New Kid On The Block

Tags

Florida, Marco Island, Starbucks

This last week I left Nashville for Marco Island, Florida.

It was the time that I would move from an old, comfortable career, into a new and challenging role. But not just any new role, a new role in a new division.

This weekend as it is would put me on stage as the “New Kid On The Block”.

I have not been the new kid in a very long time. In most recent years I have been just the opposite. I have hosted the new kid, exposed them to job, the people, the challenges. But now the roles have been reversed.

As my meetings started I found it easy to kind of hide in the crowd, sit at the back of the room or head to the room in lieu of hanging out at the restaurants or bar.

It was in the midst of late on the first full day, two counterparts reached out with a simple invitation to dinner. “Join us”.

That “join us” led to great conversations about where I came from, people, the new role and even families.

The next day, the two counterparts introduced me to others and it kept expanding.

I started to get acquainted with the team, their personalities, spouses and even a kiddo or two. By the end of the conference I was still the new kid, but I knew some people. I felt more comfortable.

This is how life goes isn’t it?

At times we find ourselves the “new kids”.

What this has all made me think about though is how do I reach out to new people?

At Church? At Starbucks? At a game?

The new kids often go through life invisible and ignored when all it takes is one person simply saying “join us”.

That “join us” can lead to amazing new relationships that endure a lifetime.

It can lead to great conversations where much is learned or problems solved.

It can lead to improving the bottom line of a company or starting a new one.

It can lead wherever you let it take you.

At the same time the invisible become clear and the ignored become heard.

So, the next time you see that “new kid” at church, work, the gym, Starbucks or at a party with friends, are you going to ask them “Join Us”?

My System For Travel

Tags

Starbucks, Travel

My System For Travel

1)  Pull Suit, Slacks, Shirts and Ties.

2)  Pull one pair of jeans, two casual shirts, workout clothes and shoes.

3)  Refill kit bag with toothpaste, shaving cream etc.

4)  Load Suitcase- Pack undies, socks and tees at bottom to level out the bag.  Then suits, shirts, tie holder and finally workout clothes and shoes.

5)  Pack Briefcase- (See above-Actual Briefcase) Files, agenda and travel plans in back pocket, Laptop in the middle, Magazines in front.  Current book being read (Servant Leadership) in front right pocket and in front left pocket charging cables, wireless mouse and glasses.

Done.

I have a travel system.  It does not change or vary much ever.  It starts with the suitcase and briefcase, and continues all the way to parking, checking in bags and getting through security.  Once through security, it moves onto a stop at the Starbucks for an iced-coffee, a quick grab of wireless to check email and/or blog and then to the gate.

My system never fails.  It has been tried and true to me.  Or so I think.

What would happen if my system would fail?  I don’t really have a backup system or plan B if you would.

You are laughing at my system more than likely but if you really look st it this system tends to be a metaphore for life.  The scary part is that we think the system is tried and true but it can and will fail us at some point.

We get up each and everyday, get the kids ready for school, have breakfast and generally go about our day in the same manner we did the day before.  Don’t think so, log your activities for a week and see how many of the same things you do over and over again.  It is why the girl at the local coffee house knows what you are going to order or why the guy at the Parking Spot knows my name when I park my vehicle there for travel.

But what happens when you wake up and your child has a fever?  You car doesn’t start?  There is an accident on the interstate and you cannot get to the airport to catch your flight?  There is a new person working at Starbucks and you actual have to tell them what you drink?  Your system or plans fail you.

How do you deal or cope with a change in plans or a failure in your system?

Starbucks Started It All

Tags

Howard Schultz, Starbucks

Most of you know I am a coffee nut.

Love the concept of a coffee house, the coffee they sell and the environment that allows regular people a place to meet up and discuss what ever.

One of my favorite haunts is a little locally owned coffee house in Nashville. I am not going to mention any names for reasons I will explain now.

Yesterday I had stopped to grab a cup on the go and one of the patrons in line was absolutely dogging out Starbucks. The girl behind the bar was listening to the conversation but not really reacting a whole lot.

The patron went on and on how Starbucks was the “evil empire” and that other coffee shops have trouble surviving when they are around and so on and so on. The conversation eventually led into her stating she wished that no company could ever grow above 100 employees, so that way small companies would always thrive.

I thought this was interesting.

I see her point in that there are some large companies that get so large they harm instead of create opportunity. We are seeing this in the banking and insurance industries as well as some health care companies. Auto makers are right there as well.

But what I think was completely missed in the whole conversation was this:

Starbucks started it all.

The local coffee house was not a business.

In fact, when Howard Schultz started the concept many of us in the Seattle area called him a complete loon for thinking he could open up a coffee shop and charge more than .25 cents for a cup of coffee let alone $3 or more.

Low and behold, the concept took and spread like wildfire.

And because of Mr. Schultz and his risk taking and “crazy” concept, a new industry in the U.S. was created. Maybe not new to other parts of the world like Italy and France where the cafe is prevalent, but definitely new to us.

In fact I will go as far as to say, in the U.S. the local coffee shop would not exist today if it was not for Starbucks.

What I think is even more important about this is how creativity and a great idea took hold to employee millions across our country.

If there is one thing that the US has been strong at over the years, it is creating business.

So, in light of the current economic situation, what idea do you have that is a Starbuckian idea? Why have you not gone for it or are you going for it?

When Stressed I ?????

Tags

exercise, Starbucks

The past few months to say the least, have been stressful.

Slow business, uncertain futures, and piles of other little junk that just seem to build and build.

A friend asked me today “what do you do when you are stressed out?”

I had not really thought about it a bunch, but I do have a bit of a system to help me deal with it.

Here are some of the things I do.

1) Stop working…take a break at Starbucks. Grab a cup of coffee, read something not related to work and just check out for about 30 minutes.

2) Go for a brisk 45 minute to 1 hour walk. Plop my iPod into my pocket, listen to some meaningless talk radio podcasts, and grab some exercise. Not only does it clear my head, it helps me lose some calories too!

3) Meet a friend for lunch to talk things out. I tend to work alone, a lot so some friend interaction is good now and then.

4) Clean house or mow the lawn. My wife likes these best. Something about the work of it seems to clear my head…and my house looks better in the process

So, what do you do to de-stress your life?

Salesman Is Not A Bad Word

Tags

Bill Gates, charity, Donald Trump, Michael Bloomberg, missions, pastors, sales, Starbucks, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett

One of the words I absolutely despise in my work travels is “salesman”.

Often when working with a new account or prospect, I get labeled when I walk in the door.  “Are you a salesman?”  “What are you selling?”  “We don’t see salesmen!” “Mr. or Mrs. Smith, A Salesman is here to see you”

I am not sure why it carries such a negative connotation.  Maybe this is what the used car industry has done to us

Or maybe it is because I see myself as so much more than just a “salesman”.

I want to challenge you that the next time you want to call someone a “salesman” look at it just a little different.

Look at the fact that after all, we are all salesmen and saleswomen if we really think about it.  But we really are much more than just that.

Let me show you how.

You married?  If yes then you obviously sold yourself to your spouse in terms of what a great partner you would be, right?  The hardest sale in life some would argue.  Salesman=Husband or Wife.

Are you a stay at home mom?  If yes, then you have sold the idea to your family that being at home with the kids is more important than a job.  Plus all of the countless fundraisers you have done with your kids…that is really selling. Saleswoman=Mother.

Are you a Missionary?  A Pastor?  If yes, then you sell your church to help gain members and bring people closer to God or as a missionary the funding of your missions.  Salesman or saleswoman= Missionary or Pastor

Are you a Barista at Starbucks?  If yes then you sell each and every person a slice of life in the morning when we are all struggling to get our days underway.  Salesperson=Barista

See…sales.  No matter what you label it.  But all very important.

Another way to look at this is that “salesmen and saleswomen” are vital to the world.

If you look throughout history, the most prominent providers in societies have never been the doctors or lawyers.  They have always been the business owners.  They are after all the largest providers of jobs, community service and usually donations.  I am not slighting doctors (I am lawyers ) because many do a great job of servicing poor areas and third world countries, but per scale, it is the business community who provides the massive amounts of provisions.

If you look at the worlds largest donors for example, you will find that almost all of them are tied to sales.  In fact, all of them.  Did you know that 84% of all donations to charity are from individuals and not foundations or companies?

Here are some of the biggies.

Michael Bloomberg, Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Steve Forbes, Donald Trump, and the list goes on and on.  This small list represents sales in Financial Sectors, Technology and Real Estate.  This list also accounts for over 40 billion dollars donated just last year.

In reality, the “salesman or saleswoman” is really so much more than just someone dropping in and trying to sell you something.

We are the providers of hope for millions all around the world.

We are the economy drivers.

We are the people working to being Faith, Love and Hope to our congregations.

We are the one’s providing a chance to those in need through our missions.

We might be called “salesmen and saleswomen” but in reality we are something much bigger….

What would you call it?

I really hope this made some sense…it did in my head

An Interesting Conversation

Tags

Cape Twon, Oprah, Starbucks

For any of you who knows me personally, you know that the thing I love more than just about anything is an interesting conversation. It can be about politics with Love , church with Bill, or someone I just run into at the local Starbucks.

I have found through time I agree with Oprah on one thing and that is everyone has a story and through conversation you can uncover some amazing stories.

Today I met a fellow from Cape Town, South Africa. Not sure how it started but he mentioned that he lived in Nashville half the year and in Cape Town half the year. Primarily so he could enjoy the best seasons in both places.

This intrigued me so I had to learn the story.

After a bit of general conversation I learned that he is an entrepreneur (online business in music marketing) and since the bulk of his business is done by internet he can live anywhere. Because he is so rooted in music, he does have some need for live meetings which is why he picked Nashville…a bulk of his clients are here.

What I found the most interesting however was not his job, but why he lived in two different places.

He told me he chose to. He chose to find another place he loved as much as Cape Town and figured out a way to make it work. He had been to Nashville many times on business and realized it was that place.

He went on to tell me a little about his life philosophy.

He believes that our lives are simply a book full of chapters. Each chapter is made up of good choices and bad choices. If you focus on good choices (smart choices) you end up writing a chapter that is fulfilling and meaningful. If you go against your heart, you make bad choices and hence a poor chapter is written. Work to minimize bad choices.

The introduction to his book if you would, is realization. Making a conscious effort to realize that the things you really want in life start with the choices you make everyday. If you want a better job, choose to educate yourself so that you can achieve that. If you want a better marriage, choose to work hard at the marriage. If you want to raise a better child, choose to do the things that will benefit that child and make them a productive citizen.

The conclusion of his book is a happier life.

Now, I know there are people in this life who do not have the luxury of choice or as many options for choice. Could be demographic, circumstantial or governmental.

But for those of us who do, What choices are you making today to write your next chapter?

Starbucks marketing like a church?

Tags

church, Starbucks

With today being free pastry day at Starbucks I couldn’t help but post this video.

Good for a little laugh in the middle of summer.

back to the pnw- last day

Tags

Eddie Bauer, Nordstrom, Pike Place Market, Seattle, Starbucks, Westlake

We are wrapping up our trip home and it could not be complete with a visit to downtown Seattle.

What I love about Seattle is how the whole city revolves around the shopping, coffee, markets, and culture. It really is a city that does this to perfection.

Seattle which is home to Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, Starbucks, the Space Needle and more really makes for a fun day downtown.

Here are some shots of downtown.

One of the more famous stops…Pike Place Market.

 

 

One great thing about the market is the fish throwers. Tried to catch it in action but the fish is a bit of a blur.

 

 

 

Of course a trip to downtown Seattle would not be complete without a stop to the Holy Grail of Coffee Houses….Starbucks- Store 1.

 

 

Another favorite stop for all, especially kids, is Westlake Fountain. It has a really cool walk through feature. Please note my wet child.

 

And finally the parting shot….a drive by of the most famous Seattle landmark…the Space Needle.

 

do you……..

Tags

Facebook, Prayer, Starbucks, Travel, Twitter

Pick a couple (or all if you like) and answer…...I want to learn more about you all.

Do you use Facebook, Twitter or both?

Do you read non fiction books?

Do you pray daily?

Do you travel?

Do you think the other members of your family are the weird ones?

Do you sing in the shower?

Do you like local coffee houses or major chains like Starbucks?

Do you think you are the best at what you do for a living?

Do you set goals and work at them?

Do you look forward in your life or behind at your past?

Do you look to learn something new everyday?

Do you reach out to make new friends?

Do you have a competitive side to you?

Do you like to grill out or cook in?

Do you like to save or spend?

Do you like great conversation or a great book?

Do you work in an office, from home or on the road?

Do you blog or just read blogs?

my pet peeves

Tags

Christian, Constitution, Home Depot, Lowes, Starbucks, UPS

Yesterday I wrote about my biggest pet peeve of all.  Someone this morning asked me what other pet peeves I had.

Well…here you go…in no particular order.

• bringing your dog into public places because it is just too precious to leave at home (psst..it isn’t that cute)
• coming into Starbucks and immediately trying to sell me on what you do so that I can join in to but pretending it is just that you are trying to strike up conversation (ummm..I just met you and really don’t think Amway is all that great…plus…I just wanted to write and drink my coffee)
• screaming children…update this..the parents who are ignoring their screaming children (no one else is ignoring this except you…please remove the beast of a child from the restaurant immediately)
• people who still write checks (hey, pssssst..yeah you…check out this cool looking piece of plastic called a debit card…don’t tell anyone but it works just like a check and doesn’t take 25 minutes to complete the transaction)
• people who complain about not having work but won’t take a job at Starbucks, UPS, Lowes, Home Depot, The Grocery Store, or any where else that won’t pay them 100 million dollars a year…at least it is a job until you find a better job…don’t whine if you won’t work
• people who when they run into hard times state ” I am a Christian and God will provide” instead of trying to do something about it….(God has provided…you have health, hands with opposable thumbs, feet and the ability to work…what else do you want from him…he is not going to drop a Brinks truck into your back yard)
• Facebook friend seekers….those that send you a friend request even though there is no relationship between the two of you….at all
• people who think “Separation of Church and State” is in the Constitution of the US (See previous post)
• people who whine about everything…you are alive aren’t you?  There is always the alternative

OK, Thats enough I guess.

What are your pet peeves?