Turn the T.V. on to A&E. Around this time in the morning a lot of home improvement shows come, including one of my favorites, Flip This House. We recently started watching this show and become instantly hooked. I love watching the DiY, home improvement and design shows. My wife enjoys watch for ideas to do in our own house. I also enjoy it for that reason but more so for a completely non-house-flipping standpoint.

Flip This House features a variety of different house flipping and investment gurus. Among them is Armando Montelongo, a San Antonio flipper who now also sells books & DVDs teaching people how to “get rich” flipping houses. Armando is loud, hot-tempered and has a no-BS approach to flipping houses. I love it.

My career has taken me from college dreamer, waiting tables and hosting karaoke shows, to web developer & wedding photographer to my current role as project manager for one of Houston’s largest B2B Internet Marketing agencies. I can truly say I’ve sat on both sides of the desk. I’ve lived through the designs-by-committee and the misdirections of the un-knowledgeable (I think I just made up a word). Now I’m managing time-lines, expectations, cupcake consumption and project scopes. Not so much the cupcake consumption, but one can dream.

So what does one have to do with the other, you might ask. Well, I’m glad you did ask, otherwise this next part will be a moot point.

When I’m watching shows like Flip This House, one key element speaks to me. Project Management. Being a project manager for flipping houses or any type of project carries with it a lot of inherent responsibilities. Your juggling Client expectations with internal policies, time-lines, personalities, etc.

When you’re flipping a house you set a goal to be in-and-out in X amount of days/weeks. Same thing applies with web development. A Project Manager must know when the dry-wall crew is coming so they’re not butting heads with the painters. They need to allow the painters to do their job before the tile guy gets there and the tile guy needs to be done before the floor guys do their part. It’s managing multiple layers (and personalities) so the operation runs as smoothly as possible.

It’s rarely perfect, if ever. Someone drops the ball, shows up late or does something not-to-standard; which then delays the project and you’re shifting budgets, people, time-lines and everything else in between.

The more I watch the mistakes of the contractors in these shows and how people like Armando and his Project Managers handle these situations, the better I feel about how I manage my time, our team and the Client’s expectations. They inspire me to be firm, but understanding; flexible without conceding my goals and authoritative without being “that guy” who’s unrealistic.

I can only keep trying to better myself which will then, in my hopes, inspire others around me to do the same. My desk is clean and organized – which leaves my mind and body relaxed. My computer desktop never has more than 2-5 icons on it. My folders are labeled and legible.

These small things keep me from loosing control. Control of my projects, my team and more importantly, myself. I physically touch the folders in my organizer and make mental notes on where that project is. And, if I can’t answer to myself where it is, I ensure I’ve taken the proper measures to know its status.

There are plenty of other examples; TV shows, books and movies that inspire people to whatever it is that they do. While watching another show I love, Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe reflected on a quote that I now see is probably over-and-missed used. “Be passionate about your job”. He responded with “bring your passion to your job”. So whatever is that inspires you, bring it to the table and use it in one way or another that helps you do your job better. Update: Check out this awesome TED talk featuring Mike Rowe.

What show(s), books, blog(s) and blogger(s) or [fill-in-the-blanks] inspire you to do your job better?

Photo by: Leeco

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I wanted to watch Green Zone after seeing the trailer for it way-back-when. Finally got around to it last night and overall was happy with it. It was a very Bourne-in-Iraq – no surprise with Director Paul Greengrass on board. For the sake of a war movie, it was really good. The documentary-style filming added, what I think Greengrass was attempting to achieve, some level of authenticity to the film. I much preferred The Kingdom and Black Hawk Down over this though.

The story takes an obvious stance on the WMD situation in Iraq. “They lied, people died”, tagline rings a bell as a theme. Granted, I’m no fan of the reason(s) we went to war in Iraq, the overly obvious slant made it a little hard to watch at times.

I’d give it B+ in action, acting and overall experience. It wasn’t a bad movie bad any means.

What did you think of it?

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Seth’s post resonates with another reason I’m pretty straight-forward nowadays. We spend too much time flowering up responses, rather then getting to the point. So as not to fall under my own example..here’s the post:

But you’re not saying anything http://bit.ly/cITXfC

Photo by: Tiagø Ribeiro

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Yet there is one phrase that still gets under my skin every time I see it. ASAP which we should all know means As Soon As Possible.

Dictionary.com defines “possible” as: that may or can be, exist, happen, be done, be used, etc.

Lets look back at the original statement: As Soon As Possible. As Soon As It can be, exist or happen. In other words, as soon as you can possibly get to it. Nowhere in there did it say, “as soon as RIGHT NOW“. Did you see it? I didn’t.

So guess what, when you tell me “as soon as possible”, you’re telling me, as soon as you get a chance, please do this. If you need me to do something RIGHT NOW, say, “hey, I know you’re busy and all but can you do this for me…right now?” Then I’ll respond to you right now with my answer. But, let me emphasis it, if you say “as soon as possible” and you meant right now…that’s not what I meant to me. It means when possible.

Lets all try to use ASAP responsibly. Oh..and if you ask me to respond ASAP, then send an IM, text message DM or message on Facebook…you didn’t mean “as soon as I have a chance”. You meant to say right now.

Photo by db*Photography

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I’ve been involved with the Knowbility organization since 2007; participating in their annual Accessibility Internet Rallies (AIR) on-and-off. When they invited me to speak, I asked the same question I always get when I ask for someone to speak at an event I’m organizing; what do you want me to talk about. I was very happy learn they wanted me to present on Social Media & Accessibility. I would never classify myself as a “social media guru” due to the negative picture it paints in my self-conscious mind of a social media “douche bag”, but I guess it just comes with the territory, right?

I’ll post my presentation after Tuesday for all to check out. Wish me luck!

Update: Back from the conference and just a wee-bit tired now. It was a physically and mentally draining few days. That said, I had a really great time in Austin with my family and at the conference. Austin, you kinda grew on me. I’m looking forward to doing more of these type of events. The initial feedback I received from the organizers is that the attendees that came to my session really liked what I did. I tend to be overly critical of myself, so that sets my mind at ease Thanks to the Knowbility folks and my class attendees; it was a great experience.

Related posts:

1. Putting Out Fires with Social Media: My Houston Zoo Experience
2. 2010: The Year We Make Contact…or Connections
3. Social Transparency: Mixing Business & Pleasure Online

This year’s theme is DiY: Create __________. We want our attendees to take what they learn and apply it to their company, themselves and Create (something) – branding strategy, social networking campaigns, tasty cupcakes (subliminal message).

We hope you all have the opportunity to join your fellow marketers, web professionals, social networking evangelists and designers on September 16, 2010 at the Angelika Theater! IS2010 is a full-day, intimate conference geared toward those who seek to be in-the-know on SEO, Strategy, Social Media, Design That Sticks and our newest area, Fundamentals.

Check out the new site at www.is-conference.com

We still have sponsorships available should your company or brand be interested in helping put on the best IS Conference to date.

What do you want to create?

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What a refreshing, inspiring and motivating speaker he is. Straight-forward would be an understatement. I’ve yet to experience a speaker who was that ‘transparent’ and open about their success. I thoroughly enjoyed – not only the great food at the Intercontinental Hotel – Jeff’s presentation and style.

In true celebrity form, his introduction was followed up by another introduction; in video format. The 3ish minute video talked about the transformation of the Kodak brand and company itself. It was hilarious. Very well done and entertaining. Kudos Kodak!

After the into(s) Jeff started right into his presentation. What made this even better for me is that Jeff presents in a way the Kelsey Ruger is currently posting about. He presented a story, with emotions and humor and a feeling of really connecting with what he was sharing.

I jotted down some key points I took away from his storytelling/presentation. One thing that really stood out was the Kodak, a company built on capturing our memories, uses the phrase: Kodak creates emotional technology. Wow – that’s deep and so true!

Recap:

• 40% of commercial printing is touched by Kodak.
• Kodak’s online photo-hosting service has more high-resolution pictures than anyone. Anyone. He noted that if you’re using services like Flickr or some such – you might be loosing out in the end.
• Every Best Picture winner and nominee for the Academy Awards® was shot on Kodak film.
• 70% of their digital business is B2B.
• Kodak’s transformation is the largest turn-around in business history.
• Kodak has 13 products with account for 80% of their revenue. Half of which didn’t exist a year ago.
• Being trustworthy and reliable is their main focus. As should it be for other businesses.
• Quote: “A brand is a promised delivery”
• Kodak’s social media practice uses the 4 E’s: Engage • Educate • Excite • Evangelize
• When Kodak started using social media, they encountered 43% complaint traffic. It’s now down to about 7%
• Business owners/Executives need to understand social media ROI isn’t Return on Investment, rather Return on Ignoring.
• Email Tom@Kodak.com for a free copy of Kodak’s Social Media Tips. I’ll save Tom’s inbox and give you the link.
• What Kodak tries to do – and does well so far is – link the science to the soul (creating emotional technology)

Jeff, if you ever come across my humble blog. Thank you! You get it!

If you get the chance to hear Jeff speak, take it! You won’t be disappointed. Have you been to a Jeff Hayzlett presentation? What did you think?

Note: Banner image is from the Kodak website featuring screenshots of this years Oscar nominees hand-picked by the movies cinematographer’s.

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The monologue was from William Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms;
And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lin’d,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slipper’d pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well sav’d, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion;
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.”

We’ve heard life is game and you have to know the rules to play. I think Shakespeare had it more well-defined as a play; and the world is our stage. We’re all merely players on stage, making our entrances and exits. We go through our stages of life, playing the roles assigned to us.

I’ve played the whining school-boy, the lover and now in the soldier phase. I’ve been a soldier literally and figuratively, based on his monologue.

What part are you playing right now? Do you think the world is a stage and you’re a player?

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Let me say I’m rarely a fan of getting inspirational quotes from management. My belief is that quoting leaders, doesn’t make you one. And I’ve had my share of timelines being filled with endless quotes. I like to think for myself, ya know? I digress.

This morning I got the quote above from management. It hit close to home with my recent changes. Through my experiences, both professional and personal, I feel I’ve become a strong, productive plant. I think it’s a good quote.

It reminded me of something a read last night. If you follow Kelsey’s blog, he has some really good lessons on creativity, business and right now he’s doing a series on storytelling.

This is a quote from his former employer way-back-when: Smart, confident, employees make for better results all around.

The more we empower employees to learn on their own, fix their mistakes without belittling them; we’ll have people who are truly passionate about what they do and will do the work internally and externally to build the company’s reputation.

How are you treating your employees? As assets or indentured servants?

Photo by: Selkovjr

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1. Keep Moving Forward…

After that we took the kids to the park for a little while. The boys and I rode our bikes around the neighborhood and had some races. Good family time.

As we were riding back to our house a beat-down, blue pick-up truck with two men inside approached us. The conversation went a little like this:

Driver: Hey! You like eating good steaks?

Me: Yea, of course.

Driver: Take a look at what I got in the back (There was a large freezer in the bed of the truck)

Me: Oh sorry man. I don’t do any business on Saturdays…we’re Jewish.

Driver: (long pause) How do you buy stuff??

Me: (Annoyed face) There’s six other days in the week to buy stuff…

Driver: I’ve got Jewish friends that buy stuff on Saturday.

Me: Well….we don’t sorry, bye!

They continued driving around going door-to-door trying to sell meat off the back of their truck.

A) I would never buy anything from a guy wearing a wife beater, driving a pick-up truck, selling meat in a freezer.

B) We’ve had that same question so many times: How do you buy stuff? What if you need to eat, buy gas, etc.

Well folks, like I told the guy waiting to be on an episode of Cops, there’s six other days to buy stuff. As for eating, well gee – we eat what we have in the house – duh. Buying gas – c’mon, I can fill up Friday. Think this through.

I guess ignorance can be bliss, oy vey.

Photo by: Jetalone

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