Blog #1

When I first started work, my father told me to make sure that I read all of the trade magazines for whatever business I was in. That was a great piece of advice which I have followed for years. The list of magazines and trades have changed many times over the years, but they have saved me many times over. Colleagues are always amazed at the knowledge that I have amassed and how I can keep up with the latest information on technology solutions, industry issues and more. I'm sure the following list doesn't even cover all of the trade magazines I currently receive every month. This list should give you a bit if insight into what my focus is. I have even managed to get all of these magazines in print and have avoided the online digital versions.

What I find truly amazing is the number of professionals who do not immerse themselves in their industry and trade magazines and as a result are totally isolated. Could anyone be expected to read every word of every trade? No, but what I can digest allows me to have a leg up on my colleagues and clients. We are being paid to be informed on our industry, new innovations, competition, trends, and formulate the plans based on that information. The only way to compete is business is to stay informed. So, to that end, here is my list of monthly reading material. BTW, you can get most of these for free.

SMB Finance -> Strategies for a successful Business -> SMB Finance is a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to providing the strategic how-to knowledge and practical, actionable information that financial executives need to drive their businesses.

Integrated Solutions -> for wireless mobility and RFID

Windows IT Pro -> Management - Security - Networking - Messaging

Digital Transactions -> Trends in the Electronic Exchange of Value

SC Magazine -> For IT Security Professionals

Access Control and Security Systems ->

e M + C -> eMarketing and Commerce

Target Marketing -> Direct marketing insights and practical information that helps companies sell products/services, generate leads and retain customers.

Dr Dobbs Journal -> The World of Software Development

CSO Magazine -> Provides information security executives with in-depth analysis, articles, best practices and strategic insight to help make smart decisions and wise investments.

CFO Magazine -> A comprehensive resource for senior finance executives. Stories include original reporting on new accounting standards, recent capital-raisings, risk management, and professional career development.

CIO Magazine -> Articles, analysis, news, research for senior IT executives

The Economist -> Authoritative weekly newspaper focusing on international politics and business news and opinion.

Foreign Policy Magazine -> Global politics, economics, and ideas

Information Week -> Defining the Business Value of Technology

Security -> Solutions for Enterprise Security Leaders - Magazine examining security threats, solutions and developments for security professionals.

InfoWorld -> Information Technology News, Computer Networking & Security

eWeek -> Enterprise Technology News and Reviews

Internet Retailer -> Strategies for Multi-Channel Retailing

Streaming Media Magazine -> Streaming Media magazine is a bi-monthly resource for executives and technology managers who use online video and audio for both business communication and delivery of consumer content

Integrated Solutions for Retailers -> Help executives make decisions about technology and operations for their sales channels and for decision makers who select new technologies for vertical segments in all retail markets.

DMNews -> The News Leader in Direct, Database and Internet Marketing. The Authority for Direct Marketers

OMMA -> The Magazine of Online Media, Marketing and Advertising

Direct Magazine -> The Information Resource for Direct Marketers - Direct Marketing Business Intelligence covering online, email, print, search engine and other media

SDM -> New Directions for Security Systems and Integration

1 to 1 Magazine -> Maximizing Value Through Customer Relationships

Inc Magazine -> business articles, news, and resources for the entrepreneur

Red Herring Magazine -> Red Herring is the "must-read" technology publication for anyone interested in the emerging technologies, trends, investments, companies and executives who build, finance and drive the global technology economy

Network World -> online only - the Leader in Network Knowledge

Computerworld -> News, Education & Headlines - Security, Storage & Networking - Information on Hardware, Software for Laptops & Desktops

BtoB -> The Magazine For Marketing Strategists - A magazine for business-to-business marketing, covering news, research and analysis.

Response Magazine -> The Only Independent Source for Direct Marketers -- The premier news and features magazine for professionals involved in all facets of direct response marketing. Delivers timely news, trends and analysis of the multi-billion dollar direct marketing industry. Highlights online, print and broadcast approaches to generate leads and drive retail sales

Website Magazine -> The only publication focusing exclusively on achieving website success

Government Technology -> Solutions for State and Local Government in the Information Age

Washington Technologies -> The National Magazine for Government Contractors

Successful ProForma Promotions -> Promotional Products and Incentives

Business Solutions -> Growth Strategies For the IT Channel

Digital Content Producer -> Film and Video Production in a Multi Platform World

PC Magazine -> complete guide to PC computers, peripherals and upgrades. We test and review computer- and Internet-related products and services

PC World -> technology news

Baseline -> Where Leadership Meets Technology

and last but not least
Wired Magazine -> a great resource for marketing information