News
Spindustry founder reflects on company beginnings
Would you believe that a really engaging high school teacher, a true interest and passion in a particular industry and a particular lady, and the state of Iowa could lay the foundation to a successful business? It sounds more like a satirical weekly TV series than the history of a Des Moines company.
Michael Bird founded Spindustry Systems around 14 years ago under these circumstances. It did start with a high school computer science teacher who laid the groundwork for Bird’s interest in computers and technology. After double majoring in Management Information Systems and Marketing, Bird landed a job with EDS in Colorado. They threw a wrench in his plans by asking him instead to take a position in Iowa.
Why did he decide to move to Iowa and how did Spindustry begin? Bird has been asked many times over the years to share Spindustry’s story. His interest and belief in technology made it simple to find the best method to share the whole story. Bird developed a Spindustry blog – http://blog.spindustry.com to begin outlining the journey he took in starting Spindustry.
The impact of social media has allowed Bird to give a more personal look at the company history. Social media provides that forum to recollect thoughts and feelings and share those openly with a large audience.
Bird noted that the methods for telling the Spindustry story have changed over the years. “Fourteen years ago you told the story (a) one door knock at a time, (b) you hoped to get in the paper, and (c) hoped you could get people to visit your website. Now with search engine rankings and social media, you really can take a more proactive role in getting your name out there.”
In addition to the blog focused on Spindustry beginnings, Bird also has a company Facebook page, as well as Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. Bird noted, “I feel the line between personal and professional lives has blurred, and I am okay with that. So when I think about Twitter and Facebook, I immediately want to share my life – which is both work and play. I think it connects us all in a much more personal way, which still can lead to new business relationships or at least a great story and a few new friends.”
The Spindustry Blog: http://blog.spindustry.com
June 30 was Social Media Day. Check out ways to participate in social media every day.
View All News Items