Getting Started Again

Time to get started again on my business blog. Stay tuned.

What is Change, Really?

Change is the word, if not the noun and adjective of the day, and obviously Presidential campaign. I would like to know what you think change is in this campaign year? Experience, "new blood", inexperience, same old stuff....what is the truth?

"Advertising may be described as the science of arresting human
intelligence long enough to get money from it." - Stephen Leacock

So, where do you stand on the truth? What is change to you? Are you really ready for change?

Consumerism

I’m reading a book that a friend gave me for Christmas, “The Omnivore's Dilemma”.

"The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals is a 2006 non-fiction book by Michael Pollan in which the author explores the question "What should we have for dinner?" To answer this question, he follows four meals, each derived through a different food-production system, from their origins to the plate. Along the way, Pollan examines the ethical, political, and ecological factors that are intertwined in the industrial, large-scale organic, small-scale organic, and personal (hunted-gathered) food chains, while describing the environmental and health consequences that result from our food choices within these chains." From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A great read. I’m thinking we can’t just keep consuming in our unconscious and oblivious disregard for the planet and our fellow humans. I’m all for development, but within reason. I remember a book written by Vance Packard in the early 60’s, “The Waste Makers”. Here’s a review from one reader that I found on Amazon,

“It has been years since I read this book, but its message is very timely. It deals with the strategy of companies to manufacture goods that wear out or break down so they need to be replaced. As I recall it deals heavily with the automobile industry. But in truth, the US auto industry could not hold a candle to the computer and software industry of today. This is also true of many other consumer goods. GDP is literally a measure of our garbage! Waste Makers is worth a read”.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings.

Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.
– JOHN LOCKE

Predictions for 2008

Predictions for 2008

1. Alaska will see a new US Representative to Congress.  Representative Young's run is over.
2. Senator Ted will win again, but will not serve his complete term.  I think he'll resign within three years.
3. Governor Palin will not join on as a VP candidate.  I think she's got her heart in Alaska, for now.  
4. Governor Palin will continue to govern as a populist, and govern well.  
5. The changes coming in the two major political parties will continue to intensify, both nationally and in our state.  It's time, high time, that the good old boy mentality is thrown out.  
6. The baseball steroid fiasco will soon disappear.  The mentality of too many sports addicts is that "do whatever it takes" to win will continue to dominate.   Too much money riding on ratings, deluxe suites, glamor and hype to stop now.  
7. Mayor Mark Begich will run for higher office, and win!
8. The dairy industry in Alaska is done!   
9. Pebble Mine foes will continue to battle, with no winner in sight!  Expect lengthly and costly court battles before this one is decided.  We need new public policy decision processes.  
10. The price of a barrel of oil will go over $100.00 before the summer is over.
11. The University of Alaska will have a new President before 2009 arrives.
12. Record tourism numbers for 2008.  People love coming to Alaska.  Hey, what happened to the fear that the ships would stop coming because of the new "head tax"?  
13. I think TransCanada and Conoco Phillips will join forces to get the gas pipeline going.  It's going to happen, but it will take new thinking and bold action to get it going.  
14. Global warming and climate change will continue to get our attention.  The sooner the better.  Action is needed now.  
15. It's not a sure thing that a democrat will be elected president.  Hold your horses Hillary and Barack.  
16. In three years we'll have a new governor.   Governor Palin will be in another higher office.  My crystal ball is foggy, can't see clearly what that higher office is...
17. The Seawolves will finally win two games in the Shootout, the first two, and lose in the Championship.  
18. The Middle East will continue to smolder and flare as extremists wage war against the civilized world.  There is progress being made, however the urge for self determination will cause the U.S. pull out within five years and billions more "invested".  We'll lose many more fine young men and women.  
19. Alternative energy continues to gain traction as a "good investment".  Investors and main street get even more on board.  There's money to be made by being green, and it's good for the planet.
20. The Red Sox win in '08, Phoenix Suns in the '07-'08 season, and the Colts take it all in Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, AZ this coming February.  
21. You get to fill in your predictions.... so let's hear from you.

Rie Munoz

Great story in today's Daily News on reknowned Alaskan artist, Rie Munoz (www.adn.com/front/story/245166.html). In 1978 I had the pleasure of meeting Rie Munoz and Dale DeArmon in Iliamna. They were involved in the Artist in Schools program. Fresh from Montana and serving as the Area Principal for six schools located on Lake Iliamna, Six Mile Lake, and Lake Clark, is was my assignment to see that Rie and Dale had transportation to the villages where new schools were being built. I also was to put them up for the first night.

I had no idea who these two artists were, nor did I understand that I was hosting two Alaskan treasures. When long time Alaskans found out they were at my home they were envious. I wish I had known more about Rie and Dale back then. Quickly I learned and grew more aware of Rie and Dale's work, and many more Alaskans who do and have made a difference. My neighbor, in the FAA housing area where I lived, Howard Bowman invited me over for tea one afternoon. He mentioned that the Governor and his wife would also be there. That was my introduction to Jay and Bella Hammond.

I was fortunate to meet Rie and Dale. Alaska is a better place because of them. A great story. In today's Daily News (adn.com) in the Life and Arts section. Rie Munoz, Thank you!

I Survived Flying through King Cove

I've traveled all over this state, but only last week did I actually fly through and over the airstrip in King Cove.  Whoa!  I'm all for a road to Cold Bay!  I've been working with the Aleutians East Borough for nearly 15 years.  You know, those places way down the chain that cost more to fly to than going to Paris!  Yeah, those places!  The flight was actually mild compared to some, I was told.  Anyway, for those who haven't flown down there, it's a ride that cannot be duplicated at Disneyland!  The photo is of the "garage" for the hovercraft that goes between King Cove and Cold Bay. Didn't get to ride it, maybe next time out!

Healthy Organizations

Wow!  Creating a truly customer focused company is not easy.  Why?  People!  Yes, people.  Let's start with leadership.  People watch what you do, or don't do. I've worked with a good number of organizations whose leaders espouse one thing, but practice another!  I'm a fan of Robert Greenleaf and Peter Block, both of whom are known for their work on Servant Leadership (greenleaf.org and peterblock.com).  I can tell a lot about the leadership of an organization when I get a feel of how customers are treated!  We all know the stories of the Nordstroms's of the world, and we can recall horror stories of those who are falling far short! Have you experienced policies, procedures, or just poorly trained employees that made you want to never shop or do business with a company?

Let me know your story.  I won't publish the name of the company, but I would like to share your story and why you were turned off.

I also would like to hear about those instances where you were, as Tom Peters says, "Wowed"