Saturday, March 27, 2010

Zune HD

Caden really wanted a iPod touch (That brand specifically because the neighbor had one). Of course I am a Microsoft guy (Yes, along with Digital) and that means he got a Zune HD (Touch). I am jealous because it is cool. Plays games, surfs the internet, music of course and video.

Caden has been catching up on Billy the Exterminator episodes. Some kids want to be firefighters, some ball players. Caden right now wants to be an exterminator!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Simply return

More and more I am noticing that people do not respond. Just to follow up that they received your email, VM or other and are taking care of the issue or at least are aware of what you are talking about. Many times I have to call and follow on messages when in my opinion it is the other party that should be doing this. However it seems when I do not follow up, they did not get the message and are waiting on me.
Next time, just send a quick email or message letting the other person know that you got their message and thanking them for taking the time to respond. It really is just a simple and proper way of conversing.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

I am a Digital Guy!

This last weekend at the lake house something struck me that my dad said as I was typing away at the laptop, (Connected to Internet SWIPED from across the lake via wireless!) That was “What would you guys do without the laptops, email and Internet at the job?” That is a good question. Now sure, this is the very technology I sell so it would be impossible to ignore the technology and still do my job. However the others in the room do not sell the technology, the manage people, deliver services and help people and that does not REQUIRE these tools.

So taking this to the next level, it was further commented that “Think how much time you would have if you were not doing email and such” Kind of a funny statement since this technology was created to save us time? Does it? The bigger statement might be is the technology now a distraction to the real job? I suggest that it is, or at least does have that role quite a bit.

I can barely remember the time in which I did not use these tools daily. Thinking back to my first real job at Radio Shack (Again a technology company (Or at least used to be)) Sure, we had computer systems, however we did not have a real corporate email system, we just used the tool to transmit sales numbers and inventory. We did not spend minutes or hours working on emails or other. Nope, we picked up the telephone and discussed performance and other issues via voice. If we had to send documents we faxed them!

Of all the emails that you deal with, how many could be handled over the phone more effectively?

Of all the electronic communication you do with clients, how many could or should be handled in person or on the phone more productively and this would further the relationship? As I sit here typing this on my Laptop, should I be actually calling someone and seeing how they are? (OK they probably are in bed so not such a good idea.)

This is just the beginning of a digital awareness that I am looking at. I will update you as I begin dissecting the world we have created and the efficiencies that we think we are using. The extreme example are the teenagers that I hear about that text each other when they are sitting at the same table. Are we headed there?
I still am a digital guy. I will still push that agenda. However, I will look at it as an tool versus a way to avoid real communication.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Bob Burg and Arlin

So I am 40 so pages deep in Bob Burg's Book "Go Givers sell more" and would say that this is as good or better than his first Go Giver book. (http://www.thegogiver.com/)
It was also a good suprise to see Arlin in the book (A true Go Giver)) (http://peerpower.blogspot.com/)
Arlin has a daily email that is business, religion and entertainment wrapped up into one email. If you would like to get this great information drop me an email and I will get you connected.

I will update you as I get further into the book and highly suggest you go out and buy it now! (PS - go here!http://www.amazon.com/Go-Givers-Sell-More-Bob-Burg/dp/1591843081/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269225092&sr=8-1)

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Chief of Staff

"Your not indispensable, pick your successor early" Advice given to Rahm Emamuel, Obama's Chief of Staff.

Like all positions, you are replaceable. Unless you own the company these are words for us all. Achieve at the highest level to keep this from happening.