It is an emotion related to natural inquisitive behavior such as exploration, investigation and learning, evident by observation in human and many animal species. The term can also be used to denote the behavior itself being caused by the emotion of curiosity.
So with that in mind...
Stay curious for learning. Stay curious about improving. Stay curious through searching. Stay curious like a child. Stay curious about now. Stay curious in life. Stay curious about others. Stay curious about learning. Stay curious for you. Stay curious through listening. Stay curious through living. Stay curious about possibilities. Stay curious in business. Stay curious about experiences. Stay curious for next.
Stay curious.
Showing posts with label human behavior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label human behavior. Show all posts
June 11, 2019
October 16, 2018
Curiosity
It is an emotion related to natural inquisitive behavior such as exploration, investigation and learning, evident by observation in human and many animal species. The term can also be used to denote the behavior itself being caused by the emotion of curiosity.
So with that in mind...
Stay curious for learning. Stay curious about improving. Stay curious through searching. Stay curious like a child. Stay curious about now. Stay curious in life. Stay curious about others. Stay curious about learning. Stay curious for you. Stay curious through listening. Stay curious through living. Stay curious about possibilities. Stay curious in business. Stay curious about experiences. Stay curious for next.
Stay curious always.
__________________________________________________________________
So with that in mind...
Stay curious for learning. Stay curious about improving. Stay curious through searching. Stay curious like a child. Stay curious about now. Stay curious in life. Stay curious about others. Stay curious about learning. Stay curious for you. Stay curious through listening. Stay curious through living. Stay curious about possibilities. Stay curious in business. Stay curious about experiences. Stay curious for next.
Stay curious always.
__________________________________________________________________
October 19, 2016
My Priority not Your Emergency
It doesn’t matter what we read or see or share; no one has our experience. No two experiences in the history of humankind have been identical. I may not know what you mean; I cannot understand what you’re saying. I am not you.
John Percy once said “We judge others by their actions but ourselves by our intent.” This is important if you manage people or own a company. You can threaten life or limb but if someone doesn’t want to be on time for the sales meeting, they will not be on time for the sales meeting.
Who am I to say?
If you're a parent, you may not fathom why someone would be angry that you must leave the shareholder’s meeting to pick up kids from day care. Your passion may be golf and you could be outraged that someone bought the land at your favorite club to build homes for hundreds of families.
You can't worry about everything you enjoy in your life because others suffer. But you can be compassionate and understand that life is a lot more that all the crap we spent far too much time obsessing about.
To each their own which is the magic of life.
__________________________________________________________________
John Percy once said “We judge others by their actions but ourselves by our intent.” This is important if you manage people or own a company. You can threaten life or limb but if someone doesn’t want to be on time for the sales meeting, they will not be on time for the sales meeting.
Who am I to say?
If you're a parent, you may not fathom why someone would be angry that you must leave the shareholder’s meeting to pick up kids from day care. Your passion may be golf and you could be outraged that someone bought the land at your favorite club to build homes for hundreds of families.
You can't worry about everything you enjoy in your life because others suffer. But you can be compassionate and understand that life is a lot more that all the crap we spent far too much time obsessing about.
To each their own which is the magic of life.
__________________________________________________________________
June 10, 2016
Stay Curious
Curiosity is an emotion related to natural inquisitive behavior such as exploration, investigation and learning, evident by observation in human and many animal species. The term can also be used to denote the behavior itself being caused by the emotion of curiosity.
So with that in mind...
Stay curious for learning. Stay curious about improving. Stay curious through searching. Stay curious like a child. Stay curious about now. Stay curious in life. Stay curious about others. Stay curious about learning. Stay curious for you. Stay curious through listening. Stay curious through living. Stay curious about possibilities. Stay curious in business. Stay curious about experiences. Stay curious for next.
Stay curious always.
__________________________________________________________________
So with that in mind...
Stay curious for learning. Stay curious about improving. Stay curious through searching. Stay curious like a child. Stay curious about now. Stay curious in life. Stay curious about others. Stay curious about learning. Stay curious for you. Stay curious through listening. Stay curious through living. Stay curious about possibilities. Stay curious in business. Stay curious about experiences. Stay curious for next.
Stay curious always.
__________________________________________________________________
July 24, 2011
Our Ideas Need to Meet
Imagination is what separates us from any other species.
This past weekend marked the first anniversary of Social Capital Ottawa which was a resounding success. Big props to Lara Wellman, Vicky Bisson, Sara McConnell, Rebecca Stanisic, Andrea Tomkins and Karen Wilson. It was an outstanding event, great sponsors, fabulous content and they nailed every detail. And thanks to Dennis Van Staalduinen who rocked the joint during our session and if you get the chance, ask him if he's going to double down.
During my portion, I touched on this talk from British author and speaker Matt Ridley who has been studying and writing about genetics, society and evolution for decades. He outlines in this fascinating TEDTalk that trading ideas is essential to our survival.
Ridley's website is the Rational Optimist and this is his TEDTalk from 2010 where explains why our ideas have sex.
Kneale Mann
This past weekend marked the first anniversary of Social Capital Ottawa which was a resounding success. Big props to Lara Wellman, Vicky Bisson, Sara McConnell, Rebecca Stanisic, Andrea Tomkins and Karen Wilson. It was an outstanding event, great sponsors, fabulous content and they nailed every detail. And thanks to Dennis Van Staalduinen who rocked the joint during our session and if you get the chance, ask him if he's going to double down.
During my portion, I touched on this talk from British author and speaker Matt Ridley who has been studying and writing about genetics, society and evolution for decades. He outlines in this fascinating TEDTalk that trading ideas is essential to our survival.
Ridley's website is the Rational Optimist and this is his TEDTalk from 2010 where explains why our ideas have sex.
Kneale Mann
October 21, 2010
Fear. Educate. Organize. Implement.
Your business is not a campaign and your people are not all the same.
I think the reason most organizations are having trouble navigating the new ways of communication stems from fear and that's okay as long as you recognize that. Once that happens, you can then educate yourselves with what is out there and how you can activate some of those ideas in your company.
Once you educate - which is an ongoing process - you can then begin to organize thoughts and departments and job descriptions. This is not an overnight process, but it is a process that needs to happen.
So you deal with the fear by educating and organizing then you need to implement some of what you've learned into your organization. Again, this won't happen right away. There are no quick fixes and everyone in your company has a different view of this stuff.
If you can implement some new ideas, then the review and revise process begins.
This is a cool video that was produced by Jesse Thomas or as many know him JESS3. If you are having trouble grasping the explosion of the Internet, social media, mobile and digital, this may excite you, this may scare you. Some of the stats are out-of-date but focus on the overall message.
This is about human behavior not theory. And if you embrace it, you may just be able to battle the fear, educate each other, organize what works and begin to implement. [video]
knealemann
I think the reason most organizations are having trouble navigating the new ways of communication stems from fear and that's okay as long as you recognize that. Once that happens, you can then educate yourselves with what is out there and how you can activate some of those ideas in your company.
Once you educate - which is an ongoing process - you can then begin to organize thoughts and departments and job descriptions. This is not an overnight process, but it is a process that needs to happen.
So you deal with the fear by educating and organizing then you need to implement some of what you've learned into your organization. Again, this won't happen right away. There are no quick fixes and everyone in your company has a different view of this stuff.
If you can implement some new ideas, then the review and revise process begins.
This is a cool video that was produced by Jesse Thomas or as many know him JESS3. If you are having trouble grasping the explosion of the Internet, social media, mobile and digital, this may excite you, this may scare you. Some of the stats are out-of-date but focus on the overall message.
This is about human behavior not theory. And if you embrace it, you may just be able to battle the fear, educate each other, organize what works and begin to implement. [video]
knealemann
September 1, 2010
Both Sides of the Counter
We are all in service, sales and marketing.
A few months ago, I had my driveway replaced. It was hot and sticky and the crew spent the first day removing the old asphalt, putting down gravel and flattening things out. It took them six hours.
A couple of weeks later the paving crew was scheduled to come and finish the job. The first date was postponed because the weather office issued a heat advisory.
All hands on deck.
The next day, eleven guys were working on my driveway: two on the paving machine, three with hand packers, three more with rakes, another guy driving a small roller machine, one guy in the truck and a supervisor.
This was not a stoic grumpy bunch, just the opposite. They were talking and laughing and cracking jokes and having a good time. They were laying 300 degree asphalt in stinking hot 90 degree weather. It was certainly good for the old perspective.
Everything you do is marketing.
If anyone saw this crew working and needed a new driveway, they’d be inclined to hire this company. It’s contagious to be around positive people.
I told the supervisor that I appreciated their hard work and that his team seem to be having a lot of fun. He quipped, “It’s better than a real job.”
It's common to hear that from someone in a more non-traditional role but this guy clearly enjoyed what he was doing as did the rest of his team. And this is what they do for six months a year and do it well.
We all providers. We are all customers.
We are often quick to forget that fact when we complain about service or lament about a difficult client. This is not to suggest there are not bad customers or bad service. In fact, most of us want great customer service but rarely do we expect it and when it happens we're still surprised.
If I’m flipping the burgers and you’re paying for lunch then we have our roles. But if later in the day, you are changing my oil and I’m paying the bill we simply switch places.
It is easy to lob complaints when we are on the customer side. But we often would like to think our customers will understand we are trying our best. Eventually we will be serving each other so perhaps it is something we should keep in mind.
What are your thoughts?
knealemann
Create experiences not campaigns.
image credit: freefoto
A few months ago, I had my driveway replaced. It was hot and sticky and the crew spent the first day removing the old asphalt, putting down gravel and flattening things out. It took them six hours. A couple of weeks later the paving crew was scheduled to come and finish the job. The first date was postponed because the weather office issued a heat advisory.
All hands on deck.
The next day, eleven guys were working on my driveway: two on the paving machine, three with hand packers, three more with rakes, another guy driving a small roller machine, one guy in the truck and a supervisor.
This was not a stoic grumpy bunch, just the opposite. They were talking and laughing and cracking jokes and having a good time. They were laying 300 degree asphalt in stinking hot 90 degree weather. It was certainly good for the old perspective.
Everything you do is marketing.
If anyone saw this crew working and needed a new driveway, they’d be inclined to hire this company. It’s contagious to be around positive people.
I told the supervisor that I appreciated their hard work and that his team seem to be having a lot of fun. He quipped, “It’s better than a real job.”
It's common to hear that from someone in a more non-traditional role but this guy clearly enjoyed what he was doing as did the rest of his team. And this is what they do for six months a year and do it well.
We all providers. We are all customers.
We are often quick to forget that fact when we complain about service or lament about a difficult client. This is not to suggest there are not bad customers or bad service. In fact, most of us want great customer service but rarely do we expect it and when it happens we're still surprised.
If I’m flipping the burgers and you’re paying for lunch then we have our roles. But if later in the day, you are changing my oil and I’m paying the bill we simply switch places.
It is easy to lob complaints when we are on the customer side. But we often would like to think our customers will understand we are trying our best. Eventually we will be serving each other so perhaps it is something we should keep in mind.
What are your thoughts?
knealemann
Create experiences not campaigns.
image credit: freefoto
August 30, 2010
Privacy | Real or Imagined?
The quality of being apart from company or observation.
Merriam-Webster
If you ever go shopping, enter a bank, drive on a road, walk down a street or sit in a restaurant, you are giving up your privacy.
Not only can others observe your actions but you may actually be on camera.
We are being photographed and filmed dozens of times every day from almost the moment we leave our home.
But most of us don't give it much thought. It is a way of life and since no one will do anything sinister with the information, we seem to be okay with it.
Privacy is dead and social media hold the smoking gun.
Pete Cashmore | Mashable
If you are on a social networking site, your information could also be stored on hundreds of other external sites and applications in virtually any language without your knowledge. That means your information could be available to the more than 1.8 billion people around the world who are online. And you should assume that’s the case.
One example is Facebook Places.
If you don't want that activated, go to account settings, notifications, scroll down to places and un-click the boxes. If you haven't changed your privacy settings in the last few weeks, it is currently activated and Facebook didn't ask if it was okay with you.
One way to monitor yourself online is to set up Google Alerts on whatever phrase you want and you will get a daily email with the results.
Another is to ensure you register your name domain if you can get it. You don’t have to build a website but you should reserve that piece of real estate before someone else does it.
The ability to seclude and reveal selectively.
Wikipedia
The U.S. Army has one of the most extensive digital engagement policies around and one line says it all – you are always on the record. Know that, understand that, grasp that and you won’t be surprised if your information is shared – with everyone.
It is also a good idea to review all of your profiles once a month to ensure nothing weird is going on. And do a vanity search on your name regularly to see what may be out there with your name on it.
The state of retirement or free from intrusion.
Dictionary.com
You can triple bolt your front door and never leave the house, but as soon as you step where others hang out – on or offline - you may be watched.
I didn't even begin to discuss the latest wave of location based sites which will continue to multiply. Yeah, I have some work to do.
So does privacy still exist?
knealemann
Create experiences not campaigns.
image credit: bbc
Merriam-Webster
If you ever go shopping, enter a bank, drive on a road, walk down a street or sit in a restaurant, you are giving up your privacy. Not only can others observe your actions but you may actually be on camera.
We are being photographed and filmed dozens of times every day from almost the moment we leave our home.
But most of us don't give it much thought. It is a way of life and since no one will do anything sinister with the information, we seem to be okay with it.
Privacy is dead and social media hold the smoking gun.
Pete Cashmore | Mashable
If you are on a social networking site, your information could also be stored on hundreds of other external sites and applications in virtually any language without your knowledge. That means your information could be available to the more than 1.8 billion people around the world who are online. And you should assume that’s the case.
One example is Facebook Places.
If you don't want that activated, go to account settings, notifications, scroll down to places and un-click the boxes. If you haven't changed your privacy settings in the last few weeks, it is currently activated and Facebook didn't ask if it was okay with you.
One way to monitor yourself online is to set up Google Alerts on whatever phrase you want and you will get a daily email with the results.
Another is to ensure you register your name domain if you can get it. You don’t have to build a website but you should reserve that piece of real estate before someone else does it.
The ability to seclude and reveal selectively.
Wikipedia
The U.S. Army has one of the most extensive digital engagement policies around and one line says it all – you are always on the record. Know that, understand that, grasp that and you won’t be surprised if your information is shared – with everyone.
It is also a good idea to review all of your profiles once a month to ensure nothing weird is going on. And do a vanity search on your name regularly to see what may be out there with your name on it.
The state of retirement or free from intrusion.
Dictionary.com
You can triple bolt your front door and never leave the house, but as soon as you step where others hang out – on or offline - you may be watched.
I didn't even begin to discuss the latest wave of location based sites which will continue to multiply. Yeah, I have some work to do.
So does privacy still exist?
knealemann
Create experiences not campaigns.
image credit: bbc
August 29, 2010
Do Your Ideas Procreate?
Imagination is what separates us from any other species.
British author and speaker Matt Ridley is a interesting guy who has been studying and writing about genetics, society and evolution for decades. He outlines in this fascinating TEDTalk that trading ideas is centuries older than farming. Idea sharing is essential to human life.
Matt's website - the Rational Optimist - has plenty to digest.
More from the TED site on Matt’s talk:
knealemann
Create experiences not campaigns.
image credit: TED
British author and speaker Matt Ridley is a interesting guy who has been studying and writing about genetics, society and evolution for decades. He outlines in this fascinating TEDTalk that trading ideas is centuries older than farming. Idea sharing is essential to human life.
Matt's website - the Rational Optimist - has plenty to digest.
More from the TED site on Matt’s talk:
“It is our habit of trade, idea-sharing and specialization that has created the collective brain which set human living standards on a rising trend. This, he says, "holds out hope that the human race will prosper mightily in the years ahead - because ideas are having sex with each other as never before."
knealemann
Create experiences not campaigns.
image credit: TED
August 14, 2010
Are You Curious?
Curiosity is an emotion related to natural inquisitive behavior such as exploration, investigation and learning, evident by observation in human and many animal species. The term can also be used to denote the behavior itself being caused by the emotion of curiosity.
Wikipedia
Stay curious for learning.
Stay curious about improving.
Stay curious through searching.
Stay curious like a child.
Stay curious about now.
Stay curious in life.
Stay curious for you.
Stay curious through listening.
Stay curious in business.
Stay curious about others.
Stay curious for next.
Stay curious in leadership.
Stay curious always.
Are You Curious?
knealemann
strategy. marketing. media.
June 12, 2010
Imagine. Invent. Integrate.
We all love clever stuff. But something happens when clever meets ingenuity. Like this piece entitled "The Dreaded Stairs" which was released last year.
This is not posted here to endorse any site or product, it's here to make you think.
I hope it does.
Does this give you any ideas for a different way around a current challenge?
@knealemann
Helping you integrate all you do with all you do.
This is not posted here to endorse any site or product, it's here to make you think.
I hope it does.
Does this give you any ideas for a different way around a current challenge?
@knealemann
Helping you integrate all you do with all you do.
April 2, 2010
Counting The Beans
Perspective Is All Yours
It doesn’t matter what we read or see or share; no one has our experience.
No two experiences in the history of humankind have been identical.
I may not know what you mean; I cannot understand what you’re saying. I am not you.
John Percy once said “We judge others by their actions but ourselves by our intent.” This is important if you manage people or own a company.
You can threaten life or limb but if someone doesn’t want to be on time for the sales meeting, they will not be on time for the sales meeting.
If you're a parent, you may not fathom why someone would be angry that you have to leave the shareholder’s meeting to pick up kids from day care.
Your passion may be golf and you could be outraged that someone bought the land at your favorite club to build homes for hundreds of families.
It may suck to line up tomorrow for your iPad but it sounds a lot more appealing than living in a box in earthquake ravaged Haiti.
Too Much Perspective Is Not Good.
You can't worry about everything you enjoy in your life because others suffer. But you can be compassionate and understand that life is a lot more that all the crap we spent far too much time obsessing about.
If Jim is late for the sales meeting again, take him aside and remind him the importance of being on time and how it is disrespectful of the team. If Jim disagrees, you may need to free up his future.
Tote Board Says...
We love numbers and validation but should that really be the priority?
I read someone’s bio on their website the other day. They were boasting about the money they made but it wasn’t about the money and how they built their “following” but it wasn’t about the numbers. They listed all the cool stuff happening in their life but said it's not about them. Right.
Here’s an suggestion: The next person you meet for the first time, ask them how they’re doing. And actually wait for the answer.
If it wasn’t about the numbers, why do we spend so much time counting the beans?
@knealemann
strategy. marketing. social media.
It doesn’t matter what we read or see or share; no one has our experience. No two experiences in the history of humankind have been identical.
I may not know what you mean; I cannot understand what you’re saying. I am not you.
John Percy once said “We judge others by their actions but ourselves by our intent.” This is important if you manage people or own a company.
You can threaten life or limb but if someone doesn’t want to be on time for the sales meeting, they will not be on time for the sales meeting.
If you're a parent, you may not fathom why someone would be angry that you have to leave the shareholder’s meeting to pick up kids from day care.
Your passion may be golf and you could be outraged that someone bought the land at your favorite club to build homes for hundreds of families.
It may suck to line up tomorrow for your iPad but it sounds a lot more appealing than living in a box in earthquake ravaged Haiti.
Too Much Perspective Is Not Good.
You can't worry about everything you enjoy in your life because others suffer. But you can be compassionate and understand that life is a lot more that all the crap we spent far too much time obsessing about.
If Jim is late for the sales meeting again, take him aside and remind him the importance of being on time and how it is disrespectful of the team. If Jim disagrees, you may need to free up his future.
Tote Board Says...
We love numbers and validation but should that really be the priority?
I read someone’s bio on their website the other day. They were boasting about the money they made but it wasn’t about the money and how they built their “following” but it wasn’t about the numbers. They listed all the cool stuff happening in their life but said it's not about them. Right.
Here’s an suggestion: The next person you meet for the first time, ask them how they’re doing. And actually wait for the answer.
If it wasn’t about the numbers, why do we spend so much time counting the beans?
@knealemann
strategy. marketing. social media.
March 2, 2010
The State of the Internet
Mitch Joel shared this video a few days ago, I thought I’d do the same.
It was done by Jesse Thomas or as many know him JESS3. If you are having trouble grasping the explosion of the Internet, social media, mobile and digital, this may excite you, this may scare you.
This is about human behavior not theory.
Watch. Share. Discuss.
@knealemann
strategy. marketing. social media.
It was done by Jesse Thomas or as many know him JESS3. If you are having trouble grasping the explosion of the Internet, social media, mobile and digital, this may excite you, this may scare you.
This is about human behavior not theory.
Watch. Share. Discuss.
@knealemann
strategy. marketing. social media.
October 24, 2009
Freedom of Choice | What Is Yours?
The waiter asks you what we want from the menu. You call the service line and if you’re lucky enough to get a human within half an hour they will ask you how they can help.
You stand slack jawed in the cereal aisle trying to decide whether it will be flakes or loops.
Consumerism is built on the appearance of choice.
What happens when we have too much?
Imagine for a moment that I put pictures of 83 different cars in front of you. Each car is available in 17 different trim packages and 163 colors. How quickly would you choose the car you wanted? At one time I did have a car that was black currant with grey leather interior. But I digress.
If your real estate agent showed you 481 different houses, how closer would you be to calling the moving van? Crown moulding is not that compelling but the Catskill green granite counter top in the bathroom is fantastic.
What About Your Career?
On the surface, a free society fights to have career path choice. It’s obvious, right?
You want to choose what do for a living – don’t you? You don’t want to feel stuck, you want a wide open menu filled with hundreds of delicious items.
Depending on the study however, most say that close to 80% are unhappy with their career path - why is that?
We can site family obligations, financial concerns, educational limitations but are those just excuses? Most of us have them; they are nice comfy memes to keep us from stepping too far out on the ledge.
Why don’t we make more choices? It’s common to feel stuck, have self-doubt or limited with your ability to move. Imagine how that looks across an organization with hundreds of people feeling the same way. It may not appear to be related to your personal or business strategic objectives but it has everything to do with them.
In the free world during tight economic times you can try the - ’cause I said so - approach for a little while but it is a highly damaging long term plan.
Your most talented stakeholders will simply leave.
Some say that there are three reasons we do anything: to make money, to make a name for ourselves or to make a difference.
What is differentiates high achievers from the rest?
It begins with their ability to answer one simply question:
What Do I Want?
@knealemann
Helping you create your best business,
marketing and social media strategy.
You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
Rush - Freewill
image credits: gallup.com | corbisimages.com
May 25, 2009
Customer Service: Not A Given
Last week I spoke with someone who said his customers don’t know what they want. That statement may be partially true but what he is missing is that his customers’ perceptions are their realities. Like it or not.
If it’s broken to you, it’s broken.
Seth Godin
I had an interesting exchange with my Cable/Internet provider a couple of weeks ago because I miscalculated last month’s bill by $31.59 which garnered a rude call from their collections department.
I have been their customer for more than twenty years and they are on me like dirt over thirty-one bucks. I told the person he had about 15 seconds to convince me not to take my business to the competitor.
His response was underwhelming and I hung up the phone then paid the difference. Twenty years and I am treated like a delinquent. To me, they are broken.
Marketing Is A Promise, Not A Campaign
So all the well thought out marketing and advertising campaigns were tossed out for the sake of a miscalculation. Because I screwed up some math, they broke their promise.
It may be difficult to grasp, but people will often pay more for something that works and something that is superior. Price is not the only deciding factor – remember shareware?
They Solved My Problem
I had a hefty bill recently from my local tire and brake place. It was my fault that I had let it go so long and not their fault that new tires and brakes were $2500. The entire exchange was enjoyable.
As I paid the bill they reminded me to bring my car back every 10,000 miles to get my tires rotated for free and it would be ready as soon as Ralph put it through the car wash. And important to note, the people working in this garage get along well and help each other constantly. You want to give these guys your business.
My perception was not that they tried to gouge me for tires and brakes, my experience made me tell everyone to go there if they ever need their car serviced.
Lessons Learned?
So I am mad at one company for hounding me over $31.59 and happy to promote another company that charged me $2500. By the way, the car drives like new and my hi-speed internet service is still sporadic most days.
Perception is reality and nothing you can do will change that.
Which company best describes your company?
@knealemann
If it’s broken to you, it’s broken.
Seth Godin
I had an interesting exchange with my Cable/Internet provider a couple of weeks ago because I miscalculated last month’s bill by $31.59 which garnered a rude call from their collections department.
I have been their customer for more than twenty years and they are on me like dirt over thirty-one bucks. I told the person he had about 15 seconds to convince me not to take my business to the competitor.
His response was underwhelming and I hung up the phone then paid the difference. Twenty years and I am treated like a delinquent. To me, they are broken.
Marketing Is A Promise, Not A Campaign
So all the well thought out marketing and advertising campaigns were tossed out for the sake of a miscalculation. Because I screwed up some math, they broke their promise.
It may be difficult to grasp, but people will often pay more for something that works and something that is superior. Price is not the only deciding factor – remember shareware?
They Solved My Problem
I had a hefty bill recently from my local tire and brake place. It was my fault that I had let it go so long and not their fault that new tires and brakes were $2500. The entire exchange was enjoyable.
As I paid the bill they reminded me to bring my car back every 10,000 miles to get my tires rotated for free and it would be ready as soon as Ralph put it through the car wash. And important to note, the people working in this garage get along well and help each other constantly. You want to give these guys your business.
My perception was not that they tried to gouge me for tires and brakes, my experience made me tell everyone to go there if they ever need their car serviced.
Lessons Learned?
So I am mad at one company for hounding me over $31.59 and happy to promote another company that charged me $2500. By the way, the car drives like new and my hi-speed internet service is still sporadic most days.
Perception is reality and nothing you can do will change that.
Which company best describes your company?
@knealemann
May 19, 2009
Giving Up Control
I received a call from a colleague recently who pondered why music companies don’t release new albums along with concert tickets at the same time. That way, fans can download the music or buy it at a store along with tickets to the upcoming shows. He went on to wonder if there is concern about free downloading of music and movie torrents, why don’t studios simply release the film and DVD on the same day?What? And Give Up Control?
Old model thinking is you can control the marketplace, behavior and spending. It is a fantasy. If you owned restaurant and people quickly found out that Thursdays are free food nights, how big would your line up be on Friday? Sure some would come back because you offered great food at a great price point, but could you control that?
Collusion vs. Solution
I have been in media and marketing for a long time. I know it doesn’t work this way. It’s not a simple solution but is it not a worthy discussion? The Ticketmaster/LiveNation merger has created a lot of heat because of the collusion ramifications, so merging a distributor with a concert company and a music label will create even more.
But let’s focus for a moment on behavior.
We all know stealing music is wrong, downloading movies is illegal, taking something that isn’t ours is improper and our moms taught us that years ago. But has that changed behavior?
If you found $1,000 in an unmarked envelope on the ground, what would you do? If I told you that you could download as much music as your heart desired without any consequence, what would you do? If you found a loophole to avoid paying income tax, what would you do?
Is it wrong or is it reality?
The topic of free is a big one right now. If you can get the same service or product for less money – or even free – is that your preference? Now flip it around and tell me you will offer me your service or product for less money or free.
The music labels are in trouble, that’s well documented but as one who adores music and wants it to continue to thrive, let’s look at solutions rather than trying to cram more genies in to more bottles.
How does this apply to your work? How can you better understand customer and human behavior in order to better meld your business plans with reality?
@knealemann
photo credit: rdhelectronicsinfo.com
May 10, 2009
Thanks Mom!
Mom is the one person in your life who is with you for your entire life. As the cliché goes, your mom holds your hand for the first few years of your life then holds your heart for the rest. The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.
Honoré de Balzac
The family unit is not what is used to be, it’s not what it was portrayed “in the olden days” in movies and on television. It's not mom, dad and 2.3 kids. There are nuclear families, separated and estranged relationships, but all the while no matter where are, your mom is always there.
Today is Good News Only Day on Twitter.
A few of us thought it would be cool to do this on Mother’s Day so share some good news – about your mom, or family or anything at all and add the hashtag #gnod
There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it.
Chinese Proverb
Find her favorite fragrance or book, give her that time she needs to recoup, and if she’s no longer with us do something for her nonetheless.
And if you are a mom, thanks from all of us.
@knealemann
photo credit: roddy smith
April 14, 2009
Where Does It Hurt?
Sally wakes up Wednesday morning. Her tummy aches. She calls for her mom. The first thing her mom says is; “Where does it hurt?”
Batter Up
Carl loves playing baseball in his Thursday night league. It’s the 6th inning, Carl is at the plate, man on 1st, his team is down 4-2. Fastball, perfect, down the middle. Carl connects and the ball sails over the shortstop’s head. Fielder picks it up and throws toward the plate as Carl’s teammate rounds 3rd. Ball meets glove. Catcher meets Runner. Suddenly, there is a heap at the plate. Shouts immediately come from everywhere “Are you guys okay”. Carl's teammate says; "Am I safe?"
Tick Tock
Jerry is late for the sales meeting. Jerry is late most weeks. He can somehow make the 7am tee-time on Saturday but 8:15 comes way too on a Tuesday. This week, the boss tells Jerry that the big account called and is ready to cancel. He then informs Jerry that he’s been late for the sales meeting 21 times this year. It’s not looking for dear old Jer.
Feel The Burn
Mile twenty-three was especially difficult for Marie. After years of training, she had never felt it before. Sure, she was familiar with the wall but this time was different. This was her third marathon and this didn’t happen on the first two. There was a point where she felt it was too difficult and she wasn’t going to be able to make those last three miles.
Just Breathe
Brice has the biggest presentation of his career in the morning. He has over prepared for this one. His theories, his bright personality, his smarts got him to this point. Brice is terrified. It’s as if everything he ever learned or wrote on the topic has vanished. Cold sweats. Shaking. Nervous. Can’t sleep.
Find The Pain
If you've ever heard the phrase "find the pain" you know more than most who sell stuff for a living - and we all sell stuff for a living. It's not enough to find out that someone needs bigger profits. You need to find out the cause, the reason and it's not always sales. You need to find the pain.
If you work in the medical community or you're a parent, you certainly know what it means to find the pain. The old sales' adage that you aren't selling a drill but a way to put a hole in the wall to hang that picture rings true.
We often forget that we connect with other humans. They have deadlines, fears, pain, concern, stress and all the other stuff we have. But somehow we forget. Why is that?
@knealemann
Batter Up
Carl loves playing baseball in his Thursday night league. It’s the 6th inning, Carl is at the plate, man on 1st, his team is down 4-2. Fastball, perfect, down the middle. Carl connects and the ball sails over the shortstop’s head. Fielder picks it up and throws toward the plate as Carl’s teammate rounds 3rd. Ball meets glove. Catcher meets Runner. Suddenly, there is a heap at the plate. Shouts immediately come from everywhere “Are you guys okay”. Carl's teammate says; "Am I safe?"
Tick Tock
Jerry is late for the sales meeting. Jerry is late most weeks. He can somehow make the 7am tee-time on Saturday but 8:15 comes way too on a Tuesday. This week, the boss tells Jerry that the big account called and is ready to cancel. He then informs Jerry that he’s been late for the sales meeting 21 times this year. It’s not looking for dear old Jer.
Feel The Burn
Mile twenty-three was especially difficult for Marie. After years of training, she had never felt it before. Sure, she was familiar with the wall but this time was different. This was her third marathon and this didn’t happen on the first two. There was a point where she felt it was too difficult and she wasn’t going to be able to make those last three miles.
Just Breathe
Brice has the biggest presentation of his career in the morning. He has over prepared for this one. His theories, his bright personality, his smarts got him to this point. Brice is terrified. It’s as if everything he ever learned or wrote on the topic has vanished. Cold sweats. Shaking. Nervous. Can’t sleep.
Find The Pain
If you've ever heard the phrase "find the pain" you know more than most who sell stuff for a living - and we all sell stuff for a living. It's not enough to find out that someone needs bigger profits. You need to find out the cause, the reason and it's not always sales. You need to find the pain.
If you work in the medical community or you're a parent, you certainly know what it means to find the pain. The old sales' adage that you aren't selling a drill but a way to put a hole in the wall to hang that picture rings true.
We often forget that we connect with other humans. They have deadlines, fears, pain, concern, stress and all the other stuff we have. But somehow we forget. Why is that?
@knealemann
photo credit: http://assets.disaboom.com
April 12, 2009
What Does Easter Mean To You?
Easter, to some is a day of family and church and remembering Jesus.
To others, it's about chocolate bunnies and turkey dinner.
When I posed the question on Twitter, the answers included religion and chocolate but the most common theme was family and friends. No matter the event or anniversary, we seem to want to gather and share.
So gather and share with those you enjoy. My thoughts are with you if you feel compelled to going to a family gathering no one wants to attend - that's not the point, but unfortunately too many people do it.
Whatever today means to you, Happy Easter!
@knealemann
To others, it's about chocolate bunnies and turkey dinner.
When I posed the question on Twitter, the answers included religion and chocolate but the most common theme was family and friends. No matter the event or anniversary, we seem to want to gather and share.
So gather and share with those you enjoy. My thoughts are with you if you feel compelled to going to a family gathering no one wants to attend - that's not the point, but unfortunately too many people do it.
Whatever today means to you, Happy Easter!
@knealemann
April 6, 2009
統合されているか? What Is Integration?
Are you integrated? Is your company integrated?
Do you know? Do you know how?
Integration is a word that is thrown around quite a bit these days. But what does it really mean? Let’s start with one definition; the organization of various traits, feelings, attitudes into one harmonious personality.
But it’s one thing to define it; it’s another to put it in to practice. It can be as foreign as speaking Japanese to someone who only speaks English.
統合されているか?
What Is Integration?
Integration has become a catch-all like social media, marketing, user-experience, paradigm shift and community. In simple terms – though easier said than done – it is when several topics or concepts or pieces are seamlessly merged to make a better result. The parts are not lost but work well with each other in a natural way.
But integration is not about trickery. It is about reflecting life.
設定した上で静かな
Quiet On The Set
In the entertainment world, we have seen infomercials and product placement for decades but those applications are often clunky and obvious. The advertising and marketing communities have embraced integration for the purpose of telling more of a story around the product or service.
You may remember the Dog House viral video or the Guy Richie BMW mini-movies. Though neither may have increased sales per se, they were a part of the overall strategy.
コピーを取る
Make A Copy
The mistake many make is to see something that spreads through viral channels and think they can duplicate it. That strategy is about as sound as all the years when the New York Rangers thought they could buy a Stanley Cup by paying gobs of money to a bench full of “superstars”.
Copying is not integration, insuring all the parts are in tact is not either. Integration happens when you remember the human part – when you can reflect the tastes of your audience or customers - not dictate them.
はじめまして
Nice To Meet You
If you are having coffee with someone you just met, you notice their clothing and the surroundings, you are more conscious about yourself and your body language. But once you get to know someone, those thoughts are melded into a relationship with that person which is integrated with all that you do with each other. You become yourself.
When we can forget the screen, the transmitter, the camera, the out-of-context medium that is simply delivering the content then we begin to enjoy true integration.
どのように統合されますか？
How Do You Integrate?
@knealemann
Do you know? Do you know how?
Integration is a word that is thrown around quite a bit these days. But what does it really mean? Let’s start with one definition; the organization of various traits, feelings, attitudes into one harmonious personality.
But it’s one thing to define it; it’s another to put it in to practice. It can be as foreign as speaking Japanese to someone who only speaks English.
統合されているか?
What Is Integration?
Integration has become a catch-all like social media, marketing, user-experience, paradigm shift and community. In simple terms – though easier said than done – it is when several topics or concepts or pieces are seamlessly merged to make a better result. The parts are not lost but work well with each other in a natural way.
But integration is not about trickery. It is about reflecting life.
設定した上で静かな
Quiet On The Set
In the entertainment world, we have seen infomercials and product placement for decades but those applications are often clunky and obvious. The advertising and marketing communities have embraced integration for the purpose of telling more of a story around the product or service.
You may remember the Dog House viral video or the Guy Richie BMW mini-movies. Though neither may have increased sales per se, they were a part of the overall strategy.
コピーを取る
Make A Copy
The mistake many make is to see something that spreads through viral channels and think they can duplicate it. That strategy is about as sound as all the years when the New York Rangers thought they could buy a Stanley Cup by paying gobs of money to a bench full of “superstars”.
Copying is not integration, insuring all the parts are in tact is not either. Integration happens when you remember the human part – when you can reflect the tastes of your audience or customers - not dictate them.
はじめまして
Nice To Meet You
If you are having coffee with someone you just met, you notice their clothing and the surroundings, you are more conscious about yourself and your body language. But once you get to know someone, those thoughts are melded into a relationship with that person which is integrated with all that you do with each other. You become yourself.
When we can forget the screen, the transmitter, the camera, the out-of-context medium that is simply delivering the content then we begin to enjoy true integration.
どのように統合されますか？
How Do You Integrate?
@knealemann
