Monday, November 14, 2011
Like Clockwork...
So it's been nearly 9 months and I'm due for a blog post. Excuses, excuses I know. I have been busy over here at SiteCrafting and have been posting a ton of stuff on Facebook, but still it's no excuse. I am working on a few things so I will try and get rolling here again soon...if not, I'll post something in June, just like this.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Commodity vs. Remarkable
I've been trying to put a certain concept into words for some time now, and only now after getting a little bit into Seth Godin's latest book Poke the Box have I been able to figure out what I have been trying to say to myself and my team. To summarize Seth - "Things pretty much work as expected, cars don't break down as much, iPads turn on every time to push the button..."
In our world content management systems and website management systems all pretty much work - though some a bit better than others.
In this world, not only can you not afford to put out shoddy products, but you can't compete with only good enough. If you're competing on good enough you have a commodity and are now subject to competing on price. Something most small businesses can't win. You have neither the volume, nor the cost advantage to compete on price. So what to do?
You already know this - be remarkable - move beyond competing on good enough - chart the course.
YouTube video is barely good enough, compared to DVD, what's remarkable is that YouTube put the ability to publish and distribute content into the hands of mere mortals. It was the implementation that was remarkable...
At SiteCrafting we are creating remarkable solutions and it all starts with people committed to that mindset - good enough is never enough.
In our world content management systems and website management systems all pretty much work - though some a bit better than others.
In this world, not only can you not afford to put out shoddy products, but you can't compete with only good enough. If you're competing on good enough you have a commodity and are now subject to competing on price. Something most small businesses can't win. You have neither the volume, nor the cost advantage to compete on price. So what to do?
You already know this - be remarkable - move beyond competing on good enough - chart the course.
YouTube video is barely good enough, compared to DVD, what's remarkable is that YouTube put the ability to publish and distribute content into the hands of mere mortals. It was the implementation that was remarkable...
At SiteCrafting we are creating remarkable solutions and it all starts with people committed to that mindset - good enough is never enough.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Internet Access - A Tale of Two Evils
The date is 2001.
Let's pretend for a moment that your have been the only game in town for 40 years or so. You're known for arrogance, working on your own schedule and overall lack of service ethic.
Everyone in the area is waiting for Internet at speeds that are tolerable - speeds beyond 14.4 and 28.8. People may even be willing to pay big bucks for ISDN (that's right 64k, even 128k if you bind the signals together.). You keep us waiting, begging for service, you show us who is in control.
As a consumer, I was wounded by your "only game in town". I was wounded so much that I was trying to find someone else to provide land line service to me, even though there was no one else. Your operation was focused more on what you could make off me more than what you could do for me.
Now it is 10 years later...and you want to make a deal to me...BUT
A provider emerged to capitalize on the dissatisfaction I had with with you. What's ironic is that now I hate them even more than I ever hated you...I pay for channels I'll never watch, for a phone I rarely use, and for internet that is "fast" but with big strings attached.
Now I am looking at an ad for your Heavy Duty Internet and I wonder...can I trust you? Can I trust anyone?
What's funny is I'd gladly hand my money over to someone I felt was interested in what I wanted as a consumer. Instead, I spend my time searching for the lesser of two evils. I can't wait until I find it so I can banish both of you.
Let's pretend for a moment that your have been the only game in town for 40 years or so. You're known for arrogance, working on your own schedule and overall lack of service ethic.
Everyone in the area is waiting for Internet at speeds that are tolerable - speeds beyond 14.4 and 28.8. People may even be willing to pay big bucks for ISDN (that's right 64k, even 128k if you bind the signals together.). You keep us waiting, begging for service, you show us who is in control.
As a consumer, I was wounded by your "only game in town". I was wounded so much that I was trying to find someone else to provide land line service to me, even though there was no one else. Your operation was focused more on what you could make off me more than what you could do for me.
Now it is 10 years later...and you want to make a deal to me...BUT
A provider emerged to capitalize on the dissatisfaction I had with with you. What's ironic is that now I hate them even more than I ever hated you...I pay for channels I'll never watch, for a phone I rarely use, and for internet that is "fast" but with big strings attached.
Now I am looking at an ad for your Heavy Duty Internet and I wonder...can I trust you? Can I trust anyone?
What's funny is I'd gladly hand my money over to someone I felt was interested in what I wanted as a consumer. Instead, I spend my time searching for the lesser of two evils. I can't wait until I find it so I can banish both of you.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
18 and What to Do?
I have a lot of people ask me about getting a job and what they should study and how they should prepare. I wish I had a bunch of answers that fit the mold, but I don't.
I do know what I would do if I were forced to do it again and it may surprise you. Now as a disclaimer, I can safely say that I would not EVER give up what I have, my wife, my children, my life - but I think I have somehow ended up lucky. As a result, I don't think I can recommend that an eighteen year old count on luck.
What I can say is that you need to maximize your exposure to a variety of experiences -get out of your comfort zone, move beyond the comfortable. You need to extend yourself beyond the here and now, beyond what is "expected".
One thing I have always said to myself is that there is nothing more risky than playing it safe. Nothing more limiting than allowing someone else to determine your future.
If I were 18 and could do it again, I'd pack every asset I had into a bag and drive to Alaska. I'd focus entirely on being the best guide I could be. I'd be the guy everyone requested. I'd know more about effort, failure and success than anyone else. I'd also know that some things you can control and some things you can't. The one thing you can control is your response...
In my learning as a guide I'd realize that the past doesn't matter (You should've been here yesterday) and the future is later (You should come back when the river is in shape) I would know that I need to deliver my best every day.
While we can't all go back and be guides, we can all learn about living in the present about delivering EVERY single day...
I do know what I would do if I were forced to do it again and it may surprise you. Now as a disclaimer, I can safely say that I would not EVER give up what I have, my wife, my children, my life - but I think I have somehow ended up lucky. As a result, I don't think I can recommend that an eighteen year old count on luck.
What I can say is that you need to maximize your exposure to a variety of experiences -get out of your comfort zone, move beyond the comfortable. You need to extend yourself beyond the here and now, beyond what is "expected".
One thing I have always said to myself is that there is nothing more risky than playing it safe. Nothing more limiting than allowing someone else to determine your future.
If I were 18 and could do it again, I'd pack every asset I had into a bag and drive to Alaska. I'd focus entirely on being the best guide I could be. I'd be the guy everyone requested. I'd know more about effort, failure and success than anyone else. I'd also know that some things you can control and some things you can't. The one thing you can control is your response...
In my learning as a guide I'd realize that the past doesn't matter (You should've been here yesterday) and the future is later (You should come back when the river is in shape) I would know that I need to deliver my best every day.
While we can't all go back and be guides, we can all learn about living in the present about delivering EVERY single day...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Saving $.35 to Pay $15.00
Historically I carry no cash. I'm a debit card and now iPhone Starbucks App sorta person. So today when estimating my parking time in downtown Olympia, I dug into my ashtray and found some change. I grabbed a couple of quarters and a few dimes. I dutifully placed my money into the meter and thought - an hour and 12 minutes will be plenty. So I stowed the extra $.35 in my pocket for a rainy day.
You already know how this ends....
Yep, I saved $.35 to pay $15.00 in fines for going over 7 minutes on parking....
Note to self (and to you): Put the extra change in the meter and just walk away if you're back early. Besides, you may help the next person.
There's a lesson here about risk vs. reward.
On the upside - I paid my fine online at http://www.olympiawa.gov/pay in no time, so I can forget it for now.
You already know how this ends....
Yep, I saved $.35 to pay $15.00 in fines for going over 7 minutes on parking....
Note to self (and to you): Put the extra change in the meter and just walk away if you're back early. Besides, you may help the next person.
There's a lesson here about risk vs. reward.
On the upside - I paid my fine online at http://www.olympiawa.gov/pay in no time, so I can forget it for now.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Fitness is a Personal Race
On the way to the airport today I passed a truck. On the side was the tagline "Fitness is a Personal Race". I wish I had seen the name of the company, but it was brilliant.
On the whole fitness level - isn't is all about getting better each day? Aren't you only racing against yourself?
I immediately re-focused to business. Oftentimes, I'm asked to comment on what others are doing - how are we responding to external threats and competition? I answer as authentically as I can always, and it sounds something like this...
Our focus needs to be on making ourselves better. Setting the bar higher each and every day to innovate, serve and differentiate. How can we possibly worry about what other are doing?
You see, I believe that business is a personal race - and if you push yourselves each day it really doesn't matter what others are doing - in the end, you win.
P.S. If you hold the trademark on Fitness is a Personal Race...I'd love to give you credit here...
On the whole fitness level - isn't is all about getting better each day? Aren't you only racing against yourself?
I immediately re-focused to business. Oftentimes, I'm asked to comment on what others are doing - how are we responding to external threats and competition? I answer as authentically as I can always, and it sounds something like this...
Our focus needs to be on making ourselves better. Setting the bar higher each and every day to innovate, serve and differentiate. How can we possibly worry about what other are doing?
You see, I believe that business is a personal race - and if you push yourselves each day it really doesn't matter what others are doing - in the end, you win.
P.S. If you hold the trademark on Fitness is a Personal Race...I'd love to give you credit here...
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Thoughts on Turning Thirty
9 years and 365 (roughly) days ago I received this poem. I'm not certain who sent it to me, but I can't believe it was nearly TEN years ago when it arrived.
I share it now with you because it has stuck with me for these ten years and now I need a new set of thoughts which will likely come tomorrow...
Turning Thirty
It isn't that I fear
growing older—such things as fear,
reluctance or desire
play no part at all
except as light and shadow sweep a hillside
on a Sunday afternoon,
astonishing the eye but passing on
at sunset with the land
still unchanged: the same rocks,
the same trees, tall grass gently drifting—
merely that I do not understand
how my age has come to me
or what it means.
It's almost like some small
forest creature one might find
outside the door some frosty autumn morning,
tired, lame, uncomprehending,
almost calm.
You want to stroke its fur,
pick it up, mend the leg and send it
scampering away—but something
in its eyes says, "No,
this is how I live, and how I die."
And so, a little sad, you let it be.
Later when you look,
the thing is gone.
And just like that these
thirty years have come and gone,
and I do not understand at all
why I see a man
inside the mirror when a small
boy still lives inside this body
wondering what causes laughter, why
nations go to war, who paints the startling
colors of the rainbow on a gray vaulted sky,
and when I will be old enough
to know.
More to come...
I share it now with you because it has stuck with me for these ten years and now I need a new set of thoughts which will likely come tomorrow...
Turning Thirty
It isn't that I fear
growing older—such things as fear,
reluctance or desire
play no part at all
except as light and shadow sweep a hillside
on a Sunday afternoon,
astonishing the eye but passing on
at sunset with the land
still unchanged: the same rocks,
the same trees, tall grass gently drifting—
merely that I do not understand
how my age has come to me
or what it means.
It's almost like some small
forest creature one might find
outside the door some frosty autumn morning,
tired, lame, uncomprehending,
almost calm.
You want to stroke its fur,
pick it up, mend the leg and send it
scampering away—but something
in its eyes says, "No,
this is how I live, and how I die."
And so, a little sad, you let it be.
Later when you look,
the thing is gone.
And just like that these
thirty years have come and gone,
and I do not understand at all
why I see a man
inside the mirror when a small
boy still lives inside this body
wondering what causes laughter, why
nations go to war, who paints the startling
colors of the rainbow on a gray vaulted sky,
and when I will be old enough
to know.
More to come...
Billing Fail
Opened up my Puget Sound Energy bill online thinking it seemed to be a bit high. There was good reason it was high - I was paying for gas and electric service for not only my house but someone else's. In all fairness it was a house I lived in in 1999. How does this happen?
Monday, January 3, 2011
If You Don't Call Me, I Don't Eat
Background Story
Came home from being out of town for several days - the house was about 60 degrees so I cranked up the heat a bit...about an hour later as the temp was approaching 68 we started smelling smoke. Smoke alarms blared and I headed for the garage. There was smoke coming out of our gas furnace (not a good combination). I killed the power at the breaker and grabbed the fire extinguisher. Luckily, I didn't need to use it.
The Call
I called a local guy - I've seen his van in the neighborhood. Keep in mind it is Sunday at 8 or so and there were only about 4 minutes left in the Seahawks vs. Rams NFC West "Championship" game (a blog post in and of itself, but I digress). He answered the phone and here is the exchange.
ME: Hi Mike, sorry to bother you so late on a Sunday and during the game
MIKE: Why are you sorry? If you don't call me, I don't eat.
Now, he hasn't serviced the furnace yet, but he's off to a great start. This is, in my opinion, the epitome of what it means to serve a customer. I'll let you know how it turns out.
UPDATE
Well, not only did Mike pay a visit to fix the furnace (which ended up being a capacitor) he made me his first stop of the day. I had one of two problems, a bad blower motor ($500+) to fix or a capacitor ($10.50 plus labor). It ended up being the latter. He said, if the blower ends up going within 30 days give me a call and I'll replace it and pro-rate the labor. He says he doesn't like to double dip and wants to be fair to me. I'd say he was fair.
If you need furnace or water heater work in the Olympia area, give Mike a call at Gas Works Inc. (360) 456-8845
UPDATE 2
I arrived home from work at about 5:30 tonight and I was walking through the door the phone rang. It was Mike wanting to make sure everything was working OK and we were satisfied. Thanked us again. Do you really think I will call anyone else if my furnace or water heater breaks? Here's a tip - Be Like Mike!
UPDATE 3
The blower does indeed "blow".
Well actually it stopped blowing and started smoking again. So I called Mike and guess what...it's fixed...3 hours later. CALL THIS GUY!
Came home from being out of town for several days - the house was about 60 degrees so I cranked up the heat a bit...about an hour later as the temp was approaching 68 we started smelling smoke. Smoke alarms blared and I headed for the garage. There was smoke coming out of our gas furnace (not a good combination). I killed the power at the breaker and grabbed the fire extinguisher. Luckily, I didn't need to use it.
The Call
I called a local guy - I've seen his van in the neighborhood. Keep in mind it is Sunday at 8 or so and there were only about 4 minutes left in the Seahawks vs. Rams NFC West "Championship" game (a blog post in and of itself, but I digress). He answered the phone and here is the exchange.
ME: Hi Mike, sorry to bother you so late on a Sunday and during the game
MIKE: Why are you sorry? If you don't call me, I don't eat.
Now, he hasn't serviced the furnace yet, but he's off to a great start. This is, in my opinion, the epitome of what it means to serve a customer. I'll let you know how it turns out.
UPDATE
Well, not only did Mike pay a visit to fix the furnace (which ended up being a capacitor) he made me his first stop of the day. I had one of two problems, a bad blower motor ($500+) to fix or a capacitor ($10.50 plus labor). It ended up being the latter. He said, if the blower ends up going within 30 days give me a call and I'll replace it and pro-rate the labor. He says he doesn't like to double dip and wants to be fair to me. I'd say he was fair.
If you need furnace or water heater work in the Olympia area, give Mike a call at Gas Works Inc. (360) 456-8845
UPDATE 2
I arrived home from work at about 5:30 tonight and I was walking through the door the phone rang. It was Mike wanting to make sure everything was working OK and we were satisfied. Thanked us again. Do you really think I will call anyone else if my furnace or water heater breaks? Here's a tip - Be Like Mike!
UPDATE 3
The blower does indeed "blow".
Well actually it stopped blowing and started smoking again. So I called Mike and guess what...it's fixed...3 hours later. CALL THIS GUY!
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