The simple framework for staying informed in any industry

It's been a hectic but fruitful two days at MYCDC. I'm especially encouraged to hear how my posts resonated with many data centre analysts and insiders.

It's Unfiltered Friday. Let's talk about knowledge - and how you can build above-average understanding faster than you think.

In case you wondered: I never studied journalism. I like technology, though, and am curious about how things work. And oh, I can't stand PR or marketing spin.

Read broadly

There's no running away from this: read widely to build a strong foundation. By design, social media connects you with like-minded people, so be mindful of the echo-chamber effect.

Media not the same

The biggest mistake I see is taking news reports at their face value and with the same weightage. However, every media outlet is different. Consider factors such as their track record, whether they lean left or right, editorial independence, and the expertise of the reporter.

In Singapore, Straits Times reports on certain topics such as the economy and jobs tend to be overtly positive, so I apply a filter to that. Sometimes, outlets syndicate reports from elsewhere, so check for that.

Talk to people in the know

All I know about data centres comes from other experts. I like talking to insiders. And then I talk to their competitors. I then talk to unrelated parties in the same industry.

Often, the reality is somewhere in the middle.

Take time to think

This is the hardest part. We are all busy with KPIs to meet and a life to live. Often, the insights are within our grasp, if only we take the time to process them.

I do this by writing daily, where the act of putting pen to paper forces me to think through issues and draw conclusions.

So it's not too hard, is it? Just reading, talking, and thinking.

What about you? How do you ensure you stay up to date in your industry?