The NFL Combine Offers More of the Business Side of Professional Football

One of Google’s top trends of late includes the NFL Combine where college-level football players are invited to run, side step, jump and prove themselves to NFL recruiters—via their agents of course. An Internet search will find you a plethora of stories from the NFL, ESPN and posts on combine events dedicated to showoff these players—much like meat at the grocery store.

One video I saw was posted on the NFL.com where insider Mike Lombardi (who changed his last name to Lombardi because he thought it sounded cool) talked about the 2012 combine. Oh, a quick side note: I did try and find out what Lombardi’s last name used to be, but I couldn’t find it. I am, however, a Tivo-must-watch “Inside the NFL” fan (Showtime) where he often appears and do have a taped episode from a while back where he said, “Yeah I changed my last name.” Dude, you’re no Vince Lombardi!

On the other hand, Mike Lombardi has been in and out of NFL management and most of the time, the predictions he makes are pretty accurate and who am I to say he can’t change his name. Look at Chad Ochocinco? But again, as always, I digress!

NFL Combine – Big Business

Mr. Lombardi pointed out the combine gets a lot of press for being the end all for team recruiters. But he also pointed out, at combines, recruiters get to see body shapes (without football uniforms), a little running and maybe a throw or two from a potential QB but that’s about it.

What recruiters and team owners are missing is how they react once dressed, in uniform against other potential athletes and this is an important element in choosing players. The body may look nice outside but, well, “you can’t judge a book by its cover!”

Still, agents entice these recruiters with their wares (players) and I’m sure these agents and the venues where combines are held offer team recruiters all sorts of extra stuff—it’s big business.

They say Tom Brady had a horrible combine experience but look at him now. Too bad he plays for Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Since “Spygate” where Belichick spied on another team, the Pats haven’t won a Super Bowl and probably never will. I do believe in that old saying, cheaters never win!

I’m not saying money is passed to these recruiters and their teams (cough, cough), but the gifts and incentives like luxurious hotel rooms and full days of spa treatment for their nieces—er I mean wives costs money! What about those five-star restaurants the recruiters chow down at each night of the combine?

I’m not sure if all of this is “legal” or “illegal” as far as NFL rules go, but what is important is teams shouldn’t rely only on the combine to choose their players.

Typical Agent Enticement

Agent Joe: Bill, dude! How are you? Man did you seem my man LaQuell? He’s got it all and he graduated top in his class!

Recruiter Bill: Yeah? Which one is he out there?

Agent Joe: Aw, you just missed him, but here are some head shots! I also have a little video on my HTC Droid Incredible for you to watch!

Recruiter Bill: Are you kidding me? I want to see the guy move, what’s his body type?

Agent Joe: Howwas that Delmonico steak last night? Did your niece (er I mean wife) like that diamond bracelet? I bet it goes great with those new silk ties we left in the Presidential Suite!

Recruiter Bill: Now you’re talking Joe! What’s your guy’s name again?

Agent Joe: LaQuell man, you’ll love him, he’s an asset!

Recruiter Bill: Let me give my general manager a call but let’s consider it a “done” deal between you and me!

Agent Joe: Great Bill, great and you tell your GM you and I don’t want to see him cut after the draft!

Recruiter Bill: Won’t happen Joe—you think you can spit some more perks my way?

Agent Joe: You want to go to the Grand Caymans? Hawaii? You name the place.

Recruiter Bill: I love Hawaii and so does my niece—er I mean my wife!

Agent Joe: You got it Bill, see you tomorrow, I got another kid to show you!

Recruiter Bill: For sure Joe, absolutely!

If That’s Not Business What Is?

So there’s a lot of risky business that comes with the combines but in the end, who gets hurt? If the agent works real hard and has access to many perks, the new kid may have a future—but he still has to prove himself—but that’s better than being cut before the season starts. Often millions of dollars are offered to find out the guy just doesn’t have what it takes.

Businesses do this too. You wash my back, I’ll wash yours.

I can’t help wondering about poor Tim Tebow. Apparently he left his combine considerations up to the Lord because he’s really not all that great and well, he wouldn’t have been involved in anything this sneaky would he? Hmmm?

Image Credit: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at Super Bowl 43 / Wikimedia Commons

New Super-Hot Planet GJ1214b in a Class By Itself! But, It Needs a New Name!

Okay, I was one of those kids in science classes who checked out the good looking guys and really didn’t pay much attention to the instructor. I took the absolute basic classes in high school and college and because my degree is in business and human resources, science was, well, blah to me.

Lately, however with climate change, global warming fanatics and those who feel the world will end on December 21, 2012 based on the Mayan calendar, I find myself paying a little more attention to the science around me.

Take planet GJ1214b—yep this is the name our astronomers have come up with. Although scientists have been aware of GJ1214b since 2009, according to an article posted on the Syfy Online Network which quotes astronomer Zachory Berta, "GJ1214b is like no planet we know of."

The article goes on to say GJ1214b is made of mostly of water and is “1.3 million miles from its native star and boils at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.”  Thank goodness for that Hubble telescope eh?

Here’s my problem. If we’ve known about this planet since 2009, why pick on it by naming it GJ1214b? Every business owner understands the importance of branding right? May scientists aren’t so picky? They can’t sell planet GJ1214b but they can discuss it and offer incredible findings.

Wouldn’t it be much, much easier if they gave it a name we could all remember? Why not Pluto II? The planet Pluto really doesn’t exists as a true planet anymore—I blame Neil DeGrassi Tyson for this—although I love the guy! And, you can bet the farm he knows more than I do about the universe—he’s got a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Columbia and well, I don’t.

But back to branding. Remember the little rhyme we all learned in grade school to remember our planets? Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, etc.? I bet if I took a poll of my friends they’d all remember that rhyme. These days, the rhyme has changed because Pluto is gone really.

If planet GJ1214b was renamed Pluto II, when children learned and chanted the rhyme they could leave out the “II” part and just say “Pluto!” The world would be right again! I, at least would be in peace.

Science is not so much about branding—it’s about exploration and discovery so some of you may ask, “Who are you to rename planet GJ1214b?” And, you’d be right! I just find it tough to remember its name as it stands now.

I can imagine a conversation with a friend:

Me: Hey did you hear about the Super-Hot planet?

Friend: No, should I have?

Me: It’s really cool and the temperature on the surface is like over 450 degrees Fahrenheit!

Friend: What’s it called?

Me: Um, hmm, uh, I forget.

Friend: Get back with me when you know your stuff!

Don’t you see how the above conversation would be entirely different if I could say the planet is called Pluto II? Maybe my friend wouldn’t dismiss me as an idiot. Maybe we’d get into a deep discussion about Pluto II! Maybe we’d hop on down to the Discovery Store and buy a telescope! We’d become mini-scientists, exploring our stars and trying to find Pluto II while we shared a six-pack of Bud Light—maybe a twelve pack because we’d be sort of dumb if we thought we could actually find Pluto II from our Discovery Store purchase.

I guess I’ve rambled on enough about planet GJ1214b but I sure would like to know what you think. I mean don’t you miss Pluto? I sure do.

SyFy Online Network Story:  Super-HotWaterworld is Entirely New Class of Planet

Image Credit: Planet GJ1214b / Wikimedia Commons / C.C. 3.0 License

 

If You Are Over 50 Madison Avenue Is Done With You

There are too many sources to list here but most advertising industry experts do admit the largest groups they want to reach are those folks who fall in the age range of 18-49. I turned 52 this year—I guess I am an old fart now.

When I turned 50, those free AARP magazines and email offers to join began arriving. Wow, just a couple years after being an advertiser’s darling, I was now on the AARP list. Really?

There are some reasons advertisers that only focus on the 18-49 age group should be scared. These reasons include the economy, technology and the innovation behind products for senior living. So, Madison Avenue, you may seek out those 18 to 49, but I’m here to tell you as a 52-year old, you need to pay attention to me.

First off, Madison Avenue might be synonymous with advertising agencies, such as the one we see in the television series Mad Men, but in reality, today there are more advertising agencies in New York and California than any Illinois—I just prefer using the term “Madison Avenue” because, well, I’m old so I’m told.

I guess I’m a Baby Boomer because I was born between the years 1946 and 1964—just barely though. Gee whiz if my Mom and Dad would have just waited a few more years I’d be a Gen Xer (those born from 1965 to 1982). I have two daughters, both of the X Generation and then there are those unique who fall in the Gen Y category, those born from 1983 and forward—also known as the Millennials. I have grandson who is a Millennial so yes Madison Avenue, I’m officially old.

Then there are the Traditionalists which advertisers like to categorize as any one born before 1946. If you’re a Traditionalist not only aren’t the ads geared toward you, you’re already dead so your interest doesn’t need peaked! I don’t know about that. My Mom is 83 and her interest is always peaked. She’s a voracious reader and I’d bet she could beat most Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and those of the Y Generation in Scrabble and she uses a one-minute timer! I do play Scrabble with her a lot, but hardly ever win. She also attends a sewing group twice a week so she’s interested in fabric and craft sales—you bet she’s still on the go! I hope to be the same when I reach that age!

My Traditionalist Mom may not have a smartphone or a PC, but she has played the Wii (she’s pretty good at bowling) and as far as current events go, she understand them all even if they do come with those “Back in my day stories.”

As far as my Baby Boomer generation, advertising agencies shouldn’t dismiss us either. Let’s go back to the three biggest reasons why they better start paying more attention to me:

The Economy – We all know the economy sucks and because it does, more Baby Boomers are losing their life-long jobs and are trying to find new jobs. I would think advertisers would be more prudent about how I should look, how to fix my menopause dry hair and start pushing an easy-to-walk-in pump shoe where my toe isn’t squeezed like a triangle. I also may need help with pet care—dog sitting for example—I have six dogs.  I don’t look like a model but I’d like to see someone my shape loving Dannon’s Light & Fit yogurt once in a while. Oh, and I don’t only have to eat Cheerios or Quaker Oats and my fiber intake is fine so give me some chocolate cereal commercials that will entice me to buy! I may be making less money (if I have even found a job) but I do like to spend it. Baby Boomers are bad at saving money—so tempt me with your wares!

Technology – Okay so my HTC Droid Incredible smartphone is incredibly smarter than I. That doesn’t mean I don’t love it! I may not use all the features it offers but when I’m eligible for a new phone, I will shop around so I need more savvy commercials and ads. I don’t need pyrotechnic light show commercials with all the bells and whistles, nor am I at the level of those commercials that promote cell phones with huge screens and big, big buttons.  For heaven’s sake, I’m not an idiot you know! I’m curious about technology! So curious and interested it’s still beyond me why Sony makes smartphones and also the upcoming PlayStation Vita, a game playing device only. You’d think they’d combine the two. I’d buy one. I also want to know about the latest PC and laptop offerings. Oh sure I know I can research all these online with useful keywords, but yet the bots that follow my activity still want me to be an AARP member or shop at Lane Bryant and Pottery Barn.  They also must think my favorite restaurant is Denny’s or IHOP!

Innovation for Seniors – My bones are already starting to creak and I’m only 52! I don’t want ads on a new mattress—I don’t like them—I sink into them—I already experienced the water bed era. And, I don’t want a bed that’s split in half so my hubby and I can be at our correct firmness (or softness). I want to snuggle and the last time I checked, I didn’t have a “sleep number.” Still there is much innovation for seniors these days and while I see a few ads here and there, Madison Avenue folks should realize many Traditionalists spend tons of money on their kids and grandkids—even great grandkids, are smarter car buyers, and since they were better at saving their money, are often able to spend more. These people need to be more enticed too!

Yet, those who are educated and participate in the advertising game think I’ll buy their gum, need a short mini-skirt (been there, done that) and must, must buy this certain aftershave for my guy so I’ll be pheromone-pleased. They also think I want puffy lips and that I want to make my breasts so large and firm they attack my tonsils.

Here’s a tip Madison Avenue folks—can your Internet bots start sending me some real interesting ads? I do like cars, I love NFL football and I also hate to shop in stores. I’m an online sort of gal so entice me already! I don’t need to go back to school nor are my teeth so bad I need attention right, right now! Please instruct those Web bots to stop all those ads that appear on my side bar in Google showing me before and after pictures of bad teeth and new teeth! I like turquoise nail polish. I want awesome sports shoes, lightweight and comfy—even if they glow in the dark. I’m also sure about the level of my health so I don’t need ads on old-folk chocolate shakes full of stuff I guess I need. I know how to eat. I know there’s a new food pyramid. I eat fruits and veggies. I eat better than my grandkid or my kids! Still, I haven’t seen any fiber bars in designer boxes sponsored by some famous chef in any grocery aisle.

What are your thoughts on the advertising dilemma? If you’re over 49 do you feel jilted? Man, I could use a Heineken or two and head over to my neighbor’s house who is also a Baby Boomer and we could both swear like sailors about this entire industry and how disabled it really is!

Image: Geritol / Wikimedia Commons

7 Ways Your Business Can Take Advantage of the 2012 Mardi Gras

Fat Tuesday in New Orleans is approaching fast—a visit to the Mardi Gras website and you’ll find it’s just about three days away (as of this writing).

Don’t hang your head if you don’t sell beer steins, beads, masks or T-shirts for those wet contests! No matter what type of business you own or where it’s exactly located in the city, just because the streets of New Orleans shut down for parades and celebrations, doesn’t mean you can’t bring in some extra revenues.

Your first step is to download the Mardi Gras Parade and Rider Alert. This mundane schedule is a valuable tool as it shows in detail where visitors can get on and off buses along with times and schedules. Let’s say your business is on Esplanade Avenue. There’s multiple stops there each and every day from Saturday February 4^th through Wednesday February 21^st.

That means you have a lot of chances to make your business stand out and sway bus riders in to browse and shop—if you do a great job, they’ll be willing to catch the next bus.

Most Americans may look at Mardi Gras as a time where folks drink too much, throw beads and women show off their—well intimate parts. If your business resides in New Orleans, you, however, look at this time differently.

Here are 7 tips to help you realize more profits this year:

·         Send Out the Troops – If you’re not lucky enough to enroll a float in the parades (or if that’s too expensive) send out some of your staff to walk the crowds with special discount offers—even pass out some free stuff.

·         Use a Human Directional – Those bus routes and stops are your opportunity to showcase what you’re selling. Hire a human directional dressed in appropriate Mardi Gras attire to reel them in. As terrible as this might sound for women, using great looking women will pull in the male customers.

·         Get Noticed at Hotels – People travel from all over the world to attend Mardi Gras and most of them need a place to stay! Meet with hotel managers to see if they’ll allow you to place flyers in rooms and suites advertising your business. Offer to do the same for them in your store.

·         Throw a Party – It may be too late to get on the party-stop list, but you can still throw your own Mardi Gras party inside your store and once again, make use of those bus routes and those getting on and off between stops.

·         Lower Prices, Don’t Raise Them – Many business owners that sell similar Mardi Gras offerings are very competitive and most will raise prices. This is not a smart move for today’s savvy consumer. They watch every penny they spend. Even if you don’t want to lower your prices, don’t raise them either, because folks will walk the streets and compare who has the best deal. Create a large sign for your storefront guaranteeing the lowest prices in New Orleans!

·         Offer Free Shipping – This is an absolute must for visitors purchasing large items they wanted shipped. You can put stipulations on where you’ll ship to for free. Obviously you won’t want to ship overseas for free, but you can still offer discounted shipping.

·         Customer Service – Your employees may complain about working during Mardi Gras but you need to motivate them to put on their best faces, attitudes and offer the best customer service of their life. One way to motivate them is to allow them to “participate” in the celebration by dressing how they wish (within reason) during Mardi Gras.

These are just seven ideas to increase profits during this celebratory time in New Orleans! I’m sure you can think of some of your own as well!

Mardi Gras 2012 Website

Mardi Gras Image - Wikimedia Commons / Say-Mars-Say-Yeah / C.C. 3.0 License

Why Should You Eat at the Heart Attack Grill? It’s on Fremont Street!

It’s all over the Internet by now—some poor customer at the Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas apparently had a heart attack while eating a “Triple Bypass Burger.” Apparently the guy is okay and was carted off in an ambulance but still, thinking of you and prayers your way dude.

I’m fascinated by this restaurant. Perhaps it’s because I am now a calorie fanatic. I have been since January 1, 2012 when I decided I needed to lose weight so I would fit in this awesome blue dress I bought for my niece’s wedding this June. I am determined to get there! I won’t reveal the size but let’s just say growing up I went from wearing a 2 Toddler to a Size 12 in just a few weeks—so I’ve got a few pounds to lose. Oh I don’t mind the size 12; I just don’t like the size I’m in now! But as always, I digress.

If you’ve never been to Las Vegas it’s a happening town—most celebrities get in trouble when in Vegas but then there’s that old saying, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” On the other hand, maybe not, keep reading.

So, why do I think you should take a trip to the Heart Attack Grill? Teddy Wayne of Bloomberg Businessweek wrote a story about the restaurant and said, “The 50’s-style diner is situated right at the border of where downtown Vegas shifts from cut-rate casinos and strip clubs to pawn shops and crime-riddle destitution.”

Actually the diner is on Fremont Street. You can’t go to Vegas without experiencing what is called “The Fremont Experience." It is fun, it’s exciting and it’s cheap. You’ll find places like the Golden Nugget and Binion’s with five-dollar crap tables and you don’t have to get all dressed up. Of course no one really dresses up like they used to in Vegas anymore.

And, a trip to Fremont Street should include at least a little stop in at the Heart Attack Grill if only to see the cute waitresses dressed up in sexy nurses uniforms! My husband would love that! I’m sure you can get a Coke and an order of fries, split them and still not have a heart attack even if they are cooked in lard. I’d go even though I’m mad about calorie counting. I’d go just to see it. That’s what Vegas is all about.  Fremont Street also offers many casinos and other offerings all in one tidy location so you’re not walking for miles. You try walking from the MGM Grand to Circus, Circus and tell me you’re not a little winded!

I got married in Vegas by an Elvis impersonator—my Elvis was African American but that’s okay, it was fun and after the ceremony he did indeed—leave the building. I have a tape of the wedding somewhere but that was 22 years ago!

One of my father’s sisters lived in Vegas way back when it was ruled by gangsters. My husband and I visited her once a few years back and she hated the way Vegas is now. She said there was no crime when the gangsters were kings and she was probably right.

I’ve been to Vegas a lot. It’s not because I like to gamble or shop. My husband’s job took him there a lot—he used to work for the Chrysler Corporation, before it was DaimlerChrysler and before it was Chrysler/Fiat S.p.A. They held the annual dealer conferences there and they were it!

We had entertainers like Jay Leno, Sean Connery and the Blue Men. I remember one time my husband had to go ahead of time to get everything set up at the MGM Grand. After the conference was over and we were back at home in Phoenix, his American Express bill came and it I swear, the charges were around $50,000. I said, “Dude, what did you do in Vegas?” See, apparently what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas! But again, I digress.

Vegas is a fun place and one should go to Fremont Street and give it a whirl—even visit the Heart Attack Grill—who knows you could find that special someone, get a quick checkup by those cutie nurses and then hop on over to the Little White Wedding Chapel and get married. It’s a thought folks, just a thought.

Teddy Wayne BloombergBusinessweek Story

Image from FreeDigitalPhotos / Digitalart

Where’s My Refund from the IRS? Please Fill Out Form 3911!

ABC News Online and many other websites and blogs have reported the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool is down due to a glitch.

Apparently, the IRS is aware of the problem and I’m sure they’ll have it up and running in no time. The IRS also told the public the unavailability of this tool would not delay refunds from filed returns. Really?

This makes me laugh a little—well actually a lot. I used to rely on my business tax returns to be completed before I could file my personal return—I needed those pesky K-1s, I had to file extensions year after year.  In fact, once I did file all my returns including the personal, each time I tried to use the Where’s My Refund tool, it never found me!

I’d get a message something like, “Sorry, we can’t find your information based on the social security number entered. Please call the 1-800number below and mention reference number xozmpohabpdn1pabnvpa! Oh and then there was a statement, “Please print this page so you have the reference number handy.” Nah I have a great memory, thanks anyway IRS.

I’m not sure why this is but I always file extensions on my business and personal returns. Why you ask? Am I lazy? Probably those who don’t know me would say. But, when you’re involved in more than one business, it takes a while to gather all the information, PAY THE ACCOUNTANT for multiple business returns and then PAY THE ACCOUNTANT AGAIN to file your personal return. But heck CPA payments are tax deductible but it’s still EXPENSIVE!       

If I go by what year it is by determining what year I’m due a refund on—it’s really 2009, maybe even 2007! Yes, the IRS lost my refund for 2009 and for an amended return I filed for 2007. Solving the problem of lost refunds is much worse than using the Where’s My Refund tool.

First you need to fill out form 3911. This form is appropriately called, “Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund.” I did file form 3911 for both tax year 2009 and for the amended return for 2007 (Please don’t ask why it needed to be amended but I swear under penalty of law it did!) In addition, you cannot include multiple lost my refund inquiries on one form 3911, you need to use a new form for each inquiry. I received neither refund most likely because I moved from New Mexico to Texas recently BUT and this is a big BUT—I did complete form 8822 better known as the “Change of Address” form.

I filed form 8822 long before I moved giving the IRS ample time to enter my new address into their computer system. Apparently they didn’t receive this but there’s no Form 8822X. There really is no IRS form 8822X but anytime you need to amend anything with the IRS, the amended form number is usually followed by an “X”—like the 1040X a form with which I am very familiar!

What is a girl to do? After I put my thinking cap on I had an amazing revelation! I’ll call the IRS! Actually, it’s not bad calling the IRS. Sure you have a couple menu options at first but they don’t take long and then a voice comes on telling you how long your wait is estimated to be. I have always been told I had a 15 minute wait and the voice was pretty spot on.

When your call is answered, the IRS representative says, “My name is Mr. Hall, I.D. number 1234567” how can I help you today. This was the most pleasant part of my call to the IRS about my lost refunds for 2009 and 2007.

Mr. Hall was lost—big time. He couldn’t find my information for either return and I was armed with my social security number, my husband’s social security number and the tax identification numbers for my businesses. Mr. Hall’s screen apparently went blank because he kept asking for the numbers again and again and leaving me on hold for long periods of time while I listened to too-loud Muzak.

I could go on and on here, but why complain? Government workers are understaffed and underpaid and I bet the IRS could use some updated computer equipment—something without a green screen would be nice!

Eventually, Mr. Hall, I.D. number 1234567 told me I would have to re-file form 3911 and when I asked if that meant I also had to re-file form 8822 for the address change, to my surprise the IRS had received that—he did have my current address. Whew!

What’s frustrating is the process. According to Mr. Hall, I.D. number 1234567, once they received form 3911, it would take approximately 6-8 weeks to research the refund checks to ensure they weren’t cashed. They would next send me a letter, I think it was called Letter 206BC or something like that to let me know they found no record of the refund checks being cashed and once I would again have to verify I had not received the refunds during that 6-8 week period. After responding to Letter 206BC: “Affirmative, I have not received the checks and I swear under the penalty of law” it would take another 6-8 weeks to issue the checks!

Okay folks, it’s February 2012 and I ask myself everyday “Where’s my refund?” By the time I get these checks for 2007 and 2009, I’m guessing it will be way past April 15^th, the deadline for this year’s tax return filing. Wonder if I should file an extension? I mean I did move after all and I do have a lot of itemized deductions! Hmmm?

ABC  New Online Story

Image Credit: Farconville

Are You an Entrepreneur? Do Nice Guys (or Gals) Finish Last?

I recently came across a blog post in the Harvard Business Review by Art Markman who asks the question: “Are Successful People Nice?” It’s an interesting piece and does point out how Daniel Goleman and his Emotional Intelligence (EQ) theory have been implemented into work environments everywhere.

EQ, at least to me is best utilized for employee situations and improving staff interpersonal skills. Goleman’s theory is also a must for teachers and should start as early as kindergarten.

But what about CEOs, company presidents and department supervisors? If they’re nice will they make more money? Will profits rise because of a kind word or smile? If you are happy and laugh all day long does that translate into more sales and net profits?

Markman’s blog post revealed a study by Timothy Judge, Beth Livingston and Charlice Hurst who reported their findings on “niceness” in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.  This study didn’t really involve being “nice” but did look at those who are high on the “agreeable” scale. It found men who are more agreeable make $10,000 less than those who are in the “disagreeable” category. When it came to comparing agreeable women to those not so agreeable, there wasn’t any significant change in income levels. Women always make less than male counterparts anyway—this was no surprise to me.

When I think of some of my friends or acquaintances who are top CEOs, I must say while they are successful, it’s not because they are nice. In actuality, I’ve seen how some of these entrepreneurs operate. 

They appear to have no feelings once a long-term project is completed and they need to slim down payroll expenses. They are more like, “It was nice having you here, bye bye!” Nice guys do finish last in the business world. It’s sort of like that old saying “A corporation has no feelings.” And, it shouldn’t! When feelings get involved it changes how you do business.

Small business owners who allow their hearts and feelings to “guide” them will usually be the first to sell less, earn less and in fact—fail.  Let’s look at an example.

Salesman John is a very agreeable guy and has more contacts than any of your other sales staff. His customers love him. On the average, however, he discounts products, offers too many free incentives and spends way too much on schmoozing customers to expensive lunches.

On the other hand, his counterpart, Salesman Bob is fond of telling his contacts, “Hell you’re killing me here! I won’t make a dime! Do you expect me to work for free? Do you work for free?” Salesman Bob’s deals are profitable—way more than Salesman John is able to achieve.

In a way this doesn’t make sense. If I was a customer of Salesman John, I’d look forward to his visits—the big lunch and all and beyond that, I’d know I could squeeze free or discounted products from him.

I probably wouldn’t look forward to Salesman Bob’s visits but I’d trust him more because he takes things literally and heads right to the bottom line. I don’t have to deal with long talks and niceness chats like I’m forced to with jovial Salesman John. I’d respect Bob; he says what he means and he’s upfront.

I have never been fond of those I’ve worked with who are on a supervisory or business owner level and are steadfast in their belief they can find good in any person. Sometimes you can’t folks and you need to quit trying to save the world and change these people—get rid of them.

There is a vast difference between being “agreeable” and “nice” but in my opinion, a better word is “fair.”

As a former business owner, I wanted to make money. That doesn’t mean I had to be the nicest person out there, nor did I have to agree with everyone I employed or my vendors or suppliers. In fact, the nastier I was to vendors, the more they tried to please me. I was, however, fair, albeit in strong way.

I had a mentor once who told me fair is way better than nice. I agree! If you’re too nice and agreeable to everything, your business may suffer.

So, which personality type are you? Fair, agreeable or nice? Let me know and also let me know how it’s working out for you.

Please don’t send me pleas on how I need to be nicer. That will make me even more disagreeable. Just the facts please, don’t send me warm and gushy notes—they don’t impress me much.

ReadArt Markman’s HBR Blog Here 

Image from Ambro - Free Digital Photos

Obama’s Stand on Birth Control Great But What About Erectile Dysfunction?

I stumbled across a story by Richard Wolf on USA Today’s The Oval called, “Boehner: Obama Birth Control Mandate ‘Will Not Stand.’”  Sure I’m a Republican and a Catholic albeit a fallen one but I still believe every woman should have a choice to use birth control and have the right to end the pregnancy. I fall into the category of, “It’s my body and I can do what I want.”

Apparently, President Obama is much like me (I can’t believe I just wrote that) and also believes women should be allowed to choose and their insurance benefits should cover birth control products. And why not? Birth control isn’t cheap. Drug companies thrive on making drugs expensive and varying. Use this for that but don’t take this for that because this one’s new and it’s much better even if it costs more!

Further, the cutie drug sales reps often push the latest and most expensive products on doctors so in turn, they prescribe them—all because of a little flirting at lunch with the drug rep. I swear they only choose pretty and young drug reps and to be fair, they probably hire underwear model type males to seek out female doctors!

Beyond forcing insurance companies to pay for birth control, what about making them pay for erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines? I’m sure President Obama is too young to understand this but as men age, they often need these products. Or, if a man suffers from high blood pressure or high cholesterol and takes a plethora of medications to keep those levels safe, the side effects are often—you guessed it, ED!

I’m not talking about those ED products you see on infomercials where the couple on the sofa say of the product “Hey this could be fun!” either. I mean the ones you need a prescription for such as Cialis and Viagra. These drugs are outrageously priced and if you’re a man suffering from ED is it fair for your health insurance not to cover these products if your doctor deems they are safe for you?

Of course men in politics won’t talk about ED but they sure have no problem talking about what a woman can and can’t do with her body and also what her insurance company should pay for—they love this stuff because apparently us women can’t think for ourselves. “Stupid blonde me I say! I just don’t know what to do? Oh I know, I let my male politicians decide for me! They are so smart when it comes to my body! Kudos to them!” For real people?

I’d like to see Hillary Clinton or Dianne Feinstein stand up and say, “Hey we want to force health insurance companies to pay for ED meds! We want to stand up for our men!” But alas, that probably won’t happen either.

I’m glad we have a President who does believe birth control and contraceptives should be paid by health insurance companies.  I said I’m glad. What I’d LOVE on the other hand is a President who would stand up and say, “Hey now, what about ED? These medications need to be covered too!”

Don’t hold your breath folks.

Read Richard Wolf's story  here

Viagra image from Wikimedia Commons / GNU Free Documentation License

Chrysler’s Super Bowl Ad: Chicago Style Politics?

I am a football fanatic and when I watch the Super Bowl each year I miss the commercials. It’s not because I don’t know about them and all the hype. I normally use that time to check my food, restock the chips, get guests another refill and well, pee.

This year was different. Instead of having a Super Bowl party, my husband and I decided to venture out to a sports bar with those big 80 inch television sets and have someone serve us. It seemed strange sitting there and being waited upon—even during the commercials. So, I’d have to say this year was the first time I saw them live—not the next day on the Internet.

As my readers know, I love Google News and was surprised so many seem upset about the Chrysler commercial featuring Clint Eastwood. Actually, it’s mostly dark and has Clint speaking about how it’s “Halftime in America” and “The Second Half is About to Begin.” The theme is how Americans are worried, they need jobs, they need money, they need hope, etc.

The next day, and even today, there are many news stories and video clips on how this one commercial was “Chicago Style Politics” and for goodness sakes Fox News posted a story on how the commercial was a “Nod to Obama.”  CBS News says Karl Rove, a former senior advisor to George Bush is angry—in their words “ire.” Rove, a  Republican isn’t the only Republican complaining either.

I watched the ad a few times on the Internet (the sports bar was loud so I wanted to make sure I heard the entire script correctly). I wasn’t offended and I’m a Republican. It didn’t make me think “Oh Boy Obama saved the auto industry!” In fact, I didn’t think about saving Chrysler and General Motors until Rove and others seemed so upset about the ad.

Obama’s auto czar committee didn’t save Chrysler. Fiat S.p.A did for the most part and Chrysler’s advertising folks have been using that “Imported From Detroit” marketing twist for quite a while now.

When it comes to the auto industry Obama didn’t save jobs—he lost them. Manufacturers were allowed to release what were called “useless assets” or in other words – dealership franchise points. This means dealers lost their license to be a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealer and all those who worked under them lost their jobs too. It affected millions. But to Obama, the millions it affected I guess were just useless assets and as one of those affected, I wonder if Obama has a job for me at the White House. What time can I start tomorrow?

What difference does it make if Chrysler/Fiat has enough money to hire Clint Eastwood for an ad during the Super Bowl? Would it have made a difference if say, Jerry Seinfeld said the words Eastwood did?  What if Meryl Streep was chosen? Or, are all these folks so angry because they fear Clint or his popularity with America?

I’d say to Karl Rove and all those others who found the ad offensive and a way for Obama to gain votes—you’ve got it wrong. Chrysler/Fiat portrayed the truth in the ad and in my opinion were a little soft. It may be “halftime in America” but for many, it’s well beyond that.

Sure, it’s a great buildup for Detroit who has lost so much and what’s wrong with that? For many Americans, however, who are fighting to feed their families, living in their cars and have no jobs or unemployment benefits at all, they are not worried about “halftime.” In fact, most probably didn’t even have the opportunity to catch the game or the ads.

It’s not halftime America. It’s doomsday for many and if our leaders in Washington and around the country can’t see that, perhaps it’s time we rethink why they were elected and vote for someone else this year.

I say kudos to Chrysler. I wasn’t offended. I was, however, disappointed so many were. I guess it’s just one more thing to argue about. One more thing once again our politicians can be split on. Just one more thing..blah, blah blah. Heck, what’s next people!

Didn’t see the ad? CBS News has it posted here 

Indianapolis Colts Trade Peyton Manning to Debt Super Committee for $24 Million

Search for any recent news on the Debt Super Committee which was formed to cut $1.2 trillion from the government’s budget by the end of November 2011 and you won’t find much. You will find they did fail to agree on any budget cuts. Because of the failure, the next step is mandatory across-the-board cuts which will start in 2013 by cutting defense spending and social programs.

Enter Peyton Manning and his strategic style. Sources say the Colts who owe Manning around $24 million really don’t want to pay the man since his neck surgery even if Peyton himself feels like he could play again.  The solution? Why not put an effective strategist into an open position in the government and pay the giver of that solution (the Colts) a mere $24 million for the deal. Sounds fair right?

Peyton will do an excellent job in my opinion and most likely he won’t cut any senior benefits since his parents are well, getting up there in age. He’d probably cut other items however, including:

Government Offices – There are just too many of these. I mean Peyton will tell you in football, there’s one locker room for the team and that’s it—one. Even Peyton realizes not all government workers can be stuffed into one office, but putting senators and congress folks in quad-like cubicles would be just fine. The President would simply have to share the Oval Office with the Vice President. Actually, there’s a lot of rooms at the White House that could be put to good use much as they were when Lincoln was President.

Car-Pooling – Enough of the free limo pickups for government officials. Peyton’s plan is to buy American-made minivans, coordinate start and leave times and make government workers and politicians share the ride so to speak. This would be devastating to the limo biz but would save Americans tons of bucks.

One Dress Code – NFL teams all wear the same uniform so why not government workers and those voted into office? Dark khaki in the winter and tan khaki in summer – the same pant suit whether you are a man or woman. Peyton does think the President and Vice President should wear bright orange so they would stand out. I’m confused by this since it would make them sitting ducks but on the other hand, they would be hard to find in a crowd and it would make it impossible for them to govern if not noticed. Wait, are they even governing now? Hmm?

Helmets – NFL players are required to wear helmets while playing and practicing. This is just smart for our government leaders who bang heads all the time. Keep them safe and just as in the NFL, if a leader is caught not wearing his or her helmet while “in play” they get fined. Peyton predicts many fines and these funds could be used to manufacture these helmets.

Luxuries – Items like HD televisions, wide screens, sound systems, excessive computers and laptops, smartphones and ostentatious furniture or art will all be given to poor Americans who in turn, can sell them or keep them. All our leaders should be allowed are a few phones, a couple computers and pencils and paper. Peyton feels pencils are better than pens because you can erase ideas written in pencil and these days no ideas are ever agreed on by both parties anyway.

Pensions – While Peyton will tell you NFL players are the first to fight to the death for their pensions once they retire, he, like many Americans feel the retirement benefit government workers and leaders receive are over the top. It’s not like they are fighting in a battlefield nor are they likely to receive any sort of long-term injury while on the job. Just give them what all seniors get when they retire and don’t forget to inform them of the sign-up deadline for their supplemental HMO plan.

Terms – Even Peyton knows a job doesn’t last forever and it just makes sense a senior senator or congress person would get a higher salary than a junior counterpart. The solution here is to say 6 years and you’re out. If you can’t do anything good for the country in 6 years, then you shouldn’t be allowed to get your name back on the ticket. Young and fresh is best.

Sources say this trade is worth the $24 million, especially since Peyton Manning is masterful when he has to make quick decisions on the field. Here, his “playing” field will be larger yes—but that doesn’t mean he can’t use his noodle and skills to get the job done. And, the Colts will too—they will gain $24 million to go with their top draft pick and they can basically use the money to make Colts fans happy everywhere.

Awesome right?

Note: This story is from the imagination of the author and is purely fictional, but it would be nice if something  such as this could happen!

Is Bravo TV Stooping to a New Low? Pee Wee Herman as Guest Judge

I really enjoy watching the reality television show Top Chef on the Bravo TV network but after last night’s episode, I’m wondering if their business model needs some work. Or, is there some nerd guest programmer who is hurting this usually fun and interesting cooking show?

Last night’s guest judge was Pee Wee Herman. What Pee Wee knows about food is beyond me. He came (well rode his bike) into the Top Chef kitchen and the quick fire challenge was for the remaining competing chefs to make the best pancake ever!

Pee Wee tasted each and his response? “This is probably the best pancake I ever ate!” They can’t all be good on Top Chef dude. Ultimately, he made his choice and then it was on to the elimination challenge—again with a Pee Wee twist.

The premise here was to put the chef contestants on bikes (like Pee Wee I guess) and have them shop and then find a restaurant and ask the owners if they could use their kitchen to cook the meal and the Top Chef judges along with Pee Wee would determine how well they did. Again, what culinary expertise does Pee Wee have?

Actually, I get the heebie jeebies when I even look at this man! Isn’t he into porn or wasn’t he caught doing something related to exposing himself and down he went? If so, this is a stupid way to bring back Pee Wee’s career, especially if you love this show and the head judge Tom Colicchio and the very popular chef Emeril Lagasse. Somehow I don’t get the feeling Tom was having a good time—his responses to Pee Wee’s jokes and well, basically everything that came out of Pee Wee’s mouth either left a blank stare on Tom’s face or a forced smile.

Okay, help me here Bravo TV! I understand you’ve got all those “housewife” shows and somehow they are so popular that your audience is subjected to new city “housewives” almost every year. I think the latest is the Real Housewives of D.C. but don’t quote me on that.

I might not enjoy the “housewives” but there are other shows I like such as Tabitha Takes Over—she’s simply delicious to watch; her attitude is much like I’d like to  be when considering some of the people I’ve met and worked with and for over the years – Go Tabitha!

But, to put Pee Wee Herman on a show that has been so popular and is a serious competition!  Again, I think someone on the production team at Bravo had a little too much coffee the day this decision was made. Actually with Tom C. being an executive producer, I’m sure he had to be “talked” into it. If not, well Tom, I’m very, very sad.

Not sure what will happen next week, but if we see Boy George telling the chefs to prepare his favorite dish and asks them “Do you really want to hurt me,” I’ll be very afraid to turn the show on the week after that. In fact, next season might be a total wash for me.

Wake up Bravo—service your audience, not what some wonder boy in programming wants!