Economic Cutback On Coffee?

World spread economic woes dominate newspaper headlines. Wall Street Journal Online even dedicates entire page to the Motor City’s crisis. Everyone knows we are in the begining of a long, disasterous economic crisis that keeps growing, but do we “feel” it?

Stopping at the grocery store for a few simple things, filling only a handheld basket, I dish out $100 each time. Even as my mind acknowledges the large debit I am about to make for simple necessities like milk, eggs, bread, and coffee, I still swipe my card. So does everyone else around me.
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Mommybloggers Have Done It Again

I don’t have to explain Motrin’s recent ad campaign to engage mom’s via social media.  Thanks to out of control mommybloggers who fail to run their community as a business, the entire world knows how “angry” these woman are.

But why?  Why are these moms so pissed off over Motrin addressing a mom specific activity?  You don’t see CEO’s, accountants, or ad executives getting all pissed off when Motrin depicts a business person with a headache in a meeting.  So where is this “mommybloggers” list of acceptable ad campaigns versus crossing the boundaries?  I am sure Gerber, Little Tykes, Motrin, Tylonal, Tyson, and Charmin would like to know before they dump thousands of dollars into another ad campaign geared towards moms.

I could understand if Motrin made the ad campaign stating:

“I’m  a mom.  Got the kids to bed, husband banged me so hard up against the wall my back hurts!  What a mom does for her family! Whew”.  

That could have been considered over the top…but over lugging a fat baby?  Hello, that shit does hurt!

Queen of Spain stated her disappointment in her fellow mommyblogger’s over the top reaction.  I was amazed by her secret society undertone of “Companies will continue to have no choice but to engage mommybloggers. They are not going anywhere. We are here and they have to deal with us.”

The influence of mothers and the family unit for marketing isn’t a recent development.  Unlike how Queen of Spain makes the triumphant road to recognition seem “activist” like, CPG’s have always targeted moms.   They target their consumers by interests, which “mommybloggers” have labeled their own interests to be hauling a kid around!  10 or 20 years ago it was through “Parent” or “Good Housekeeping” magazine.  At the same time, CPG’s 10-20 years ago targeted hunters, sports fans, business execs, etc. through print and tv media.  The world is now turned to use social media advertising as it’s primary over the dying print newspapers.  Simply because CPG’s know that in order to reach mom’s on the web they advertise on “mom” blogs, to reach business owners they advertise on “BNet”, etc does not make mommybloggers this new found “force” to reckon with.

There is one congratulations that I need to make to mommybloggers:  You have effectively made yourselves out to picky, indecisive, psychotic bitches.  Instead of coming back with your own YouTube video of mom’s using Tylenol over Motrin, you did what the world expected of you – BITCH.  If I was a CPG ad exec, I would pull all my paid advertising on any mommyblog.  What’s the use of trying to engage consumers who won’t accept what they market themselves (I mean..mommy blogs talk about parenting, right?), and say you are not worth our money.   CPG’s can take away the “power” they gave your blogs fellow mommys.  Be careful who you burn.

Gen Y’s: The Respected Vs. Asses

For the most part, I tend to dislike most Gen Y’s on the web.  Thanks to really self-centered blog sites like Brazen Careerist.   Mainly because they rant and rave about how “smart”, “innovative”, and “world changing” they are, but they fail to PROVE it.  

I don’t count knowing how to throw up a WordPress blog and blabbing how the older generations screwed up the economy and the broke ass Gen Y’s are gonna fix, as innovative.  Wow, ya figured out something a Gen X / Babyboomer created!  Congrats!

 I find alot of the hyped up Gen Y’s got mommy and daddy’s help for college, first house payment, and maybe still expect underwear for Christmas.  I can’t respect business, economic, sociological, or political advice from someone who doesn’t even take on adult responsibilities.  It’s kinda like looking for sex advice from a virgin.  There is however, several Gen Y’s I actually like.  

Phil DeFranco is one smart Gen Y.  Ya, he use an established free resource like YouTube as his front, but he doesn’t claim “expertise” on world, economic, or social issues.  He doesn’t hate on the generations before him or claim to save the fucking world. He gives back by engaging young people into the news, and gets amazing exposure at the same time. It’s all about give back, and Phil’s gets that. Most Gen Y’s…it’s all about “ME”. 

I also really like him for his recent post:

“Waking up early reminds me of the misery that was, when I went to college. I’d have to go to class M-W-F from 8am-5pm and then Th-Su I’d work 8pm-8am at a 3rd shift call center. It sucked, but like most things in my life, I did it off the stubborn fact that I wanted to say I did it on my own, without my parents. “- Phil DeFranco.

Key point: He work his ass off to be where he is today.  He didn’t suck a shit ton of free resources and never pay back.  Phily D is one smart Gen Y.

The Truth Always Surfaces

As kids, my sibling and I where raised to “finish” our plates. My sibling hated brussel spouts with a passion. In trying to outsmart the Plate Police, my sibling would hide the green veggies behind the old, dusty iron fire distinguisher in the hall closet.

For the moment, my sibling would have victory. In the long run, the truth of her NOT finishing her plate always surfaced. Typically around late spring, when the house would warm, and well, those good for ya veggies started to really stink.

It’s a life lesson. No matter how much you really want to hide your inner dreams, fears, feelings, likes, and dislikes, the real you will eventually surface. Sometimes we try to pass off our anger or dislikes from a source that really isn’t the TRUE source.

I’ve had a bad couple weeks… Crammed with just a crap load to do, holidays coming (ooooh I love Christmas!), obligations to take care of, and the list goes on and on. I’ve needed a sanctuary where I could forget about all the crap sitting at home waiting to drown me alive, and I wanted it to be my work. My work was my sanctuary, and still is. I just tried to bag it in with all the other not so cool crap and toss it to the side as something that needed change.

My truth surfaced tonight. Weeding through various job boards, my heart saddened with a deep pain. I realized I will never find a job like this ever again….and how much I love my work, boss, and even those nagging clients.

I’m old enough to know that you can’t hold onto something forever, but young enough to strive to recreate it sometime in the future.

Apple’s iPhone is Like..Marriage.

It’s pure lust at first site. The Apple iPhone 3G.

It sits high on a white pedestal, thousands of people desiring to touch it’s sleek body, all wanting to claim one for their own. They wait patiently for it’s evolution to full maturity released like a debunte’ arriving to take it’s place next to ….you.

You are the proud owner of an iPhone 3G. It’s a perfect fit. Nice smooth, round body slides perfectly into your palm. It’s face is clear of imperfections as you stare into it’s bright glow. Your tongue gravitates towards it, and finally lick it. The taste lingers in your mouth, and you go back for more. Pressing it’s buttons, adding applications, and taking pictures of the greatest moments together. With your iPhone, your social network expands. Your Tweets are limitless, Facebook poking on the go, and dancing together with Bob Dylan from iTunes. It’s the perfect marriage.

Wait. Marriage also comes with commitment, and this one is 2yrs. The honeymoon phase slowly dies down. The iPhone’s battery performance now denies you, only when you desire it the most. It’s sleek design is now smothered with finger prints and residue you can’t explain. You question where has my iPhone been?!!

Finally the day comes, you receive the first AT&T bill.

“Holy Fuck! WHY IS THIS COSTING ME SO MUCH $$$$$$?!!”

Congratulations on your new iPhone…it’s hot and sexy but also comes with a lifetime commitment that will run you dry!

Friday FU!

Rise and shine! Here’s the official Friday Fuck you!

Since I missed a few Fridays, I am going play catch up by making this one a groupie!
So let’s start…

First FU goes to all the non-Web 2.0, non-web enthusiasts, users, and nonusers who are TOO ARROGANT to admit lack of knowledge! I am talking about those people who call you up and say “Um ya, can we change this picture, make this link to two differant website, upload a 3meg. file, reorder the list on the front page, ad this graphic (which is in WORD format), and can you have that done ASAP?”

WTF!!!! Ok..first off, if you know NOTHING about web design, database management, website management – EAT SOME HUMBLE PIE! The above request wouldn’t be sooo bad if you added some humility and acknowledgement that you don’t know shit, to it…
Proper prasing would be..”Do you think it would be possible…..” “How difficult…” “If we wanted to…..would it distort the configuration…” “What do you think about…”.

Simple enough. Show some respect, really. It’s not THAT easy…

Second FU goes to stress. I am tired, litterly, of stressing out about things like the *above* request. So today, I have decided I will official say FU to actually giving a shit about anything that does not directly affect MY well being. So…I will instead try my damnedest to focus on how beautiful the trees look in the fall, enjoy the humm of my iMac to a silent office, ignore the phone in the office, and stop stressing. I really do want to smile more…kinda hard to when everyone puts their shit on you.

Enjoy your Friday…now, go give a big FU to somebody…

Where Being The Worst & Best Employee Fit

I am a great employee, but I am also the worst.

Huh?

Every job I have held, I strive to consistently learn and grow beyond my current skill boundaries. The most attractive positions, are the most foreign in knowledge and painstaking. I also take great pride and ownership in what I do. That makes me a great employee, but also, one of the worst.

Simply because you, the employee, desire to be apart of something grand; either an idea or achievement, does not give you the right to care whole hearted. Whether it be having a hand in a development of a brand, streamlining production processes, leading an organization to Lean manufacturing, or increasing revenue, employees should only care knee deep.

Think about it...
“Why should an employee give their heart and mind, 110% efforts to an organization who only pays them a set salary?”

I have learned the hard way, that employees are only allowed to care 25%, and 75% is doing things they probably believe are absurd and a waste of resources.

hmm?

Here’s why…Employees have really no absolute power or authority over the business strategy, goals, financial allocations, or client services. The CEO / Pres. will always get the final say. Even though, you may have outside views, fresh ideas, see an opportunity and beg to run with it…the CEO will be your wall. IF you have tenacity, you will pick your flat pancake ass off the ground and try again…this time in a different avenue of descent.
Bam! You hit the CEO wall again.
Bam! Pancake.
Bam! Fried egg.
Bam! Crushed bug guts.

That last hit will be so hard, this is where you will run dry, be pissed off, tired, and frustrated. This is when you make a choice.

One side says “This company has so much potential. If I just wait it out..try again..ugh..try again..“

Other side says “This doesn’t pay your mortgage. You have no real assets here. You will never be allowed to care as if you are a stock holder…move on.”

You will either choose to quit and find a new job in ANOTHER small corporation, either first or second year family ran, and run into the same thing. Or, you will choose to stop being an employee and become an employer.

Tired of hitting the CEO wall, and impossible to change my inner drive to rock the world with change, it’s overdue time for me to move on. Choice B this time. As a Gen X, I have worked as an employee for 7 employers and one short stint in direct sales. Unlike the future “world changers” of Gen Y with barely if any, real world experience…I got it. My experiences have allowed me to craft the way I will run my corporation, treat my employees, and move my business.

At the core, this is how I will operate :
1. Never ever have a “CEO” office. I will sit among the production crew..
2. Allow others to lead and make mistakes…they will become better employees off the leash. I will be there to guide, push, and put my hand in the dirty work. No work is too dirty…it’s my fucking company, MY responsibility.
3. If I’m leaving work early, then so is everyone else. Lead by example. Always
4. Laugh at work. Alot.
5. I will never be the CEO…I will always be a team player. Team members who can’t handle it, then get the fuck out, and go work for Boeing.
6. Hire people who want to make a difference..and GIVE them ownership. People are faithful when they have personal stake involved, not when the goal is to survive through a to-do list everyday.
7. 6 months & yearly performance feedback’s…Employee’s won’t excel if they don’t know where to start, they won’t grow professionally if you don’t give insight…

My inner core tells me these things will make a difference. Hell, success is not found unless you try.

Arm Wrestling Champion!!!

I can proudly say I am strong individual.  To be able to admit to yourself you exhibit a characteristic, whether is kindness, intellectual, sensitive, etc, is a decent sized accomplishment.  How many of us really can say “I am _____”, and without second guessing ourselves.  Probably most of us have a hard time doing so.

Today, I can say I am a strong individual.  I look my future right in the eye and accepted it with no fear.  At some point in the future, I will have to say goodbye to the part time job I dearly hold onto.  Most entrepreneurs leave their current jobs because they despise one or multiple aspects to the core. I am lucky enough to be hanging onto a positions because I enjoy the work.

When I, or my boss, decides my corporation is requiring more time, and taking away from being an “employee”, I will have to let it go.  It’s an interesting situation where the future holds so much potential, but simultaneously I have to let go of working besides incredible talented individuals.  This one job has allowed me expand my knowledge into areas I would have never gone alone.  The experience and training I am getting is priceless, and remarkable.  I get to converse and absorb creative inputs from those around me.  It will be sad to leave it, but at the same time necessary.

Instead of having an overwhelming feeling of sadness, anger, and fear of the future, I accepted my fate.  Inside I have no fear of what the future holds, or having to let go of something I hold dear to my heart.  To my inner core, I know I will succeed, strive for the best, and relentlessly continue marching to my own beat no matter how many struggles I will endure.  I know I have inner strength.

What Makes This Woman Happy

I consider myself a simple gal.  Not easy, but simple.  

So of course I immediately got overjoyed when my boss told me he got me (ok more like my desk) a new iMac!  I screamed “I LOVE YOU!”, jumping up and down.  ( boss seemed a bit taken back by my declaration of gratitude, oh well…) Employees can measure their success and their employer’s awesome factor by whether or not they get a new Mac.

My employer ROCKS!  I just won’t tell him I have eternally hard nips until it gets delivered this week…might be a bit overboard.  Or make me look pathetic…

Thanks Apple.com for the pic…

Falling Into Success

As I navigate my way through life in search of finding “success”, I take my part as student and listener.  Reading, researching, and attempting to learn from those who are successful, acting as a enormous sponge soaking it all in.  I wonder, how many of those who made it, actually “fell” into success by accident.

Did Mark Zuckerberg put all his dreams and hope into the idea of Facebook?  Craig Newmark really think Craig’s list would dominate the online classified ads, making paper versions useless?  Did these people just strike lucky, or did they really push hard?  

If some people become successful, either through hard work or a lucky strike, do any of us attempt to fail but end up succeeding by accident?  It would seem absolutely obscene for someone to say outloud “I really don’t want to succeed.”  In reality, there are millions of people who choose not succeed everyday.

Choosing not to succeed can take the form of various actions, thoughts, and non-actions.  Choosing to not follow through, or simply stalling on purpose can all lead to failure.  Consistently choosing to stay with a job you despise, in a house you cannot really afford, forgetting to balance your checkbook, or ignoring a constant water leak, will cause failure.  Consciously one can choose to fail by ignoring issues and waddling blindly through life.

Failure to choose a method of success and plan accordingly is a dead end wall to no where.  A successful entrepreneur cannot succeed if they don’t decide on a business plan.  I suppose we could let others choose for us.  That would ultimately lead to their success, not our own.

Whether success comes quickly, or slowly,  we still have to decide how much we really want it.   There’s always the easy way out – to take the easy job, be less independent, to lay back and relax while someone else pays the bills.   That would be the easy way out.  Maybe successful in maintaining the status quo of life.   Is your status quo of living what you define as success?   Those who are not searching for success, probably have found it in life already.  Those still searching probably need to take a hard look at whether or not the status quo is working….