There’s no doubt that 2011 has been a good but difficult year for the PR industry. On the one hand, it’s harder than ever before to break through the clutter and on the other, when you do break through, you get your fleeting 15 minutes of fame. Blink – and the next wave of news comes down the pipe. But fear not – the coverage whether good or bad, lingers somewhere in the Internet’s archives seemingly for forever. Crazy. I know. But that’s reality.
So, what are my PR predictions for next year? Well … let’s see. And since Google will archive this forever, you can check back next December to see if I had any clue what I was talking about.
1. Time is going to move faster than it has ever moved before. By this I mean, clients and co-workers alike will expect things to be done literally even before they’ve asked for it. Ever been to a Saturday night dinner party or social gathering only to see people continually checking their mobile devices for emails and in the unlikely event there is one, they seem to feel compelled to respond to it within seconds. Now, don’t get me wrong, I get that business moves fast as a result of the global economy spanning every conceivable time zone, but it’s the weekend for G-d’s sake --- there really is no need to respond within seconds.
2. Being good at PR and being good at media relations are two different animals entirely. To be successful, today’s PR pro has to have a broad set of skills, extending far wider than writing a news release well or making some well customized pitches. That’s the easy stuff folks. It’s the basics. You need to understand social media. Your response times need to be faster than greased lightning. You need to be able to write perfectly, (yes, that means without typos) – as well as do the occasional bit of mind-reading.
3. Quality has not gone out of style yet. I am continually amazed by the sloppiness of writing today – and without profiling the younger generation, it would seem like with them, “good enough” is “good enough”. To that I say “good enough” is “bad enough.”
4. Content will continue winning the battle. In retail it’s still “Location, location, location. And in PR, it’s still “Content, content, content.” But not all content is meaningful at all. Wanna be well respected and gain followers? Then don’t tweet “Come in for a nice massage” when trying to promote your client’s wellness studio. Rather write a blog posting about the benefits of holistic massage.
5. Print publications, (especially newspapers) will continue their decline. And this really upsets me a lot. It’s no secret that pretty much every newspaper out there is shrinking as advertisers watch their ad spends more cautiously than ever before. You see, I grew up in the 70’s when the daily newspaper (and two TV channels) was the only gigs in town. I’ve two kids now (14 and 10) and I don’t think either has ever picked up a newspaper. They get everything online, including news that’s relevant to them.
6. The best lie is the truth – aka “Just be transparent”. Just look at the RIM PR nightmare this year surrounding their service outage. It took the bosses days to come out. And that cost them huge goodwill. How much better would have it been for them if they’d come out sooner, gave reality a harsh stare-down and said it like it is. Yup, I do agree that PR is about spin. Always was. Always will be. But transparency is what it’s about today – and social media and its far reaching immediacy help keep everyone honest.
Is this list exhaustive? Hell no! Add your predictions below. And if you think my predictions are a hunk ‘a junk, then tell me – just as long as you are transparent.
Happy new year
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Time Management: Tell me if I am being a crusty curmudgeon
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am seldom, if ever, late. And in the unlikely event that I am late, I’ve called ahead to let them know. After all, my time is no more valuable than anyone else's. The kicker - no matter how rich or poor or important or not one is, time can never be replaced.
I see a dermatologist every six months or so. Her name Lori and she's pretty good. Not to worry, I don't have flesh-eating disease or something bad - but rather an irritating foot condition (my feet are permanently hot) which I like to get checked out. Yesterday was the third time in about 18 months I have seen said doctor.
I recall the first time she was running 20 minutes late, the second time, 30 minutes late. Yesterday I showed up for my 10am appointment at 9:56am and was attended to at 10:54am, a full 54 minutes late. To say I was pissed would have been putting it mildly. (I am not an angry person. Repeat, I am not an angry person). So while I sat waiting and stewing I reflected on the concept of time management and respecting others' time . It's hardly unusual for doctors to run a little late - no-one can predict when an emergency will come up. I get that. On the other hand, I was seeing a dermatologist - not a cardiologist and I would think that dermatologists seldom deal with last minute emergencies or life-and-death situations - but hey, what do I know?
So, while I stewed, I pondered:
1. When the doctor would finally see me, would she apologize for her lateness
2. The reason for her tardiness would be ... "you-fill-in-the blanks"
3. Should I express my anger at my time having essentially being wasted
4. Most importantly ... do I have a right even to be angry?
So 10:54, the doctor finally sees me --- and yes she did apologize for her profound lateness, saying it was a result of computer issues?? Hmm ... anyway, I told her I was pretty angry (my time is valuable too, right?) - and she apologized again. I gracefully accepted same. Moved on. Was examined in 90 seconds flat and then left the doctor's office. No problem. My feet are fine.
But this got me thinking as to the root of my anger ... it's not that the doctor was running late, but rather that I was not contacted about it.
Dunno 'bout you, but if I am running even 5 minutes late for a client, I call or email to let them know. It's common courtesy. No secret either that whether you’re a PR guy or a doctor, being courteous is good for business. My dermatologist is also in business (I presume) - so why would she feel exempted from this courtesy? There are other dermatologists around, no?
When I shared this with my good friend Ernie, his response was "Well buddy, that's why it's called a waiting room. Live with it." My wife believes it is incumbent on me, the patient, to have called in advance to understand the doctor's schedule and ask whether she would be running on time. I disagree.
Have I gotten over my anger? Hell Yeah! Life's too short. Way too short!
But I'd be interested in your opinions. Comment in the space below s'il vous plait. And please, don’t be afraid to tell me that I over-reacted for no good reason - or that I am a crusty curmudgeon. Promise I won't be mad.
I see a dermatologist every six months or so. Her name Lori and she's pretty good. Not to worry, I don't have flesh-eating disease or something bad - but rather an irritating foot condition (my feet are permanently hot) which I like to get checked out. Yesterday was the third time in about 18 months I have seen said doctor.
I recall the first time she was running 20 minutes late, the second time, 30 minutes late. Yesterday I showed up for my 10am appointment at 9:56am and was attended to at 10:54am, a full 54 minutes late. To say I was pissed would have been putting it mildly. (I am not an angry person. Repeat, I am not an angry person). So while I sat waiting and stewing I reflected on the concept of time management and respecting others' time . It's hardly unusual for doctors to run a little late - no-one can predict when an emergency will come up. I get that. On the other hand, I was seeing a dermatologist - not a cardiologist and I would think that dermatologists seldom deal with last minute emergencies or life-and-death situations - but hey, what do I know?
So, while I stewed, I pondered:
1. When the doctor would finally see me, would she apologize for her lateness
2. The reason for her tardiness would be ... "you-fill-in-the blanks"
3. Should I express my anger at my time having essentially being wasted
4. Most importantly ... do I have a right even to be angry?
So 10:54, the doctor finally sees me --- and yes she did apologize for her profound lateness, saying it was a result of computer issues?? Hmm ... anyway, I told her I was pretty angry (my time is valuable too, right?) - and she apologized again. I gracefully accepted same. Moved on. Was examined in 90 seconds flat and then left the doctor's office. No problem. My feet are fine.
But this got me thinking as to the root of my anger ... it's not that the doctor was running late, but rather that I was not contacted about it.
Dunno 'bout you, but if I am running even 5 minutes late for a client, I call or email to let them know. It's common courtesy. No secret either that whether you’re a PR guy or a doctor, being courteous is good for business. My dermatologist is also in business (I presume) - so why would she feel exempted from this courtesy? There are other dermatologists around, no?
When I shared this with my good friend Ernie, his response was "Well buddy, that's why it's called a waiting room. Live with it." My wife believes it is incumbent on me, the patient, to have called in advance to understand the doctor's schedule and ask whether she would be running on time. I disagree.
Have I gotten over my anger? Hell Yeah! Life's too short. Way too short!
But I'd be interested in your opinions. Comment in the space below s'il vous plait. And please, don’t be afraid to tell me that I over-reacted for no good reason - or that I am a crusty curmudgeon. Promise I won't be mad.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
It’s Time To Celebrate Our Differences
You know every year at this time, people seem to be filled with more goodwill than say in July. The year is winding down, new projects are put on hold until the New Year, and people generally seem to be a little nicer to one another. Good.
But the thing that gets my goat is this whole political correctness crap which has gone way too far. It’s now called happy holidays. G-d forbid you wish someone “Happy Christmas” and they’re Jewish. Or “Happy Chanukah”, only to find out they’re Muslim. G_d forbid they’ll get offended. Well, let me tell you something --- I am getting offended with people who get offended over nothing.
Santa Claus has been banned from the Eaton Centre in Toronto (breaking a more than 100-year old tradition) because some people (obviously in the minority) got offended. Ohh, poleeease! Get a life!
You see, at the year end, celebrating our differences is a good thing – and I don’t care what religion you are. Practise your religion. And practise it in peace without foisting it on others. Let me explain a little.
I am Jewish. And I am proudly Jewish. Have been and always will be. I don’t celebrate Christmas, Kwanza or any other year end holiday except Chanukah. And I don’t make a big deal of that. Most people I know, (clients or friends) know that I am Jewish and therefore wish me Happy Chanukah. Fine. And if I am wished Happy Christmas, Happy Kwanza or anything else, I’m grateful, and thank the person for their thoughts, politely saying something like, “Thanks for the wishes. Appreciate that – however I do the Chanukah thing”. And they’re good with that and so am I. We’re all entitled to celebrate what we want. Live and let live.
Do I get offended because they wished me a good holiday that I don’t observe. No – and that’s because I have a brain. A working brain. And I celebrate the fact that I can celebrate Chanukah, while others can celebrate whatever they celebrate at this time of year. It’s simple.
Here in North America, more people celebrate Christmas than any other year end observance combined – so that has tended to be the default – and that makes sense. That’s also why more people wish other people Merry Christmas than anything. Great.
So, if you happen to celebrate say Kwanza and get wished “Happy Chanukah” and get offended, or celebrate Chanukah and get wished “Happy Christmas” or any aforementioned permutation, and you get offended, “Good”. Wallow in your misery alone.
I’ve spent the past 16 years of my life in public and media relations --- so if there’s anyone who knows the art of being politically correct, that would be me – but it’s reached ridiculous levels. Sorry if I am appearing right wing here – but it’s just that I feel this political correctness has gone a little far.
And if there’s anyone out there that wants to wish me Happy “you-fill-in-the-dots” --- I’ll happily say thanks.
Peace! Whatever you celebrate.
But the thing that gets my goat is this whole political correctness crap which has gone way too far. It’s now called happy holidays. G-d forbid you wish someone “Happy Christmas” and they’re Jewish. Or “Happy Chanukah”, only to find out they’re Muslim. G_d forbid they’ll get offended. Well, let me tell you something --- I am getting offended with people who get offended over nothing.
Santa Claus has been banned from the Eaton Centre in Toronto (breaking a more than 100-year old tradition) because some people (obviously in the minority) got offended. Ohh, poleeease! Get a life!
You see, at the year end, celebrating our differences is a good thing – and I don’t care what religion you are. Practise your religion. And practise it in peace without foisting it on others. Let me explain a little.
I am Jewish. And I am proudly Jewish. Have been and always will be. I don’t celebrate Christmas, Kwanza or any other year end holiday except Chanukah. And I don’t make a big deal of that. Most people I know, (clients or friends) know that I am Jewish and therefore wish me Happy Chanukah. Fine. And if I am wished Happy Christmas, Happy Kwanza or anything else, I’m grateful, and thank the person for their thoughts, politely saying something like, “Thanks for the wishes. Appreciate that – however I do the Chanukah thing”. And they’re good with that and so am I. We’re all entitled to celebrate what we want. Live and let live.
Do I get offended because they wished me a good holiday that I don’t observe. No – and that’s because I have a brain. A working brain. And I celebrate the fact that I can celebrate Chanukah, while others can celebrate whatever they celebrate at this time of year. It’s simple.
Here in North America, more people celebrate Christmas than any other year end observance combined – so that has tended to be the default – and that makes sense. That’s also why more people wish other people Merry Christmas than anything. Great.
So, if you happen to celebrate say Kwanza and get wished “Happy Chanukah” and get offended, or celebrate Chanukah and get wished “Happy Christmas” or any aforementioned permutation, and you get offended, “Good”. Wallow in your misery alone.
I’ve spent the past 16 years of my life in public and media relations --- so if there’s anyone who knows the art of being politically correct, that would be me – but it’s reached ridiculous levels. Sorry if I am appearing right wing here – but it’s just that I feel this political correctness has gone a little far.
And if there’s anyone out there that wants to wish me Happy “you-fill-in-the-dots” --- I’ll happily say thanks.
Peace! Whatever you celebrate.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Ve'ahavta - Now Here's A Charity That Get's It!
This past Sunday, I were privileged to go to “Starry Nights 2011”, Ve’ahavta’s Tikun Olam (Repairing the World) Ceremony. I actually volunteered to be a part of the flash mob – and so attended the ceremony and the dessert banquet that followed. Wow!
As a PR and marketing expert, I’ve seen a lot, travelled a lot and done a lot – and without sounding blasé there is not a lot in this world that wows me. It’s just how it is. This event wowed me from the instant it started. And not only did it wow me, but everyone I have spoken to since, was blown away too.
You know, I am always on the lookout when it comes to learning. I find it improves me. Improves me as a father. Improves me as a husband. Improves me as an entrepreneur and improves me as a person. We’ll this event accomplished all of that and more.
Here’s what I learned:
1. Have fun: Face it, there are often times (maybe even most times) where your work is simply not fun. Problem is that seldom does one even try to make it fun. These guys at Ve’ahavta know how to have fun. Fundraising to feed starving (and in many cases homeless people) is neither fun nor glamorous, but the people at Ve’ahavta no doubt are having fun. They make it fun. Everyday. Avrum Rosensweig (the charity’s Peter Frampton-esque President) has this infectious, impish smile that you just cannot not love) – and his infectious happiness travels all the way down to every one of the organization’s employees
2. Be funny and stay funny: This goes hand in hand with having fun. So who does the charity get to be MC for the evening, (just for the record, last year was none other than Sir Bob Geldof --- See my picture with Sir Bob below.), Jian Ghomeshi, host and co-creator of the national daily talk program Q, on CBC Radio. Jian’s of Iranian descent and made no pretence of it. Jian’s also an ardent friend of the Jews – and despite the cultural and political differences between Jews and Iranians (and trust me they are big), he was side-splittingly hilarious. I am talking like off-the-planet hilarious – and everyone played off of this hilarity, making for a light-hearted and fun evening
3. You gotta give to get: Ve’ahavta is a charity – and like pretty much every charity out there, money cannot be flowing. But they so realize you gotta give back to your donors to get them to give – and in today’s dollar-store-mentality economy, when everyone wants champagne at beer prices --- it’s really refreshing. Yeah, Ve’ahavta could have gotten some cheesy food (that may have even be expected), but they didn't. They went all out, hiring Toronto’s finest kosher caterers – and they did it in perfect style. In other words, they went above and beyond. They did the unexpected. And that makes people smile even more
4. Have your staff be your ambassadors: A biggie and sadly is so often ignored. Yeah, so what, I did volunteer for the flash mob – no big deal (50 other people volunteered for it as well) – but I felt special. I really did. And guess what? When you make people feel special, they give a lot more than they would if they did not feel special. No names mentioned, but several of the organization’s staffers came over to me, (including one with THE coolest last name in the world --- you know who you are) introduced herself, said hi and thanked me for my support. And trust me, it’s not like I give thousands of dollars to this cause. They made me feel special, just because. And I like that a lot.
On a side note, it's noteworthy to mention that Petroff Gallery was one of the award sponsors for the evening
Ve’ahavta is a Canadian humanitarian and relief organization, motivated by the Jewish value of Tzedakah (Justice), that assists the needy at home and abroad, through volunteerism, education, and acts of kindness, while building bridges between Jews and other peoples. They’re always looking for volunteers. Call them at (416) 964-7698. Tell them that you want to have fun and give.
Disclosure: Petroff Gallery is a client and I do not have any financial or beneficial interest in Ve’ahavta
As a PR and marketing expert, I’ve seen a lot, travelled a lot and done a lot – and without sounding blasé there is not a lot in this world that wows me. It’s just how it is. This event wowed me from the instant it started. And not only did it wow me, but everyone I have spoken to since, was blown away too.
You know, I am always on the lookout when it comes to learning. I find it improves me. Improves me as a father. Improves me as a husband. Improves me as an entrepreneur and improves me as a person. We’ll this event accomplished all of that and more.
Here’s what I learned:
1. Have fun: Face it, there are often times (maybe even most times) where your work is simply not fun. Problem is that seldom does one even try to make it fun. These guys at Ve’ahavta know how to have fun. Fundraising to feed starving (and in many cases homeless people) is neither fun nor glamorous, but the people at Ve’ahavta no doubt are having fun. They make it fun. Everyday. Avrum Rosensweig (the charity’s Peter Frampton-esque President) has this infectious, impish smile that you just cannot not love) – and his infectious happiness travels all the way down to every one of the organization’s employees
2. Be funny and stay funny: This goes hand in hand with having fun. So who does the charity get to be MC for the evening, (just for the record, last year was none other than Sir Bob Geldof --- See my picture with Sir Bob below.), Jian Ghomeshi, host and co-creator of the national daily talk program Q, on CBC Radio. Jian’s of Iranian descent and made no pretence of it. Jian’s also an ardent friend of the Jews – and despite the cultural and political differences between Jews and Iranians (and trust me they are big), he was side-splittingly hilarious. I am talking like off-the-planet hilarious – and everyone played off of this hilarity, making for a light-hearted and fun evening
3. You gotta give to get: Ve’ahavta is a charity – and like pretty much every charity out there, money cannot be flowing. But they so realize you gotta give back to your donors to get them to give – and in today’s dollar-store-mentality economy, when everyone wants champagne at beer prices --- it’s really refreshing. Yeah, Ve’ahavta could have gotten some cheesy food (that may have even be expected), but they didn't. They went all out, hiring Toronto’s finest kosher caterers – and they did it in perfect style. In other words, they went above and beyond. They did the unexpected. And that makes people smile even more
4. Have your staff be your ambassadors: A biggie and sadly is so often ignored. Yeah, so what, I did volunteer for the flash mob – no big deal (50 other people volunteered for it as well) – but I felt special. I really did. And guess what? When you make people feel special, they give a lot more than they would if they did not feel special. No names mentioned, but several of the organization’s staffers came over to me, (including one with THE coolest last name in the world --- you know who you are) introduced herself, said hi and thanked me for my support. And trust me, it’s not like I give thousands of dollars to this cause. They made me feel special, just because. And I like that a lot.
On a side note, it's noteworthy to mention that Petroff Gallery was one of the award sponsors for the evening
Ve’ahavta is a Canadian humanitarian and relief organization, motivated by the Jewish value of Tzedakah (Justice), that assists the needy at home and abroad, through volunteerism, education, and acts of kindness, while building bridges between Jews and other peoples. They’re always looking for volunteers. Call them at (416) 964-7698. Tell them that you want to have fun and give.
Disclosure: Petroff Gallery is a client and I do not have any financial or beneficial interest in Ve’ahavta
Thursday, December 1, 2011
My Bad Dining Experience (Part 2)
Based on the number of emails and phone calls I have received since my posting headed “My Bad Dining Experience” of November 10, 2011, it’s clear that I ruffled more than a few feathers in Toronto’s Jewish kosher community. I ruffled many feathers – and that’s actually a good thing. I had many people ask me the place’s name. I even had one restaurateur vehemently deny that said review was of his establishment (and trust me, it was not).
Poll 100 or 1000 kosher eaters in the greater Toronto area, and pretty much all of them say the same thing … “Toronto’s kosher restaurants are generally pretty lousy and overpriced.” Clearly, kosher restaurants don’t really have good reputations – and since I am in the business of reputation and its management, I watch for these things.
Observant Jews (for the most part) feel that because they have to eat kosher, and don’t have a choice, that kosher restaurants are in great positions to take advantage of this. True or not, let me state a few things (before I get my ass totally kicked) for the record over here:
1. This does not mean that ALL kosher restaurants are lousy and overpriced
2. This is subjective. In other words what one person may think is lousy and overpriced another would think is neither lousy nor overpriced, ie. We all have our own opinions
3. I have no axe to grind or hidden agenda with any restaurant – kosher or not
4. I am not on anyone’s payroll, nor am I interested in being on anyone's payroll – I blog for the fun of it
Within minutes of me posting my blog of November 10, I got calls and emails asking which restaurant it was – and a few people even telling me (with 100 percent certainty, at least in their own mind) which restaurant it was (as if they knew???). Well, all these people were wrong. For the purposes of the piece, the restaurant’s name is irrelevant. My experience there is what was relevant – and even then, that is subjective. I have no issue if you don’t trust my culinary judgement.
One thing that I would like to point out though is the correspondence I got from a certain very vocal member of the community though – and I really, really appreciate the interest she has showed, trying to come to the defence of the few places in Toronto that could have been said restaurant. (Let’s call her Ms. X). Anyway, this afternoon, she kindly sent me a picture of the supposedly said restaurant , and I will say it does look lovely. It looks bright, vibrant and fun – my kind of place. Moreover, in her email to me, she mentioned the following, “… Light, bright, and scrumptious. The burger special. $6.99 for half pounder (7 ounces) or Combo fries and pop $8.99. Great deal delicious or quarter pounder $2.99 combo fries and pop $5.99.”
In my posting I did say that I would give the place a second chance. Will I? Hell yeah! Just as soon as I can get there, I will.
So, looking back – what can I conclude:
1. Ms X is on the ball, expressed dismay when I wrote the initial review and has followed up with me a few times. She challenged me professionally a little (and I like that). I’ll bet that in her profession Ms. X is equally on the ball
2. Kosher food is a big business – and it’s dismaying to see the generally short lives of Toronto’s kosher establishments. Just last night I heard that one of Toronto’s oldest kosher restaurants is shutting down. Not good at all. That news makes me sad
3. Kosher restaurant owners, whether you’re in Toronto or not --- listen up --- seems that your reputations are not great --- again, generally speaking. I am not a restaurateur or a restaurant critic, but you may want to focus on delivering great food, great service and charging fairly. And yes, reputation management is important – after all in my biz we say, “Perception is reality” Yup, these are not new concepts, but as a foodie (friendly with other foodies) you may want to take extra special heed
Umm – just sayin;
Oh and Ms. X – thanks for your interest
Poll 100 or 1000 kosher eaters in the greater Toronto area, and pretty much all of them say the same thing … “Toronto’s kosher restaurants are generally pretty lousy and overpriced.” Clearly, kosher restaurants don’t really have good reputations – and since I am in the business of reputation and its management, I watch for these things.
Observant Jews (for the most part) feel that because they have to eat kosher, and don’t have a choice, that kosher restaurants are in great positions to take advantage of this. True or not, let me state a few things (before I get my ass totally kicked) for the record over here:
1. This does not mean that ALL kosher restaurants are lousy and overpriced
2. This is subjective. In other words what one person may think is lousy and overpriced another would think is neither lousy nor overpriced, ie. We all have our own opinions
3. I have no axe to grind or hidden agenda with any restaurant – kosher or not
4. I am not on anyone’s payroll, nor am I interested in being on anyone's payroll – I blog for the fun of it
Within minutes of me posting my blog of November 10, I got calls and emails asking which restaurant it was – and a few people even telling me (with 100 percent certainty, at least in their own mind) which restaurant it was (as if they knew???). Well, all these people were wrong. For the purposes of the piece, the restaurant’s name is irrelevant. My experience there is what was relevant – and even then, that is subjective. I have no issue if you don’t trust my culinary judgement.
One thing that I would like to point out though is the correspondence I got from a certain very vocal member of the community though – and I really, really appreciate the interest she has showed, trying to come to the defence of the few places in Toronto that could have been said restaurant. (Let’s call her Ms. X). Anyway, this afternoon, she kindly sent me a picture of the supposedly said restaurant , and I will say it does look lovely. It looks bright, vibrant and fun – my kind of place. Moreover, in her email to me, she mentioned the following, “… Light, bright, and scrumptious. The burger special. $6.99 for half pounder (7 ounces) or Combo fries and pop $8.99. Great deal delicious or quarter pounder $2.99 combo fries and pop $5.99.”
In my posting I did say that I would give the place a second chance. Will I? Hell yeah! Just as soon as I can get there, I will.
So, looking back – what can I conclude:
1. Ms X is on the ball, expressed dismay when I wrote the initial review and has followed up with me a few times. She challenged me professionally a little (and I like that). I’ll bet that in her profession Ms. X is equally on the ball
2. Kosher food is a big business – and it’s dismaying to see the generally short lives of Toronto’s kosher establishments. Just last night I heard that one of Toronto’s oldest kosher restaurants is shutting down. Not good at all. That news makes me sad
3. Kosher restaurant owners, whether you’re in Toronto or not --- listen up --- seems that your reputations are not great --- again, generally speaking. I am not a restaurateur or a restaurant critic, but you may want to focus on delivering great food, great service and charging fairly. And yes, reputation management is important – after all in my biz we say, “Perception is reality” Yup, these are not new concepts, but as a foodie (friendly with other foodies) you may want to take extra special heed
Umm – just sayin;
Oh and Ms. X – thanks for your interest
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Value of Changing It Up
You know, in my business there is lots to be said for the concept of “changing it up”, and since I am writing about this right now, there is a good chance that I have not been as diligent as I could have been in “changing it up” over the past few months – and if that were not enough, there are two stories that support this.
What am I going to do from today onwards? Change it up more often!
Thursday nights I play a friendly game of poker. One of my buddies wins way more than he loses. Winning consistently is not luck at all. It has to be skill. His skill. Period. And the rest of us are not bad players to boot. Let’s call my buddy, Mr. A (actually his first name does begin with A). Anyway, I folded a certain hand. There were three other players in on the action. Long story short, Mr. A. won the hand – a considerable amount of money. As he was scooping up the pot he purposely turned over his hole cards only to reveal that not only would he have not won the hand, had be been called, but he would have come stone last. Yup – stone last. Mr. A had nothing. No question Mr. A had pulled off a great bluff (the only one with the guts to have done so). And good for him! One of the other guys asked him how he did it – to which he replied “You gotta keep on changing it up buddy!”
Lesson learned. Thanks Mr. A.
Friday night dinner is always a little tricky in our house. You see, we’re Jewish and its our Sabbath (Shabbat). I like to sing a Sabbath Song or two. It’s good for my heart and it’s good for my soul. My wife? Not so much. My two kids (14 and 10 years old)? They’re indifferent at best to singing. Reaching a happy medium is not easy. It’s a struggle for sure. So I sing a Sabbath song called Shalom Aleichem. You’re supposed to sing it three times, but since I encounter opposition, I always do it just once. (I guess once is better than nothing at all). So last Friday night (without giving anyone in my family advance notice), I sang it three times (like you’re supposed to sing it), far faster than usual. In other words, for the first time ever, I sang it three times in more or less the same amount of time that it took for me to sing it once. The meal was not delayed, not even for a second. Wife wryly looked at kids, who glared at me who glared at her who glared at the kids, who cracked up at me, who cracked up at her who cracked up at all of us. In other words, we all cracked up laughing --- not exactly bad for family cohesion. What a hoot! Yeah, it means that we all love each other, but as importantly, look at what I had accomplished by simply changing it up.
Lesson learned. Thanks Karen, Jason and Amanda.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Sometimes try the following”
1. Drive a different route to or from work
2. Listen to music that you would never usually listen to
3. Call an old friend, “just because”
4. Attack an old issue a completely different way
5. Do something differently for a client
6. Surprise someone by a random act of kindness
It’s good for business. It’s good for the soul and it’s good for the world.
What am I going to do from today onwards? Change it up more often!
Thursday nights I play a friendly game of poker. One of my buddies wins way more than he loses. Winning consistently is not luck at all. It has to be skill. His skill. Period. And the rest of us are not bad players to boot. Let’s call my buddy, Mr. A (actually his first name does begin with A). Anyway, I folded a certain hand. There were three other players in on the action. Long story short, Mr. A. won the hand – a considerable amount of money. As he was scooping up the pot he purposely turned over his hole cards only to reveal that not only would he have not won the hand, had be been called, but he would have come stone last. Yup – stone last. Mr. A had nothing. No question Mr. A had pulled off a great bluff (the only one with the guts to have done so). And good for him! One of the other guys asked him how he did it – to which he replied “You gotta keep on changing it up buddy!”
Lesson learned. Thanks Mr. A.
Friday night dinner is always a little tricky in our house. You see, we’re Jewish and its our Sabbath (Shabbat). I like to sing a Sabbath Song or two. It’s good for my heart and it’s good for my soul. My wife? Not so much. My two kids (14 and 10 years old)? They’re indifferent at best to singing. Reaching a happy medium is not easy. It’s a struggle for sure. So I sing a Sabbath song called Shalom Aleichem. You’re supposed to sing it three times, but since I encounter opposition, I always do it just once. (I guess once is better than nothing at all). So last Friday night (without giving anyone in my family advance notice), I sang it three times (like you’re supposed to sing it), far faster than usual. In other words, for the first time ever, I sang it three times in more or less the same amount of time that it took for me to sing it once. The meal was not delayed, not even for a second. Wife wryly looked at kids, who glared at me who glared at her who glared at the kids, who cracked up at me, who cracked up at her who cracked up at all of us. In other words, we all cracked up laughing --- not exactly bad for family cohesion. What a hoot! Yeah, it means that we all love each other, but as importantly, look at what I had accomplished by simply changing it up.
Lesson learned. Thanks Karen, Jason and Amanda.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Sometimes try the following”
1. Drive a different route to or from work
2. Listen to music that you would never usually listen to
3. Call an old friend, “just because”
4. Attack an old issue a completely different way
5. Do something differently for a client
6. Surprise someone by a random act of kindness
It’s good for business. It’s good for the soul and it’s good for the world.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Workplace Blunders Continue
In today’s crazy and high-pressured work environment, it’s clear that sometimes odd blunders still continue.
What about your colleague who trims his nose hairs at his desk when he thinks no-one is looking? Or your co-worker who sneezed in his boss’ coffee cup. What about buddy over there who sometimes eats other people’s food from the fridge? Well, these innocent (and in some cases not-so-innocent) blunders happen all the time according to a recent survey by Robert Half International, the world’s first and largest specialized accounting firm. The company, whose Canadian operations are headquartered in Toronto, have several short videos along with advice on how to avoid common office faux pas. They can be seen at www.roberthalf.ca/dont-let-this-happen-to-you.
“Silly office blunders happen all the time today and some of them are actually quite funny,” says Bridget Carter, Principal of Sapphire Consulting, a Toronto-based HR Consultancy. “I don’t see many of them myself, but I hear about them. High stress levels in the workplace definitely play a role in office blunders’ occurrences.”
While Robert Half International commissioned the survey, it was conducted by an independent research firm. The survey’s results were based on interviews with more than 430 workers, 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments worldwide.
The survey revealed all sorts of wacky things like people falling asleep at their desks, workers hanging up on conference calls when they did not get their way or even the employee who mistakenly thought he put a customer on hold and then used inappropriate language within earshot.
“People will continue to do crazy things in the workplace,” said Mike Gooley, a regional Vice President of Robert Half International. “And as the use of technology proliferates and stress levels rise, we will likely see more wacky things – that’s human nature.”
The use of technology definitely plays a large role today – making it sometimes easier to blunder. Ever hit the forward button on an email when you meant to hit the reply button? Ever inadvertently sent an email to the wrong person? We all have. We’re human after all! And the results can be downright embarrassing if not catastrophic.
Here’s some basic tips to help you steer clear of faux pas at work:
• Keep it PG-rated – Off color comments, racy language or politically incorrect jokes are a no-no. Wondering if you should say something or not? Stop right there! That’s your internal voice telling you to zip it. Play it safe and watch your words.
• Keep your dirty laundry to yourself – Criticizing your co-workers, gossiping or ranting about your boss’ expensive vacation while the company is announcing salary cuts is sure to get you into hot water. Zip it.
• Leave the tweezers at home - It’s called personal care for a reason. Groom yourself at home, or at least in the restroom. You want to win over - not gross out - your fellow employees.
• Take a breather – Although situations may irritate you, take a minute before raising your voice or even worse, firing an email missive that you’ll regret later.
What to do if you blunder? “Well,” added Gooley. “Be honest and fess up. Honesty is the best policy. The optimal thing is to say a genuine and sincere apology to those you offended. By doing that you’re showing you’ll make an honest effort not to blunder again – and then don’t make the same mistake twice.”
What about your colleague who trims his nose hairs at his desk when he thinks no-one is looking? Or your co-worker who sneezed in his boss’ coffee cup. What about buddy over there who sometimes eats other people’s food from the fridge? Well, these innocent (and in some cases not-so-innocent) blunders happen all the time according to a recent survey by Robert Half International, the world’s first and largest specialized accounting firm. The company, whose Canadian operations are headquartered in Toronto, have several short videos along with advice on how to avoid common office faux pas. They can be seen at www.roberthalf.ca/dont-let-this-happen-to-you.
“Silly office blunders happen all the time today and some of them are actually quite funny,” says Bridget Carter, Principal of Sapphire Consulting, a Toronto-based HR Consultancy. “I don’t see many of them myself, but I hear about them. High stress levels in the workplace definitely play a role in office blunders’ occurrences.”
While Robert Half International commissioned the survey, it was conducted by an independent research firm. The survey’s results were based on interviews with more than 430 workers, 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments worldwide.
The survey revealed all sorts of wacky things like people falling asleep at their desks, workers hanging up on conference calls when they did not get their way or even the employee who mistakenly thought he put a customer on hold and then used inappropriate language within earshot.
“People will continue to do crazy things in the workplace,” said Mike Gooley, a regional Vice President of Robert Half International. “And as the use of technology proliferates and stress levels rise, we will likely see more wacky things – that’s human nature.”
The use of technology definitely plays a large role today – making it sometimes easier to blunder. Ever hit the forward button on an email when you meant to hit the reply button? Ever inadvertently sent an email to the wrong person? We all have. We’re human after all! And the results can be downright embarrassing if not catastrophic.
Here’s some basic tips to help you steer clear of faux pas at work:
• Keep it PG-rated – Off color comments, racy language or politically incorrect jokes are a no-no. Wondering if you should say something or not? Stop right there! That’s your internal voice telling you to zip it. Play it safe and watch your words.
• Keep your dirty laundry to yourself – Criticizing your co-workers, gossiping or ranting about your boss’ expensive vacation while the company is announcing salary cuts is sure to get you into hot water. Zip it.
• Leave the tweezers at home - It’s called personal care for a reason. Groom yourself at home, or at least in the restroom. You want to win over - not gross out - your fellow employees.
• Take a breather – Although situations may irritate you, take a minute before raising your voice or even worse, firing an email missive that you’ll regret later.
What to do if you blunder? “Well,” added Gooley. “Be honest and fess up. Honesty is the best policy. The optimal thing is to say a genuine and sincere apology to those you offended. By doing that you’re showing you’ll make an honest effort not to blunder again – and then don’t make the same mistake twice.”
Monday, November 14, 2011
Dr. Laffa --- Wow!!! Israeli Style!!!
Based on some emails this morning, it seems like my blog posting of last week ruffled more than a few feathers in Toronto’s kosher community. And that’s just fine with me. Bottom line is that it’s my blog – and that’s the end of that. I’ve had numerous people calling and emailing me for more information, as to which place it was. Mum’s the word folks. I’m not a mean guy, and as much as I never want to disparage, I always aim to be honest.
On an entirely different, (and more positive note) , I had the pleasure of being taken to one of Toronto’s newest kosher restaurants, by my good friend Russel, last week. It’s called Dr. Laffa and is on Magnetic Drive in North York. Everything about it was delicious. I’m not going to comment as much about the food (some of the names I struggle to pronounce), but as a marketing specialist, here’s what I saw them applying to my dining experience
1. Keep things authentic – it helps if you find your niche. It’s patently obvious that the place is owned by Israelies. Everyone knows that. So what does the smart restaurant do? It employs mainly Israelis, who not only speak the lingo, but they look Israeli too. So much so, that if I shut my eyes, I could have been at a schwarma restaurant anywhere in Israel. I like that a lot. The Israeli mentality not only adds flavour to the joint, but it also seemed to add flavour to the food. In PR --- don’t just do what the others do. Do something different. Someone who understands that well is my buddy Joe Jaffe (http://www.jaffejuice.com/) . He’s different. He wears funky socks to work. To clients. Everywhere. And that’s his trademark. Cute! And Joe knows how to leverage it too. Smart.
2. Keep things moving – a minute or so after we sat down, we had Laffa’s delivered to our table with an array of salads. A minute later came our drinks. Then a little later came more salads (we did not even have to ask for more). Then our drinks were refilled. Then our main course arrived … you get the picture here. While the server certainly did not hover, she knew where she had to be and when. In PR, it’s important to always let your client know you’re there – and when you’re not there, to let them know where you are and how you can be reached. It’s also sometimes just calling your client to say hi. Nothing more. Nothing less.
3. Make sure your customers are satiated – would the average person rather spend cheap and get crap, or spent a little more and get quality? The latter wins every time. And Dr. Laffa knows this. While their prices are reasonable/ average, they make sure you leave full – something everyone wants. They’re not giving bargains like $2.99 burgers or $3.99 schwarma’s – that would be awful. There is little worse that feeling underwhelmed, whether it’s a mediocre lunch or a news release that lacks teeth. Underwhelmed is never good. Lesson well learned: Make sure you understand what your customer wants and then give them that. In spades. Everytime.
4. Be Happy – I sure has hell don’t know what my server drank or smoked the night before, but I want some of that. Seriously. She was happy to see us. She was happy to help us. She was happy to listen to us and she was even happy when we left, wishing us “Shabbat shalom”. Happy is contagious – not only did I leave there satiated, I left there happy too.
Wanna go there this Friday for lunch? Hit me up! I am ready, willing and able
On an entirely different, (and more positive note) , I had the pleasure of being taken to one of Toronto’s newest kosher restaurants, by my good friend Russel, last week. It’s called Dr. Laffa and is on Magnetic Drive in North York. Everything about it was delicious. I’m not going to comment as much about the food (some of the names I struggle to pronounce), but as a marketing specialist, here’s what I saw them applying to my dining experience
1. Keep things authentic – it helps if you find your niche. It’s patently obvious that the place is owned by Israelies. Everyone knows that. So what does the smart restaurant do? It employs mainly Israelis, who not only speak the lingo, but they look Israeli too. So much so, that if I shut my eyes, I could have been at a schwarma restaurant anywhere in Israel. I like that a lot. The Israeli mentality not only adds flavour to the joint, but it also seemed to add flavour to the food. In PR --- don’t just do what the others do. Do something different. Someone who understands that well is my buddy Joe Jaffe (http://www.jaffejuice.com/) . He’s different. He wears funky socks to work. To clients. Everywhere. And that’s his trademark. Cute! And Joe knows how to leverage it too. Smart.
2. Keep things moving – a minute or so after we sat down, we had Laffa’s delivered to our table with an array of salads. A minute later came our drinks. Then a little later came more salads (we did not even have to ask for more). Then our drinks were refilled. Then our main course arrived … you get the picture here. While the server certainly did not hover, she knew where she had to be and when. In PR, it’s important to always let your client know you’re there – and when you’re not there, to let them know where you are and how you can be reached. It’s also sometimes just calling your client to say hi. Nothing more. Nothing less.
3. Make sure your customers are satiated – would the average person rather spend cheap and get crap, or spent a little more and get quality? The latter wins every time. And Dr. Laffa knows this. While their prices are reasonable/ average, they make sure you leave full – something everyone wants. They’re not giving bargains like $2.99 burgers or $3.99 schwarma’s – that would be awful. There is little worse that feeling underwhelmed, whether it’s a mediocre lunch or a news release that lacks teeth. Underwhelmed is never good. Lesson well learned: Make sure you understand what your customer wants and then give them that. In spades. Everytime.
4. Be Happy – I sure has hell don’t know what my server drank or smoked the night before, but I want some of that. Seriously. She was happy to see us. She was happy to help us. She was happy to listen to us and she was even happy when we left, wishing us “Shabbat shalom”. Happy is contagious – not only did I leave there satiated, I left there happy too.
Wanna go there this Friday for lunch? Hit me up! I am ready, willing and able
Thursday, November 10, 2011
My Bad Dining Experience
So today, I probably had one of my worst dining experiences in recent memory. It was at a kosher hamburger place. Location undisclosed. And for those of you who know me, I am one of the most un-fussy eaters of all time. If I say an experience was bad, then it was really bad - trust me. So I thought I would relate my experience there in terms of my expertise – PR.
1. Light is important --- it sets the mood: When I first walked into the restaurant, despite it being sunny outside, it was dim inside. This is a fast food joint after all – not a steakhouse where romantics snuggle while enjoying steak avec frites. This is a burger joint for G_d’s sake. Make it light and cheerful. Darkness is melancholia – and no-one wants to be melancholy while eating a burger and fries. In PR, darkness is confusion. Lightness is clarity – and we all prefer to communicate (and eat) with clarity
2. Train your people and train them well: I was offered some fresh cut tomato slices on my burger. Nothing special. But when the lady building my burger asked the cashier whether the tomato slices should be put on the top or the bottom half of the bun, I almost did a back-flip. Perhaps it was her first day on the job - but to ask such a stupid question (in front of a customer no less) was just plain --- well stupider than stupid. In as much as you don’t ask an untrained rookie to write a news release on their first day on the job, don’t put a rookie on the front line assembling burgers for all your customers to notice some rank ignorance.
3. People don’t like the cold: So now my burger had been built and paid for. I am ready to take my first bite. Yuck. What was that cold thing I just bit into? It was the cold bun – silly me. What would possess a burger joint to serve a just out-of-the-fridge burger bun without so much as heating it? This folks is a no-brainer. Heat it up. Or at least bring it to room temperature before serving.
4. Smile: Another cardinal rule broken by both people behind the counter in today’s burger joint. Now ladies, perhaps you aren’t happy. I get that. I also have my shitty days, but never, ever, ever let your clients know that you’re unhappy. There is nothing less welcoming than being greeted by people you know wish they were not doing what they are doing. And it’s even more important to smile when you are having a shitty day than when you are having a good day. Not only does smiling make you feel better, but it also is good for business.
5. Say thanks: Without one’s customers or clients, you’re out of business. Economics 101. Yet from the instant I walked into the store until the instant I walked out there store, not only did I not see a smile, I did not hear a thanks either. And not only is that bad manners – it’s bad business too. I’d never dream of not thanking a client, no matter how much they spend and no matter what they asked for … so why was I never thanked?
6. Keep things in proportion: I’d ordered a quarter pounder burger. Fine. But it was served on a bun that could have housed a three quarter pound patty at least. Know one of the most unattractive meals you can have? A tiny looking patty in a massive-looking bun. And the same goes for PR … Keep everything in proportion. Oh, yes, perception is also reality.
In the interests of being a good corporate citizen, I’m not mentioning the name of the burger place, but I just hope they see this posting and improve. I also believe in giving second chances … will I go back? Hell yeah!
Peace!
1. Light is important --- it sets the mood: When I first walked into the restaurant, despite it being sunny outside, it was dim inside. This is a fast food joint after all – not a steakhouse where romantics snuggle while enjoying steak avec frites. This is a burger joint for G_d’s sake. Make it light and cheerful. Darkness is melancholia – and no-one wants to be melancholy while eating a burger and fries. In PR, darkness is confusion. Lightness is clarity – and we all prefer to communicate (and eat) with clarity
2. Train your people and train them well: I was offered some fresh cut tomato slices on my burger. Nothing special. But when the lady building my burger asked the cashier whether the tomato slices should be put on the top or the bottom half of the bun, I almost did a back-flip. Perhaps it was her first day on the job - but to ask such a stupid question (in front of a customer no less) was just plain --- well stupider than stupid. In as much as you don’t ask an untrained rookie to write a news release on their first day on the job, don’t put a rookie on the front line assembling burgers for all your customers to notice some rank ignorance.
3. People don’t like the cold: So now my burger had been built and paid for. I am ready to take my first bite. Yuck. What was that cold thing I just bit into? It was the cold bun – silly me. What would possess a burger joint to serve a just out-of-the-fridge burger bun without so much as heating it? This folks is a no-brainer. Heat it up. Or at least bring it to room temperature before serving.
4. Smile: Another cardinal rule broken by both people behind the counter in today’s burger joint. Now ladies, perhaps you aren’t happy. I get that. I also have my shitty days, but never, ever, ever let your clients know that you’re unhappy. There is nothing less welcoming than being greeted by people you know wish they were not doing what they are doing. And it’s even more important to smile when you are having a shitty day than when you are having a good day. Not only does smiling make you feel better, but it also is good for business.
5. Say thanks: Without one’s customers or clients, you’re out of business. Economics 101. Yet from the instant I walked into the store until the instant I walked out there store, not only did I not see a smile, I did not hear a thanks either. And not only is that bad manners – it’s bad business too. I’d never dream of not thanking a client, no matter how much they spend and no matter what they asked for … so why was I never thanked?
6. Keep things in proportion: I’d ordered a quarter pounder burger. Fine. But it was served on a bun that could have housed a three quarter pound patty at least. Know one of the most unattractive meals you can have? A tiny looking patty in a massive-looking bun. And the same goes for PR … Keep everything in proportion. Oh, yes, perception is also reality.
In the interests of being a good corporate citizen, I’m not mentioning the name of the burger place, but I just hope they see this posting and improve. I also believe in giving second chances … will I go back? Hell yeah!
Peace!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Want to be a mensch and still make money?
I just wanted to talk briefly of the importance of being a gentleman (or a mensch, as it’s referred to in Yiddish) in business, and dispelling the myth that being a mensch and making lots of money are mutually exclusive.
Seems to me sometimes that it’s often a case of good old-fashioned greed running amuck – and that’s really bad, I am afraid to say.
Want to be a mensch, and still make money? Then here’s a few things to bear in mind:
1. Always take a meeting request, unless the requestor is rude, arrogant and unreliable: Should be a no-brainer, but alas this cardinal rule is often ignored. We all have something to learn from everyone else – and you just never know where and how you may gain your next piece of intelligence
2. Never, ever forget to return a phone call or an email: Same as 1. above, not matter how rich and famous you think you are, return all phone calls promptly. If nothing else, you’re doing the right thing – and doing the right thing is as important, (if not more so), than making money
3. Always, always, always stay in touch: It never ceases to amaze me of the business I win by just staying in touch with people. It’s easy to stay in touch with someone when you can smell business or are on the brink of a deal. Staying in touch before the deal is made is easy. What happens if you did not win the deal? Not as easy staying in touch then huh? Well, I do – and as I said, it’s happened several times in the past 15 years, that I won the business after I had lost it to someone else (who made lofty promises that were broken), just because I stayed in touch
4. Do what you say: Another “gotcha” – doing what you say may sound hard and for sure sometimes is. Try it! You’ll gain credibility big time … and it’s easy since I’ve heard horror story after horror story of people doing one thing and saying another. It’s simple, “If you say it, then do it”. I’ve been pitching some new business for the past few weeks. Last week the potential client said he’d call me back today. And I thought “Yeah right”. We’ll guess what? He called me when he said he would, and although I did not win the business, he did what he said. It took him no more than 3 minutes to make the call. And I appreciated it. Will I say in touch? “Hell Yeah”
5. Finally, don’t hide half truths: They say the truth hurts. I say, “Concealing a fact is tantamount to telling a lie”. It’s all about straight talk – and that’s where I will leave it for today.
Some say you can be a mensch. Others say you can make money. I say, “You can be a mensch and still make money”– I know that to be true – and I have 20 years of work wealth and being a mensch behind me to prove that.
Cheers
Seems to me sometimes that it’s often a case of good old-fashioned greed running amuck – and that’s really bad, I am afraid to say.
Want to be a mensch, and still make money? Then here’s a few things to bear in mind:
1. Always take a meeting request, unless the requestor is rude, arrogant and unreliable: Should be a no-brainer, but alas this cardinal rule is often ignored. We all have something to learn from everyone else – and you just never know where and how you may gain your next piece of intelligence
2. Never, ever forget to return a phone call or an email: Same as 1. above, not matter how rich and famous you think you are, return all phone calls promptly. If nothing else, you’re doing the right thing – and doing the right thing is as important, (if not more so), than making money
3. Always, always, always stay in touch: It never ceases to amaze me of the business I win by just staying in touch with people. It’s easy to stay in touch with someone when you can smell business or are on the brink of a deal. Staying in touch before the deal is made is easy. What happens if you did not win the deal? Not as easy staying in touch then huh? Well, I do – and as I said, it’s happened several times in the past 15 years, that I won the business after I had lost it to someone else (who made lofty promises that were broken), just because I stayed in touch
4. Do what you say: Another “gotcha” – doing what you say may sound hard and for sure sometimes is. Try it! You’ll gain credibility big time … and it’s easy since I’ve heard horror story after horror story of people doing one thing and saying another. It’s simple, “If you say it, then do it”. I’ve been pitching some new business for the past few weeks. Last week the potential client said he’d call me back today. And I thought “Yeah right”. We’ll guess what? He called me when he said he would, and although I did not win the business, he did what he said. It took him no more than 3 minutes to make the call. And I appreciated it. Will I say in touch? “Hell Yeah”
5. Finally, don’t hide half truths: They say the truth hurts. I say, “Concealing a fact is tantamount to telling a lie”. It’s all about straight talk – and that’s where I will leave it for today.
Some say you can be a mensch. Others say you can make money. I say, “You can be a mensch and still make money”– I know that to be true – and I have 20 years of work wealth and being a mensch behind me to prove that.
Cheers
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Dear Blog - I am sorry
Dear Blog,
I am sorry that I have not written on you over the past few months. The truth of the matter is that I just have not felt like it, on top of the fact that I have been really busy. Anyway, no excuse is a good one --- but suffice it to say that I am sorry.’
So, what’s been happening the past few months --- well, actually a lot --- a hell of a lot
1. Both kids have been at sleep away camp for the past 4 weeks. Amanda comes home tomorrow and Jason will be back in 2 weeks. It’s been strangely quiet without them – and I am wondering if this is a good or a bad thing.
2. I was fortunate enough to see U2 in Toronto a couple of weeks ago … wow. These guys still have it. We were on the floor at the Rogers Centre. The weather was perfect and the Irish lads were in fine form. Also to note was that the weather was picture perfect … it was quite the sight, watching the sun set with the CN Tower in the background, all offset by U2’s very imposing stage set
3. Hmm … my fitness. As I mentioned dear blog, I have been running very hard – and as a result, I have not been working out as often as I should be. I promise I will be more diligent. Working out makes me feel so much better in every way
4. Karen and I went to Mexico (Cancun to be precise) and we had an awesome time. A day or so into our vacation, we met some awesome people (Kay and Lizzy from Scotland, Kristin and Kerri from Vegas as well as Mike, Goldie, Cory and Ryan from Atlanta --- and we all hit it off immediately. Now that I look back – it is amazing how profoundly each of these special people affected our vacation (in positive ways. Since I get sort of bashful when writing on my blog, I will spare the details – but suffice it to say – we had an awesome time.
5. The summer … well, now that the summer is in full swing --- I can see the end of it … and it ends in a month … bah humbug
So, dear blog, it’s almost midnight – time for bed. Another day,
Love,
John.
I am sorry that I have not written on you over the past few months. The truth of the matter is that I just have not felt like it, on top of the fact that I have been really busy. Anyway, no excuse is a good one --- but suffice it to say that I am sorry.’
So, what’s been happening the past few months --- well, actually a lot --- a hell of a lot
1. Both kids have been at sleep away camp for the past 4 weeks. Amanda comes home tomorrow and Jason will be back in 2 weeks. It’s been strangely quiet without them – and I am wondering if this is a good or a bad thing.
2. I was fortunate enough to see U2 in Toronto a couple of weeks ago … wow. These guys still have it. We were on the floor at the Rogers Centre. The weather was perfect and the Irish lads were in fine form. Also to note was that the weather was picture perfect … it was quite the sight, watching the sun set with the CN Tower in the background, all offset by U2’s very imposing stage set
3. Hmm … my fitness. As I mentioned dear blog, I have been running very hard – and as a result, I have not been working out as often as I should be. I promise I will be more diligent. Working out makes me feel so much better in every way
4. Karen and I went to Mexico (Cancun to be precise) and we had an awesome time. A day or so into our vacation, we met some awesome people (Kay and Lizzy from Scotland, Kristin and Kerri from Vegas as well as Mike, Goldie, Cory and Ryan from Atlanta --- and we all hit it off immediately. Now that I look back – it is amazing how profoundly each of these special people affected our vacation (in positive ways. Since I get sort of bashful when writing on my blog, I will spare the details – but suffice it to say – we had an awesome time.
5. The summer … well, now that the summer is in full swing --- I can see the end of it … and it ends in a month … bah humbug
So, dear blog, it’s almost midnight – time for bed. Another day,
Love,
John.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Tech - don't you hate it?
As I sat down at Starbucks this morning, my mobile rang. It was one of my kids' friends' moms. (Let's call her Carole).
"So, are you on your way to do carpool," she asked me. I was surprised, as I was downtown, at least an hour's drive away from anything carpool-related. I pinched myself - "Carpool?", I muttered angrily, questioning myself.
I asked Carole to hold while I called my wife dreading what she's day. "Had I dropped the ball? Had she dropped the ball"
After 30 seconds with my wife on the phone, she too knew nothing about either of us and carpool.
I got back to Carole to give her the news - my heart palpitating. She was chuckling heartily. So, what happened?
She had used voice activated dialling, saying to her mobile, "Call John!"
The (dumb) phone called me instead of the other John, Carole's carpool buddy.
Technology - don't you hate it!
"So, are you on your way to do carpool," she asked me. I was surprised, as I was downtown, at least an hour's drive away from anything carpool-related. I pinched myself - "Carpool?", I muttered angrily, questioning myself.
I asked Carole to hold while I called my wife dreading what she's day. "Had I dropped the ball? Had she dropped the ball"
After 30 seconds with my wife on the phone, she too knew nothing about either of us and carpool.
I got back to Carole to give her the news - my heart palpitating. She was chuckling heartily. So, what happened?
She had used voice activated dialling, saying to her mobile, "Call John!"
The (dumb) phone called me instead of the other John, Carole's carpool buddy.
Technology - don't you hate it!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Price Objection
One of the things I always and cognizant of is price.
That in mind, I wanted to highlight something that my good friend Tim Rooney, of Rooney Earl (http://www.rooneyearl.com/) sent me …
It’s so important in our world.
Sometime fifty years ago, on a sunny afternoon in Paris, the sidewalks were alive. At a café in the Place Royale in Marais an austere woman was about to experience the ultimate romance of the city. Seated beside her, nearly unrecognizable in his late age, was the famous painter Pablo Picasso.
“Je m’excuse, Mr. Picasso,” she said with her best pronunciation, “would you sketch me?” and in her request coyly slid a napkin across the table between them.
Picasso contemplated the woman for a moment then pulled a pen from his coat, saying nothing. When he finished he slid the napkin back to the woman, who nearly wept in exaltation.
“Merci, Merci!” she exclaimed, “what can I pay you?” the woman asked half-heartedly reaching for her purse.
“5000 Francs madame,” replied the painter. “5000 Francs?! But it only took you five minutes?” “Je m’excuse madame, in fact it took me all my life.”
Ah the price objection. That stubborn, tight-purse stringedness that we understand all too well when we’re the one holding the purse – usually a last resort negotiating tactic for big purchases like televisions. And for some of us the negotiation itself can become such a thrill we find ourselves haggling over $5 trinkets in fishing towns. But when you’re running a business the price objection is an unwelcome obstacle. Many of us find it difficult and aggravating to defend our price, especially when that price is already competitive. There is a better way.
When in business, do like Picasso
Picasso wasn’t daunted by the request of an overbearing tourist asking him to draw her portrait. Demanding clients are par for the course. Usually those same demanding clients are the ones who want the best price too. Leaving aside the “discount debate,” have you ever thought about what you’re worth? Picasso understood that all his years of study and work as a painter created in him a value that extended far beyond five minutes of drawing.
Why defend your price when you can explain your value?
Another way to contemplate value is through your differentiator. Think about computer programs with their checkmark columns that distinguish the basic kit from the premium from the professional. In these scenarios it’s obvious to see that the professional package is the most comprehensive – maybe more than you want or everything you need. But what about your competitor’s “professional package?” When all the checkmarks matchup between you and the competition, inevitably there has to be some differentiator that tips the scales of the customer’s mind – preferably in your favour.
Don’t dare to compare, be different!
Establishing the worth of your time and experience is fundamental in understanding your value. Once you know your worth you can easily communicate it to your customer. But there is a caveat – value is perceived in the mind of the customer. Lead with your differentiator, prove yourself an expert, and insist absolutely on value over price.
That in mind, I wanted to highlight something that my good friend Tim Rooney, of Rooney Earl (http://www.rooneyearl.com/) sent me …
It’s so important in our world.
Sometime fifty years ago, on a sunny afternoon in Paris, the sidewalks were alive. At a café in the Place Royale in Marais an austere woman was about to experience the ultimate romance of the city. Seated beside her, nearly unrecognizable in his late age, was the famous painter Pablo Picasso.
“Je m’excuse, Mr. Picasso,” she said with her best pronunciation, “would you sketch me?” and in her request coyly slid a napkin across the table between them.
Picasso contemplated the woman for a moment then pulled a pen from his coat, saying nothing. When he finished he slid the napkin back to the woman, who nearly wept in exaltation.
“Merci, Merci!” she exclaimed, “what can I pay you?” the woman asked half-heartedly reaching for her purse.
“5000 Francs madame,” replied the painter. “5000 Francs?! But it only took you five minutes?” “Je m’excuse madame, in fact it took me all my life.”
Ah the price objection. That stubborn, tight-purse stringedness that we understand all too well when we’re the one holding the purse – usually a last resort negotiating tactic for big purchases like televisions. And for some of us the negotiation itself can become such a thrill we find ourselves haggling over $5 trinkets in fishing towns. But when you’re running a business the price objection is an unwelcome obstacle. Many of us find it difficult and aggravating to defend our price, especially when that price is already competitive. There is a better way.
When in business, do like Picasso
Picasso wasn’t daunted by the request of an overbearing tourist asking him to draw her portrait. Demanding clients are par for the course. Usually those same demanding clients are the ones who want the best price too. Leaving aside the “discount debate,” have you ever thought about what you’re worth? Picasso understood that all his years of study and work as a painter created in him a value that extended far beyond five minutes of drawing.
Why defend your price when you can explain your value?
Another way to contemplate value is through your differentiator. Think about computer programs with their checkmark columns that distinguish the basic kit from the premium from the professional. In these scenarios it’s obvious to see that the professional package is the most comprehensive – maybe more than you want or everything you need. But what about your competitor’s “professional package?” When all the checkmarks matchup between you and the competition, inevitably there has to be some differentiator that tips the scales of the customer’s mind – preferably in your favour.
Don’t dare to compare, be different!
Establishing the worth of your time and experience is fundamental in understanding your value. Once you know your worth you can easily communicate it to your customer. But there is a caveat – value is perceived in the mind of the customer. Lead with your differentiator, prove yourself an expert, and insist absolutely on value over price.
Monday, March 14, 2011
What I learned from Blackberry
So, I have been in Blackberry hell for the past few days. Why? Simple! After months of having two devices (iPod for music and Blackberry for everything else), I decided to transfer all my music onto my Blackberry. Simple, or so I thought. Wrong! It’s working better, but still not right.
Over the course of the last 4 days, here’s what I have spent the past 6 hours doing, (mostly with the assistance of Blackberry’s tier two tech support):
Rebooted my PC at least 8 times
Uninstalled old software from my PC and Blackberry
Installed new software onto my PC and Blackberry
Uninstalled the new software from my PC and Blackberry
Reinstalled the software again
Formatted my Blackberry’s memory chip in my device (twice)
You can see where I am going with this – and it’s not to a good place. Anyway, here’s what I learned from the many interactions I had and will still have with RIM tech support:
1. Answer each call promptly – The reason why people are calling is because they need answers and they’re frustrated. Putting them on hold for 15 minutes with an annoying message saying how important your customers are to you is hardly appeasing. In fact it’s downright aggravating. Respect the fact that your customers’ time is no less valuable than your own
2. Speak the language – I am no racist and have no issues getting help from anyone who can fix my problem. But when I hit 2 for English, then I think it is fair for me to expect the person on the other end of the phone to actually speak and understand English
3. Keep notes – Since I had to call in at least 7 times over the past 3 days, I really enjoyed the fact that each call had been well documented. Although I spoke to a different agent each time, it was clear they had comprehensive and accurate notes as to what the person prior did or said
4. Know your stuff (winging it is not good enough or as my father says, pretty good is actually petty bad) – Again, the reason why people call tech support is because they want their problem fixed as fast as possible. They are not really interested in the complexities of computing – they just want their problem fixed
5. Be open – This is a 24 hour world. People work off-shifts and do all-nighters --- even I do from time to time. Nothing sucks as much as not being able to have your problem solved anytime
Are my problems all solved?
Yes, except for one quirk that seems more to be a gmail thing than a Blackberry issue. Does Blackberry score well on all the above? Hell yea!
Monday, February 21, 2011
How To Be Taken Seriously - First in a Series
One of the things that so many marketing people battle with is being taken seriously. In many instances, they behave like complete asses and then wonder why they suffer from lack of credibility. And I hate is when that happens because it’s a blight on the whole industry.
The week before last, my friend Peter Shankman had to get from New York to San Diego for a keynote speech. It was during another monstrous snow storm in the north east. Knowing there was going to be a storm, he made a backup plan. He booked the Continental 8:45 EWR-SAN, then booked the Continental 2:45 EWR-SAN as a backup, pretty sure the 8:45 would be cancelled. And of course, it was, and he was like, “It’s cool, I’m on the 2:45.” And it was cool, until the 2:45 was cancelled, as well.
At that point, most people would have pulled the “act of God” clause, and either cancelled altogether, or done the presentation via Skype or similar. They still would have demanded to be paid, despite the fact that as cool as Skype is, it’s still a million years away from being there in person.
If you want to be taken seriously, you simply can’t work that way.
Simply put, Shankman gave his word. He told someone (or in this case, 200 people) that he’d be at a certain place at a certain time, and they’d arranged their schedules to make sure they got to see him. How people view how you value your word is worth more than any speaker’s fee.
I don’t care who you are, you never have a right to break your word.
Peter made alternate plans, arrived there at 3:00am, and although tired, was in good enough shape to make his keynote at 8:00am. Yeah, he had to drink 5 Diet Pepsis- but that’s what it takes.
Want to be taken seriously? Honor your word. Do what Shankman did and what I would do. Show up. Don’t blame anyone or anything and do your best.
The week before last, my friend Peter Shankman had to get from New York to San Diego for a keynote speech. It was during another monstrous snow storm in the north east. Knowing there was going to be a storm, he made a backup plan. He booked the Continental 8:45 EWR-SAN, then booked the Continental 2:45 EWR-SAN as a backup, pretty sure the 8:45 would be cancelled. And of course, it was, and he was like, “It’s cool, I’m on the 2:45.” And it was cool, until the 2:45 was cancelled, as well.
At that point, most people would have pulled the “act of God” clause, and either cancelled altogether, or done the presentation via Skype or similar. They still would have demanded to be paid, despite the fact that as cool as Skype is, it’s still a million years away from being there in person.
If you want to be taken seriously, you simply can’t work that way.
Simply put, Shankman gave his word. He told someone (or in this case, 200 people) that he’d be at a certain place at a certain time, and they’d arranged their schedules to make sure they got to see him. How people view how you value your word is worth more than any speaker’s fee.
I don’t care who you are, you never have a right to break your word.
Peter made alternate plans, arrived there at 3:00am, and although tired, was in good enough shape to make his keynote at 8:00am. Yeah, he had to drink 5 Diet Pepsis- but that’s what it takes.
Want to be taken seriously? Honor your word. Do what Shankman did and what I would do. Show up. Don’t blame anyone or anything and do your best.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Similarities Between Poker and PR
One of my hobbies is poker. I have been playing the game since I was a kid. It’s fun. It’s amusing. It’s sociable. It’s also important to note that if you play well, it can help with one’s finances, ie you win more than you lose. And although I will never make it to the world series, overt the years, I have won significantly more than I have lost. Over the years, the stakes for which we play have increased and are now at the point where one needs to be careful. For me, poker is not about making big bucks – and it’s not about taking your buddy down. It’s about fun and camaraderie. I often show my hand when I am not called – that’s sportsmanship.
That said, there are many similarities between poker and public relations (my profession), that should be noted:
1. Never bitch – Ever notice those sorry people that sit on the sidelines? The wallflowers? They complain about everything. They also tend to have few (if any) friends. Every circumstance is wrong – and that’s the reason why they lost at poker – or were crucified by an angry public. If things are going against you (and they sometimes do), stop complaining. Every time you do, you look like a putz and two things happen. First you look like a sore loser and second, when things finally go your way, people won’t call you (in poker) or be interested in your achievements (in PR)
2. Play the cards you are dealt, not those you wish you had. Sounds like a no brainer, but it seldom is. It’s easy to imagine that you have that elusive straight flush, but it’s no fun looking down at your hand to discover that all you have is a miserable pair of threes. It’s no secret that they way you’d play your threes is entirely different from how you’d play the straight flush. In PR, work what you have and stop wishing for other scenarios – they seldom change
3. Show up on time – another cardinal rule of poker and PR that is often broken. If the game starts at 8:15pm, then show up at 8:15pm. In as much as it’s not cool to show up late for a client meeting, it’s not cool to show up late at poker. Why? Well, for two reasons. First, you want to feel out the flow and tempo of the game before it actually begins and second, arriving late is likely to stress you out. It’s never good to arrive stressed out at a client – and it’s never good to arrive stressed out at a poker game. You need to be relaxed to win.
4. Look around you. Poker, like PR is not all about you – it’s about your surroundings as well. In as much as you’d never issue a news release without understanding what your competitors are doing, so to do you need to look around at what’s happening with the rest of the table. Proud of your trip fives, well, what happens if a flush is on the board and you’re playing against four others, each of whom are raising … well guess what? Suddenly your trip fives are not that good.
That said, poker’s just a game and thank goodness I do not need to make a living playing it.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Pride Shows
So a few weeks ago, I decided to get my building painted (I am a part owner in an investment property – a building of 30 apartments). So, I met with several painters each of whom claimed they could do the job best for the least.
One painter stood out (literally and figuratively). About 6 foot 3 and as thin as a stick, he just looked strange, in a pleasant way. His name was Eric. I liked him. He seemed to know his trade and when we negotiated him down (I love getting a good deal), he seemed amenable – far more amenable than the other painters we had called. So we took our chances and went with Eric
He started the job when he said he would, he did what he said he would do and he finished when he said he would. (That in itself is rare these days). I was told by my partners, (far more detail oriented than me when it comes to painting), that he did an awesome job.
About halfway through the job, my partners and I (they had never met Eric before) went for a site inspection, and Eric – with much pride, walked us through the building, pointing out all that he had done and all that he was going to do.
Man – was this guy proud of the job he was doing. You could see it in the way he walked. You could see it in his animated expressions. It was clear that this was no ordinary job to Eric – it was a special job and he was so proud he had won our business.
During the walkthrough of the building, we paused and sat briefly in the building’s laundry room to discuss next steps. It was at that point that Eric finally blew me away. “Do you mind if I take off my leg – it’s kind of itchy,” he asked nonchalantly. “What? (I said to myself). With that he lifted op his pant leg and proceeded to take of his prosthetic leg (below the knee). “I lost my leg a few years ago,” he said. “In an accident.”
Now, painting a building is far more physical than say sitting at a desk or even driving a car. Painting is not easy for a guy with two legs. For a guy with one leg, it must be an order of magnitude more difficult. But for Eric, our job seemed the easiest he had ever done.
And that’s the difference. I saw it in Eric’s work and I see it in PR/ social media all the time. You see, you get the doers and the talkers. The talkers spend their time talking and the doers spend their time doing. And in most instances, there is an inverse relationship between talking and doing.
And that’s what my clients have come to appreciate about me over the years:
I don’t overtalk
I make every client feel special
I am proud of what I do
I give my clients a fair deal
I do what I say and say what I do
I start and finish when I said I would
Looking for a painter? Contact Eric at (416) 828-7469. Looking for some PR/ social media help? Call me.
One painter stood out (literally and figuratively). About 6 foot 3 and as thin as a stick, he just looked strange, in a pleasant way. His name was Eric. I liked him. He seemed to know his trade and when we negotiated him down (I love getting a good deal), he seemed amenable – far more amenable than the other painters we had called. So we took our chances and went with Eric
He started the job when he said he would, he did what he said he would do and he finished when he said he would. (That in itself is rare these days). I was told by my partners, (far more detail oriented than me when it comes to painting), that he did an awesome job.
About halfway through the job, my partners and I (they had never met Eric before) went for a site inspection, and Eric – with much pride, walked us through the building, pointing out all that he had done and all that he was going to do.
Man – was this guy proud of the job he was doing. You could see it in the way he walked. You could see it in his animated expressions. It was clear that this was no ordinary job to Eric – it was a special job and he was so proud he had won our business.
During the walkthrough of the building, we paused and sat briefly in the building’s laundry room to discuss next steps. It was at that point that Eric finally blew me away. “Do you mind if I take off my leg – it’s kind of itchy,” he asked nonchalantly. “What? (I said to myself). With that he lifted op his pant leg and proceeded to take of his prosthetic leg (below the knee). “I lost my leg a few years ago,” he said. “In an accident.”
Now, painting a building is far more physical than say sitting at a desk or even driving a car. Painting is not easy for a guy with two legs. For a guy with one leg, it must be an order of magnitude more difficult. But for Eric, our job seemed the easiest he had ever done.
And that’s the difference. I saw it in Eric’s work and I see it in PR/ social media all the time. You see, you get the doers and the talkers. The talkers spend their time talking and the doers spend their time doing. And in most instances, there is an inverse relationship between talking and doing.
And that’s what my clients have come to appreciate about me over the years:
I don’t overtalk
I make every client feel special
I am proud of what I do
I give my clients a fair deal
I do what I say and say what I do
I start and finish when I said I would
Looking for a painter? Contact Eric at (416) 828-7469. Looking for some PR/ social media help? Call me.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Time To Get Social
It may sound mundane, but social media is more powerful than one may think, and here’s why, based on an experience I had a few minutes ago, courtesy of Peter Shankman (@petershankman). So Peter posted what he would like to do in 2011. See it on his blog at http://shankman.com/whats-next/. I commented what I would like to do … just a fast 3 line comment. See it below his posting at http://shankman.com/whats-next/
No big deal so far? Right! Pretty simple too!
I was also interested to see some of the other comments people had made as to what they wanted to accomplish in 2011. I saw Kendra Kroll’s (had never heard of her )comments beneath mine … here’s what she says she wants to do …
“I’d like to find a way to get a more ubiquitous (TV) demo for my PortaPocket line so that people will recognize its true function and not confuse it with just another ipod holder.
I’d like to get in at least 3 more major outlets for more distribution.
I’d also like to encourage more resources to truly understand the difficulty involved with launching small business and perhaps offer special reduced pricing for those of us working stiffs so we might be able to participate. ;-)
Beyond that, I’d like to be able to make people return their messages (whether e-mailed or voice) so that actual progress on issues can be made.
May all of us entrepreneurs out there be able to stay the course and have a HAPPY & PRODUCTIVE 2011!!”
Mundane? Perhaps! But interesting to me.
Then I found out her Twitter handle (took me all of 4 seconds) and then I started following her (3 seconds). She’s at @PortaPocketGal --- please follow her. And based on our interests, I am sure she’ll follow me back. This is not profound, but it sure highlights a few things I love about social media:
1. Connections are immediate
2. It’s all about being social – will either Kendra or Peter be aggravated by this posting … I don’t think soooooooooooo!
3. Peter unwittingly intro’d us – Kendra and I being two random individuals with common business interests (Kendra’s looking for PR among other things)
4. It’s interesting
5. It’s just so easy.
That’s all for today folks! I have two words to say ... "Get Social"
No big deal so far? Right! Pretty simple too!
I was also interested to see some of the other comments people had made as to what they wanted to accomplish in 2011. I saw Kendra Kroll’s (had never heard of her )comments beneath mine … here’s what she says she wants to do …
“I’d like to find a way to get a more ubiquitous (TV) demo for my PortaPocket line so that people will recognize its true function and not confuse it with just another ipod holder.
I’d like to get in at least 3 more major outlets for more distribution.
I’d also like to encourage more resources to truly understand the difficulty involved with launching small business and perhaps offer special reduced pricing for those of us working stiffs so we might be able to participate. ;-)
Beyond that, I’d like to be able to make people return their messages (whether e-mailed or voice) so that actual progress on issues can be made.
May all of us entrepreneurs out there be able to stay the course and have a HAPPY & PRODUCTIVE 2011!!”
Mundane? Perhaps! But interesting to me.
Then I found out her Twitter handle (took me all of 4 seconds) and then I started following her (3 seconds). She’s at @PortaPocketGal --- please follow her. And based on our interests, I am sure she’ll follow me back. This is not profound, but it sure highlights a few things I love about social media:
1. Connections are immediate
2. It’s all about being social – will either Kendra or Peter be aggravated by this posting … I don’t think soooooooooooo!
3. Peter unwittingly intro’d us – Kendra and I being two random individuals with common business interests (Kendra’s looking for PR among other things)
4. It’s interesting
5. It’s just so easy.
That’s all for today folks! I have two words to say ... "Get Social"
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