Monthly Archives: August 2013

August 5, 2013 · 9:32 am

You HAVE To Read It – It’s My Birthday!

I realize that might be the most ridiculous post title ever but it happens to be true.

A picture of a birthday cake

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

OK, not that this is a must-read, but it is, in fact, my birthday.  Maybe there’s an attention whore living deep inside me although I suppose any of us who dump our thinking on to the World Wide Web have some of that.  In any event, birthdays are one of those occasions that prompt introspection.  My favorite author, Mark Twain, said that when he was a younger man he could remember anything whether it happened or not.  Much of what you read here is exactly that – what I remember or have figured out along the way.

I turned 58 today.  I’m not much of a numerology guy, but since today is 8/5 and it’s the 58th anniversary of my birth, I thought I’d look up what meaning is associated with 5 and 8.  Apparently 5 is associated with freedom. “5” people seek change and adventure.  What stood out to me was that 5’s are naturally curious and are  constantly trying to find the answers to life’s questions (maybe there IS a reason I’m writing!).   5’s are very persuasive and excel at motivating people which makes them ideal candidates to become salesmen.  Given the early part of my professional life, that fits.

8’s are born with natural leadership skills. We’re very ambitious and goal oriented, with strong organizational skills and broad vision.  I don’t know how they figure this stuff out but I like the thought.  It also applies to what I’ve been doing for the last 5 years as a consultant.  Of course, one can add the 5 and 8 together and get 13, a lucky number in numerology.  For me, that applies as well: I’m fortunate to have my health, a great family, many friends and more close friends than to what one ought to be entitled in one lifetime.

I don’t have any big business thoughts today – I’m giving those a rest so I can enjoy the important stuff.  Yes, I’m working but I’m doing so with a smile on my face as I get Happy Birthday calls.  The hard part is holding this feeling for the other 364 days and the realities of business show themselves.  Hey – maybe there IS a business point today.  Thanks for reading – that’s a gift any day.

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August 2, 2013 · 8:45 am

Management And Mussels

Foodie Friday!  We were out to dinner last weekend and two of us split a plate of mussels as an appetizer.

Mussels at Trouville fish market

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They were delicious but they also got me thinking.  As you’re probably aware, mussels are part of the clam family.  There are lots of different varieties and you can prepare them in any of several ways.  You can grill them, fry them, smoke them or boil them.  Most of the time, they’re steamed in wine and/or water with different herbs and garlic.

Unlike other types of shellfish, I’m not aware of many places serving mussels on the half shell uncooked.  I’m not sure why that is although I’d speculate that it’s because their shell seems more fragile to me – sort of like steamer clams which aren’t really suitable to be served on the half shell.  It would be hard to get them open without breaking the shells and disturbing the meat inside.  You can tell if they’re alive before you cook them (and the MUST be) because they’ll shut down a bit when you disturb them.

Isn’t it interesting how working productively to supervise other folks can be just like cooking mussels?  The method of doing so usually involves the application of slow, gentle heat to coax the best out of them.  You can’t just apply that heat, to people, however intensely, and expect them to turn out great results.  Screaming at staff doesn’t work, nor do threats.  Explanations of goals and desired outcomes as a conversation (not a lecture) work wonders.  You’re in charge – you need to add the things that will enhance what your folks are bringing to the table – herbs and spices to the mussels; clear direction, and timing for your staff.

The expressions “clam up” applies both to shellfish and people.  Make them feel unsafe and they shut down, drawing shells tight around them.  It’s critical to notice if people DON’T react to events going on around them.  Those may be the ones that have lost their spark completely and, like dead shellfish, need to be dealt with before they spoil the dish (they can make you sick too!).

Managing as if you’re cooking mussels isn’t a bad thought in my book.  Yours?

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August 1, 2013 · 8:26 am

Horns

Business took me away for a hotel stay last evening. As you might know, Rancho Deluxe, better known as the home office, is located in a pretty quiet suburban town. Some random deer sneezing is about as loud as it gets in terms of external noise.  Living in a city is different and last night’s stay reminded me of when we lived in Manhattan. It’s rarely quiet.

Car horn symbol

(Photo credit: net_efekt)

The sound that seems to dominate is that of horns. Car horns, truck horns, construction horns. All day and most of the night, their incessant sound can drive you nuts until you learn to ignore it. Which is, of course, the business point.

Too many brands use their marketing messages much as a driver uses a horn. Think about how you use your car’s horn.  There are the friendly little taps to let someone know you’re there and to come out to the car.  There are the intense, lean-on-that-sucker blasts to tell the moron texting that the light has changed and to get moving.   Despite its simplicity, the horn can send a lot of different messages, all of which are intrusive and attention-getting.

Marketing is like that too.  Some brands are still treating their audiences like the line of traffic in front of them.  They blast away even when it’s obvious that the horn will do no good.  How do you react when a driver does that to you?  I don’t react well.  Than again, you learn to ignore it.

Consumers have learned to ignore car horn marketing.  The harder you slam away, the less chance you have to get them to pay attention.  Using car horn tactics in channels such as social media can do way more harm than just the apathy caused by ignoring your messages.  Your inept marketing can be held up for ridicule, much like the dope that’s too busy reading his email to drive.

Horns can be lifesavers – alerting another driver you’re behind them as they back up or making sure a pedestrian is aware you’re coming, for example.  If they’re abused, however, they’re just so much noise and serve no purpose.  We need to make sure that our marketing doesn’t fall into that trap.

You with me?

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