2009 April

Is your company transitioning or maturing? Evolving from 'start up' to 'growth stage' or beyond? Or just plain reconsidering its position, product lines, and value prop? That's great news--for some. I'd like to suggest that there are a handful of typical classifications into which some employees may fall. Mind you, certainly not all employees; but upon reaching a critical growth stage and deciding to make that next big leap in an effort to stake a position, raise awareness, persuade perceptions,...

I'm not known for my pithy Seth-like posts that pack a punch in two paragraphs. But maybe I can share my point of view while flexing a new set of mini-writing muscles today. While making a quick grocery run last night, a friend ran by an end cap in the beverage section that gave her pause. I'm not a big wine drinker so maybe this isn't news to you as it was to me--but evidently there's a wine on the market named, of all things, Bitch. Now that's different, admit it.  One wine reviewer...

As an employee progressing through Newbie Acclimation 101, one of the topics I've given a lot of thought to lately is concept of Team. Being the newcomer sometimes allows me to see some "grandfathered" situations and dynamics in a way that more seasoned employees don't. I think this is the temporary "keen insight" baton that gets passed from one successive new hire to the next. I believe that Team implies a relationship. Team assumes two or more parties share interest in a common topic, understand...

Almost every product, service, and event will have a myriad of individual responses/perspectives that will generally settle into 2-3 broad groups: Like; Dislike; Okay, But Wouldn't Buy/Do Again. For the most part, I've had a great experience here in Austin at this year's festival and will definitely seek to attend again next year. I've gotten closer to some fabulous thinkers and authors with whom I'd never interact with were it not for this festival, due to it's unique culture. I've learned some...

Tucker is a Great Pyrenees my family and I met on Saturday at PetSmart. Historically, we've discovered new furry family members at either breeders or animal shelters. But Saturday found us antsy and anxious to get out of the house (of course, it was cold and rainy, so being housebound felt restrictive). We've anxiously talked about the day the 5 of us turns to 7 (we'll have to get two dogs, minimum) since losing our Husky-Shepherd mix last October to old age. Considering Jake survived both a confrontation...