1000 Cranes Blog

When all else fails, there's always chocolate!

It seems that during stressful times, we turn to comfort foods and often foods that remind us of our childhood.  Whether it's a savory dish of macaroni and cheese or a sweet slice of apple pie.  Savories that soothe the stomache become popular. 

Chocolate with its natural endorphin producing power also does well during these tough economic times.  Only last week, I heard Michele Buck from Hershey speak at the UNC Dean's Speakers Series, and she mentioned that Hershey's is seeing growth during this time.  Here's a clip from CNN also confirming the rise of sweets:



I must say that I've been watchful over what I eat, but lately I have been craving some of these comfort foods and don't mind indulging just a little bit in some chocolate, ice cream or gummy bears.   My current favorite treat is a small soft-serve vanilla ice cream dessert from Dairy Queen in a cup (to keep it gluten-free!) 

What foods do you crave during stressful times? 

Have you found yourself eating more candy and other comfort foods and how has that made you feel? 

What was your vote for Earth Hour?

I'd have to say that my vote was "Yes", but during the hour, I was obligated to attend a cocktail party, so I voted yes and no in some sense.  In preparation for Earth Hour, I dug up an electric lantern that we have in our garage, and we had to use a dremel tool to remove some corrosion that occured when some battery acid spilled inside.  Luckily, it all worked, and we herded our little dog into his crate, lit the electric lantern, and turned off all the lights in the house for Earth Hour...in fact, we were gone for nearly three hours so we contributed three times the necessary amount of time! 

However, when we got to our friends' house, they had nearly all the lights on in their home plus candles burning in every room.  It did seem a bit redundant in the grand scheme of the "Earth Hour" message.  Many wonderful appetizers filled the dining room that came straight out of the oven, and it made me think that the plate of cheese, chilled shrimp and fruit would have been much more earth friendly on this day.  Needless to say, I didn't point any of this out to the hosts of the party, who did an exceptional job of providing such wonderful tasty things to eat.  

In reflection about Earth Hour, it is a statement regarding our power usage.  Here's a YouTube posting showing Edinburgh Castle going dark for Earth Hour.  [Note:  The video is actually quite funny as the timing of the countdown is off.] 

I love the idea of the world coming together to streamline resources whether these are gas, electric or water, and making wise choices that benefit the planet including carpooling, purchasing local grown produce and recycling.  We all can make little choices that can collectively make a big difference.   

Earth Day is right around the corner on April 22nd.  It gives us another time to proactively reflect upon our Earth's resources.  But this should be an awareness campaign that should take place all year round.  Perhaps monthly or quarterly events should be in order.  It's time to make a difference! 

What did Earth Hour mean to you? 

Do you think this awareness campaign changed your behavior and why? 

Earth Hour this Saturday at 8:30pm

If you've missed the news, "Earth Hour" is coming this Saturday, March 28th.  This is where people around the world will be voting for the Earth by turning their lights off for one hour from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. 

I first heard about this when I heard the broadcast on Larry King Live during an interview with Alanis Morrisette and Edward Norton about the event.  I went to the Earth Hour website (http://www.earthhour.org/home/), and here's the background and information: 

"Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour."

What I like about an activity like this is that it is very simple and it's one that sends a clear message.  It also builds community and a sense of solidarity regarding issues that affect everyone. 

So take an hour to cast your vote for Earth Hour.  It just takes a flip of a switch.  :-) 

Will you be taking a stand regarding Earth Hour and why? 

Do you think these kinds of grassroots events are effective and what other examples can you remember? 

Picking Partners Wisely and the Power of Design

I had an opportunity to go to the Dean's Speaker's series at UNC Chapel Hill's Kenan Flager School of Business.  The speaker for this month was Michele Buck from the Hershey Company, and she gave her audience many great ideas to consider. 

She mentioned quite a few of the trends that are taking place right now with the downturn in the economy.  More people are downgrading from premium goods and services to more mainstream and budget brands.  Families are having "staycations" instead of traditional vacations, and people are going back to nostalgic ideas and values.  

One key element that came out of her speech was that this economy also requires Hershey to look closely at its partners.  One bad partnership can lead to a significant drop in sales or productivity which in this economy can trigger a shift where some companies can't recover. 

It was a message that really hit home.  I have received requests in the past from some unscrupulous characters that have found 1000 Cranes through Internet searches.  As someone who likes to think the best of people, I've found that some people were not looking at true partnerships but rather looking at taking advantage of others.  One such partnership never paid for the services rendered inspite of a filing with the NC Attorney General's office.  This idea of scrutinizing partnerships carefully has inspired me to be more diligent in selecting partners very carefully in 2009, and knowing that Hershey does this as a regular practice has made me realize that 1000 Cranes needs to be more diligent as well.   

Another key takeaway from the speech was the thought that of the Power of Design.  This is where brands are not only aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally appealing.  Good examples of this are Dyson Vacuums and Apple Computer.  These companies have built brands that are physically appealing,  emotionally compelling and highly functional.   I think the 1000 Cranes has built such a brand, and it's a matter of propogating and building brand awareness.   Yet another great tip! 

I'm glad I had an opportunity to see and hear the speech.  Next month they are having a speaker from Burt's Bees speak on Earth Day, April 22nd.   I'm looking forward to learning more from such great business leaders!

Have you been inspired by a speaker that gave you tangible ideas to apply to your business or personal life? 

Survival of the Smartest

Charles Darwin talked about the evolution of our species by the "Survival of the Fittest".  In his honor, there are several awards that are given out to people who remove themselves from the population by deathly acts of stupidity also known as the "Darwin Awards."  As macabre as it sounds, it shows that human nature sometimes isn't humbled by the fragility of life.   

Lately, it seems that we have a rash of needless deaths because people just did not use common sense.  Whether it was the fate of Natasha Richardson who refused treatment after a head blow from a skiing accident or the three families who decided to overload a small turbo prop plane on their way to a ski trip in Montana, in all likelihood these deaths could have been avoided.   I know that in the case of the turbo prop, I would have likely stayed behind.  I don't like getting into an elevator that is overcrowded, let alone a small turbo prop plane. 

Perhaps we'll never know the truth regarding both incidents as we can only speculate whether a different outcome would have occurred had Natasha Richardson seeked medical help right away or if the families chose a larger aircraft to handle their brood. 

Perhaps it's a lesson we can all reflect upon.  Do not take your life for granted!  Every day is precious! 

Do you reflect upon situations which could threaten your life and what action steps would you take? 

Would you be willing to take a stand for your safety even if others were anxious to proceed? 

Finding Flexibility in Your Work

I just finished a long week of three engagements.  One client asked me to fly to Orlando, Florida to assist with a facilitation session on  strategic plan, I drove to Hickory to give a presentation on Social Enterprise and then headed to Winston-Salem to facilitate a two-day session on business planning.   

At all three events, there came a time when flexibility was required.  In the first, I jumped in to assist one of the speakers to capture comments from the audience.  In the second, I brought my projector so that I would be able to display my presentation on a blank wall in a small conference room.  In the third, the conversation on Day 2 steered toward a different topic than what was on the agenda, so we delved deeper into that topic. 

In all three cases, flexibility was required.   I've found that flexibility is one of the best assets to have as a consultant.  Afterall, I work for the customer.  If the customer wants you to take notes, take notes!  If the customer wants you to change the agenda, change the agenda.  If you want the ability to project your presentation without knowing what equipment is available, bring your own equipment! 

Over the years, I've found that it's best to keep an open mind.  Be attune to the customer needs and realize that these may change.  I may have an idea of how a conversation or event may evolve, but if it goes away from the original intentions, that's okay.  Keep an open mind and be willing to work with your customer.

Lastly, have a backup plan, or as the phrase goes "wear suspenders and a belt!"  When giving a presentation, I always have the powerpoint slides available as a handout.  If all else fails with whatever equipment I'm using, that's my ultimate fallback.  If the power goes out, no problem.  If there is no projector, no problem.  If the projector is incompatible with my laptop, no problem.  Hard copy is the ultimate backup. 

I'll also bring with me a "jump drive" or USB drive which allows me to transfer a presentation to already set up equipment.  This also works well when needing to printout handouts at the local Fedex Office. 

If a projector is absolutely required, I bring my own...just in case.  It turned out to be a good move with my last event in Winston-Salem.  The existing projector was incompatible with my Mac Book Pro, and it worked out well that my projector was available to do the job.

So three key attributes: 
1) Be Flexible.
2) Keep and Open Mind.
3) Bring Your Own Equipment.

What things do you do to build flexibility in your work?

How do you feel when you know the people you work with are flexible?   

Obama and AIG

Today was a historic day with President Obama appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  He had an opportunity to discuss the AIG debacle and he took full responsibility for the lack of oversight for the bonus payouts that were given.   His demeanor on the show was respectful and not too "chummy," and he had a good opportunity to give his opinion of the matter in a more relaxed way than in a "State of the Nation" like address. 

Congress also did its part by placing a 90% tax on the bonuses received.  It's unfortunate that they had to implement a law in order to do that, but that's how most things are done, reactively.  

The AIG mess has revealed a major flaw with the bailouts is that the getting the money to institutions is not enough.  There must be accountability, and there must be oversight for those who ask for a handout to survive.  What's sad about this case is that the AIG executives didn't think twice about whether it was right for them to receive the bonuses after receiving all this money from the American tax payers. 

It's a shame really.    It shows the marked difference between "white collar" and "blue collar" America.  Let's hope this is a warning that's taken seriously by other companies who might want to do similar actions. 

What do you think about the AIG debacle? 

Do you think President Obama should have taken the entire blame for the situation? 

Maintaining Your Personal Brand

I was in Orlando yesterday and visited one of my favorite stores, Field of Dreams.  I love this store since it features memorabilia of sports and entertainment figures.  I have purchased gifts from this store in the past since I know you find things there that you normally wouldn't find in a regular store.  They are special gifts, and often ones that the receiver will treasure. 

As I was browsing the store, I came across some Michael Phelps collages which depicted photos of him at his best moments with one particular picture showing him wearing  his eight Olympic medals from the Beijing games.  He has 14 gold medals, the most of any athlete of all time.

Unfortunately, Michael Phelp's reputation has been tarnished.  The gold has lost its luster. 

After this photograph has circulated with Michael Phelps smoking a bong of marijuana, people no longer view him as the all American athlete.  He's now the fallen golden child.  Both Subway and Kellogg dropped him as sponsors after the photo was released.  And I noticed that his memorabilia at Field of Dreams is now discounted at 30%. 

It's a sad story really.  But it's the price one pays for becoming a role model to others.   

Michael Phelps will always be remembered as an outstanding athlete, and hopefully he learned a big lesson from this.  When you are the brand, and your reputation is always under scrutiny, it's important to always reflect on your actions and how they may be perceived in the world.

Have you regretted any actions that affected your reputation? 

What could you or Michael Phelps have done differently?   

My Travel Charm

In my Toastmasters group a few weeks ago, the theme was "Lucky Charms, their magically delicious!"   The Toastmaster asked us what kinds of lucky charms or talismans we might carry with us and why.  I must confess, that I did have an answer to this question. 

In my case, when I travel, I carry with me a rose quartz stone.  It's about two inches by four inches and fits well in the palm of my hand.  I started carrying this after I had a bad travel incident (a double aborted landing at the RDU airport...ended up landing in Greensboro).  I found that the stone calmed me, and that I could focus my attention better and was calmer.    I haven't needed to take it out of my backpack upon take-off and landing immediately after the incident, but I do find a sense of peace that I have it with me.  I use it to meditate by holding the rock and concentrating on my breath.  It may sound crazy, but it works for me.   I'm here in Orlando, FL, and I must say that just writing about it makes me feel better!  :-) 

Sure, it may be all in my mind, but if a simple thing as a rock can bring you peace, why not run with it? 

Do you have a charm that you carry with you and why?

Why do you think so many cultures have beliefs in the power of talismans or charms? 

Getting Your Second Wind

With all the talk that's going on about the recession and the economy, it reminds me of the feeling that runners get when they "hit the wall"...if you watch the movie "Run, Fat boy, Run", (beware...spoilers...stop reading now if you haven't seen the movie),  Simon Pegg's character runs a marathon after being injured by a rival.  When he's almost at the finish line, he hits "the wall", and it takes all his effort to lift himself up to complete the race.  He looks up to see his son and his son's mother, and the joy of seeing them gives him the courage to continue on inspite of how hard it hurts.  He finds his second wind and continues to finish the race. 

We all are feeling the pinch of this recession, and if you think about this example of a race, we need to push through the pain to find our second wind.   Once we get over this "hump", the second wind will keep us going to help us succeed.   

So how do you find your second wind?  Here are some things that have helped me:

1) Always remind myself of the end goal.  Just like in the race, I know I need to go through the journey in order to make it to the finish line.  I think about how I'll feel when I reach the "finish line," and that helps me find the courage and strength to continue.   

2) Lift myself up with spiritual, supportive friends and materials.  Many people think of coping with pain and anxiety using drugs, alcohol and other coping mechanisms.  In the end, these are only temporary fixes and don't work toward helping you to achieve your goals.  They are only an illusion.  Reaching out to spiritual, supportive friends and immersing myself with uplifing materials (websites, books, etc.) can reinforce the memories of the blessings in my life. 

3) Keep tending to myself physically, mentally and spiritually.  Sometimes in down times, the cycle of depression can be exacerbated when we stop doing our normal routines.   I find that my routines help me keep focused and achieve calmness.  I try to work out 4-5 times a week.  I keep myself mentally stimulated through reading, and I spiritually pray everyday before my evening meal (or more!) to remember the blessings I have in my life.   None of these things have to cost a lot of money.   I don't drop my support routines as they keep me grounded. 

What do you do to find your second wind? 

Do you have a set of routines that help you stay focused and calm inspite of the challenges that may be taking place around you?