Ralph Waldo Emerson became one of America's best known and best loved 19th century figures. He left his original profession as a Unitarian minister to pursue a career in writing and public speaking. "Life is a journey, not a destination," he once said. I have said this to my kids, hundreds of times as they grew up. I believe it more and more myself.
The Chinese proverb “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step,” suggests that our life’s journey starts with taking those steps required to get closer to those ultimate achievements we hope can obtain. Effort, determination and perseverance will get you where you want to go. However, as we get older, we realize upon reflection that the greatest happiness is not about achieving those goals at all. It’s more about the joy we encounter along the way. Only later in life do you start to realize and appreciate it. We are so impatient when we are young and ambitious.
Robert M. Pirsig wrote in his acclaimed 1974 novel, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - “You look at where you're going and where you are and it never makes sense, but then you look back at where you've been a pattern seems to emerge.”
The annual Thanksgiving Day Parade is something I look forward to each year. I have been fortunate enough to be among the crowd several times when I lived and worked in NYC metropolitan area. I am now living in the Midwest but this year I hope to see it up close and live once again. It makes me smile. I know it’s just a parade but it is so full of celebration and optimism. There just is nothing like being there.
I know, as I watch the Balloon handlers, bands and characters passing by I’ll be reminded of the sensational feeling so many things that have happened over the course of my lifetime. If you’ve seen the parade, you know what I mean. It’s a spectacle and a thrill to behold.
Live life to the fullest and enjoy the parade as it passes. Time marches on.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Winning is Super but…
The 2011 Super Bowl held on Sunday, February 6th at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas was played in front of a capacity of over 100,000 people - the largest attendance in Super Bowl history. The Super Bowl broadcast was viewed by more than 100 Million people. The winner of the game takes home the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The trophy is named for a great coach and a great man. Vince Lombardi was born on June 11, 1913 in Brooklyn, New York. He was head coach and general manager of the Green Bay Packers (1959–67). He imposed a strenuous regimen and led his team to five NFL championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967). He won first two Super Bowls (1967, 1968). His success made him a symbol of single-minded determination to win.
The odds of winning a championship in any professional sport are always long. Maybe that is why we care so much about what makes a winning team. To be sure, we can learn a great deal about character, hard work, grit and determination from the individuals who win championships. But maybe there is even more inspiration inherent in the heroic efforts made in spite of falling short. Consider those individuals who find the courage to continue in a losing effort who bravely battle but ultimately do not win. They are unsung heroes and in many ways can be even more noble.
Vince Lombardi died of Cancer in September 1970. Surely he would be astounded at how big the game has become and would be most honored that the trophy is a constant reminder of what it takes to win. Yet, the trophy that bears his name might also be appropriately be awarded for battling against impossible odds. Lombardi deserves the fame he earned for winning but perhaps it is more notable that he is a role model for those driven to succeed – doing what it takes to win, in spite of never knowing for certain of the outcome.
Lombardi's success is legendary, and he is often associated with the maxim, "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." He did not coin that phrase. It is uncertain if he actually ever even said it. However, he did say something that might be more important: "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to is."
I wish there was a trophy for all those people who do what it takes to win but bravely accept the result of the outcome in spite of their best efforts to prevail. You are winners too!
The trophy is named for a great coach and a great man. Vince Lombardi was born on June 11, 1913 in Brooklyn, New York. He was head coach and general manager of the Green Bay Packers (1959–67). He imposed a strenuous regimen and led his team to five NFL championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967). He won first two Super Bowls (1967, 1968). His success made him a symbol of single-minded determination to win.
The odds of winning a championship in any professional sport are always long. Maybe that is why we care so much about what makes a winning team. To be sure, we can learn a great deal about character, hard work, grit and determination from the individuals who win championships. But maybe there is even more inspiration inherent in the heroic efforts made in spite of falling short. Consider those individuals who find the courage to continue in a losing effort who bravely battle but ultimately do not win. They are unsung heroes and in many ways can be even more noble.
Vince Lombardi died of Cancer in September 1970. Surely he would be astounded at how big the game has become and would be most honored that the trophy is a constant reminder of what it takes to win. Yet, the trophy that bears his name might also be appropriately be awarded for battling against impossible odds. Lombardi deserves the fame he earned for winning but perhaps it is more notable that he is a role model for those driven to succeed – doing what it takes to win, in spite of never knowing for certain of the outcome.
Lombardi's success is legendary, and he is often associated with the maxim, "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." He did not coin that phrase. It is uncertain if he actually ever even said it. However, he did say something that might be more important: "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to is."
I wish there was a trophy for all those people who do what it takes to win but bravely accept the result of the outcome in spite of their best efforts to prevail. You are winners too!
Celebrate Everything
Learn from experiences. Life, after all, is a journey. Things don’t happen in a vacuum. Everything that happens; happens for a reason. Everything that happens is relevant. There will be peaks and valleys in your life. My uncle David (my father’s brother) is fond of saying “Don’t forget to smell the flowers.” He’s right.
I am blessed. There is so much for which I am thankful. I could write an entire book about my wife Lynn, who has been CEO of our household for nearly 30 years. I could go on for hundreds of pages about our daughter Lindsey, my first born. I have said often, and I mean it: “The world is a better place with her in it.” (Lindsey has been a youth group advisor since she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2004. She has already made a difference in hundreds of lives since then.) And our son Ben is just entering the world of business as a financial analyst in NYC. A long time ago a camp counselor described Ben as a “silent leader.” I’ve never forgotten that because it is so true about him. He quietly excels in everything he sets out to do. He is a young man but already he is a role model.
Bear in mind that you simply cannot separate your business life and your personal life, really. You may feel the urge to compartmentalize things. And sometimes that is appropriate. But don’t forget to appreciate everything and everyone. Life is short. You will be tested. I will resist the temptation to get all spiritual and philosophical here but the message is a simple one. Celebrate everything. There are lots of smart people who have more ability than I do and can better articulate the meaning of existence. All I am saying is to recognize the little blessings while you accept challenges in your life. Find joy in bright stars, stunning sunsets and random acts of kindness. Laugh when you can and cry when you need too. Share with friends and family. Celebrate successes and learn from defeats and you will find greater fulfillment in your life. (That includes your career and work life too.)
I am blessed. There is so much for which I am thankful. I could write an entire book about my wife Lynn, who has been CEO of our household for nearly 30 years. I could go on for hundreds of pages about our daughter Lindsey, my first born. I have said often, and I mean it: “The world is a better place with her in it.” (Lindsey has been a youth group advisor since she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2004. She has already made a difference in hundreds of lives since then.) And our son Ben is just entering the world of business as a financial analyst in NYC. A long time ago a camp counselor described Ben as a “silent leader.” I’ve never forgotten that because it is so true about him. He quietly excels in everything he sets out to do. He is a young man but already he is a role model.
Bear in mind that you simply cannot separate your business life and your personal life, really. You may feel the urge to compartmentalize things. And sometimes that is appropriate. But don’t forget to appreciate everything and everyone. Life is short. You will be tested. I will resist the temptation to get all spiritual and philosophical here but the message is a simple one. Celebrate everything. There are lots of smart people who have more ability than I do and can better articulate the meaning of existence. All I am saying is to recognize the little blessings while you accept challenges in your life. Find joy in bright stars, stunning sunsets and random acts of kindness. Laugh when you can and cry when you need too. Share with friends and family. Celebrate successes and learn from defeats and you will find greater fulfillment in your life. (That includes your career and work life too.)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Resolution for a new age
Each year millions of people make resolutions as the new year begins. Many of us fail to live up to even the best intended vows to be healthier, exercise more and improve ourselves. Still the notion should not be abandoned. We are human, sure, but we are can be part of something much more – a rebirth and a new generation of hope and promise.
Consider the Renaissance. It was a rebirth during a cultural movement that started in Italy in the fourteenth century. It encompassed a resurgence of learning and widespread educational reform. It is perhaps best known for its artistic developments of the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who inspired the term Renaissance man.
Arthur O’Shaughnessy wrote a poem simply titled ODE in the second half of the 19th century that concludes with an observation that is also a challenge:
“ EACH AGE IS A DREAM THAT IS DYING,
OR ONE THAT IS COMING TO BIRTH.”
O’Shaughnessy’s poem makes us think about what we as individuals and as a generation might bring to the coming new age and what kind of influence we might all be on the next generation. We look at the enormous challenges the world faces and at times feel discouraged. But remember, the future depends on all of us. Together we can instigate a rebirth with some simple resolutions that can truly change the world and its prospects for the future.
Maybe if we all think a little differently. Consider being more like the Renaissance man. Approach each new day with a positive outlook and thereby influence greatness in others. Don’t forget, in spite of all the troubles in the world, we have unprecedented communication tools and fantastic research and development moving forward at a remarkable pace.
We are not all great artists and thinkers but we can all consider the hopes and dreams of future generations and apply that simple vision to become part of a better world. Hope and vision can inspire greatness. Be a patron. Encourage others. Be a mentor. Help a child learn something new. Look at how much influence you can have in a single day. The rebirth has to start somewhere and that start could very well be you.
Consider the Renaissance. It was a rebirth during a cultural movement that started in Italy in the fourteenth century. It encompassed a resurgence of learning and widespread educational reform. It is perhaps best known for its artistic developments of the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who inspired the term Renaissance man.
Arthur O’Shaughnessy wrote a poem simply titled ODE in the second half of the 19th century that concludes with an observation that is also a challenge:
“ EACH AGE IS A DREAM THAT IS DYING,
OR ONE THAT IS COMING TO BIRTH.”
O’Shaughnessy’s poem makes us think about what we as individuals and as a generation might bring to the coming new age and what kind of influence we might all be on the next generation. We look at the enormous challenges the world faces and at times feel discouraged. But remember, the future depends on all of us. Together we can instigate a rebirth with some simple resolutions that can truly change the world and its prospects for the future.
Maybe if we all think a little differently. Consider being more like the Renaissance man. Approach each new day with a positive outlook and thereby influence greatness in others. Don’t forget, in spite of all the troubles in the world, we have unprecedented communication tools and fantastic research and development moving forward at a remarkable pace.
We are not all great artists and thinkers but we can all consider the hopes and dreams of future generations and apply that simple vision to become part of a better world. Hope and vision can inspire greatness. Be a patron. Encourage others. Be a mentor. Help a child learn something new. Look at how much influence you can have in a single day. The rebirth has to start somewhere and that start could very well be you.
Donut Day!
Whatever be your goal
Keep your eye upon the donut
And not upon the hole.
Years ago I saw this sign in a donut shop and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was such a simple idea, yet so powerful. It certainly left an impression on me. The idea is to focus on what is and not what might be missing. Without the absence of donut in the middle it would not be a donut. Keep your eye upon the donut and not upon the hole. Indeed, look for the good in things and don’t dwell on what is missing. What a beautiful and simple idea.
Fans of Caddyshack will remember Chevy Chase’s character, the club’s most talented golfer - Ty Webb, offering a little philosophy lesson to his caddy.”Don't be obsessed with your desires Danny. The Zen philosopher Basha once wrote, 'A flute with no holes, is not a flute. A donut with no hole, is a Danish.' He was a funny guy.” The Caddyshake philosophy lesson is perhaps lost in the comedic representation of that practice round of golf with his caddy, but the character of Ty Webb is sort of inspirational in his carefree approach to life.
I was visiting with cousins in New England when I was introduced to a family tradition. My cousin Philip would wake up and stir the household on any given Saturday morning with the joyful declaration. “Get up, it’s donut day, yeah!” His kids were just toddlers then and his wife Deena shared the glee of this routine. She knew the kids would be thrilled to take a trip to the local donut shop and select a fresh baked donut. What to do: glazed, sprinkles, frosted or plain? It didn’t matter really. It struck me even then that it was not only about the donut itself, but the entire experience of donut day from the break of dawn through the last delicious bite. It was fun.
My wife is an expert baker. It is fun to see how excited people get just looking over her products. Scones, cookies, muffins, biscotti – everything she does is a work of art and the aroma of fresh baked goods in the process is special in itself. Like the anticipation on donut day, the anticipation is the most exciting part of the process.
So concentrate on what you have and not what you do not. Be carefree and enjoy what is. Start your days with a purpose. Enjoy the anticipation of things. Do this, and I will bet dollars to donuts you will be a happier human being.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Public Relations in the Mix
Public Relations is the management function which evaluates public attitudes, identifies policies and procedures of an individual or an organization with public interests, and executes a program of action to earn public understanding and acceptance
-Public Relations News
Have used a benchmark for return on any investments in public relations activity. That return comes in the form of media exposure that is roughly converted to advertising value and or any monitoring of your key stakeholders/publics attitudes. Understand that advertising value is not an ideal way to measure public relations activity.
A steady stream of press releases featuring projects, personnel and expertise can add value to an existing advertising schedule. Indeed, media placements through public relations efforts can have an even greater value than paid media. Successful placements through PR efforts generally results in greater credibility for our message. It takes an ongoing program to assure 1) the message(s) are accurate and positive toward the brand, 2) the messages complement other elements of our marketing communications program (direct mail, advertising, trade shows etc.) and 3) the placements are timely and in appropriate editorial environments.
The following public relations tactics can result in impressive return on investment if you stay focused on execution, detail and follow through.
Project or product Profile/Releases – Projects wins and/or products. Take advantage of good news to further promote the company. Key milestones and activities such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies can create news of interest.
Personnel Releases – New hires, promotions and personnel news enhance the image of the company as a going concern. Sometiems business development personnel tend to get more emphasis as they are “front line” contacts but don't forget about the accounting, operatiosn, finance and support functions.
Conferences/Trade Show Opportunities –Leveraging our sponsorship or participation in conferences and look for opportunities to further reinforce involvement with editorial treatment in and around issues featuring such events.
Interviews/Expertise – Where appropriate look for opportunities for expertise to be included in stories related to your industry. This tactic is often under-utilized due to reluctance of qualified individuals to act as spokesmen.
Bylined Articles – Perhaps the best use of public relations, is the routine development of by-lined articles. Stories authored article by your firm's experts will generate interest and are more likely to be placed with limited distortion or interpretation.
To accomplish the above items it becomes necessary to:
Cultivate relationships with editors, writers and publishers.
Understand trade show/conference opportunities.
Have a thorough understanding of editorial calendars and what your firm might bring to the table in partnership with editors.
Develop and release a steady stream of items to stay on the radar of editors/publishers. Prepare bylined articles in anticipation of being able to place them. (Proactive) Develop and update Media Kits.
-Public Relations News
Have used a benchmark for return on any investments in public relations activity. That return comes in the form of media exposure that is roughly converted to advertising value and or any monitoring of your key stakeholders/publics attitudes. Understand that advertising value is not an ideal way to measure public relations activity.
A steady stream of press releases featuring projects, personnel and expertise can add value to an existing advertising schedule. Indeed, media placements through public relations efforts can have an even greater value than paid media. Successful placements through PR efforts generally results in greater credibility for our message. It takes an ongoing program to assure 1) the message(s) are accurate and positive toward the brand, 2) the messages complement other elements of our marketing communications program (direct mail, advertising, trade shows etc.) and 3) the placements are timely and in appropriate editorial environments.
The following public relations tactics can result in impressive return on investment if you stay focused on execution, detail and follow through.
Project or product Profile/Releases – Projects wins and/or products. Take advantage of good news to further promote the company. Key milestones and activities such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies can create news of interest.
Personnel Releases – New hires, promotions and personnel news enhance the image of the company as a going concern. Sometiems business development personnel tend to get more emphasis as they are “front line” contacts but don't forget about the accounting, operatiosn, finance and support functions.
Conferences/Trade Show Opportunities –Leveraging our sponsorship or participation in conferences and look for opportunities to further reinforce involvement with editorial treatment in and around issues featuring such events.
Interviews/Expertise – Where appropriate look for opportunities for expertise to be included in stories related to your industry. This tactic is often under-utilized due to reluctance of qualified individuals to act as spokesmen.
Bylined Articles – Perhaps the best use of public relations, is the routine development of by-lined articles. Stories authored article by your firm's experts will generate interest and are more likely to be placed with limited distortion or interpretation.
To accomplish the above items it becomes necessary to:
Cultivate relationships with editors, writers and publishers.
Understand trade show/conference opportunities.
Have a thorough understanding of editorial calendars and what your firm might bring to the table in partnership with editors.
Develop and release a steady stream of items to stay on the radar of editors/publishers. Prepare bylined articles in anticipation of being able to place them. (Proactive) Develop and update Media Kits.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Quest
The President made the following remarks as part of a White House celebration of Broadway Theater on July 19, 2010
“Over the years, musicals have also been at the forefront of our social consciousness, challenging stereotypes, shaping our opinions about race and religion, death and disease, power and politics. But perhaps the most American part of this truly American art form is its optimism.”
My Mom, for years, was an accomplished director in community theater in the greater Cleveland area. A career highlights was a production of Man of La Mancha in a little theater called Clague Playhouse. Then theater couldn’t have had more than 250 seats at full capacity. I was still in High School at the time, but couldn’t help being impressed by her attention to detail and her command of the material. Rehearsals were thorough and all the players were well prepared for opening day. Her direction, notably the brilliant collaboration with her musical director, resulted in rave reviews. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though in reality it was easily more than thirty years ago.
If you know the play, you know it is a great inspiration. Don Quixote spends so much of his time chasing windmills (he says are dragons) and accepting the Knighthood (Knight of the Woeful Countenance) with a shaving basin (he believes to be a golden helmet) and befriending Sancho Panza (as his loyal servant) in a series of fantastic adventures. Though delusional, our hero helps the entire cast of characters (and indeed the audience) realize that pursuit of a dream can have an incredible and profound impact on all of those around you. The director (my mother) knew, all too well, of the power of this message.
To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
Today, Mom is advancing in years and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. She wouldn’t remember the music or the play. But she fights every day and I’m proud of her struggle against the odds just like that play’s protagonist. I know I’m not alone in being inspired by her efforts so many years ago. I realize only now how really important and exponentially large that selfless contribution to community theater really was. It brings a smile and a tear when I remember it. I love you Mom.
“Over the years, musicals have also been at the forefront of our social consciousness, challenging stereotypes, shaping our opinions about race and religion, death and disease, power and politics. But perhaps the most American part of this truly American art form is its optimism.”
My Mom, for years, was an accomplished director in community theater in the greater Cleveland area. A career highlights was a production of Man of La Mancha in a little theater called Clague Playhouse. Then theater couldn’t have had more than 250 seats at full capacity. I was still in High School at the time, but couldn’t help being impressed by her attention to detail and her command of the material. Rehearsals were thorough and all the players were well prepared for opening day. Her direction, notably the brilliant collaboration with her musical director, resulted in rave reviews. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though in reality it was easily more than thirty years ago.
If you know the play, you know it is a great inspiration. Don Quixote spends so much of his time chasing windmills (he says are dragons) and accepting the Knighthood (Knight of the Woeful Countenance) with a shaving basin (he believes to be a golden helmet) and befriending Sancho Panza (as his loyal servant) in a series of fantastic adventures. Though delusional, our hero helps the entire cast of characters (and indeed the audience) realize that pursuit of a dream can have an incredible and profound impact on all of those around you. The director (my mother) knew, all too well, of the power of this message.
To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
Today, Mom is advancing in years and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. She wouldn’t remember the music or the play. But she fights every day and I’m proud of her struggle against the odds just like that play’s protagonist. I know I’m not alone in being inspired by her efforts so many years ago. I realize only now how really important and exponentially large that selfless contribution to community theater really was. It brings a smile and a tear when I remember it. I love you Mom.
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