In this issue, we publish our annual list of Top Metal Builders, identifying the largest metal builders from 2016 in terms of tonnage of steel put in place and square footage constructed. It is one of our most anticipated issues every year, and we get lots of great involvement from our readers.
But what is a reader supposed to do with this information? The simple answer is spread the news. And now, more than ever, that is easily done.
You see, we are in the midst of a communication revolution the likes of which we haven’t seen since a German goldsmith and printer named Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press around 1440. That invention made it easier to share knowledge, and eventually the sharing of that information helped create the middle class.
We have new publishing platforms that make it easier for everyone to communicate and share information. Electronic and social media give the power of the press to everyone. I often ask audiences I speak to whether any of them are published writers. Very few people raise their hands. But the reality is we can all be published writers. Just post on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest or half a dozen other social media platforms. You are now a published writer.
Are you more ambitious than that? Write a blog on WordPress, Blogger or one of the other free blogging platforms.
The point is that spreading the news is now easier than ever. Here at Metal Construction News, we publish our monthly magazine, but we also publish content to our website through articles and blogs. Almost every day something goes up online that can be valuable to your business.
On social media, we aggressively take advantage of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest. The great thing about publishing content on those platforms is that it allows for readers to participate, and I encourage all of you to join in the conversation and make your voice heard.
Here are the addresses to our social media sites:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MetalConstructionNews
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/MetalConstruct
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups/3849394
- Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/MetalConstruct
Get online and use these sites to expand your knowledge, but also give voice to issues about our industry. I’ve been around the construction industry long enough to know that its members are not shy, retiring violets, afraid to speak their piece.
Get out there and spread the news, whether it’s boasting about your own accomplishment or talking about the labor shortage or sharing methods for safe construction. Or whatever. Just get out there.
