Craig's Insights - 5 Weeks In... Time Flies!

Basketball projects to eye surgery... what a few weeks it’s been! Craig Parry, our new Business Development Manager, shares a snippet of his IJYI life in the second part of his blog series...

Five Weeks In.. and New Opportunities!

As I wrap up my fifth week at IJYI, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown! Since my last blog, I’ve developed two exciting business opportunities and learned a great deal about how software development can really help drive value for businesses. On top of that, I’ve been attending networking events that have opened doors to new relationships and collaborations.

It's Not That Bad... Honest!!

We've been doing some filming in the IJYI office this week in preparation for an AI event.  It's just unfortunate timing that our resident "Spielberg" caught me mid-yawn! (well that's my story anyway!).

New Business Opportunities

In these early weeks, I’ve had the chance to engage with two new business prospects that fit perfectly with what we do at IJYI. One opportunity involves helping a company develop software to improve accuracy and efficiency within the Logistics/Transport sector. The other is with a growing business who are looking for help to understand what they can do to help exploit the value of the the data they have.

Getting into the details of these opportunities has been a valuable learning experience for me. I’ve encountered some challenges, especially in understanding each client’s unique needs and how our solutions can address them. However, by collaborating with my talented colleagues and tapping into their expertise, I’ve been able to see how IJYI can truly make a difference for these businesses.

Learning About Software Development

I’ve also been diving deeper into the world of software development. It’s fascinating to see how it all connects with our other services. Learning about agile methodologies, development lifecycles, and the latest tech trends has really opened my eyes to how we can support businesses on their digital transformation journeys.

I’ve discovered how we create custom software solutions that cater to specific business needs. This new found knowledge has not only boosted my confidence but also helped me better communicate how our software development services, alongside our cybersecurity and cloud cost optimisation offerings, can create real value for our clients.

Personal Reflections and Family Challenges

This past month has brought its own set of personal challenges. I recently had to take a day off from work as my son had eye surgery. It was a nerve-wracking time for our family, but I’m grateful for the incredible support I received from my team at IJYI during my absence. Their understanding made a world of difference.

Seeing my son recover has been such a relief and a joy. It reminded me of the importance of family and how crucial it is to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for the supportive environment at IJYI.

Networking Events and Community Engagement

In addition to all this, I’ve been attending various networking events that have helped me connect with local businesses and professionals. These gatherings have been fantastic opportunities to hear about the challenges others are facing and to share insights.

At one recent event, I met some local entrepreneurs who are eager to learn more about cybersecurity. These conversations reinforced my belief in the importance of what we do at IJYI and highlighted the growing awareness businesses have about the need to safeguard their digital assets. I look forward to building on these connections and exploring potential collaborations.

Outside of work, I have recently volunteered to help a very close friend, Anton Dixon, who has set-up a number of community basketball projects within Ipswich through his company, Sport Sense. The projects provide communities with free basketball sessions and the numbers attending have grown rapidly. What a great thing to offer kids in this day and age, and I jumped at the chance of attending a few sessions with him to help out and get involved. If you have children and are local to Ipswich, check Sport Sense out for the various camps and sessions they offer at www.sport-sense.co.uk!

In Summary

Overall, my first five weeks at IJYI have been very rewarding. The new business opportunities I’ve developed, the insights I’ve gained in the world of Penetration Testing, Cloud Cost Optimisation and Software Development, and the connections I’ve made through networking, have all played a vital role in my growth. I’m excited about what lies ahead and remain committed to helping businesses exert IJYI’s solutions for their success.

Connect With Me!

If you’re interested in discussing potential collaborations or just want to chat about the ongoings of your business, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out or let’s grab a coffee!

Craig Parry, Business Development Manager
Tel: 01473 558748
Email: craig.parry@ijyi.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-parry-255397103/

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About the author

IJYI Ltd

IJYI Ltd.