It takes money to make money. All kinds of people make the world go around. No man is an island. Okay, but when the global economy is in such turmoil it's hard for companies and people who run them to recognize that the way out is to reach out. FDR said the only fear is fear itself. That may very well be true today.
I live in a town where a great many talented and creative people have been displaced. Many struggle with the challenge of reinventing themselves. At the core of their being is the basic belief people have in the ability for these people to think outside the box and be creative. Looking at opportunities and seeing things in a way that shows the glass is half full. The world needs leaders who are optimistic. There needs to be faith shown in individuals, in mission, in achievable goals again. When it's every man for himself the problems of the world are simply too large to be conquered. Organize the troops and take charge. Go. Fight. Win.
If you are a leader of a business, small or large, you have a greater responsibility than protecting yourself. You became a leader and you've seen success because people believe in you. Are you squandering that trust? Was it deserved? Luck is usually not just serendipity. You made your breaks and now you are on top. Don't hide. Your business, your community, your family, your friends and the world at large need your vision now more than ever.
Take a calculated risk. Start an initiative. Generate some energy. Be enthusiastic. Be smart but take action. This is a great time to make a difference.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Houser faces Gatewood in local Debate
The election for state representative in Southeast Kansas in November of 2010 was a battle to be sure. The candidates agreed to meet in a public forum to participate in an open debate at the invitation of the local newspaper. It started off like any other debate. The moderator began the proceedings with some announcements that helped settle the crowd. The room in the Community Building was full. (Volunteers had to pull out more folding chairs.) The order of speakers was decided by a coin toss, but that really didn’t matter.
Doug Gatewood started and showed his polish at the top of the show. “First of all I would like to thank the Columbus Advocate and the Chamber of Commerce for hosting this debate….”
Mike Houser stumbled a little early on but by the second and third questions he let his own personality and charm shine through.
Houser knows himself well enough to know he can’t be someone he isn’t. He doesn’t have a lot of public speaking experience. Nevertheless, the audience senses his sincerity in this bid to serve the people of the district. He was emphatic that the county and the rural parts of the state of Kansas need to stop being subjected to increasing taxes, find ways to attract new business and help small businesses grow. Gatewood responded to the issues raised and offered insights from his many years of public service.
Both candidates performed well. In fact, the publisher the newspaper said she thought the contest was a “dead heat.” The moderator of the debate seemed to agree. We saw two genuine candidates. One was a more a polished politician, but both made their points. Both were gentlemen.
This debate in a small rural community in Southeast Kansas was a joy to behold. Not because I cared about the outcome so much as I was proud that this kind of open exchange of ideas is a part of our system in this country. It is the democratic process in action. It doesn’t matter what political party you belong to – you have to love the fact that a healthy airing of issues is at the central core of how our country elects officials in our government.
It might not have been the great Lincoln-Douglas debate, but it was a little bit of history just the same. The incumbent won by a narrow margin. Time marches on. God Bless America.
Doug Gatewood started and showed his polish at the top of the show. “First of all I would like to thank the Columbus Advocate and the Chamber of Commerce for hosting this debate….”
Mike Houser stumbled a little early on but by the second and third questions he let his own personality and charm shine through.
Houser knows himself well enough to know he can’t be someone he isn’t. He doesn’t have a lot of public speaking experience. Nevertheless, the audience senses his sincerity in this bid to serve the people of the district. He was emphatic that the county and the rural parts of the state of Kansas need to stop being subjected to increasing taxes, find ways to attract new business and help small businesses grow. Gatewood responded to the issues raised and offered insights from his many years of public service.
Both candidates performed well. In fact, the publisher the newspaper said she thought the contest was a “dead heat.” The moderator of the debate seemed to agree. We saw two genuine candidates. One was a more a polished politician, but both made their points. Both were gentlemen.
This debate in a small rural community in Southeast Kansas was a joy to behold. Not because I cared about the outcome so much as I was proud that this kind of open exchange of ideas is a part of our system in this country. It is the democratic process in action. It doesn’t matter what political party you belong to – you have to love the fact that a healthy airing of issues is at the central core of how our country elects officials in our government.
It might not have been the great Lincoln-Douglas debate, but it was a little bit of history just the same. The incumbent won by a narrow margin. Time marches on. God Bless America.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Just say no!
More people are doing more with less, time is crunched and you just don’t want get stuck in a sales pitch. So you make excuses or delay the inevitable with a white lie or a stall tactic.
“Let’s talk about this after the first quarter when we will have a better handle on our business plan.”
“Can’t talk now because I am heading to the airport and out of town for a business meeting.”
“You should really contact Jim in purchasing. I know he’ll be interested in what you have to say.”
Be careful though, your blocking moves may work too well. Don’t forget great ideas can come from anywhere – even a sales call. But it does make sense to speak plainly and honestly.
My friend Dan is in business development at a successful advertising firm. He’s been doing this for a long time. Persistence and determination are his stock in trade. Overcoming objections and trying to understand wants and needs is what he does. He believes in his product and he believes he represent potential value for his prospects. He is fearless and relentless. But I think people might be surprised how he reacts when a person just says NO.
“Rejection is tough to take but you have to remember that a definitive negative answer has a positive impact too. Closure is good. You can move on,” explains Dan, “You have an opportunity to better target your prospects and avoid being too much of a pest. I wish more people would just say no. It is helpful to understand the reason and those stated will help you plan a strategy moving forward. There is nothing wrong or rude about a polite response like: No thank you. We are just not interested. We are happy with our existing resources. An answer like that doesn’t hurt my feelings. In fact I’m happy to know that I have done all I can do at that point in time.”
Just say No. And you’ll waste less time: yours and the hapless sales guys that keep calling. But listen too before you shut someone down. Every once in a while a sales guy really does have an incredible offer and perfect timing. (It might be Dan.)
“Let’s talk about this after the first quarter when we will have a better handle on our business plan.”
“Can’t talk now because I am heading to the airport and out of town for a business meeting.”
“You should really contact Jim in purchasing. I know he’ll be interested in what you have to say.”
Be careful though, your blocking moves may work too well. Don’t forget great ideas can come from anywhere – even a sales call. But it does make sense to speak plainly and honestly.
My friend Dan is in business development at a successful advertising firm. He’s been doing this for a long time. Persistence and determination are his stock in trade. Overcoming objections and trying to understand wants and needs is what he does. He believes in his product and he believes he represent potential value for his prospects. He is fearless and relentless. But I think people might be surprised how he reacts when a person just says NO.
“Rejection is tough to take but you have to remember that a definitive negative answer has a positive impact too. Closure is good. You can move on,” explains Dan, “You have an opportunity to better target your prospects and avoid being too much of a pest. I wish more people would just say no. It is helpful to understand the reason and those stated will help you plan a strategy moving forward. There is nothing wrong or rude about a polite response like: No thank you. We are just not interested. We are happy with our existing resources. An answer like that doesn’t hurt my feelings. In fact I’m happy to know that I have done all I can do at that point in time.”
Just say No. And you’ll waste less time: yours and the hapless sales guys that keep calling. But listen too before you shut someone down. Every once in a while a sales guy really does have an incredible offer and perfect timing. (It might be Dan.)
Monday, October 17, 2011
It's all about me.
Saying goodbye as the curtain closes.
Mary Francis Lawton Morgan (February 26, 1922- May 31, 2011)
My mom died this past May and suddenly it dawns on me what made her so great. She had this uncanny way of making you feel special. Case in point: I was one of six children – number three in order of birth – but she insisted in calling me the “oldest of the four.” Maybe it was to ignore my older siblings. I don’t think so. Maybe it was to deprive me of the middle child syndrome. Probably not.
My brother is 11 years older. So, for a long time, he was an only child. My sister is three years older and the only girl. My brother Greg was declared the “navigator” on family vacations and relished the opportunity to monitor the maps and travel directions. He was “Greg the Great” on his birthday cakes from Hough Bakeries every year. Dan was always “so sensitive.” Rob is the youngest and both parents pronounced him “the Best” which, no doubt gave him the ability to be his own person. Each of us had a niche that helped us define ourselves. Each, in our own way, a self-fulfilling prophesy.
Mom was larger than life. She loved the theater. She performed in countless community productions. She directed plays too. She and dad made annual trips to New York City that included Broadway Shows, of which she kept a collection of Playbill programs. She studied and read plays. She completed a Master’s Degree in Dramatic Arts at Case Western Reserve University in her early forties. She was talented. She could turn on the star-power at business functions with important clients, at parties, at social events, at presentations, in large rooms, in small rooms or one-on-one. She had skills she was able to use in juggling six children in a way that made each feel unique and special.
The drama of growing up, as you might imagine, with mom directing the activity, is one that includes countless sub-plots. After all, life isn’t easy – even if you are fortunate enough to live with the Morgan family at 15106 Edgewater Drive. As we reflect on our experiences and memories of mom we each have our own take on what it all means.
The Irish Catholic in mom would have been smiling when we came together in Southlake, Texas to celebrate her life. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be ever at your back. May the good Lord bless and keep you in the hallow of his hand. It was a competition, as family members took turns sharing stories often not waiting for a lull in the cacophony of overlapping dialogue, tears and laughter. (After all, we naturally want to cast ourselves in the lead role of this production.)
We compete for airtime because we want to perform and entertain. Indeed, we are all talented in projecting lines and expressing ourselves. The stories are all familiar and retold with the usual flaws due to our own brand revisionist history. Mom always said “I will do anything for you kids, as long as you remember.” We will mom. (Even though, with time, we may modify a detail in the script or staging.) We are all grown up now, but when we are together we cannot forget that we were all once just children. The sadness only comes when we realize we must go on without you mom.
If the job of a parent is to raise children to be self-confident and assured we have it in abundance. Dad is 93, and still has the ability to laugh at things. Mom was that woman behind the great man. Dad served in WWII. He started a business and ran it successfully for the better part of four decades. All the while, mom is ready for each grand entrance at the Cleveland Yachting Club, the family road trip to the Football Hall of Fame in Canton (Ohio) or at a parent-teacher conference. Someone’s got to feed these kids too. She is not much of a cook, but the dinner theater makes up for it. So it’s Hamburger-Helper, Sloppy Joes, Pizza, Tuna Casserole or mom’s famous chicken soup. There’s always enough somehow. Take your time eating and chew your food. If you are good you might just get a chocolate cupcake for desert.
The outpouring of sympathy from friends of the family on social media (notably facebook postings) starts to give a picture of just what a magnificent performance her life was. “Your mom was a great lady.” “Your mom helped my mother deal with the death of my father and gave her courage to go on.” “I always loved your mom.” “I remember having so much fun when I was at your house growing up.”
As I look around the room at my siblings, I see they all have self-confidence. They all have that extra talent it takes to be a successful person. Whatever you do: Photographer, Commercial Real Estate Advisor, Retailer, Tennis Instructor, Corporate Communications Specialist or Company President, you will need that. If you are lucky, someone will catch you early in your development and say. “Oh honey, you always know just what to do. Just make sure you remember to enunciate, pronounce your words and project.” It’s all about me. Thanks mom.
Mary Francis Lawton Morgan (February 26, 1922- May 31, 2011)
My mom died this past May and suddenly it dawns on me what made her so great. She had this uncanny way of making you feel special. Case in point: I was one of six children – number three in order of birth – but she insisted in calling me the “oldest of the four.” Maybe it was to ignore my older siblings. I don’t think so. Maybe it was to deprive me of the middle child syndrome. Probably not.
My brother is 11 years older. So, for a long time, he was an only child. My sister is three years older and the only girl. My brother Greg was declared the “navigator” on family vacations and relished the opportunity to monitor the maps and travel directions. He was “Greg the Great” on his birthday cakes from Hough Bakeries every year. Dan was always “so sensitive.” Rob is the youngest and both parents pronounced him “the Best” which, no doubt gave him the ability to be his own person. Each of us had a niche that helped us define ourselves. Each, in our own way, a self-fulfilling prophesy.
Mom was larger than life. She loved the theater. She performed in countless community productions. She directed plays too. She and dad made annual trips to New York City that included Broadway Shows, of which she kept a collection of Playbill programs. She studied and read plays. She completed a Master’s Degree in Dramatic Arts at Case Western Reserve University in her early forties. She was talented. She could turn on the star-power at business functions with important clients, at parties, at social events, at presentations, in large rooms, in small rooms or one-on-one. She had skills she was able to use in juggling six children in a way that made each feel unique and special.
The drama of growing up, as you might imagine, with mom directing the activity, is one that includes countless sub-plots. After all, life isn’t easy – even if you are fortunate enough to live with the Morgan family at 15106 Edgewater Drive. As we reflect on our experiences and memories of mom we each have our own take on what it all means.
The Irish Catholic in mom would have been smiling when we came together in Southlake, Texas to celebrate her life. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be ever at your back. May the good Lord bless and keep you in the hallow of his hand. It was a competition, as family members took turns sharing stories often not waiting for a lull in the cacophony of overlapping dialogue, tears and laughter. (After all, we naturally want to cast ourselves in the lead role of this production.)
We compete for airtime because we want to perform and entertain. Indeed, we are all talented in projecting lines and expressing ourselves. The stories are all familiar and retold with the usual flaws due to our own brand revisionist history. Mom always said “I will do anything for you kids, as long as you remember.” We will mom. (Even though, with time, we may modify a detail in the script or staging.) We are all grown up now, but when we are together we cannot forget that we were all once just children. The sadness only comes when we realize we must go on without you mom.
If the job of a parent is to raise children to be self-confident and assured we have it in abundance. Dad is 93, and still has the ability to laugh at things. Mom was that woman behind the great man. Dad served in WWII. He started a business and ran it successfully for the better part of four decades. All the while, mom is ready for each grand entrance at the Cleveland Yachting Club, the family road trip to the Football Hall of Fame in Canton (Ohio) or at a parent-teacher conference. Someone’s got to feed these kids too. She is not much of a cook, but the dinner theater makes up for it. So it’s Hamburger-Helper, Sloppy Joes, Pizza, Tuna Casserole or mom’s famous chicken soup. There’s always enough somehow. Take your time eating and chew your food. If you are good you might just get a chocolate cupcake for desert.
The outpouring of sympathy from friends of the family on social media (notably facebook postings) starts to give a picture of just what a magnificent performance her life was. “Your mom was a great lady.” “Your mom helped my mother deal with the death of my father and gave her courage to go on.” “I always loved your mom.” “I remember having so much fun when I was at your house growing up.”
As I look around the room at my siblings, I see they all have self-confidence. They all have that extra talent it takes to be a successful person. Whatever you do: Photographer, Commercial Real Estate Advisor, Retailer, Tennis Instructor, Corporate Communications Specialist or Company President, you will need that. If you are lucky, someone will catch you early in your development and say. “Oh honey, you always know just what to do. Just make sure you remember to enunciate, pronounce your words and project.” It’s all about me. Thanks mom.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Plan. Design. Execute.
Having served as global communications director for a publicly-traded manufacturer of welding and cutting equipment, Thermadyne (NASDAQ:THMD) from 2006 through 2009. And heading up marketing communications for three large successful privately-held firms (HBE, Clayco and Crossland) between 1998 and 2011. And having also advised countless other businesses – large and small about strategic marketing and branding I decided to "hang out a shingle" and offer my expertise on a consulting and/or contract basis.
I have learned a lot from being involved in marketing efforts of a broad range of consumer and business-to-business products and services. I spent the early part of career inside advertising firms contributing to new product development, consumer, professional and trade communications for a variety brands including Heineken, Matchbox Toys, Pepsi-Cola, SkyBox Trading Cards, The United States Marine Corps, GameTek Computer Game Software, Campbell Soup Foodservice, Rich-SeaPak and FarmRich Frozen Foods.
Morgan Studio/East (MS/E) was founded in Q1 of 2010 on the premise that it takes an objective outside agent to inspire a well thought-out marketing communications plan with a full understanding of what it will take to execute that plan. The motto of MS/E "Make Good Brands Better and New Brands Known" kind of serves as the battle cry. Let's talk about how you can build a smart, sustainable program for your business.
I am a Hurricane with an MBA from the University of Miami, FL (Marketing Concentration) and a BA from Miami as well(Double Major - Graphic Design and Creative Writing). I am happy to help you stir things up a bit and be an agent of change for the better.
I have learned a lot from being involved in marketing efforts of a broad range of consumer and business-to-business products and services. I spent the early part of career inside advertising firms contributing to new product development, consumer, professional and trade communications for a variety brands including Heineken, Matchbox Toys, Pepsi-Cola, SkyBox Trading Cards, The United States Marine Corps, GameTek Computer Game Software, Campbell Soup Foodservice, Rich-SeaPak and FarmRich Frozen Foods.
Morgan Studio/East (MS/E) was founded in Q1 of 2010 on the premise that it takes an objective outside agent to inspire a well thought-out marketing communications plan with a full understanding of what it will take to execute that plan. The motto of MS/E "Make Good Brands Better and New Brands Known" kind of serves as the battle cry. Let's talk about how you can build a smart, sustainable program for your business.
I am a Hurricane with an MBA from the University of Miami, FL (Marketing Concentration) and a BA from Miami as well(Double Major - Graphic Design and Creative Writing). I am happy to help you stir things up a bit and be an agent of change for the better.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Blue Bird of Happiness
And so remember this, life is no abyss,
Somewhere there's a bluebird of happiness.
The bluebird of happiness has a history that goes back maybe thousands of years. Cultures around the world hold on to the myths and beliefs about the bluebird. It is a symbol of cheerfulness, happiness, prosperity, good health and the renewal of springtime.
If retail sales are any indication, perhaps the most popular bluebird of happiness in this country was created by Leo Ward at Terra Studios located near Fayetteville, Arkansas. Introduced in 1982, this Arkansas Bluebird of Happiness is made of blown glass with black copper oxide added to create its blue color. This Bluebird of Happiness is a registered trademark and is sold at thousands of hospital, airport and specialty gift shops nationwide. This little glass bird has fueled the creativity of many artists in northwest Arkansas. But larger still is the impact of the goodwill it has generated. Over nine million of these bluebirds have been sold!
Leo Ward has since retired but the bluebird business lives on and is managed by his son John. You can’t help thinking the little bluebird has come to mean so much to so many through simple acts of a thoughtful, albeit modest, gifts and accompanying wishes for happiness. After all, it’s not the gift but the thought that counts. Still the gift, as is rests on a desk or window sill or bookcase catches the light and reflects its blue color and maybe triggers happy thoughts of loved ones. Isn’t that a big reason to be happy?
The bluebird reminds us that Spring is coming too, and with it comes longer days, blossoming flowers and the special smell of optimism. Sure, things could be 'easier' but why not use this time of renewal as an opportunity to be in the pursuit of happiness. This Spring, take the time to find the joy in the ordinary. In other words, seek to find happiness.
Mark Twain once defined an optimist as a person who travels on nothing from nowhere to happiness. If that’s true, maybe a little thing like a glass bluebird is just the thing to bring a smile, a whole new outlook and hope for the future. Here’s wishing you much happiness!
Somewhere there's a bluebird of happiness.
The bluebird of happiness has a history that goes back maybe thousands of years. Cultures around the world hold on to the myths and beliefs about the bluebird. It is a symbol of cheerfulness, happiness, prosperity, good health and the renewal of springtime.
If retail sales are any indication, perhaps the most popular bluebird of happiness in this country was created by Leo Ward at Terra Studios located near Fayetteville, Arkansas. Introduced in 1982, this Arkansas Bluebird of Happiness is made of blown glass with black copper oxide added to create its blue color. This Bluebird of Happiness is a registered trademark and is sold at thousands of hospital, airport and specialty gift shops nationwide. This little glass bird has fueled the creativity of many artists in northwest Arkansas. But larger still is the impact of the goodwill it has generated. Over nine million of these bluebirds have been sold!
Leo Ward has since retired but the bluebird business lives on and is managed by his son John. You can’t help thinking the little bluebird has come to mean so much to so many through simple acts of a thoughtful, albeit modest, gifts and accompanying wishes for happiness. After all, it’s not the gift but the thought that counts. Still the gift, as is rests on a desk or window sill or bookcase catches the light and reflects its blue color and maybe triggers happy thoughts of loved ones. Isn’t that a big reason to be happy?
The bluebird reminds us that Spring is coming too, and with it comes longer days, blossoming flowers and the special smell of optimism. Sure, things could be 'easier' but why not use this time of renewal as an opportunity to be in the pursuit of happiness. This Spring, take the time to find the joy in the ordinary. In other words, seek to find happiness.
Mark Twain once defined an optimist as a person who travels on nothing from nowhere to happiness. If that’s true, maybe a little thing like a glass bluebird is just the thing to bring a smile, a whole new outlook and hope for the future. Here’s wishing you much happiness!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
God Save the Queen
Our accommodations at the Chelsea Cloisters luxury serviced studio efficiency apartment is a modest flat arranged for us by Chi Chi Travel Services in St. Louis. This is home-base from June 22 through June 29, 2010. Lynn and I remember the last time we spent this much time living in such close quarters was when began our life together and lived in a garage apartment in Miami.
Nothing like airport delays at the top of a journey to bring all sorts of anxiety, frustration and general disappointment to mind and ruin the mood. Needless to say, the beginning of our get-away vacation was having the exact opposite of the intended effect on both of us, Lynn especially. But our travel nightmare finally came to a close as we checked in and settled into our London flat mid-day June 22. We soak in a little local color (colour) and look forward to our seats at Centre Court at Wimbledon the very next day.
An English breakfast on Kinds Road, a short walk to the Sloane Square underground station, and a ride on the Underground Tube (subway) to Southfields Station and we are on our way to Wimbledon. The weather was fantastic and unlike what you might expect this time of year. The entire week was in the 70’s and the skies were blue to partly cloudy and no rain. Before we knew it we were in our seats at Centre Court. We were impressed at the intimacy of the venue we’ve seen on TV for so many years. We saw the American Andy Roddick win. We saw American Venus Williams win easily. We absorb the atmosphere and know that we will always remember being here.
Of course, Strawberries and Cream are in season and delicious. The whole first day made the travel endurance test worthwhile. We got everything we bargained for at Day One of our trip, The rest was “sugar on top.” We returned to Wimbledon again on June 24th with tickets to Court One just in time to greet the Queen of England! Elizabeth II arrived via small motorcade and we had the unique and rare pleasure of seeing the Queen in her stunning soft sky-blue dress and matching hat exit her car and be escorted on her way to the Royal Box. This was her first visit to Wimbledon in 33 years. We just happened to be in the right place to catch her arrival. What a thrill. A moment in history. She was there to see the English favorite, Andy Murray.
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