So I am talking with Sophie Boyko yesterday (http://www.sophieboyko.com). We met at a seminar given by Tim Rooney (http://www.rooneyearl.com) in September. Sophie, an interesting lady is likely an excellent sales trainer in addition to being an entrepreneur.
So during our phone banter, while driving (sans Bluetooth) we were both comparing notes as to what's been happening since we met. I had seen U2 and am seeing Roger Hodgson this weekend. Sophie had seen Kiss ... ALL great bands.
Then the topic turned to business of course. I started talking blogs and Sophie started talking hiring ...
Turns out Sophie is interested in starting her own blog and I am interested in hiring. So we made a bet with one another.
By the end of this month, Sophie will have her blog up with at least 2, 300 word entries and I would have made the ideal candidate a job offer.
We'll meet for lunch toward the end of this month (the non-performer pays) and compare notes. Track our progress at this blog, or Sophie’s at blog.sophieboyko.com.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Education Is Good
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Social Media Myths
I came back from a hard business pitch a few days ago. It was tough, but I know we are being seriously considered to implement and run what hopefully will be a hard hitting social media program. The potential client was (before we pitched them), very afraid of social media.
Here’s some points we made in response to their concerns
Concern One
Employees will waste time with social media.
Point
Some large corporations block their employees from accessing the internet altogether. Others try to block employees from accessing personal e-mail or social networks such as Facebook or Twitter during office hours. In May 2009, there were some 34 million smartphones in North America. That's a lot of internet access available - everywhere -- and employers can't stop their employees from accessing the internet on breaks, at lunch or in the bathroom
Workers value and need internet access – and its value is far greater than the threat of lost productivity. Companies can make policies and rules about personal use of the internet, but blocking it during work is just stupid.
Concern Two
Haters will damage our brand.
Point
“What about the haters?” is what I say. “What if people say bad, mean, nasty things about our brand?”
Well, be honest with yourself, there may be things you need to change about your brand, and in that case, thank them sincerely for letting you know what they are. Then – make the necessary changes.
If you have built an online community that includes people who don't hate you, that community will defend you and handle any problems with respect to people that you think “hate” you.
Concern Three
We'll lose control of our brand.
Point
Reality is that every person with a computer has the tools to make their opinion about your brand heard by others. They're already talking about you. You can no longer be in absolute control of your message.
Your workers are talking about you in closed Facebook groups to keep you out so they can talk about you in peace. Your customers are e-mailing, using Twitter and Facebook, and – the evergreen -- calling their friends about their experience with your brand. You don't have control. You might as well join the conversation. At least that way you can influence what is being said.
Concern Four
We're scared of giving away corporate secrets or that information on social networks will affect our stock price.
Point
Nonsense. If you don't already have a social-media policy, you should create one now. If you don't trust your employees to talk to customers, or to represent the brand, you have issues far greater than looking at social media. You don’t need us … you need to look at your hiring and training practices.
Concern Five
We’re scared we’ll be sued.
Point
Oh puh-lese. Change your meds!
Here’s some points we made in response to their concerns
Concern One
Employees will waste time with social media.
Point
Some large corporations block their employees from accessing the internet altogether. Others try to block employees from accessing personal e-mail or social networks such as Facebook or Twitter during office hours. In May 2009, there were some 34 million smartphones in North America. That's a lot of internet access available - everywhere -- and employers can't stop their employees from accessing the internet on breaks, at lunch or in the bathroom
Workers value and need internet access – and its value is far greater than the threat of lost productivity. Companies can make policies and rules about personal use of the internet, but blocking it during work is just stupid.
Concern Two
Haters will damage our brand.
Point
“What about the haters?” is what I say. “What if people say bad, mean, nasty things about our brand?”
Well, be honest with yourself, there may be things you need to change about your brand, and in that case, thank them sincerely for letting you know what they are. Then – make the necessary changes.
If you have built an online community that includes people who don't hate you, that community will defend you and handle any problems with respect to people that you think “hate” you.
Concern Three
We'll lose control of our brand.
Point
Reality is that every person with a computer has the tools to make their opinion about your brand heard by others. They're already talking about you. You can no longer be in absolute control of your message.
Your workers are talking about you in closed Facebook groups to keep you out so they can talk about you in peace. Your customers are e-mailing, using Twitter and Facebook, and – the evergreen -- calling their friends about their experience with your brand. You don't have control. You might as well join the conversation. At least that way you can influence what is being said.
Concern Four
We're scared of giving away corporate secrets or that information on social networks will affect our stock price.
Point
Nonsense. If you don't already have a social-media policy, you should create one now. If you don't trust your employees to talk to customers, or to represent the brand, you have issues far greater than looking at social media. You don’t need us … you need to look at your hiring and training practices.
Concern Five
We’re scared we’ll be sued.
Point
Oh puh-lese. Change your meds!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
When is a cold drink hot?
So, I am sitting at the Second Cup at Bathurst and Lawrence. I look at the menu, and specifically at the "Iced Sensations" menu board. My eye falls on a moccaccino, under the heading "Iced Europeans". I order it
It's pretty normal to think that I would be in for something cold I would think. Not!
A minute or two later the attractive server hands me a piping hot drink. Huh? It smelled delicious, but not what I wanted
"But", I said. "I ordered it from the menu reading 'Iced Sensations'". Too true.
You see, it's really confusing.
The server was really helpful and when I explained myself, she well understood.
Hastily she took it back and made me what I wanted (an iced moccaccino). Now that's service with a smile.
Although I was confused, and for a while I had problems logging onto the wi-fi here, I will be back.
And if you're wondering if I was imagining it, I would invite you to visit the Second Cup on the north-west corner of Bathurst and Lawrence streets in Toronto. The drinks are good, the servers are friendly and the location is right.
Bottoms Up, as I drain the delicious iced drink from my cup. I'll be back!
It's pretty normal to think that I would be in for something cold I would think. Not!
A minute or two later the attractive server hands me a piping hot drink. Huh? It smelled delicious, but not what I wanted
"But", I said. "I ordered it from the menu reading 'Iced Sensations'". Too true.
You see, it's really confusing.
The server was really helpful and when I explained myself, she well understood.
Hastily she took it back and made me what I wanted (an iced moccaccino). Now that's service with a smile.
Although I was confused, and for a while I had problems logging onto the wi-fi here, I will be back.
And if you're wondering if I was imagining it, I would invite you to visit the Second Cup on the north-west corner of Bathurst and Lawrence streets in Toronto. The drinks are good, the servers are friendly and the location is right.
Bottoms Up, as I drain the delicious iced drink from my cup. I'll be back!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Thanks Alan For Pointing Out That I Am Aging
You know, I guess I am aging – at least gracefully (or so I am told).
Yeah, yeah, I would like to thank my dear friend Alan for pointing that out to me. Never mind that I was the 18 year old bartender at his barmitzvah some 25 years ago. But Alan does make a good point.
You see, I directed him to this blog a few days ago. He loved my writings and insights, but he did comment to me that I should get a more current picture. And to be fair, he is right --- I would estimate that this picture is about nine years old – but I have a good excuse for not having a more current picture. You see in the past decade, we have had 2 kids, so every time we do the good family thing and go to Sears to get pictures done, they are of them. After all, if you were the photographer, would you rather take pictures of two cute kids and my cute wife, or me --- an aging guy, now in his mid-forties. Can you blame the photographer?
Thanks Al … as soon as I get a chance, I will get right on it. Anyone wanna take my mugshot? Don’t all offer at once now!
Yeah, yeah, I would like to thank my dear friend Alan for pointing that out to me. Never mind that I was the 18 year old bartender at his barmitzvah some 25 years ago. But Alan does make a good point.
You see, I directed him to this blog a few days ago. He loved my writings and insights, but he did comment to me that I should get a more current picture. And to be fair, he is right --- I would estimate that this picture is about nine years old – but I have a good excuse for not having a more current picture. You see in the past decade, we have had 2 kids, so every time we do the good family thing and go to Sears to get pictures done, they are of them. After all, if you were the photographer, would you rather take pictures of two cute kids and my cute wife, or me --- an aging guy, now in his mid-forties. Can you blame the photographer?
Thanks Al … as soon as I get a chance, I will get right on it. Anyone wanna take my mugshot? Don’t all offer at once now!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Honesty may be more refreshing than a dip in the pool
One of the nearest and dearest things to my heart is the good old concept of honesty. And really what this means is speaking your mind. Sounds simple – yes. Simple to do – au contraire. So why am I going on about something old-fashioned that sounds simple?
Because, it seems honesty is a dying concept and honest people are a dying breed. And it’s not like the dishonesty I am talking about here is like theft and other more serious maladies. It really is people being so politically correct and so sensitive that I am equating to dishonesty here.
It’s the client saying, “I’ll get back to you later today”, when they really have no intention of doing so. It’s me saying, “I’ll call you in 5 minutes when I know that is an impossibility”. It’s a supplier saying, “No problem, I’ll have the media list to you in an hour” – when they know it will take three days.
Unfortunately, it’s rampant in today’s economy.
So you can imagine how refreshing it felt yesterday and today when I met and spoke with Carole, Lauren, Glen and Ian at a potential new client. They spoke their mind. They told me what they think needs to be done. They put a stake in the ground. And while their opinions may differ from mine – that’s cool. Totally cool! That’s what I like. No. Let me correct myself. That’s what I love.
Yesterday was a hot day here in Toronto. Usually I end off hot days with a swim in the pool. Yesterday I told my wife that I did not need a refreshing swim. “How unusual” she said --- I was refreshed already.
And who was it that mistakenly said that work could be more refreshing than a dip on a summer day in a cool swimming pool?
Because, it seems honesty is a dying concept and honest people are a dying breed. And it’s not like the dishonesty I am talking about here is like theft and other more serious maladies. It really is people being so politically correct and so sensitive that I am equating to dishonesty here.
It’s the client saying, “I’ll get back to you later today”, when they really have no intention of doing so. It’s me saying, “I’ll call you in 5 minutes when I know that is an impossibility”. It’s a supplier saying, “No problem, I’ll have the media list to you in an hour” – when they know it will take three days.
Unfortunately, it’s rampant in today’s economy.
So you can imagine how refreshing it felt yesterday and today when I met and spoke with Carole, Lauren, Glen and Ian at a potential new client. They spoke their mind. They told me what they think needs to be done. They put a stake in the ground. And while their opinions may differ from mine – that’s cool. Totally cool! That’s what I like. No. Let me correct myself. That’s what I love.
Yesterday was a hot day here in Toronto. Usually I end off hot days with a swim in the pool. Yesterday I told my wife that I did not need a refreshing swim. “How unusual” she said --- I was refreshed already.
And who was it that mistakenly said that work could be more refreshing than a dip on a summer day in a cool swimming pool?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Weird or What?
You know, a very strange thing happened to me yesterday while driving to work.
I’m just driving doing my own thing. I’m not speaking on the phone and nor am I distracted by music or anything else. I’m in the left lane driving down a relatively quiet street when I hear honking from behind. Instinctively, I take stock of what I’m doing. I’m not exceeding the speed limit. I’m not drifting across lanes. I’m not holding anyone or anything up. I’m simply driving. I continue, thinking nothing of it. 20 seconds or so later, I pull up to a red light and the car that honked pulls up next to me. He’s got a passenger in his vehicle. The passenger rolls down his window and looks at me. Do I recognize him? Nope! “Weird” I say to myself.
Next thing I know the passenger takes out a digital camera and takes a picture of my license plate. We both then pull off like nothing ever happened.
Weird huh?!?!
What’s the PR angle in this story? I have no idea but when one does come up. I sure will blog about it.
I’m just driving doing my own thing. I’m not speaking on the phone and nor am I distracted by music or anything else. I’m in the left lane driving down a relatively quiet street when I hear honking from behind. Instinctively, I take stock of what I’m doing. I’m not exceeding the speed limit. I’m not drifting across lanes. I’m not holding anyone or anything up. I’m simply driving. I continue, thinking nothing of it. 20 seconds or so later, I pull up to a red light and the car that honked pulls up next to me. He’s got a passenger in his vehicle. The passenger rolls down his window and looks at me. Do I recognize him? Nope! “Weird” I say to myself.
Next thing I know the passenger takes out a digital camera and takes a picture of my license plate. We both then pull off like nothing ever happened.
Weird huh?!?!
What’s the PR angle in this story? I have no idea but when one does come up. I sure will blog about it.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
PR for the airline industry - I think so
I think the airline industry could use some PR, (and so could the taxman)
What with all the travelling I do, I’d regard myself as a pretty savvy traveller, so it came as a shock recently when I tried to use my Aeroplan miles to get my wife and I to New York City and back. There were several options, and because we were booking six months ahead of time, awe could choose our departure times from a long list. Problem is this: although the tickets are “free”, then taxes on each ticket between Toronto’s Pearson and New York City’s La Guardia Airports is a staggering $149 per ticket. Yikes!
I then for the fun of it tried to book the same tickets from Buffalo to La Guardia. All in per ticket was $180 Canadian ... and that includes taxes of $21 Canadian per ticket. How can that be, I asked myself?
Simple, as Canadians, we are being taxed to death!
So what’s the PR spin here … Airlines, free is not free. Hardly, and you got to deal with that and communicate that. Sticker-shock is not cool. The taxman – communicate more, let us know in more clear term why you are charging us these high taxes. Be more upfront. After all – that’s the essence of PR!
What with all the travelling I do, I’d regard myself as a pretty savvy traveller, so it came as a shock recently when I tried to use my Aeroplan miles to get my wife and I to New York City and back. There were several options, and because we were booking six months ahead of time, awe could choose our departure times from a long list. Problem is this: although the tickets are “free”, then taxes on each ticket between Toronto’s Pearson and New York City’s La Guardia Airports is a staggering $149 per ticket. Yikes!
I then for the fun of it tried to book the same tickets from Buffalo to La Guardia. All in per ticket was $180 Canadian ... and that includes taxes of $21 Canadian per ticket. How can that be, I asked myself?
Simple, as Canadians, we are being taxed to death!
So what’s the PR spin here … Airlines, free is not free. Hardly, and you got to deal with that and communicate that. Sticker-shock is not cool. The taxman – communicate more, let us know in more clear term why you are charging us these high taxes. Be more upfront. After all – that’s the essence of PR!
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