
If you’re sitting there, wondering if this book is for you, let me save you some time: it is.
Whether you’re looking to spark sustainable change, create a movement, or simply have a deeper impact in your field, this book holds the keys to the kingdom.
It’s a gem, and I’m just grateful to have stumbled upon it. Time to stop dreaming and start doing, folks.
It’s early morning, the kind where the sunlight hasn’t quite mustered the courage to leap over the horizon, and here I am, sprawled out on the couch, my brain firing in a dozen different directions.
The clock is ticking, a soft, relentless reminder that the day is inching forward, and I’ve got to come up with anything for my next TikTok video.
But let’s be real, the very thought feels like lifting a mountain.
My mind’s a scrambled mess of ideas, half-baked concepts floating around like they’re in some sort of limbo, refusing to take shape.
I’m mentally exhausted, the kind of tiredness that sleep doesn’t fix.
Every ounce of creativity seems to have packed its bags and gone on an extended vacation, leaving me staring into the abyss of my phone screen, wondering how on earth I’m supposed to conjure up content that hasn’t been done to death.
The idea of diving into the details, editing, and fine-tuning is overwhelming.
Each cut, each transition feels like a monumental decision. And don’t get me started on the captions.
What am I, a wordsmith now?
It’s like every little decision is a Herculean task, and I’m just not sure I have it in me today.
But then, there’s this stubborn streak, a part of me that refuses to let the day win.
So, I start small, a sip of coffee here, a deep breath there, and slowly, ever so slowly, an idea begins to form. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s something.
A simple concept, maybe a bit of humor thrown in because, let’s face it, we could all use a laugh.
I grab my phone, hesitantly at first, and start piecing it together.
The first take is rough, the second not much better, but by the third, there’s a glimmer of something.
It’s not perfect, far from it, but it’s authentic, it’s real, and maybe, just maybe, it’s enough.
The sun’s up now, casting long shadows across the room, a silent witness to the small battle I’ve just fought and won.
I’m still tired and still a bit frazzled, but there’s a sense of accomplishment, however small.
I hit ‘post’ and toss the phone aside, a silent challenge to the day ahead.
I was sitting in front of my computer screen, scrolling through yet another article post, hammering in the point that using AI or ChatGPT for our writing is a big no-no.
The frustration was real.
My mind was swirling with thoughts, “Really? Not even a little help?”
It felt like being handed a paintbrush but told not to use any colors.
Here’s the deal — I get it, okay?
The idea of just tossing a simple prompt into the AI abyss and letting it spit out a full-blown article or book without a second thought doesn’t sit right with me either.
That’s not creativity; that’s just being lazy.
But here’s where my frustration bubbles up like a volcano on the verge of eruption: English isn’t my first language. Getting those perfect, grammatically flawless sentences down?
It’s like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded.
Hours, I tell you, hours spent wrestling with a 500 or 1000-word article, trying to make it sound just right.
And it’s not just about grammar.
Conveying what I want to say, filling my articles with the right emotions, the nuances, the color — it’s daunting.
So, here’s the forbidden thought: what if I draft my thoughts, outline my content, and then, just then, let AI or ChatGPT fine-tune it?
Is that really so wrong? A sin, even?
“But what if the article turns out better? What if it actually gets read, appreciated, or — dare I say — earns something on Medium? Wouldn’t that be a good thing?”
The thing is, some of my articles that had a touch of AI assistance received good responses and even earned a bit. Meanwhile, the ones I slaved over, pouring my heart and soul into every word without any AI help, barely made a ripple.
It’s enough to make you wonder, isn’t it?
“Why is it that the ones I work hardest on, the ones I pour my everything into, just… flop?” I’d ask myself, staring at the screen, waiting for an answer that never comes.
And yet, there’s this lingering fear — what if a Medium publication outright rejects my work because it got a helping hand from AI?
Even if I’m the one steering the ship, drafting the content, and ensuring it reflects my voice, my ideas?
So here’s the confession, the moment of truth at the end of this tale of frustration and inner turmoil: this article, the very one you’re reading now, had a bit of help from ChatGPT.
Yeah, I said it.
With its assistance, I managed to shape my thoughts, polish my words, and hopefully, make this piece engaging and coherent.
Can you forgive me?
In a world where the line between human and machine creativity is becoming ever so blurred, maybe it’s not about who writes the article but the story it tells, the emotions it evokes, and the impact it has.
If using AI means breaking down language barriers and bringing our stories to life in ways we never could on our own, perhaps it’s not such a sin after all.
Jasbir’s killing it in the IoT game and leading the way with some serious knowledge bombs.
His book is the ultimate cheat sheet for getting into or leveling up in the IoT world. It’s written in plain English so you won’t get lost in tech babble, and it’s packed with insights that’ll give you a solid grip on IoT basics and beyond.
You’ll love how it dives into real-life examples to take you from just talking the talk to walking the IoT walk.
It’s all about making those techy concepts stick by seeing them in action.
Plus, it’s not just theory. Jasbir shows you how to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty with IoT, turning big ideas into real-world magic. It’s perfect for tech heads and biz folks looking to get in on the IoT action.
It’s a must-have for anyone in the IoT sphere. And hey, if you’re keen to check it out, hit up the link below (yup, it’s an affiliate link, so you know).
There are two main problems that I faced managing these social media channels:
There are too many channels — both personal and business.
There is too much content to create for each channel.
All of these have caused me:
A lot of anxiety
Wasting time checking and analyzing the stats
Headache to find new contents
Busy editing contents
Busy viewing all those channels
The time on social media sucks the time and energy from me. I have become very exhausted physically and mentally — I have become social media fatigued.
What should I do?
I decided to slow down and trim down the unnecessary social media channels and strategized the way I uploaded my content:
I decided to maintain only one personal and one business social media channel regardless of whether it’s FB, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
A lot of my content will be repurposed. The same video content will published in different channels.
Articles from my Blogs (mainly Medium) will be posted on X, Threads, and Facebook.
I have placed a simple process flow of generating content daily — especially in the early morning.
I have to make this an enjoyable task. Otherwise, I could have given up a long time ago.
I am still tired of managing all this content, but hopefully, one day, I can delegate my business social media channels to someone else.
I am less tired nowadays. I am grateful for that.
So, how do you manage your social media channels to ensure you stay energized?
Before 2024, all my views hovered above a couple of hundred, the highest being 1000.
But then, I decided to change my strategy.
In the first week of February 2024, the views jumped like crazy! 14,000% or 14X.
The first week of February 2024
But… my number of reads is just 157!
So, what happened?
I have imported my mailing list from a different database (two of my blogs) to Medium—almost 8K, and most are non-Medium members.
However, I decided to share some of my articles on a non-paywall, meaning whenever I emailed the mailing list, they would receive the entire article without returning to Medium to read.
They can just read from the email notifications that they have subscribed.
However, the drawback would be fewer “reads” in my Medium.
The advantage is that I directly communicate with subscribers to all my daily articles.
It goes back to the objective of whether you want to make ALL your articles behind the paywall or only selected ones to be published without a paywall.
As for now, I am happy to give something back to my non-Medium members.
[Note: Click here to have FREE access to this member-only story]
This guide, “Mastering IoT with Favoriot,” tailored for enthusiasts eager to explore IoT, mainly through the Favoriot platform, is a treasure trove of knowledge, meticulously organized into four key sections, each shining a light on different aspects of IoT application in business and academia.
This eBook is FREE to download, but your contribution, big or small, helps support creating more valuable content like this eBook.
Here’s What Awaits You:
Solid Foundations in IoT: Kick off your adventure with an insightful introduction to IoT platforms. Discover the critical role of on-premise platforms for seamless deployments and the importance of integrating IoT into academic environments.
A Deep Dive into IoT Platforms: Navigate through a thorough comparative analysis of leading IoT platforms, including Favoriot, AWS IoT, and Microsoft Azure IoT, among others. This segment is a goldmine for those weighing their options to find the perfect platform match.
Exploring the Favoriot IoT Platform: The heart of the book delves into the Favoriot IoT Platform, presenting its array of plans and functionalities. This section primarily benefits businesses and developers keen on maximizing the Favoriot platform for their IoT ventures.
Hands-On IoT Solutions: Get practical advice and strategies for crafting and customizing IoT solutions. Learn how to efficiently transition from a general platform to a specialized solution, shortening the development timeline.
IoT in Higher Education: An inspiring section dedicated to integrating IoT in higher education, illustrating how IoT can transform educational methods and equip future developers with the necessary skills.
Real-World Insights: Enrich your understanding with case studies and applications that bring IoT concepts to life, making the guide informative and engaging.
Concluding Reflections: Wrap up your journey with a summary of IoT’s impact across various domains, highlighting the revolutionary potential of the Favoriot platform.
Why This Book Stands Out:
This guide distinguishes itself through its clear, in-depth coverage and structured approach to complex topics.
It is an indispensable resource for business leaders, IoT developers, and educators, offering theoretical insights and practical knowledge.
Its unique focus on the Favoriot platform differentiates it from other IoT resources.
In essence, “Mastering IoT with Favoriot” is an essential read for anyone looking to grasp and exploit the vast opportunities of IoT.
Its combination of foundational knowledge, practical tips, and real-world examples makes it a premier resource in IoT.
Join us in exploring the limitless possibilities of IoT by supporting this invaluable guide. Your journey into the innovative world of IoT starts here.
Traditional media channels can be very effective but too expensive for early Startups — Here’s how I find a better way to brand my Startup.
“True brand visibility comes not from the size of your budget but the depth of your connections.” — Anonymous.
Starting my journey with Favoriot was a rollercoaster of emotions filled with exhilarating highs and daunting lows.
As a Startup, you don’t have the luxury of a branding budget to make yourself known to the world.
The thrill of bringing a new idea to life was often shadowed by the stark realities of business challenges, especially regarding the crucial aspect of brand visibility.
I was at a crossroads in the crowded IoT industry, where traditional media channels like TV and radio felt like distant dreams due to their prohibitive costs and selectiveness.
But still, we have the dream to brand ourselves — make ourselves heard and position the company as the leader in IoT.
This is how I navigated the maze of alternative media channels to build and promote the Favoriot brand, a journey marked by innovation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of connection.
“Branding on a budget teaches you the power of creativity, authenticity, and a clear vision.”
Getting the Right Visibility: A Daunting Start
“In the age of the Internet, visibility is less about being seen and more about creating genuine connections.”
I quickly realized that getting Favoriot featured in mainstream media was a steep climb.
The choices were stark — either become an overnight sensation to be picked up organically or shell out sums of money we didn’t have.
This dilemma led me to an epiphany: in the internet age, traditional media wasn’t the only game in town.
Social media and other online platforms offer a beacon of hope, promising visibility, and a means to connect with our audience genuinely.
Replacing Radio, TV, Billboards, Newspapers and Magazines
“Not every channel will fit your story, but finding the right ones can turn whispers into roars.”
Determined to turn our constraints into opportunities, we dove headfirst into the alternative media world.
I remember the excitement and nervousness of launching our podcast series.
Our bid was to replace radio, a medium that felt personable and direct.
The podcast became a canvas for our stories, industry insights, and heartfelt conversations with experts.
Each episode was a step towards building a community, not just a customer base.
YouTube presented itself as our television alternative.
Launching our channel felt like opening a window for the world to peek into Favoriot.
From product demos to customer testimonials, each video was a labor of love, showcasing what we did and who we were.
Then there were digital posters, our answer to billboards, designed to capture the essence of Favoriot in a single, striking image.
Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest became our galleries, each post a testament to our creativity and vision.
Our blog replaced newspapers, becoming a treasure trove of valuable content ranging from how-to guides to industry analysis.
Writing each blog post, we were laying down the building blocks of a knowledge hub that would inform, engage, and inspire.
“Building a brand is not just about selling a product; it’s about embedding your story in the hearts and minds of your audience.”
A Strategy of Precision
“Adaptability in branding is not a sign of failure but a step towards finding your true audience.”
As we experimented with various platforms, it became clear that not all channels were created equal.
Our strategy evolved from casting a wide net to focusing on those that truly resonated with our audience.
TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn emerged as our champions, each offering unique avenues for engagement and connection.
This focus wasn’t just about numbers; it was about finding spaces where our stories could thrive and where we could genuinely interact with our community.
A Quest for Trust and Recognition
“Content is not just king; it’s the entire kingdom. Engage, inform, and inspire.”
I learned early on that our mission was more significant than mere sales figures.
Favoriot was about building a brand for trust, innovation, and community.
Every update, milestone celebration, and story shared was a step towards embedding our brand in the hearts and minds of our audience.
The aim was to become a brand that was not just recognized but revered and recommended.
Key Lessons Along the Way
This journey has been an invaluable teacher.
One of the first lessons was adaptability; the digital landscape is ever-changing, and flexibility is crucial.
We learned that not every channel fit us, and there was wisdom in pivoting when necessary.
The power of content became undeniably clear.
Quality content was not just king; it was the entire kingdom. It was what engaged people, made them think, and, more importantly, felt connected to Favoriot.
Consistency emerged as another cornerstone of our strategy. In the bustling world of social media, maintaining a steady presence was vital to staying relevant and top of mind.
“A consistent presence in your chosen channels is like a beacon, guiding your audience back to you amidst the noise.”
Epilogue
Reflecting on this journey, I see it as more than a marketing endeavor; it was a voyage of discovery and growth.
Using alternative media channels to build the Favoriot brand taught me that visibility is not just about being seen; it’s about connecting, sharing, and building relationships.
It reinforced the belief that creativity, authenticity, and a clear vision can make a monumental impact even without a mammoth budget.
This narrative is not just a recount of past events; it’s a living testament to the power of alternative media and the boundless possibilities it holds for startups.
As I look towards the future, I am excited for the next chapter in Favoriot’s story, ready to explore new horizons, armed with the lessons learned and the community we’ve built. This, indeed, is just the beginning.
“The spark of IoT innovation will transform students into architects of tomorrow’s interconnected world.”
Which Universities offer the best IoT education in Malaysia?
But how do we define the best IoT education?
As someone involved in building the IoT curriculum for universities and TVET institutions in Malaysia, I would like to share my perspectives.
Malaysia’s approach to weaving IoT into the academic fabric is cultivating a future workforce ready to navigate and shape the technological frontiers of the local industries.
How many Malaysian universities architect their IoT academia, spotlighting their holistic course offerings, cutting-edge lab environments, synergistic industry ties, and scholarly faculty?
Let’s dive deep into the traits of IoT Education leaders.
Crafting a Multifaceted IoT Curriculum
“Through the loom of academia, the comprehensive IoT curriculum weaves together the essence of innovation and application, shaping the pioneers who will navigate the technological frontiers of tomorrow.”
An exceptional IoT program must be characterized by its comprehensive and multidisciplinary curriculum, addressing all critical facets of IoT technology:
Embedded programming
Programming languages
Microcontrollers
Fundamentals of telecommunications (connectivity options)
Data communications (protocols)
Middleware (IoT Platforms such as Favoriot, Azure IoT or ThingSpeak)
Mobile or web development.
Furthermore, it should delve into specialized skills such as:
Data Analytics
Machine learning
IoT security
The curriculum’s design within these universities must be meticulously crafted to provide a deep dive into IoT’s theoretical underpinnings and practical applications, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Laboratories Equipped for the Future
“Within the crucible of our labs, theory is transformed into action, where every experiment brings us closer to the future we’re not just predicting but creating.”
Hands-on experience is indispensable in IoT education, necessitating laboratories with the latest IoT tech.
These labs are incubators for innovation, where students engage directly with IoT devices, navigate programming challenges with microcontrollers, explore connectivity through various protocols, and send data to the IoT platform.
They have become adept in harnessing IoT platforms (such as Favoriot) for:
Data aggregation
Understanding the IoT protocols such as MQTT, REST, or CoAP
Mastering the art of data visualization and analytics.
This hands-on approach is critical, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, ensuring graduates are proficient in both.
Fostering Industry-Academia Synergies
“The bridge between academia and industry is built on shared visions, where classrooms extend into the real world, and students emerge not just as graduates but as pioneers of IoT innovation.”
The symbiosis between academia and industry is a cornerstone of IoT education.
Universities with robust industry connections offer students unparalleled access to real-world IoT projects, internships, and the chance to earn IoT Professional Certifications.
These collaborative ventures are more than educational enhancements; they are a conduit to the practicalities of the IoT landscape, preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the industry.
Scholarly Faculty: The Pillars of Excellence
“Behind every great innovation in IoT, there stands a mentor from academia, whose wisdom lights the path from knowledge to wisdom, from classrooms to the cosmos of technology.”
The caliber of an IoT program is significantly uplifted by the faculty’s expertise and industry experience.
The distinction of Malaysian universities in IoT education can be attributed to their accomplished faculty, whose academic rigor and practical insights equip students with a profound understanding of IoT’s technical and business dimensions.
Their guidance ensures students are well-versed in the latest technological advancements and prepared to navigate the complexities of the IoT ecosystem.
Envisioning a Future Forged by IoT Expertise
“In the realm of IoT education, Malaysia is not just a participant but a visionary architect, crafting a future where technology serves as a bridge to an innovative, interconnected world.”
Malaysian universities are at the vanguard of global IoT education, heralding a new era of technological leadership.
By offering a curriculum that is both comprehensive and cutting-edge, fostering hands-on learning through advanced labs, cultivating industry partnerships, and being home to esteemed faculty, these institutions are laying the groundwork for IoT innovation.
The burgeoning demand for skilled IoT professionals underscores the significance of their mission, positioning these graduates as pivotal contributors to the local and global technological landscapes.
The achievements of these educational programs transcend national boundaries, marking Malaysia as a critical influencer in the IoT domain’s future direction.
It aims to tap into the endless potential of IoT technologies, pushing Malaysia to the forefront of the global digital economy and into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
MyIoTA has set up strategic plans to boost investments in IoT, foster idea sharing among key players, build partnerships across different sectors, showcase Malaysian IoT innovations worldwide, and guide industries on their digital transformation journey.
The Role of MyIoTA in Digital Transformation
MyIoTA plays a crucial role in reshaping Malaysian industries by promoting IoT technologies.
This effort increases efficiency, innovation, and growth in various sectors.
MyIoTA’s commitment includes:
Boosting IoT Investments and Innovations: MyIoTA highlights IoT’s capabilities to spark investment and innovation.
Encouraging Idea Sharing: It creates a space for IoT entrepreneurs, researchers, CIOs, and policymakers to exchange insights and shape the future of IoT.
Building Partnerships: MyIoTA works to ensure a united approach to IoT development, making industries more digitally adept.
Promoting Malaysian IoT Globally: It aims to enhance the global presence of Malaysian IoT companies, opening doors to international opportunities.
Guiding Digital Transformation: MyIoTA leads industries through their digital evolution, using IoT to unlock new efficiencies and opportunities.
Favoriot’s Role and the MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub
The MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub is a prime example of local innovation supported by MyIoTA.
Designed and made entirely in Malaysia, this product represents MyIoTA’s collaborative spirit between several members.
MYIoTA Members that contributed to the development of the IoT Sensor Hub
Favoriot, a member of MyIoTA, has contributed to developing the IoT Sensor Hub via its IoT middleware, which makes it easier for users to collect and send data for visualization and analysis.
Transforming the Economy and Industry with IoT
How MyIoTA Sensor Hub can be applied in various use case scenarios
The MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub, backed by MyIoTA’s open SDK policy, is a crucial driver of innovation, allowing developers to customize IoT solutions.
This device simplifies the deployment of IoT projects, making them more practical and reliable.
It helps businesses and developers quickly move from ideas to implementation, keeping Malaysian companies competitive.
The MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub is set to create new jobs, launch new businesses, and revamp existing industries.
It paves the way for innovation, leading sectors into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
This change is about adopting new technology and economic transformation, leading to new business models, tech job growth, and the digital update of traditional industries.
MyIoTA Sensor Hub
A Call for Collaborative Transformation
MyIoTA’s initiatives, especially its collaboration with members like Favoriot and developing the MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub, aim to make Malaysian IoT companies leaders worldwide.
By making IoT project deployment easier and fostering a network of partners and developers, MyIoTA ensures Malaysia stays ahead in digital innovation.
This collective effort invites everyone to contribute to a future where innovation, connectivity, and advanced digital technologies drive national and global progress.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 