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March 30, 2007

Apartment Therapy Blog

Apartment Therapy is one of my favorite apartment blogs. The blog speaks to and gives voice to apartment dwellers in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. Topics range from decorating to "for sale" items. There is even an Apartment Therapy Store.

I use it as a nice complement to my Seattle Apartment Squidoo Sites.

It is worth a look.

March 29, 2007

The Web 2.0 example

Kettle Neighborhood is the perfect example of a Web 2.0 application. The neighborhood offers a place for "chip evangelist" and or critics to hang out and share. There are a number of stimulants that give cause for people to share pictures and stories about what else; the chips!!! They even have a suggested flavors area where, now in their third year, consumers can be a part of the new flavor choosing process.

All of this rolls out in the way of "word of mouth" marketing. I think it speaks to the idea of everyone wanting to be a part of something bigger than themselves and platforms like this one allow people to do just that. And, the benefit? They talk about YOU and YOUR business.

I predict we see it soon in our business. It will take that one brave company to make it happen before it catches on. It really boils down to getting over the idea mean people will share too. I personally don't see that as a bad thing. Time will tell.

It's easier to do it myself

This post (Fast Company: What are you willing to give up? ) reminded me of myself and so many others in this business.  Here is a short excerpt along with the author's information:
Some people think they can do everything . Well, many executives keep doing things themselves because "it's a lot easier to just do it than take the time to train someone and then have to check the work anyway". These same people start coming in a little bit earlier and leaving a little later to just finish something when it's quiet. Then they start coming in weekends to clear up a few things, straighten their offices so they can think straight and wade through a pile of work or emails. Slowly but surely time and life evaporate.Donna Karlin • Executive and Political Shadow Coach™ • Ottawa, Canada •donnakarlin@abetterperspective.comwww.abetterperspective.com  
 

March 28, 2007

The best way to lead

I read this somewhere and can't remember so if you recognize it please let me know:

Lead with your ears and follow with your words.

I believe the old adage that we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason, we should listen twice as much as we talk. I can't say I'm always perfect on this point but I do think it is the most effective ways of getting things done.

Could you hold please

I called a local famed downtown Portland restaurant today to ask about hours of operation and was met with what I thought was complete rudeness.

I picked up the phone, dialed the number and when the gentleman on the other end answered he said, "Can you please hold?" Reasonable enough, right? It would have been except that I immediately got the on-hold music. I had no chance to say, okay, sure or even no.

It's a small detail but nevertheless an important one. On this occasion, I actually thought about eating some place else.

It made me think of the telephone etiquette in our business. How do you think we are doing?

Featured Stimulation

Time is running out on the product(s) of the month. These are great resources for stimulating the creative in you:

plex6816

4 Months to Uncle Same

Comforting...
Americans work 4 months to pay this year's taxes.

March 27, 2007

The six most dangerous enemies of success

Every Executive, mid-level manager, site-manager, maintenance supervisor, assistant manager etc. will have to at some point overcome one of the following fears:

  • Fear of Poverty
  • Fear of Death
  • Fear of Ill-Health
  • Fear of the Loss of Love
  • Fear of Old Age
  • Fear of Criticism

Source: Napoleon Hill's, Laws of Success

Engage Consumers on every level

"Gone are the days of one shoe, one advertising campaign. Now you've got to engage consumers on every level," Trevor Edwards, Nike's vice president of global brand and category management, told The Wall Street Journal last summer.

Interesting read from this mornings journal.

March 26, 2007

The Talent Wars have begun

Harry Joiner: How to Prepare for a Job Interview Harry's post is a great reflection of what many of us will face in the quest to compete for talent in the market place. Hit the link above and buckle your seatbelt as it will be a mind-bending ride. Harry, thanks for the great post.

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