Atomic Penny

I witnessed a near miss with two cars at a 4-way stop the other day. From my viewpoint, both drivers believed they were in the right and the other driver was in the wrong.  Both drivers shared their thoughts with yelling and gestures.  The other thing they both did was to hide behind a two ton car, and sunglasses. It was easy for them to yell, gesture, and express anger, only to move on after the "incident". 

Are you the same way? Do you have a great idea, but hide behind the office door, cubicle wall or computer monitor? If you step out from behind your hiding place are you afraid of being beat up or ridiculed? 

Sooner or later you will catch the attention of a free-thinking manager, mentor or boss. Keep talking and suggesting. Otherwise you will continue to hide and be frustrated. And the only one who loses is you.

Come out from hiding and express yourself. It feels good.

POWER ON–Mark

Yesterday, Atomic Penny invested $50 and was able to get an 800% return for the Boys and Girls Club of Utah County. A great time and a reminder that helping out charitable causes is a great and positive investment.

KSL.COM story about the event.

DESERET NEWS story about the event.

Video

Car Smash Bash for Boys and Girls Club

It was a good time had by all.

POWER ON–Mark

Are you an expert? Do you have a large amount of knowledge about a specific subject? As an expert are you willing to share your expertise?

Or as a snob, do you parse out information in a way to offend others and reinforce your superiority?

Which will get you more in the long run?

There are a lot of lonely snobs. 

And many happy experts.

POWER ON–Mark

Last week I discussed everyone being on the same page. The result? Stagnation, rigidity, group think and even boredom. Let me suggest something to try next time you are in one of these meetings. TURN THE PAGE…

What's the worst that can happen? Ridicule, a bit of embarrassment, being called on the carpet for not being a team player? And….How long will that resonate? Probably until the next person takes a risk. In the big scheme of things it will be a minor blip.

On the flip side, if you are the page turner, the risk taker, the payoff can be tremendous. Recognition, authority, promotion, empowerment. Even if it takes 5-10 times for your unique ideas to be recognized, it is worth it.  It is needed and it is essential to grow, both for yourself and your company.

Turn the page, write the script and reap the rewards, What's to lose?

POWER ON–Mark

Meetings, committees, workgroups, corporate escapes–You have probably participated in one or more of these. Have you noticed more than likely that at the end of the meeting all of the participants are "on the same page"? How did everyone get on the same page? Was it by edict, collaboration, hashing and rehashing or was the goal completed by the beating down of the opposition? If you are all on the same page, who is looking at turning the page to create what happens next?

Think about being on the same page. Is it what you as a business owner real hope to achieve? Do you stay the course because that is what the handbook says?

I recommend listening, learning and turning the page. Don't forget your foundation, and don't forget that your success is based on turning the page, not reading the same thing over and over again.

POWER ON–Mark

Tour de France follower or not you should recognize the effort made to support those fighting cancer. The video says it all. #team28

POWER ON–Mark

On long plane flights you have the opportunity to do many things; watch TV or movies, eat airline food, read, sleep and even meet someone new. On a recent trans-continental flight I watched some TV because sleep was out of the question. Me, airline seats and sleep does not make for a good combination. 

I watched two unrelated shows on two different and unrelated networks and saw some very similar product placement. On Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, and Psych there was some very blatant  product placement. Not the cars they ride in, the drinks with the label facing the camera or even the clothing. What was shown was the Chase Credit Card. 

I watch these show regularly and am disappointed by the pitches inserted in each episode. I am sure that both shows are paid handsomely for this promotion, but at what cost of turning off viewers? 

And if it is on these shows, what other TV shows are also in on this? I am all for marketing and product placement, but if it is so 'in your face' that it makes you rethink your entertainment selections, then it should be rethought.

And, next time I will find a way to sleep.

Did the Chase credit card placement work? I'm talking about it. Hmmm…..

POWER ON–Mark

Before you read this I want you to know I am a fan of Apple products, I have a Mac, 3 iPods, an iPhone (3G, not the 4), and I had an iPad for a while, hoping it would meet my needs. It did not, so I returned it. But I love the products, the design, and the ease of use, so I will continue to buy Apple products as I need them. With that said, did you see or read about the announcement by Steve Jobs regarding the iPhone 4 antenna issues? I saw and read them and was disappointed. You can watch it for yourself here: Steve Jobs on CNN Reports

On one of my very first posts, I briefly mentioned that marketing is the heart of your business, and I believe that even more now.  In looking at the presentation by Steve Jobs, I felt Apple forgot its heart. Why? There really wasn't an apology, there was an explanation. And worse, there was a comparison! Apple has never had to compare. Instead of saying "we want all our customers to be happy",  Apple should apologize, say they failed to meet their own high expectations, provide a fix and move on. Giving a free case was a needed gesture, but did not fix the bigger issue of the proud culture that has been established by Apple.

The comparison to the loss of signal while holding the phone a certain way was below the high standards of Apple. Apple needs to remember that they can and should turn a weakness into a strength. Go for the jugular. Don't compare your weakness, make it better. Show why I should buy, and why you are better, or the best. Regain your arrogance, and move on. Take your lumps, fix it, then power ahead. 

If you have a similar issue in your business, learn from Apple. Make your weakness a strength, move ahead, and rise to a higher level.

What power can you gain from a weakness?

POWER ON–Mark

Last post I discussed building the recipe for starting a marketing idea. This week, let's talk about the atmosphere. Where do you choose to eat when you are in a new town or want to try a new place? Is it based on proximity, food choices, service or recommendation? Or is it something else? 

When I want to try something new I do it a couple of ways. I decide what kind of food I do or don't want to eat. Usually I eliminate what I don't want to eat, then decide what sounds good. Then I will check Yelp, see what is new, then take a chance.

The first experience is based on the above; my return is based on atmosphere.  Atmosphere in a restaurant  is a lot like marketing. You create an environment that enhances an experience, want the customers to buy-in, and most importantly creating the desire to return and voluntarily spend money.

When creating the atmosphere of your marketing program, think of what you enjoy. What are you willing to pay extra for, and what do you expect as part of your interaction?  Do you anticipate smoke or aroma in a BBQ restaurant? Are you looking forward to being given chopsticks or do you have to ask for them at an Asian eatery? 

Does your marketing program create the right atmosphere? Or is it based on the narrow vision of  a few people unwilling to look beyond the end of the nose. Or worse, is it so broad-based that it misses everyone? 

It is hard to choose the right marketing recipe, but it is sometimes harder to walk away from a mistake. Using the steps of The Confetti Project, start with the countdown to determine where to start. Most importantly, consider all options, make a choice and initiate liftoff.

POWER ON–Mark

Salt is a common element composed of sodium and chloride, each of which have various other uses, but together they form the simple compound of salt. Why is this important? It is an example of how two elements when combined can create a wonderful outcome. This is also true when you create a marketing program. Take your knowledge and an associate’s creativity, both of you combined can create a powerful program.

Think of it as an exercise in expansion. See how much each of you can contribute to the success of a project. You cannot let the fear of the outcome block your way. Be prepared to inspire, listen and GO! Be the salt of your marketing and business success. It just starts with a sprinkle.

The hardest part is usually starting. Here is a suggestion.

1. Get  a piece of unlined paper, a crayon and an empty space
2. Either write or draw the basics of your idea (no style points are given, and no experience necessary – I suggest drawing)
3. Have someone else look at what you have done and have them add to your writing or drawing with their own crayon
4. Go back and forth until both of you have the basics of the path you are going to pursue
5. Hang the picture where it is visible to all involved (no explanations necessary)

Now you have the salt of your project. And a recipe to follow as you move forward.

• As for recipes, I learned one the other day for steak that was unbelievable. Take your steak, grind twice as much salt and pepper on both sides as you usually would. Cook it over a grill with hardwood as the heat source. Remove when cooked to preference, enjoy!

What recipe for your success can you start today?

POWER ON–Mark