I have recently been working on a Web 2.0 management product for the construction Industry. As I have gone through this process I have encountered many challenges, some of my own deficiency and knowledge, but foremost the existing culture among builders and construction managers.
Its seems odd to me that after the year we have had in this industry, company principles, are still holding on to their old ideas and methods. In my mind these ideas and methods are exactly what caused the issues within this industry and it seems clear that a new way of managing our business is the answer. The Construction Industry as well as all the related industries (Mortgage lending, Mortgage Modification, Construction Lending, Project Management, Etc. ) are cloaked in an opaque blanket of secrecy and ommision that does not lend itself to the transparent nature of the new web and it’s products and tools. This opaque nature seems to be ingrained in these individuals and has become their Culture. I have conversed with many about Web 2.0 and the associated tools, while most have seen the innovation and benefits, they all have offered resistance relating to the transparent nature.
What is being Hidden?
Although this is a quite difficult question, that requires much explanation to answer, the short form answer (in my mind) is Profit. Example: If as a builder, I can manage a project giving very few definitive criteria, always forcing those which I am contracting with to define quantities, processes, procedures and methods relative to our agreement for themselves, I can probably find error and thus, reduce my overall expenses. This has worked for a long time in the construction industry and I’m sure many other industries, some of which are related. There are many examples of this same type of methodology or culture in many industries that are present in all of our daily lives. The bottom line is that these methods lead to profits, and not unlike like a pyramid scheme, the guy at the bottom typically pays the price. I don’t want to give the conspiracy impression here, I just want to illustrate an unspoken set of methods, that have created an overall culture, that seems to be wrecking the foundation of many great industries, particularly the Building Industry.
For illustration purposes, I think most have been affected by a similar Culture through the popularity of Debit Cards and our personal checking accounts. Have you ever had a situation where a bank did you the favor of clearing a large automated payment that made you fall into a negative status, only to be charged $35 per small debit, resulting in massive overdraft? If yes! this is very similar to what I am speaking of in Industry. Sure you should have had the money to cover your payment (piss on you) but why not return the larger payment (for later post) and be subject to one $35 fee and all the others will clear. A Web 2.0 bank would probably have a better way of dealing with its customers and their debit/credit charges, perhaps a warning - hey customer, you have a large charge about to post in 24 hours…. Deposit some Effin money, or things are going to get stupid! they could text it to you, Tweet, Wave, anything besides a mounting overdraft of $150 plus, and they all the while the system knows, in two days your direct deposit is going to hit and what? Pay all of those fees before you can unwind anything! Of course this has never happened to me, but I’ve heard of it happening to a friend;)
The Good news!
The new web, its tools and platforms are based in credibility, trust, communication, networking and overall Transparency. As the popularity of the new web builds and the markets and competition fully grasp the power of Transerency and a more open source type methodology, we will hopefully see the true dismantling of an already failing culture. (At least I hope… I want to sell my Web 2.0 product to someone!)
Now this is what i’m talking about! Follow him on Twitter @rushkoff
