Posts

Machine learning

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Machine learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Persuasive Design are all hot topics right now. We're not talking about Skynet and that one day soon the computers will suddenly become self aware and take over the world! This is all just a new spin on something we've had and used for years. ITTT, translated to 'If This, Then That' which is all just basic transistor technology that existed when I was programming my Commodore 64 using Assembly Language. Very complex programs could be written, but they all boiled down to very simple things, look at number, and then do something with it, store it in a location or branch if equal to another number in a different location, etc. Or put another way, if this, then do that. AI in business This is the hottest topic through Local Authorities right now and sadly it's not being picked up yet. Again, as discussed in a previous post, LA's often believe they don't need to look at AI just yet, why would they, there ar...
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What I have learnt

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For the last few days, I've been doing some research, watching some webinars, doing some tutorials and generally brushing up on my personal development that I'd let slip whilst working for Rotherham Council. So what have I learnt? Well, surprisingly, quite a lot. I initially set out to simply understand the difference between Google Analytics and Google Analytics 360, which turned out to be quite easy, there is none! But this in turn lead me down a journey to understand more about what Google are doing as well as social media companies and generally a whole host of other stuff that Local Authorities are missing out on. Most, if not all Local Authorities are really missing a trick with plugging in to the social media revolution, I think mainly because they don't feel they have to. People, or customers as LA's like to call them, don't really have a choice who they do business with, they have to deal with the LA they live in, it's not like you can shop around f...
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Personal development

Really got in to the swing of things last week with brushing up on a few things. I've let my personal development slip somewhat, focusing on specific projects for the Council has meant I've taken my eye off things slightly. Thankfully the internet, YouTube in particular to the rescue! 2 more days After queuing up way to many vlogs, webinars and tutorials than I could ever manage last week, I've decided to dedicate some more time this week ahead of applying for the DWP roles. So yesterday and today will be spent researching and learning, next post will be Wednesday. End
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End of week 1

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With the onset of redundancy looming, I need to think about a new, temporary car. Currently leasing a car through a salary sacrifice scheme, I'll need to hand it back soon. I currently have a Kia Sportage, just 7 months old, so yesterday started thinking about the fact it will have to go. The car is leased through RMBC in a salary sacrifice scheme, so will need to be surrendered when I'm finally made redundant. I had a quick think about a budget for a run around car and I'm thinking about £1000 mark. Ideally I'd like a German car (VW, Audi, etc) as I have a mechanic friend who specialises in those makes. Incidentally, I created his website and whole brand when he set up several years ago, take a look here: www.carworkshopdoncaster.co.uk I don't think I'm quite ready to go back to my early days of owning a car, pictured here is my 1972 Beetle, mid restoration, photo taken around 1994. I think I've put in my time changing brakes and oil, so I'll...
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Research day

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I'm noticing more companies asking for 'Google Analytics 360 in their job posts, so having only used the 'standard' Google Analytics offering, along with Tag Manager, I decided to do some research on it today. However, I became instantly disappointed, as it turns out, they are one and the same! However, I think companies should be asking for 'Google Suite 360' which incorporates a few more modules: Google Analytics Tag Manager Double Click Optimize (spelt wrong!) Attribution Data Studio Surveys Audience Centre Suite Education So, only being really familiar with GA and Tag Manager, I decided to check out the others and, I have to say, impressed I am! Personal development So with this in mind, I decided to take the day out and do some research, watched a few webinars and worked through some tutorials. In a nut shell, any large business needs Google 360, any small business should really try and develop the free tools within GA and Tag Man...
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A new way of working

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Well, Rotherham Council did adopt a good work life balance, so working at home is not new to me, but there are some subtle differences now... I would always try and take my youngest to school in a morning, but it was always a rush to get back. So this morning, the normal 10 minute round trip, took considerably longer as I went on a different route back to give myself and the dog a bit of a stretch. Having now got back and had some breakfast, I can sit down with my morning coffee and start the job search again. LinkedIn My linkedIn account is through the roof! From yesterdays +200% activity, it is now at +367% from the previous week. I've made contact with lots more (now ex) colleagues, including Cllr Chris Read (Leader of Rotherham Council) and Shokat Lal, Assistant Chief Executive. Hopefully these influential people will help me connect with more like minded people and lead me in to a new working life. LinkedIn is still throwing some nice looking jobs at me, much more fo...
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Starting to apply

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The jobs are coming in thick and fast from the couple of agencies I've registered with. I'm not sure I could cope with registering for more, I seem to be reading the same job more than once! On top of that, my LinkedIn account has sprung back to life and that is firing stuff at me too now. Along with LinkedIn, I'm currently receiving alerts from: UK Staff Seach Networkx Recruitment Both of these seem to take my search terms very loosely and I'm getting alerts for some very bizarre roles like accounting, HR and business analyst roles, maybe some refinement is needed! Having updated my LinkedIn profile, the activity is going through the roof. As you can see, I was barely using my account until yesterday. First applications Having sifted through a load of potentials yesterday, I picked out 2 to apply for: Capita: Customer Journey Optimisation Manager Wilko: Digital Transformation Manager Supplying covering letters for both was somewhat of a task. ...
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