"Everybody's Gunning For The VIP Section"

Thanks to Simon, John, Roger, and Nick for reminding me about this one.

We've all heard of the VIP section. That's where the all the "very important people" go. Just who are those VIPs? Are they actors, actresses, politicians, or just rich people with nothing else better to do with their money? They would like to think so.

However, the identity of a VIP is very subjective. To any organization or establishment a VIP is someone who can bring recognition or prestige to the organization. To an establishment (bar or restaurant) a VIP will give valuable exposure. However, is it right for everyone to want in to the VIP section?

Right and Wrong! The VIP section, wherever it may be, is a contradiction.People want in and those that are in want nothing more than to get out. So what's the big deal?

The big deal is that people want to be where the action is. People like living vicariously through others. Remember how cool you thought H.P. Lovecraft and Jack Kerouac were?

You read their books and thought to yourself "Wow, these guys are living an awesome life" and you probably thought about living that kind of life because these guys had it all, they can do what they wanted, not have to answer to anybody and people liked them.

Then when you got to college or started working you realized that was not what life was about.

While that is the same for the VIP section in anything and anywhere. Once you get there what is next?  Where is the next VIP section and how do you get to it?

The thing is that eventually one of two things will happen; you will get tired of trying to get into the VIP section that you just completely give up or you will become irrelevant and people will not want you in the VIP section any longer.  What then?

Here are five things you can do if you find yourself unable to get into any VIP section:

     1. The stop been envious of other people. Envy is a surefire way to keep you out of any VIP section including your own.

     2.  The same goes for jealousy.  Jealousy is not self-inspiring nor self-serving.  Jealousy has always been and always will be self-destructing.

     3.  Recognize that others want their own VIP section.  You are not alone in this endeavor. However, when you realize that everyone's vision is unique and your vision of what the VIP section is almost certainly differs from the person next you.

     4.  Help others make their own VIP section.  That old adage of "it takes a village" is still very true.  Help them make their own and they will most certainly help you make yours.

     5.  MAKE YOUR OWN VIP SECTION.  There is no need to worry if you are on the list because it is your list and you are always on top of that list.

So what if you do not own a nightclub or restaurant or bar?  You have where you are and that is all that matters.  Make where you are the hottest, most sought after spot on the planet.  Make where you are the only VIP section that matters.

If it is your home then you are all set! Your friends and family will always be at the coolest place in the world.

If it is where you work, even better because not only can you make the employees members of the VIP section but that every single customer that walks in through your door is automatically in the VIP section.

So it's up to you, you can even choose to try to get into the latest and greatest VIP section as determined by somebody else or you can just make your own with your own set of rules and access list.

Personally, I recommend making your own. It was a lot of fun making my own VIP Section.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • VIP • Section • make your own • Don't be jealous • Stop the envy • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it aint broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Blah, Blah, Blah + Static = Lack of Urgency

There comes a time in our lives when we see that not everything that others want us to see or wish for us to see is substantive but just a smoke screen.

It happens. 

In my opinion, this has been happening quite a bit lately. What I have seen is the continuing saga and drama of individuals that would rather deliver the same old song and dance instead of evolving to the next level, their next level of professionalism.

What I mean is they create the sense of urgency the same way they always have and fail to recognize that at some point there " urgency" becomes routine. It is that same sense of routine that others eventually stop giving any credibility to the individual. Think "The Boy Who Cried Wolf".

Then anything in the future becomes nothing but "blah, blah, blah" and that turns into STATIC.

It is that static that people eventually begin to ignore.  Then just like the boy, the person creating the "sense of urgency" no longer has any credibility nor is urgency applied when something real happens.

What then?

This is when those individuals that deliver that same "song and dance" must evolve and get away from that way of behaving.  Unfortunately, this will only happen when they have their back up against a wall and wolf is nipping at their heels. Is it too late?

Yes, when that time comes it is way too late! However, all is NOT lost.

Those individuals have to see the light before it becomes TOO LATE again.

If you are one of those individuals, please take this as a warning and not as static that you ignore now and later say to yourself, "If only I listened, then?"

Only you can save yourself.

Until Next Time,
David Guerra


 

Attention Business Owners: About Your Company Vehicles (again)

Attention Business Owners

I said it before and I will say it again: Do you know what happens when your employees take your company vehicle home?

Sure it might be after hours but they are still advertising your company name, phone number, website, and they are most certainly advertising your company's reputation. 

The situation is do you really know what your employees are doing with your company name on the weekends and after hours?  Better still, what are they doing with your company name when they are driving home after work or when they are driving to work first thing in the morning?

Are they really promoting the professional reputation that you worked long and hard to develop, cultivate, and maintain?

Are your employees working hard to maintain that professional reputation? Most of them are.  However, just like at a restaurant all it takes is one bad meal or a rude waiter and that restaurant's reputation goes down the kitchen sink and so will your organization's reputation.

All it takes is for one employee that is in a hurry to start the weekend and run a red light or do rolling stop at a stop sign or worst still shows signs of road rage in your company's van or truck and come Monday morning and almost as if by magic you sit there wondering how your company's reputation just disappeared.

Now, I know there's a need for employees to take company vehicles home after hours and weekends, especially if they are on-call.  However, those employees need to fully understand the severity of how quickly things could escalate and the importance of them to remain highly professional from the moment they drive the company vehicle off the company parking lot to the moment they return the company vehicle to the company parking lot.

So long as they have control of a company vehicle they have control of your company's reputation and fate.  Now, you need to ask yourself: Are you prepared to turn over total and complete control of your company to someone who you know is not prepared?

Of course, you send out your service vehicles and service people. Your employees have to get from point A to point B.  Obviously, you trust them enough to get from one point to another to do the job that they were hired to do.  That’s fine, however, it is their attitude and behavior while they're traveling that is the biggest indicator of how long your business will last.

If you have in the past or if you haven't, get those drivers together and lay down, in no uncertain terms, your exact expectations of those driving the vehicles no matter when they're driving the vehicles.  Also, don't forget to stress the repercussions of violating the expectations that you have just finished giving them.  I understand that there will be people who will push you, that will not take you serious as to what your expectations are and what will happen if they do not follow through.

Therefore, it behooves you, your employees, your company, and your insurance company that every driver signs a form that acknowledges their understanding and expected compliance of the vehicle use policy as you have explained to them.  Don't forget to ask if there any questions.  If there are no questions then verbally acknowledge that no questions were asked otherwise answer the question(s).

Something to remember; when you are talking to your staff please do not pull any punches, do not joke around, or they will most certainly take with them the impression that all of this is just a joke and you were not serious! This impression will be difficult to shake when it comes to following through when someone breaks the driving policy.

Remember, whether you want to admit it or not your customers and potential customers are ALWAYS watching you, your company, your employees and what they do with your reputation. So take my warning or not, that is up to you.

Thank you,
David G. Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join this conversation. I want to know what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of "The Walking Leader"  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Company Vehicles • Employee Drivers • Bad driving • Road Rage on company time • Employee Behavior • FESCO • Tri-County Communications • CHURCH'S FRIED CHICKEN • GENCO • Phase One Electric • Glazers Distributors • Professional Service Industries, Inc. • PSI • Top Cut Lawncare • LeFleur Transportation • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Always Carry A Pen and Paper / Always have something to write with and on!

Retro 51 Tornado Red Rollerball Pen

In Rule #3 (Go By Yourself) of the Walking Leader, I mention the need to ALWAYS have Pen and Paper with you especially when you go for a walk or leave your office for any reason.

Having something to document any action, idea, suggestion or recording a meeting on or with is something that makes you as someone who is prepared for any situation. Whether you have a folded piece of paper and an old chewed up pencil or a Moleskine pocket journal and a Mont Blanc fountain pen, it really does not matter so long as you have something.  Now what does matter, is that you have something that will work for you every time you need it.

Personally, I prefer using a pocket journal from Field Notes (R) and a pen that fits my taste and style, as well as, my budget. Personally, I used one of the following three pens: 5280 Summit carbon Fiber Fountain Pen, Padrino Aero Silver Ball Point Pen, and Retro 51 Tornado Red Roller Ball Pen.

Each one of these pens works well with the paper in the Field Notes Pocket Journal.  The paper quickly absorbs the ink from the rollerball pen as it does with the fountain pen and the ballpoint pen.

The beauty of the Field Notes Pocket Journal is not only its compact size but the pages can be torn out and attached to any other piece of paper either by a staple, paperclip, bulldog clip, or dog-ear.

There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to get out from behind a desk and the office or cubicle or whenever you have without something to write on and something to write with.  You are a professional and you need to start acting like it. People see you as a professional the moment you start acting like a professional.  There are many things people can do but being recognized as a Professional in your field is something you can not fool all the people with.

People will immediately recognize when you're not telling them the truth, when you are just playing the part, and they will certainly recognize that you are not genuine when it comes to using the tools of the trade.

If you are constantly arriving at a meeting, gathering, or anyplace without at least a piece of paper and pen but instead are always asking to " borrow a paper and a pen" people will see right through you and know that you are not the genuine article.

Don't take your selections for granted. Never, ever do that. This is one of those thing that will help define you as a leader among men and women. This will help start to set you apart from those that are never prepared but somehow seem to skate on by.

Whether you are a "Newbie" or a "Veteran" it is never too late or too early to start increasing your professional skills of which having the right tools for the right job is the key to the increasing skill set thus increasing success.

The Professional is always prepared!  The Professional is prepared to deal with any contingency and is ALWAYS prepared to make a decision.

A Professional should also be prepared to take notes. Therefore, as a Professional you should always have something to write on and with otherwise why bother considering yourself a professional?


Thank you,
David G. Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble


Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Rule #3 • Go by yourself • Always carry • Paper and Pen • Right tools for the right job • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

About Giving 110%

Obviously, the Internet has become the great equalizer in that not only can small businesses now compete against the big conglomerates but you are competing with the world for the same business.

This most certainly means you have to be on top of your game 100%.

Notice I didn't write 110% because there is NO 110%.

Kid yourself all you want there is just no giving it your all plus 10% more. If you have 10% more to give then originally you were only giving 90% and NOT 100%.

Aren't they cheating the people or the organizations that they say they are giving 110% to? Worst of all they are really just cheating themselves.

Don't Cheat Yourself and Others!




Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Giving it your all • Don' give less than your potential • Don't sell yourself short • • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

There Is No Longer Such A Thing As "Too Early"

In today's 24/7/365, always on, I want it now, instant world there is no longer such a thing as "too early"

Really, you can NEVER be too early for anything. Teenage girls line up for a week to get a glimpse of their favorite boy band du'jour. Heck, even the Tuesday before Thanksgiving is the new Black Friday.  Being too early is no longer an exception. Being Early is EXPECTED!

As for not being early, well now all you can be is LATE, TOO LATE, or WAY TOO LATE!


No longer can anyone get away with being late for anything. Whether it be for work, school, a date, a dinner, or a party.

Think about this: Would you approve of anyone arriving late? Short of a car accident or their clothes completely catching on fires, is there really any valid excuse any more?

NO! There is absolutely no valid excuse. A line from the 1994 song "Come Out and Play (Keep'm Separated)" by the Offspring gives the most appropriate warning: "...By the time you hear the siren, It's already too late..."


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Being Early Is Expected • Late • Too Late • Way Too Late • No Excuse is valid for being late • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Introducing The Walking Leader

I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to my contribution to the business leadership literary world: The Walking Leader: The 20 Rules You Can Follow Now to Guide You Down the Path of Leadership Greatness in Your Organization.

I wrote the Walking Leader for anyone that has wanted to get out from behind their desk and get to know the organization from within but didn't know how. To succeed in business (any business), any one in any position within any company, organization, agency, program, department, or section has to not only do their job better than everyone else they also have to get out and visit the front-lines. They have to be where the bullets are flying.

In a war, the front-lines is where the bullets are flying. The only way to truly know how the war is going is to be right out in front, meeting and getting to know those that are fighting out on the front lines every day! Business leaders, communicators, and instructors know and share with every that wants to succeed; the only way is to get out and be among the company staff.

However, there was a problem. The problem was there was nothing formally written to act as a guide to how to go and walk among the entire company's staff. There was nothing that even resemble a set of rules that anyone can go to when the time comes to get out there.

The Walking Leader was written to fill that void. The 20 rules are to be used as a guide to starting your own Walking Leader program. The 20 rules are to be used to become your organization's next Great Leader. As your organization's next Great Leader you will be in the position to recruit, guide, and mentor the NEXT Great Leader.


I invite you to get yourself a copy and get out there! Getting out there is the only way you will know how the war is going.

At this time, there are two places you can order The Walking Leader:
1. The Walking Leader website: http://www.walkingleader.com
(be sure to look for the DISCOUNT CODE)

and


2. Amazon.com


Tentatively after October 15, The Walking Leader will be available for sale at brick and mortar Bookstores, other Online Retailers, Libraries, and Academic Institutions.

Some basics of THE WALKING LEADER
Name: The Walking Leader: The 20 Rules You Can Follow Now to Guide You Down the Path of Leadership Greatness in Your Organization
Author: David G. Guerra
Page count: 106
Suggested retail price: $US 10.99
Year of first printing: 2013
ISBN: 978-1492120063


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to tell me what you are think of The Walking Leader.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • • 20 Rules You Can Follow Now to Guide You Down the Path of Leadership Greatness in Your Organization • • Be A Great Leader • Author • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

The Walking Leader publication date set

The latest book by US Army Veteran and Recovering Bureaucrat, David G. Guerra: "The Walking Leader: The 20 Rules You Can Follow Now To Guide You Down The Path Of Leadership Greatness In Your Organization" will be published and available for sale to the general public on Tuesday, August 27, 2013.

Initially, "The Walking Leader" will be available through Amazon.com, Createspace.com eStore, the Author's blog (http://daveguerra.blogspot.com) and on the book's website: http://www.walkingleader.com.

The Walking Leader is a book designed to be used by any individual in any potential leadership position with any organization (private or public sector) that knows that getting out among ALL employees and getting to know them is a essential to not only building credibility but genuine authenticity as a leader within the organization.

The 20 Rules are easy to learn but MOST difficult to master. However, that should not intimidate anyone trying to become a Walking Leader as anything worth doing should be worth doing right, no matter how long it takes.

As soon as accurate purchasing information is provided it will be posted on this blog and on the Walking Leader Website.

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Walking Leader • Book • Author • leadership • Leader • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Ambition and Success!

Ambition and Success go hand in hand. They do so, so well that I made this really cool chart illustrating the correlating and exponential relationship of the two.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The more ambition you have and the more you apply the more success you will have throughout your life.

If you don’t believe me, try one of the following:

Do nothing for a month and see how much success you have.
-or-
Do a lot for a month and see how much success you have.



Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Be Ambitious • Have Success • Self-Discipline • Execute • Make it happen • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

It is ALL Show and Tell!

I just received an UNSOLICITED email (aka SPAM) that offered some webservices:

"I am ##name removed##, Business Development Manager.

I was on your website. Would you be interested in a possible redesigning of the site or addition feature that might benefit the overall usability and user experience which usually leads to better sales?"

Very interesting that this "Business Development Manager" DOES NOT offer to show any of the websites he has done nor does he NOT offer his personal website as a reference.

Folks, if you are going to tell the world that you offer a certain service please be prepared to show a little something of what you offer otherwise why bother?


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Another spam email • Is there something hidden? • Want work but offers nothing • Something to hide? • Show and Tell • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Today is a Brand New Day!

Whatever happened yesterday, and the day before that and the day before that day and so on in no way mean that is what should happen today or tomorrow. Today is NOT yesterday nor is it tomorrow. Today is NOW and right now is yours to make better, that is unless you choose to make it bad or worse than yesterday.

Sure you can sit and dwell on how someone screwed you over or how someone broke your heart or whatever but guess what? You cannot change what happened. You can only move forward from yesterday and make it better today!

Leave yesterday and the past where it belongs; in the past! They make monuments to commemorate the past which people visit all the time. Take the Washington Memorial for instance. There stands a tall spire to remember a great man that led a fledgling nation to become the greatest on the planet. However, no one stops to dwell on Washington's internal struggles, his personal setbacks, who broke his heart, or who spilled wassail on him during that Christmas at Valley Forge. Some two hundred plus years later all we see is the positive. That gives us a chance to make a better future.

So you can sit there and dwell on how someone did something wrong to you or you can decide that you will do what it takes to ensure that you are never in that situation again, even if means you are the one that did something wrong.

Now get out there and demand from yourself a better future!

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

You can follow me on twitter at @daveguerra

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Have A Better Day • Yesterday's gone • The Past is the Past • Move Forward • Today is a Brand New Day • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Be Money Smart, Always!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT but SPENDING does NOT equal INVESTING!

• SPENDING is defined as  the act of paying out (money) in buying or hiring goods or services.

• INVESTING is defined as the act of committing (money) in order to earn a financial return.



Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Be Smart • Invest wisely • Be Wise • Don't Waste Your Money • Don't spend just to spend • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Don't Forget The Front of the Boat

A few weeks ago, my daughter and I went on one of those Saltwater Fishing excursions out on the Gulf of Mexico. These fishing trips have become an annual event for her and me. Whether we catch fish or a cold or neither we always have a Great Time! We do some serious Daughter-Daddy bonding and this year was NO EXCEPTION.

However, isn't there always a HOWEVER when it comes to my posts?

I was left a little disappointed by the Customer Service/Business Side of the operation. The issue is that the Boat is a 50foot vessel. It has two decks but no one goes up there as all the fishing happens on first deck. The Wheel House is also on the second deck and it is big enough to hold the Captain and about three adults maximum.

Our first trip of the day was to take four (4) hours and it was going to be bay fishing at the Laguna Madre. Well we set sail at 8AM sharp and by 8:30 the hooks were in the water and the day was on. So Far So Good? Right?

Yes and No.

Yes, in that the day of fishing had begun. No in that there was a group of about eight individuals who were tying up the Captain and his crew at the back of the boat. Over the course of the next four hours, the Captain never once set foot to see how his passengers/customers/guests were doing at the front of the boat or the BOW in nautical terms. Yep, all the action was at the Stern and that's where they stayed. We did get a visit from the First Mate the ship's version of Gilligan or Little Buddy. He could not walk past us fast enough to get to the stern once again.

Seriously, Captain Lou (let's just call him Captain Lou) couldn't take five minutes from his busy schedule to ensure that everyone was SAFE, having a good time, or to do or say what he could to make certain we returned for more fun and fishing. For all we know Isaac the ship's bartender called in sick and Captain Lou was mixing Mai Tais on the Lido Deck while Gopher and Doc baited the hooks.


Aside from driving the boat to our next anchor point this guy must have spent more than 90% of his time and attention at the back of the boat. If memory serves me correct there were ten (10) of us on the Bow and there were about eight (8) fishing off the stern. I can't begin to stress enough just how much this guy was preoccupied with the back of the boat.

The time our Four Hour Tour had come to an end we managed to snag two trout, one catfish, and one complete Rod and Reel set  and that was sweet. My daughter somehow managed to snag it off the bottom of the bay and that was a good thing (see accompanying image).

As we made our way to get off the boat we had to go to the stern, there we finally got to see why Captain Lou and Gilligan were as giddy as little girls that they neglected their duties to their guests and possible paying customers. There was one individual, back there, who had one of those orange home improvement buckets FULL of fish. There were others who had stringers of fish. Well no wonder their experience was AWESOME! They were catching the fish.

I know, I know, some days you catch fish and some days you catch a cold. However, Captain Lou and his "little buddy" could have taken some time to talk to us and share their experiences on their waters and who knows we might not have had to stop, on the way home, for some "McFish."  Don't get me wrong we had a GREAT TIME!!! It was the customer attention that was lacking and that made my business interaction experience as EH....OK?

Let's break this down:

ONE BOAT + ONE CAPTAIN + ONE FIRST MATE + ALL PAID THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR THE TRIP = TWO DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES WERE RECEIVED
==========
!!!FOR PETE'S SAKE,  IT SHOULD NEVER EQUAL TWO DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES!!!


Less than half of the passengers got a Stellar Experience and will most certainly be returning for more fun with the Skipper and Little Buddy.

MORE THAN HALF got near bottom of the barrel experience and are most certainly entertaining the idea of finding a different boat and captain for any future fishing excursions. I know I will

Folks, it breaks down to this: When you have a captive audience you have to the your very best to that 100% get the Stellar Experience because short of being stuck up in a Ferris wheel all these people paid GOOD MONEY to spend time out on the water. For the feeling at the end of the morning, over 50% might as well have been stuck up in the Ferris wheel. So don't forget that aside from an engine and wheel house, a boat has a Bow, a Stern, a Port, Starboard side and sometime people have business to conduct on that boat. Take care of everyone and not just the ones that are making you look good.

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • A Fish Tale • Customer Service • Stem to Stern • Watch out for the Customer • and the Customer Experience • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

What is Great Content? Is It In The Eye Of The Beholder?

Last week, I was watching a "noted" author on SPREECAST.com talk about his soon to be released book. If you have ever seen any video presentation on SPREECAST you know that to the right of the video feed is a real time chat stream.

During that session, there was one individual, who later was revealed to be actively associated with this "noted" author, that posted on that chat stream: "We don't need more content, we need more GREAT content."

I responded, "[Name] all content is great. Remember "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Then who I will call the author's alleged "ringer" responded "Dave, couldn't disagree more. Not all content is great."

I opted not to respond because I was not going to dive into a flame war with this guy.


However, seeing as how this is my forum, my soapbox if you will, then I will continue the monologue here.

As the Spreecast ended I was still not satisfied that I decided not to go down that road with the "ringer" that was recognized by the author. However, I am not satisfied. I am not satisfied that I never asked the question: What is "great content"? 

Who sets the standard for "Great Content"? I guarantee it is NOT this "noted" author and MOST CERTAINLY not the alleged ringer, not you and DEFINITELY not me.

That's why I stand by my statement of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. I guess this individual could not see that "GREAT" is subjective and comes in many shapes and sizes.

So long as CONTENT gets out it will be great to someone! Then again someone will consider the content completely worthless.


It just hit me, the alleged "ringer" didn't also take into consideration that one day after the "noted" author's latest book is published there will be people that will consider the book a load of bunk and NOT chock full of "GREAT" Content.

So I say again: Beauty (and Great Content) is in the Eye of the Beholder.

Maybe he'll get it one day? I highly doubt it.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Content • Eye of the beholder • Author • Subjective Interpretations • Who sets the standard? • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Testing The Waters vs. Diving In (VIDEO)

So I have all these ideas and some of them I put into action and some of my just store in the back of my mind. Some, well, they kind of go halfway between, the majority go between my mind and putting them into action.  Is that a good thing or is that a bad thing? It’s a little bit of both.

It is like you try, you kinda just like put your big toe in the swimming pool, your big toe in the water and you try to figure out if the pool too cold, then I am not going to jump in or is the water just right? or is it too hot? As it does happen, here in South Texas that swimming pool can get too hot sometimes. But the thing is that's where I'm at sometimes and that's not a good place to be. Where are know?

Do you see yourself as a all-in or test the water first or you know what it doesn't matter if it's hot or cold? It's going to be one of those things that's going to haunt you. It's going to be that specter that looms over us and that's a good thing and a bad thing.

Again, we want to dive in and then realized that the pool is empty. THAT'S NOT A GOOD THING! But by the same token, we also want to dive in and get all in and and that's really what I'm trying to say.

So my question to you is: What are you? Big Toe (in the water) person or an All in person or forget it, don't even ask me to jump in or one of those people that go what swimming pool?

Folks what I'm getting at is simple: What else can we do? What can we do to make ourselves better?

Give it a try give! If you're kind of like me and and I'm changing! I'm in my mid-forties and I'm still diving in and then again i'm still putting my big toe in! So, it's one or the other and we can always be that way but it was the comes with age!

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Testing the waters • Big Toe Test • Dive In • Be ALL IN • Don't half ass anything • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

The Official How To Be A Real Friend Matrix

Here's a little something for you to think about. This was originally posted on my Facebook page.

Over the the course of the five decades on this planet I have learned a few things, some good and some bad. However, one thing that I learned the hard way is how to be friend. The ability to be a friend is something that some people master quickly in life and others master later in life. I, fortunately or unfortunately, am still learning to master this.

Lucky for me, I have been able to master much, this far in life but as I stated there is still so much left to master.  One thing that I have put together through observation and participation is this matrix that I call "How to be a Real Friend"

Using the matrix is real simple as each axis is label with a state of belief about friend or potential friends.

The X and Y axis are divided in half with the intersecting lines where the different states of belief begin and radiating outward is the an increasing level of intensity of those states of being within their respective quadrants.

It basically explains itself. The best place to be is in the upper right hand quadrant (You believe your friends matter and You offer friendship without expectation of return). That is where your TRUE Friends want you to be, so don't short change them.

On the opposite side of things, I would find it very difficult to believe that anyone would have a TRUE Friend if they constantly find themselves in the lower left quadrant (COULD CARE LESS and EXPECT THEM TO DO STUFF FOR YOU)! Seriously? Would anybody expect to have any kind of friendship if that's all one believes?

Therefore, it behooves all of us to do what it takes to change our mindset and work towards the UPPER RIGHT QUADRANT.

Thanks,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Friends • Friendship • Relationship Building • What matters most • You have to work for it • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Just an observation about Economics of "New" BioFuels

Here's a little something: I just saw a commercial about an energy company that was partnering with a company in Brazil to make motor vehicle fuel from "renewable" Sugar Cane.

Think about the following: The global price for consumer sugar will rise because of the diverting of that sugar away from use with food stuff. Thus the companies that purchase the sugar for their food products to sell to the general public will have to raise prices.

The general public will then push back on those producers because of the high prices. Therefore, in order for those producers to offset the rising prices they resort to using "High Fructose Corn Syrup". While, consumers will be happy that the prices of their favorite sweetened products are no longer rising, the cycle starts all over again this time with the fight against HFCS.

What say you?

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • biofuel • rising food prices • sugar cane • high fructose corn syrup • economics • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

An End of School Year Message To Teachers and Parents: ReCharge & Thank You!

As the school year is starting to come to a close, I want to take a moment to recognize ALL the Educators and their hard work. Some already have their plans for the summer just a countdown calendar way. However, I want all Educators to watch this FANTASTIC video to recharge for the homestretch to Summer Vacation and hopefully something sticks from Rita's Awe Inspiring Speech.

Parents: Watch this and Understand that Good or Bad the Teacher, they need our complete support especially if they truly believe they aren't paid to like our kids ;)



Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Rita F. Pierson • Teachers • Teach • Children • Be A Kid's Champion • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something I Told You Once Before

I've said it before and I will say it again:

Two things to do to become successful in life:

1. CHOP WOOD

2. CARRY WATER




Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

It's Monday Again

Hey Look! It's Monday yet again and with that another week begins. I bet you have a very busy week on tap. School, Work, Family, Friends, and of course, the Unexpected.

When you are taking time to reflect and plan be sure to build in some time to address those unexpected events that will most certainly steal most of your day or worse still your entire week away.

You may ask yourself, "how does one plan for the unexpected?"

You don't!

What you do is to NOT fill your daily calendar so much that when something happens you have NO flexibility, NO leeway, and you start feeling inundated.

When you start feeling like you are underwater then that's when the frustration sets in. Frustration is never a good thing.

Having some wiggle room in your already busy schedule will give you a sense of comfort.

Being comfortable when things suddenly come up is a great way to face them head on.

Until next time,
Dave

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

About Grudges and Letting That Go!

I have been doing some reflecting and soul searching these past two days. One theme that keeps popping up is "people holding grudges". Then this morning, it hit me, there was one very important person in my life that to the day she died; she carried that grudge for the last 14 years of her life.

14 years is a mighty long time to carry a grudge. Now, I will not speak ill of the dead but I will say this: The grudge she carried could have been avoided if only she had spoken up and said she wanted to be in a photograph.

Now, all I can think is that WARS have started over lesser and more trivial things than that. However, to the individual there was something behind that and I will never know why she chose to latch on to that kind of a grudge. That's OK, there is nothing I can do to find out.

Seriously, there will be days like last Monday (April 15, 2013) that will remind us just how short life really is and to carry a grudge is just as nonsensical as the individual who committed the act of terror in Boston.

Now, please deeply and thoroughly think about this: Do you want people to remember you for the grudges you held or the Love and Forgiveness you gave?

The Choice is Strictly Yours.

I Choose To Give Love and Forgiveness.

---
Remember what Charlotte Brontë in the book "Jane Eyre" wrote: “Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs.”
Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • Grudges • Letting Go • Forgiveness • Love • Move Forward • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero