Comments on: Locating Your Software Development in MN http://minnov8.com/2008/03/02/locating-your-software-development-in-mn/ Minnesota Technology Innovation News & Insights Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:04:02 +0000 hourly 1 By: Graeme Thickins http://minnov8.com/2008/03/02/locating-your-software-development-in-mn/comment-page-1/#comment-11 Graeme Thickins Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:30:27 +0000 http://minnov8.com/2008/03/02/locating-your-software-development-in-mn/#comment-11 Steve, great post -- and nice touch linking to Dan's excellent treatise. That deserves wider distribution. In regard to Kevin's comment above, I would add this: No, Minnesota, and the Midwest in general, do not have a corner on the market for hard workers or ethical people. But we do have more nice people -- it must be so, because "Minnesota Nice" is one of our state mottos! :-) (And every trip I make to NYC reminds me it has real meaning.) But here's another key aspect of Midwestern values that is widely documented, including in tech circles: less turnover. People tend to stay in their jobs here longer -- show more commitment. Somebody actually tracks these turnover stats -- the AEA, the Dept of Labor, or others. And I suspect the MN High Tech Assoc is happy to point them out to anyone who'll listen... :-) I've heard this anecdotally, too, from several people, and startups, with experience in the Valley. It is real. Less turnover plus lower costs: a pretty darn effective argument. Steve, great post — and nice touch linking to Dan’s excellent treatise. That deserves wider distribution.

In regard to Kevin’s comment above, I would add this:

No, Minnesota, and the Midwest in general, do not have a corner on the market for hard workers or ethical people. But we do have more nice people — it must be so, because “Minnesota Nice” is one of our state mottos! :-) (And every trip I make to NYC reminds me it has real meaning.)

But here’s another key aspect of Midwestern values that is widely documented, including in tech circles: less turnover. People tend to stay in their jobs here longer — show more commitment. Somebody actually tracks these turnover stats — the AEA, the Dept of Labor, or others. And I suspect the MN High Tech Assoc is happy to point them out to anyone who’ll listen… :-) I’ve heard this anecdotally, too, from several people, and startups, with experience in the Valley. It is real.

Less turnover plus lower costs: a pretty darn effective argument.

]]> By: kevin http://minnov8.com/2008/03/02/locating-your-software-development-in-mn/comment-page-1/#comment-10 kevin Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:18:53 +0000 http://minnov8.com/2008/03/02/locating-your-software-development-in-mn/#comment-10 Agree that there are fantastic creative resources in MN, that working domestically is faster than offshore for creative projects and I will add that MN rates may be compelling vs. other metros. However..... What is a midwestern work ethic? I am sick to death of hearing about the "midwestern work ethic" and "midwestern values". I've been in the midwest for over 3 years. There is no difference here. Native midwesterners say there is....but there isn't. I have worked in NY, Boston, SF, LA, Omaha, and Chicago. In each location I worked I have found a consistent percentage of hard working rockstars and lazy idiots. Same with ethics. Agree that there are fantastic creative resources in MN, that working domestically is faster than offshore for creative projects and I will add that MN rates may be compelling vs. other metros. However…..

What is a midwestern work ethic? I am sick to death of hearing about the “midwestern work ethic” and “midwestern values”. I’ve been in the midwest for over 3 years. There is no difference here. Native midwesterners say there is….but there isn’t.

I have worked in NY, Boston, SF, LA, Omaha, and Chicago. In each location I worked I have found a consistent percentage of hard working rockstars and lazy idiots. Same with ethics.

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