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Seth writes a great post about marketing jobs.
The talent wars are on even in our industry. No longer can, "fog on the mirror under the nose," be the litmus test for which we hire. We do have to differentiate ourselves as a company or group of amazing individuals in order to attract other amazing individuals and as Seth's message demonstrates it should be done with authenticity in lieu of silliness.
Seth points us to a great example of transparency and accountability. Awesome answer to a simple but tough question.
Q. What was wrong with New Balance's approach to apparel?
A It was my fault. We just didn't do it right. We didn't have the right people. We tried to be all things to all people and didn't do anything right.
It reminds me of a book I just read called The Origin of Brands by Al & Laura Reis. It is a great read and speaks to the point of trying to please everyone (customers) many times leads to the death of your widget.
“It’s not people who aren’t credit-worthy. It’s apartment communites that aren’t people worthy.”
The day turned out as planned. The prize patrol, as I come to refer to them, showed up with a plaque, balloons, a gift card and nomination forms in hand. I was handed the stage and I did my best to keep everyone in suspense by not reveling the winners name until the end. I always mess this up!
This day it was to be a Maintenance Technician who was honored. He was shocked to say the least. The initial shock lead to more shock when I let him know I would be taking him to lunch. Although when asked where he wanted to eat, he immediately blurted out his choice and favorite restaurant. A great choice I might ad.
All in all it was a great day, I learned a great deal about a front line talent that I might not have otherwise spent time with.
No longer will the visible piercing, tattoo or random hair coloring be acceptable to prospects and residents alike or will it?
I read the other day that Well Groomed, professional and "polished" on-site staff ("staff?" that sounds like and infection) are the "in" thing.
I would debate that for this reason alone; Gen Y serving Gen Y. All of the above will be acceptable because that is what the client accepts for themselves.
Wi-Fi; get it or lose them. Don't build it and they won't come...
Let's look beyond the Co-Branding idea to a new idea in and of itself. Can you see a new management brand coming around that is all inclusive. Something beyond corporate housing? I can and it might be called Equitytargapplebucks...our industry will be considered the first place.
ipods are the craze and I think, just like starbucks, we will see the rise of listening/download rooms at our sites.
Why imitate when you can create? Ask a question and your mind will surely find answers for it. Maybe it is that it is easier to do so. Maybe it is that you don’t believe you can do it. You’re not creative enough. It’s not your thing.
Creation happens all around you everyday and guess what, it happens at the hand of people just like me and you. Creation doesn’t mean novel, it might very well mean that you take an existing idea and make it better. Tagwold.com is a prime example, it took the Myspace idea to the extreme and now they are posed to over take them in terms of users!
It is a bizarre and ever changing world, it’s time to create your mark. Go for it today. Read this blog everyday and you are guaranteed to get some food for thought.
I've decided that "employee," "staff," "team" and "associate" are old and tired. In exchange for those terms I like Talent. Problem is that it's a noun! I hate when that happens. There is hope, after all Google is a noun and we Google (v) things all the time.
That being said, I am taking the Talent of the Month out for lunch today. The title, Talent of the Month, is used in exchange for our Employee of the Month (EOM) program. This year, in addition to reading their nominations during a Talent Function, handing them a card and a gift card, I now take them out to lunch. It's awesome to see the mortified look when they find out they will be one on one with me. Not that I am a scary person, far from it. It's just the thought.
It turned out awesome last month when we did it for the first time and I am excited about doing it again today. I will let you know how it goes.
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