business 101

OK, so here we go.........

....into Business 2010!!!!! I can hardly wait for tomorrow morning to get here!!!! Starting off with a swim @ 0600. Off to school with Ollie at 0730 then on to the office. Let the GAMES begin!!!!!

Lots to do this week in preparation for next week's PPAI EXPO. I'm looking forward to the meetings, a couple of presentations, a few conversations, some interrogations, etc. Good old fashion FUN!

Sadly, trade shows have become "commoditized".

stay on the offensive, have fun and make a difference!

It's officially over.............

....2009 that is.

Personally and professionally, 2009 was a good year all things being equal. The fog is clearing, if you will, and the playground is taking shape. From a business perspective I'm excited as we move into 2010. In times like these, executing the obvious to survive is passe. The excitement of what is possible gives one the courage to embrace and leverage change. Real change, re-inventing, re-imagining and tossing the status quo. 

Dysfunctional governments are what will stymie the global economy. Like many, I too believe what we have in Washington is not what the founding fathers envisioned. Never before have I encountered so many organizations, groups and stakeholders imploring the citizenry to contact their Congressional delegates to voice concern / opposition. Obama was correct by campaigning "yes we can". However,  those inside the Beltway aren't WE, they're THEM.

It's not so much about where we've been as it is where are we going! So as the New Year begins -resolve to stay on the offensive and make a difference!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Twenty years........

.....that's how long I've been running my own business. The first five years tend to be crucial to a start up. My so called final exam began in 1989 bringing both academic and professional experience to the table. Nine years later, having sold, I moved to Az. and knowing only my wife I invested in another start up. The rest as they say is...........

The similarities in both ventures are striking. Having never operated a business (naivete) before is much like operating a business in today's economy. Once you get by the idea of the economy you realize you're right back where you started. The exception is you tend to be wiser (experience). 

Owning a business tends to be 24/7.

The worry is offset by the excitement of it all. These are exciting times!!!!!

As one year draws to a close and we begin anew take comfort in that excitement. Be inspired, embrace change, make a difference.

Perhaps you'll join me and several thousand of my closest friends at EXPO 2010 sponsored by PPAI. The week of January 10th @ The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas! I'll be looking for you!

Santa Claus came......

...to the house the other night!! For REAL just ask my daughters Olivia and Zoe.

Santa coming to the house has been a tradition in my family since the mid-forties. It strted with my uncle and through the years has been played by me, a cousin, a brother in law whom ever was around to make it believable.

This year my wife was worried that Olivia (9) was catching on to the whole thing. So we got them to sleep and waited for a couple of hours. Then I sprung into action donning my suit, a grand one at that, and lowering the lights I took my place close to the tree. My wife awoke Zoe first who then woke Ollie. Together they walked to the end of the hall way just enough to see the FAT MAN. Excited and shaking with nervous delight they whispered to one another and just as quickly went back to bed. Mind you not to sleep. For the next several hours my wife and I listened as Ollie begged Zoe to arise and let the fun begin. Zoe's final rebuke "be quiet and go to sleep". Finally, at 4 am, it was time to celebrate Christmas.

At first light, with all the gifts opened, I went out to retrieve the newspaper and what did I see. The markings left by Santa's sleigh and his reindeer. There were marks made by the sleighs runners along with hoof prints and oats scattered about. As if the girls would need further confirmation that indeed he had come.

All things being equal, the scene was priceless! The memories will last forever as will the video.

Looking forward to 2010.........

Information overload........

........now that's an understatement!

I spent about an hour this morning cleaning emails off the server. OK, it's my own fault. I tend to save too much stuff thinking I'll come back to it over and over again. The emails saved for business are the CYA variety. "Evidence", if you will, in that never ending what if a mistake was made on an order.

I also spend in an inordinate amount of time "unsubcribing" to unsolicited mail. It's woefully obvious that too many folks send/receive too much information.

I suppose I should go to my RSS feed as well. I tend to accumulate stuff there as well. The saving grace is that I only follow a few feeds. Can you imagine, given all of the blogs out there?

And now the push is on to embrace/engage with Social Media.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories.........

What's 2010 going to be like.......

...is a question being asked of many this time of year. The answers range from serious to, well, delusional.

First of all people take themselves too seriously when asked to respond to a question like this. Most will state the obvious in an attempt to sound bright. Few will have an original thought. Wait, I take that back, it's all original however shallow.

Bottom line...there's only two kinds of forecast lucky and lousy! Matters not whether your the CEO or the Receptionist.

Don't believe me? Do you foresee the 08-09 free fall? Proactive or reactive? If you were really good your model would be lean, flexible and agile.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories...............

I'm conflicted.........

I'm not really. My loyalty is steadfast. A man's (woman) as good as his word.

Given the advances of the internet one group is extremely vulnerable. Throwing resources at issues, mimicking the competition and looking more like a follower than a leader. Pandering to ego.....

Oh, the evils of competition.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories................

Own the room...........

.........that's the advice I give to people less experienced at public speaking or presentations.

Over the years I've had the opportunity to give presentations to groups large and small. I'm always looking to improve content and my delivery. I've concluded that the more successful presentations are the result of preparation (content) and a mind set (delivery). As people begin to fill the room I walk around and engage the audience. It gives me a sense of whose in attendance and it also allows me to be at ease further demonstrating to the audience that I'm approachable.

The transformation (mind set) is complete as I begin.......

"Welcome to my room".

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories...............

The ECONOMY has become..........

......an excuse. A crutch if you will.

I was speaking with a colleague the other day. She recently lead a brainstorming session. The group was exploring ways to increase business in 2010 and they weren't allowed to mention the state of the economy.

Think about it. Regardless of the economy you still have to conduct business. When things were going well did you really pay attention to the economy? Probably not. So why pay attention to it now? It's like the jobless rate. It's irrelevant.

The challenge is to satisfy your clients needs.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories............

Any powerful or compelling......

....emotion or feeling. PASSION.

Now there's a word, emotion. We've all experienced emotion. Fear, hate, excitement, sorrow and exhilaration for a few. What about Passion?

Yes, you've experienced that as well. It tends to ebb and flow.

It's the stuff that keeps you going when you think you can't. You summon it to overcome, seemingly, the impossible. Passion leads confidence. Confidence feeds achievement and success.

Stay passionate.........you may be surprised how far you roll.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories.........

 

Social Media and the.........

....."clearinghouse" effect. Creating community requires one to become the "go to guy/gal" within that community......that notion of expertise = value.

It's about "creating content"......key word creating. Original thought not shared commentary.

You'll go more places, do more things and elevate your game if you create.

 

 

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories......

Believe......

.....such was the backdrop on the face of Macy's store during the annual Thanksgiving Day parade. With two small children, especially given the season, I'm constantly reminded to BELIEVE. Each evening I listen intently as my girls share and debate the existence of Santa and does Rudolph really fly??? Funny stuff after a challenging day at the office.

As a small business owner, regardless of the economic climate, you'll be continually challenged. Amazingly, and at times with wonderment, you'll revel in your uncanny ability to conquer (win). Should you falter (lose), you'll pick yourself up and eventually win. Concluding that you never gave up on the task (dream).

More simple........you believed....in yourself, in your vision.........

ps: Seasons Greetings!

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories..............

Getting connected is.............

........the easy part. Content, communication and collaboration require the heavy lifting.

Your only limitation..............imagination!

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories....................................

"it's nothing personal.......

....it's just business." I read this line in the Acknowledgments section of Mitch Joel's book Six Pixels of Separation. I would have to agree with his explanation as well. We spend an inordinate part of our day striving, most often together, in search of achievement. Achievement of the organization's stated goals or for that matter on a personal level. You are required to bring your best, the A game if you will and that's personal!

As Mitch says......"Thanks for taking it personally."

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories..........

"Why does it always have to be your..........

Image by JHSUM via Flickr

way?" such was the retort from a supervisor, under duress she was, when I proposed a new way of doing things. CHANGE

There's always a better way of doing things, ALWAYS!

In my corporate career I was always all to willing to criticize, because it was easy, but more importantly offer several alternatives. All of which were up for discussion including criticism, skepticism and applause! The most notable outcome was meaningful discussion and , if you will, brain storming.

Mission accomplished. Dialog.

"You don't have to like change to take advantage of it." Seth Godin, (www.sethgodin.typepad.com) Beware of Trade Guilds.......March 2009  

An EXPERT I'm............

.....not! Sorry to disappoint. In my teaser I refer to myself using the term EXPERT.

Success is an interesting elixir. Successful I've been. An abject failure for sure. A student of the sublime making sure never to take myself too seriously. Wise I wish to be, however, I feel as though wisdom escapes me. All the while, apparently, wisdom comes to others more easily. About all things I'm passionate. Without passion life would be far less interesting.

Success is the culmination of manythoughts, words and deeds. It is a continuum, a work in process, a trial and tribulation. Not for the weak or faint of heart but for those willing to persevere and see it to fruition.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories..............

 

 

 

It all starts..........

.......with an idea.

A business starts as an idea. We've all been there.

 Many years ago I began running. Long before it was popular and in a most peculiar place. The flight deck of an aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam. After a long grueling day of work on the flight deck I would change and begin my up and down....some 900+ feet, from stem to stern,  in either direction dodging aircraft being placed for the next day's missions. I continued, to this day, to run daily in civilian life. In 1976 Bill Rogers and Frank Shorter brought home the Olympic gold & silver. In 1977 the NYC was going to break the confines of Central Park and run through the five boroughs of New York. Shorter, Rogers and most Olympians were to run the inaugural event. As I watched them run I was inspired to join them. However, the odds were against me. Unlike them, I'm 6 ft 3 inches tall and weigh 203 lbs. hardly made to go the distance. However, beginning in 1977, and for seven consecutive years, I ran and completed the NYC Marathon. Over the years there were many many races used as training runs in addition to a daily regime. Gladwell, in Outliers, is correct as it relates to repetition and the miles upon miles will attest to this.

I was at the beginning of the running boom. I had an idea, vision and youthful enthusiasm. I was a participant and could relate to my brethren. From a business perspective I was quite inexperienced. I researched franchises but the stumbling block was money. I didn't have it and didn't know where or how to get it. Oh, how times have changed.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories................

Simple, I'm all about............

........simple. Not complex, complicated or complex.

The view from 30,000 feet, more often than not, obscures the view from the ground. As a leader be keenly aware of micro managing........all too often that's you're problem. Especially tough for an entrepreneur!

We, you and I collectively, tend to over think, over react and simply miss the point.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories.............

Business and Blogging......

....the following was my second post in April of 2005.

"New to blogging it's easy to see the value of this medium. Blogging, like the Internet, is changing the way we do business. For those, like me, whose business is service related there won't be a need for a website. The blog is much more powerful, much more user friendly and less expensive in the long term. The immediacy of the medium is a very strong attribute. On the downside blogging requires a commitment of resources, mainly time, and regularity in order to remain relevant. Long live the BLOG."

How far we've come......so the question, Is Social Media a fad or does this horse have legs?

In a recent session Giovanni Gallucci, the Social Media Expert, explained just how quickly <A class=zem_slink title=Facebook href="http://facebook.com/" rel=homepage>Facebook</A> was populated. Even more surprising were the numbers and how quickly Twitter was becoming a household name. Nothing new here, the tools have changed the game for everyone.

Businesses, large and small, will continue to increase spending and participation in Social Media. There is no choice. What other way can you effectively and efficiently influenceyour community (aka customers)?

Long live Social Media................

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories...........

Getting information on the........

Image by Linda Nowakowskivia Flickr

....competition is fairly easy.

 Writing a business plan for a start up or maybe just doing a SWOT assessment you'll like to find out how you stack up to the competitio. At first it may appear to be a bit overwhelming but it's not. Soon you'll  be comfortable with gathering said info and actually find it somewhat exciting.

The easiest and most obvious,way, of course, is using Google. Whether it's adword search, analytics or websites simply type in what you're looking for and let the fun begin. As an example, yesterday I visited a competitors website. These days everyone has a website, no? In any event, as I went through the pages I was able to able to get information about their vendors. Not to mention their list of clients proudly displayed bbehind the tab "CLIENTS"! A few weeks ago I visited another site and was able to figure out how to reach one of their clients. An email and a couple of days later that potential client was in my office. At the very least I was able to get information and perhaps a new client as well.

In addition to using the usual tools another effective approach is simply to ask. Call, visit or contact a competitor and develop a relationship. You'd be surprised how welcoming some folks will be. Heck, when I opened my doors here in Arizona several of my competitors brought work to me just so they could see my operation. Too funny.

 Soon, with the rise of Social Media, nothing will be sacred.........

So you've got the internet and all ya gotta do is ask! Doesn't get any better than that.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories..........

The art of ........

Image via Wikipedia

 ...running a business is just that an art.

The organization is made up of many movingparts. Whether you're by yourself or your a captain of industry there's a plan that is executed and adjusted as feedback comes in. Liken it to a real life chess game where thinking and cunning are as required as if you were confronting an opponent across the table. Consider the global marketplace and the thought of it all can be overwhelming.

While the big picture is relevant the only real concern should be a shorter vision as in right now. What are the tasks that have immediacy and what resources are available to achieve results. All the time thinking ahead.

When asked about the number of employees I have I say, "I don't know until they show up each day.

But how do you explain a Bachelor of Science in Management????

Are we having fun yet?

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories..........

I

On the way to work......

...this morning I got excited! Not about going to work but at the realization that a decision I made was actually going to pan out. Yet again.

A few weeks go I attended a conference and in the course of that conference I sat in on a panel discussion by industry leaders. They were questioned and offered opinion upon opinion. The best they offered was the obvious. Business is off and the response is cut expenses. We all know the quickest way to the bottom line is through people as in layoffs. No mention of proactive strategies just cut expenses!

Conventional wisdom dictates that when the economy declines you need to be more proactive in all aspects of your business. 

I was looking for a game changer but something that complimented what I do. Many of my colleagues were turning to direct to garment digital printing. The barrier to entry was minimal so you can imagine how many folks went that way. Laser decorating had a higher barrier due to the cost of the equipment. However, as I suspected, it brought about an increase in embroidery and opened up new markets. The learning curve has been challenging but it appears as though we're headed in the right direction.

While business was slowing, throughout 2008, no one could have seen what happened in early 2009. For all intents and purposes business came to a halt. As it turned out we were already in a recession but no one had the courage to mention that.  It's clear that the economy is now moving in the right direction.

So it was, this morning, when I realized that I had followed the conventional wisdom and put my business in a position to capture market share and prosper.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories................

Feeling left out.......

Image by mfinleydesignsvia Flickr

.......because Web 2.0, AKA Social Media, is rather challenging!

RELAX.

 As usual, when it comes to technology, most of you (you and me) feel challenged. 

As in the Pareto principle, 80-20%. For example 80% of sales comes from 20% of your clients. In the world of Social Media there is the 1:9:90 rule.... "The 1:9:90 rule states that 90% of all users are consumers, 9% of all users are curators and only 1% of the users are creators."

1% are creators????

You can do better than that! Get busy sharing your content, community, and collaboration! 

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories..............

"Social media is......

Image by Gauravonomicsvia Flickr

.......all the rage."That was a line in an email I recently read.

C'mon on you can do better than that!

Social media is nothing until you engage and become participative. Imagine going to a networking function and standing there doing little in the way of interacting. With Web 2.0 tools the game changes dramatically in many ways.

Time to get busy..........

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories...........

How many times have you.........

Image via Wikipedia

......said  "in hindsight" as if to explain away a poor decision / outcome. It's tough to argue with hindsight being 20/20.

Decision making is a process. We're confronted with a problem, an opportunity or some situation. We go about gathering information and then a process of discernment in the hopes of achieving the desired outcome. What's interesting about all of this is the psychology of it all. The way the decision is influenced along the way by our own preconceived ideas and idiosyncrasies. Multiply that by the number of individuals involved in the decision making process and you see where this is headed.

Try as we may it is nearly impossible to maintain objectivity. In the end the decision you reach is tenuous at best. The outcome is predicated upon the commitment to the cause by the various stakeholders.

Clarity of purpose and decisive execution will trump hindsight every time. 

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories......

The customer is always........

........just that, the customer.

I could never really get my arms around the idea that "the customer is always right." Many years ago an article appeared in the Harvard Business Review that spoke to this issue. The details escape me however I noted enough to lend legitimacy to my position on the subject.

Many people give lip service to the relationship between merchant and customer. Some merchants bend way over, some bend mildly and there are those who feel entitled. The same can be said for customers. Their are those that work with you, some who tolerate you and then others who simply think "you should be so lucky to have my business!"

There was a time when one might scoff at the idea of firing a customer. 

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories........

Jack be nimble, Jack be.............

Image by mtsofan via Flickr

..........nimble, flexible and quick!

Sounds simple & straight forward but why don't more organizations sign on to this idea?

Well, maybe they do. Productivity in this country has increased dramatically over the years. Doing more with fewer....is it any wonder that the unemployment rate has risen. It's not just the economy!

Regardless of the discipline, within the organization, the processes to conduct business must be streamlined, lean. How many hands touch a work order, a PO or an invoice?

Simple thought.....you would think.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories..........

Old dog........

........new tricks. It's not very often that I pay attention to my age. Seems as though that was always the problem. Too often, it seemed, people were telling me to grow up. Now that I am what is there to do? Recently,I realized that I've been in the Business world forever. Especially if you count my earliest jobs such as a newspaper carrier, a deli clerk, etc. Most of these jobs I found to be challenging but more importantly fun!   

Owning a business has been the best of all worlds. More evident now than at any other time. The excitement is palpable. While running the day to day stuff we owners also have to ponder the future. Where are we going, what's the best way to get there, how am I going to do that? The list goes on and resembles, in some cases, a "bucket list".

Today a client stopped in and recounted her lunch meeting. There was a panel discussing social media. She was quite animated as she spoke of the possibilities. She doesn't blog, rarely Twitters but has a great website (www.ctdpromotions.com). But she gets IT! IT being the power and possibilities of embracing change! 

Old Dogs can become new again.........embrace change.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories........

It's not easy being...........

.....being on the Board of Directors of a non-profit association. Reading between the lines make note that it's a volunteer position. I have the good fortune to serve on the Board of Directors for the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). The Board is very well equipped to meet the challenges facing our profession. The economy, political agendas that could ban our participation in markets and the never ending challenge of providing members goods and services to name but a few. The association staff is unquestionably the BEST at what they do.

Yesterday Seth Godin www.sethgodin.typepad.com  blogged about non-profits and earlier this year he had a post about Guilds. From my perspective these were very compelling entries. Association management staff and BOD's work tirelessly to do good for the organization. However you can't please everybody. It's rather fulfilling when as a group we debate, challenge and agree to disagree. In the end speaking with one voice and committed to giving our best.

It's difficult, in these challenging times, to convey the significance of accepting change. It's unacceptable to stand still yet I'm often surprised by those fighting to maintain the status quo.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories......

"You Lie".......

.......and the truth will set you free!!!

C'mon we all know politicians play fast with the truth. Statistics lie and liars use statistics! Why should we be appalled at this type of behavior? This is what you elected to represent your interests at various levels of government. Notice I didn't use the word leadership. In government seniority equates to leadership and that right there is a recipe for failure!

Would you run your company that way???

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories............

The business cycle explained........

...oh not by me! That's not in my job description.

 Not to jump the gun. believing in the "U" not a "w", it looks as though the recession is easing and things are headed in a positive direction. There are certain things to be looking at in terms of your business. Of the four phases that make up the business cycle it's safe to say we're in Late "D" approaching "A", the recovery. You'll continue to be conservative in most matters. However optimism, cautious or otherwise, begins to spread throughout the organization. You'll continue to be efficient with expenditures while at the same time developing long term plans. Perhaps looking to increase market share through acquisitions using the recent pessimistic conditions to your advantage. You've "survived" and now it's time to position the organization to move through the recovery phase and into prosperity.

As a small business owner I've felt your pain. However, early in my corporate life I was fortunate enough to have seen the value of LEAN. These hard times have awakened me and as a result my organization is in a better place. Cautiously optimistic and excited about the future.

You should be as well.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories..........

So with the recession......

Image via Wikipedia

...beginning to turn what have you been doing?

OK, so maybe it's too early to call the recession over. However it's a matter of half full versus half empty no? I want to follow th "U" school of thought as opposed to the "W"." W "makes alot of folks nervous for many reasons.

As a business owner what have you been doing? Have you used this opportunity wisely? Have you employed your scarce resources effectively? Have you developed new strategies perhaps looking toward acquisition to bolster revenue? How does your future look today as opposed to late 2008 early 2009?

The forecasts for 2010 are flat and many would agree long term recovery will take years. It's still early enough in the business cycle to take advantage of sound strategies across your business.  

Because it's the ........

.....right thing to do.

Politics in general are, at best, a calamity. Used to be the best and brightestwere called to this honorable chore. Oh how times have changed.

Story in today's Az. Republic talks about Republicans filing a suit against two Democrats who have violated the law that states you must resign your current office once you make known your plans to run for another office. Seems reasonable that you should follow the rules. Neither of the Democrats, the state's Attorney General nor a state legislator seem inclined to follow the law. Next comes the story of a Republican legislator who is running for the State Senate and when questioned as to whether he would follow the law and resign his current seat he replies "why should I ?" Citing the democrats reluctance to do so.

ALL to often truth, honesty and integrity are a matter of convenience. There's something to be said about the saying: "and the TRUTH will set you free".

Make the truth a cornerstone in everything that you do.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories

The power of........

Image by steven w via Flickr

community. My oldest daughter started fourth grade a few weks ago in a new school. Olivia is a smart kid unfortuantely she has a rare genetic disorder. The public school, excelling at teaching despite Arizona's lack of funding, is just that, public. As parents we decided to enroll her at a catholic school. There was some adjusting to the new setting but it looks like our decision is beginning to pay off.

The other night my wife went to the orientation and upon her return home shared the information with me. In our conversation she repeatedly used the word community. The schools philosophy is to engage the school's community. Not simply the student but the student's family as well. COMMUNITY. Hilary Clinton called it a village. Call it what you will. Just recognize the power of doing business with like minded people. Understand and excel in understanding the dynamics, become known as an expert providing creative solutions and be visible.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small  victories........

Regardless of your political.........

Edward Kennedy via last.fm

......persuasion. It is only right and just that we pause to remember Sen. Edward Kennedy. To do otherwise reflects poorly on us as participants in the human race.

A lifetime of public service to undo wrong, instill hope and provide leadership exemplified by the courage of his convictions. Given the tragedies of days gone by it would have been easy and we, as a nation, would have understood his reluctance to serve this great nation.

Job well done........may your sails always be full. Rest in peace.

Education is the ........

.....root of all evil! That was the topic I chose in a college class many years ago. One can argue either side rather effectively but who really cares.

Last week I attended the North American Leadership Conference sponsored by the Promotional Products Association International. It was the most exciting conference that I had attended in a long time. Business owners and high level execs gathered to network, discuss issues and learn. There was a leading economist who walked us through the current economic conditions and his forecasts going forward. Now there are only two kinds of forecast, lucky and lousy, so I was a bit skeptical. However this guy was quite convincing. Track me down in 2028 and we'll see just how good he was.

The second day I spent some 4 hours or so with Giovanni Gallucci THE Social Media Expert. Twitter, facebook, diggs, adwords, search engines ......a crash course in the whys and how to's associated with achieving social media excellence. Remarkable in every way.

Technology continues to empower us. Be it on a personal level or in business. We, as individuals, have at our finger tips such powerful tools. There are no excuses for not embracing technology. All too often folks tend to claim ignorance and defer to the younger people.

All too often that attitude is simply not acceptable.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories

Bumping along through........

Image by Smithsonian Institution via Flickr

....life. I have to admit, more often than not, I'm guilty of this "approach".

Concept, strategy, the big picture schema are far more to my liking. The "details" will become more evident as we move along. Like a sculptor and her clay.

However, quite often, especially when dealing with clients, I find myself requestiing  "details, details, details". 

Does the size of the organization dictate to what extent one engages in the strategic planning process? How formal must a plan be? How often does one review / revise the plan? How deep to we go in the organization for particiaption in the planning exercise?

In the last 2 years I've participated in strategic planning exercises. Both exercises were intellectually stimulating, fun and insightful. Both left me glad that I "bump" along.

How much business....

.......are you actually doing via your website? Are websites a requirement ? It would make sense if you're selling a commodity and you simply want to control costs. Websites don't make sense if you're looking for client engagement and participation.

The days of casting a wide net, in terms of marketing, should be over. Doubling your efforts with the status quo does not work.

Think about this......Can you be as effective in your marketing efforts by simply having a blog, a permission based e-mail effort, a YouTube channel and a twitter account?

I don't know what you're spending on marketing your website etc. but blogs, email, youtube & tweets are far less expensive and much more effective.

stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories...........

Social media.......

.....has leveled the playing field for small business owners. Heck, it's changed the way we do business! Large business small business it's a new day.

A problem for most start ups and small business owners revolves around the use of scarce resources. For many it's the ultimate investment...in themselves.  Additionally, for me, it was the the ultimate final exam....combining the academic & the empirical (ie; experience).

Facebook, Twitter, Ningo and bebo are just a few of the sites that allow us to assemble communities, tribes, a following. Add to this a little technology, such as a Flip video, and now you're doing marketing on a grass roots level. On the cheap. Very effective, very targeted with your message.

Fleet of foot, flexible and or guerilla comes to mind. Delivering the message with little or no staff...efficient / effective use of scarce resources and.......some excitement! 

stay on the offensive and celebrate the victories...........

In passing.........

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Walter Cronkite set the standard for his profession perhaps more so for mankind.

 Many of us grew up sharing our homes with him as he delivered the news. With keen insight, compelling compassion and upon occasion emotionally. He was, in some ways, our rock.

Through the many recollections of presidents, colleagues and friends two things struck me. All agreed, unequivocally, that Mr. Cronkite was a man of integrity. Indeed integrity was a guiding principle.

Secondly, was his opposition to the Vietnam conflict. That a man of his stature in those trying times would have the courage of his convictions is remarkable.

A remarkable man indeed..........not soon to be forgotten.

DECISIONS.......

....DECISIONS, DECISIONS.

For twenty plus years I officiated high school wrestling. Officiating an athletic event is pretty intense even when it seems a benign contest is at hand. Wrestling is probably more demanding thann most since there is only one official judging the contest. Unlike other sports scoring in wrestling can be dramatic as in a takedown or an escape. There can be the "subtle" change in control for a score. Throw in the knowledge and interpretation of the rules and there you have it. Why it's no wonder most fans are more knowledgeable than the official, ref or umpire!

Over the years I often wondered how many decisions were made in the course of individual matches, dual meets and tournaments. How quickly was the minds eye catching the "action" and scoring the requisite points? There was not the luxury of time either in that wrestling is a timed event and one is penalized for "stalling".

Decision making outside of sport is quite different. The "timing" of the process is, by nature, prolonged. We gather, methodically, as much info as we can then come to what we hope is a good decision. More often then not there tends to be a decision made in consensus with others. Consensus building has crept into sport as we see officials meeting more often in discussion, replaying the tape and looking to get "help" as they say.

Then there's the quality of the decision..........

"stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories".......April was a very good month!

IT'S NOT....

.......that I do product endorsements. After all who am I and what difference would my nod do?

However, there comes a time.....to make it in the blogsphere takes building a lot of "relationships" if you will.......that's an integral part of business....has been since Jesus was a corporal.....the medium changes but the message is always the same.

As if he needs an endorsement Seth Godin took a BOLD step in creating his alternate MBA.....if your a "re-tread"....ie: a teacher looking to change careers then an MBA is worthwhile. Otherwise you're contributing to the myth, empire building and didn't really pay attention as an under graduate...........

Seth Godin, because he is who is, is able to radically change the approach...SAMBA  ( www.sixmonthmba.com )is compelling...... now why can't academia grasp this concept?

Embrace change or become irrelevent......

"stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories"

THE ECONOMY IS MOVING..........

.......OR IS IT?? WOBBLING?

NOT to jinx things but from my vantage it would appear as though there is an "up tick" in activity. For the past several weeks established clients have been increasing their order volume and the order size is shifting to higher quantities. There's excitement all around. Challenges too as we try to meet increased demand with a smaller staff.

Small victories abound as well. Over the past several weeks I've been able to "pick up" several new clients that represent rather significant potential. As usual the result of effective "word of mouth" campaigning. Marketing is fun. Don't be so serious have some fun with creativity!

The economy is moving after......slowly but moving. Collectively we should do our best to keep it going...........

"stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories"

WHO CAN BE.........

at the White House on Thursday morning? All or nearly all of the twenty people in the room raised their hands. The question was further qualified with " I need a small business owner" Hands dropped as the fellow sitting next to me was chosen. Sure enough just two days later, at a Small Business town hall meeting, standing two rows behind Mr. Obama was my colleague. Later that day he emailed all a blow by blow of his trip to the White House.

That trip would have been a huge PR opportunity for my business. Not to mention a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the President. More importantly, however, is the message it sends to members of the association whose board I sit on. The association at work for you our members. Priceless!

The opportunity for this meeting was the result of hard work and chance. The gentlemen involved have spent their legal careers advocating for small businesses in the halls of Congress. They represent several professional associations (guilds) and keep us in the know regarding pending legislative issues. The Obama administration and his Democratic friends are shaking up Washington in many ways.

More importantly, for anyone dealing with Legislative issues, is to know the power of "grass roots" initiatives in dealing with Congress. Many groups have mobilized their communities via the Internet to "persuade" their elected officials so as to impact an outcome. "We the people" can work! It's not just the lobbyists.

UNEMPLOYED, UNDER EMPLOYED......

.........now may be just the right time to start you're own business. All together now, "you must be kidding".........

Twenty years ago I  decided to do just that. It was the ultimate "final exam". Bringing together academic achievement and professional experience in an attempt to control my own fate. Worst case scenario would find me back in the role of "employee". 

There's no easyway.....hard work alone isn't the answer either. Success calls on you to fully utilize all aspects of your intelligence, character and sense of community. You are never alone albeit there will be times when you feel that way. You and others will second guess decisions over and over only to conclude that your gut instinct was correct all along. You'll over think issues because your credentials require it when you'd be better advised not to take yourself, credentials and all, too seriously. Have fun along the way after all isn't that what you missed as an employee?

There's NO time like the present to start a business.......only the MOTIVATED need apply.

"stay on the offensive and celebrate the small victories"

INSPIRATION............

.........is everywhere.

In an earlier post I mentioned being in a funk.....too much thinking, anxiety and worry. Ah, the life of a small business owner.

How things can change. Upon arriving home yesterday I noticed a book entitled The Blue Sweater in the mail pile. After reading the jackets and skimmimg through pages I found myself in a wow moment.  You can change the world............

Later in the evening there was a preview for a new movie based on a true story...The Soloist. I hope the movie doesn't disappoint. You can make a difference.......

Finally on my way to bed I stop to check on my daughters as they sleep........angelic to be sure. They both have a rare genetic disorder, mitochondrial disease. Zoe, the youngest, more severely affected continues to inspire daily as she overcomes many challenges. Olivia, the older one, has been sick with near daily visits to the doctors for over a week. Through it all she smiles and looks forward to her reading and art projects while she rests at home. My wife, Suzanne, writes of their struggles and the impact of their illness on her blog....  www.specialneedsmom.com  ........despite their trials they quietly touch the lives of those they encounter.

Indeed, in these difficult times, inspiration is in abundance.........

"stay on the offense and celebrate the small victories"

"because it's a business.......

...........built on relatonships"

Is there a business where this isn't true??

When you have the lion's share of the market should you feel compelled to attend multiple trade shows??? Complaining all the while about there being too many trade shows!

How many relationships can you effectively manage?

Or is relationship just a better word for volume / numbers?

"stay on the offensive & celebrate the small victories"

CHANGE......

.........is the root of all evil.

I am of the thought that you either embrace change or become irrelevant. Current economic conditions have provided an environment that is offeringnew and ever exciting ways to do business. From dusting off proven tactics to developing new web 2.0 initiatives. Scaling the organization for efficiency and effectiveness. Cajoling the X generation while embracing Millenials. An opportunity to re-imagine your business. At last a compelling reason to go to work and forgo the gloomy headlines!!!!

Since returning from spending several days with others in my profession I've found myself in a funk, conflicted. I've read and re-read "the dip".........looking for clarity. 

 Safe is boring...........this from a profession where creativity is the currency for success.

"stay on the offensive & celebrate the samll victories"

At last..........

.......we landed just after 9 p.m. local time in Phoenix. Whew! We had been buried in the bowels of that 737-900ER for about five hours!!! No pity, we've all had this experience. The sad part is that we have little control or choice when traveling but that's another issue. From an earlier post the front leg of this trip was less then enjoyable.

On the return: I arrived at the airport in New Orleans in plenty of time. As I sat in the terminal I noticed four Army officers. Hard to miss given their attire. I overheard one on the phone with his command inquiring about air travel. Turns out they were traveling on a government procured ticket (no discount here for sure) and when required to change flights Continental wouldn't waive the $25.00 fee!!! These days it seems everyone is at the through.......these guys have put it on the line for their country!!!! The least the airline INDUSTRY (Delta may) can do is waive the change fees if not more!!!!

Arriving in Houston for the flight to Phoenix things seem to be fine until....you guessed it. We boarded........being a pilot and sizing up the weather on my iphone I knew we were destined for delay. Continental knew it as well. At this time of year in this region of the country weather patterns are predictable with a good deal of certainty. So is the decision making process at most airlines......board and park until condidtions improve. Quite possibly we could have had an on time departure however......first Operations asked us to wait at the gate for 10 mins in order to accomodate 13 connecting passengers......fifteen minutes later it was a weather re-route requiring more fuel to be put onboard approximate wait fifteen minutes.....then comes the ground hold! Looking at the radar depiction on the iphone the re-route was called for not so sure about the ground hold......the point being this is a predictable event. 

Cudos to the crew however......sensing the brewing unrest they quickly sprang to their feet and passed out headsets. The pilot also allowed the use of all portable electronic devices while cruising...on the ground! Continental's other saving grace is that they did provide a robust snack once airborne. Long long ago they would have waived any and all beverage fees in a gesture of good will.

It's about the experience and this experience should be about service........when I'm faced with a machine breaking down I don't have the luxury of telling a customer to get in their car and move to the side of my parking lot until the machine is fixed.

"Once a ........

blogger always a blogger" so reads the comment. So true. My execution keeps getting in the way of those good intentions. Blogging is a great tool that demands a good deal of discipline. 

Last weekend my wife (www.specialneedsmom.com), who blogs more often, and I were talking about the blogsphere. She mentioned that she had heard mentioned that if you didn't have 14-15,000 hits you were a "nobody". I wasn't expecting much when I fired up the computer to check the stats and I wasn't disappointed! A nobody!! My wife, Suzanne, was happy to announce that she had just surpassed 15,000 hits........a somebody!!

That was my inspiration. Right then and there I decided to make a more concerted effort to blog.....so here I am sitting at the dining room table moments before I leave to catch a plane for New Orleans.

Because I'm leaving the laptop home I felt compelled to write before I left. But hey, you have to love technology.....I just downloaded this application to my i phone........

"stay on the offensive.............."