Strong Women – M.I.A.?

What happened to the strong, independent women in this country?  The ones who would offer a generous drop kick to a man’s “danger zone” if he decided to touch, grab or go where he was not first invited?

This is not political, although I have a very strong opinion there as well. My issue is with the media and how they (now) make women out to be these defenseless little fawns. Lost in the wilderness. Helpless.“Oh that big naughty man said dirty things about me…he made me an object.”

I raised my daughter to be strong, independent and loaded with self worth. Nobody. Celebrity, athlete, or pretty frat boy is gonna make her an object in any way. Thankfully, at almost 22 years old, she doesn’t need her Daddy, friends, the internet, Facebook, politicians (God forbid), or the ubiquitous TV Bubbleheads (who pollute the fragmented broadcast outlets) to tell her otherwise.

Maybe, just maybe, if the media didn’t pound their agendas and simultaneously canonize actors, sports personalities or anyone else who’s face gets plastered everywhere for their 10 seconds of fame…we might have a little less of this mindless noise and a bit more common sense.

It’s SELF-IMAGE 101. Women really can take care of themselves and demand respect, often without saying a word. (Even if they’re not a professional boxer.)

Round One begins with the parents.

Ring the bell.

 

 

Belly to Belly

A very successful (insurance) advisor who works with business owners once told me, “I do my best work belly to belly.” He went on to explain that the case design he does can be complicated. There are frequently many individuals involved, a lot of moving parts, and to do it right it has to be explored, discussed and corrected in person. They identify problems and objectives together. People speak. People listen. It’s an efficient way to get things done. He’s 68 by the way.

Does this professional use email, Facebook, or text messaging in his business? I asked. Email, yes and text messaging with his children (even adult kids?) Yes. Who doesn’t do that? Often there’s a quick text to the wife from the airport too. But Facebook, getting “likes”, sharing vacation images, food, opinions, etc is not where clients have found him in the past and not where new clients are likely to find him in the future. If he goes on vacation and any clients are also his friends…he tells them. There is no Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or Pinterest in his particular business model. Does he carry a smart phone? Indeed, an iPhone 6. It’s not that he doesn’t embrace technology, he just keeps it in its place.

There’s something else he articulated without saying a word. Humans interact most effectively face to face. Reading body language, expressions or inflections in a person’s voice are things you cannot do electronically and it’s a talent I think too many people don’t appreciate or master. Why? They don’t spend any time doing it.

I’m not only referring to younger generation(s). This non-personal (incessant) communication addiction has infected adults and corporations as much as teenagers. How many times have you called someone and gotten a voice message. But, if you email that same person you get a quick response. Where are they? Is their phone broken? Are they sick?

We all know there are individuals in companies who sit down the hall from each other yet they’ll trade a thousand email messages but never pick up the phone or take a walk to an office or desk.

This all started gradually not that many years ago but the momentum has accelerated. There’s so many casualties of this technology/internet avalanche: people have forgotten how to spell, they use their phone while dining with others, in meetings, driving, walking…and they’ll likely take it to bed too.

That smart phone – with all its power – is useless when it comes to old fashion conversation.

The Italian Job – Christmas Dinner

This isn’t about the Feast of the Seven Fishes for Christmas Eve; that’s a completely different story. But the theme of this post is quite similar.

I am 100% Italian. This year Christmas Dinner was at my home. I have three brothers and plenty of cousins, nieces, nephews but this would be a small affair…let’s call it 20 people. Many weeks before the 25th the planning began. If you are Italian, know any Italians, married an Italian, etc you can relate. These dinners are events. They last for hours. And spending time with family is one of the greatest blessings there is, no doubt. Especially when your 88-year old mom is there to enjoy, supervise, guide, and yes provide “advice” regardless of your age.

Generally, everyone eats too much and it can get loud. (“Why is everyone screaming at the table”, my non-Italian wife once asked when we were dating. “Who’s screaming”, I replied.) But once again I ended up comparing this to my business experience. Christmas and the related social events are important for sure. I love this holiday. But, why are individuals so reluctant to spend any time planning and protecting their business, personal assets, family, or lifestyle. Working with insurance and financial services professionals I continue to wonder why the topic is met with so much resistance by their clients. It’s the rare circumstance to hear of a business owner proactively addressing this subject let alone taking the necessary steps to plan. And I talk to a lot of advisers across the US.

Christmas is easy. Over commercialized for sure, but everyone knows what it is and what is generally expected around the holiday. But planning for an unforeseen event regardless of the impact is much different. Is that it? If you think about it and I do. It’s not about selling or buying insurance. It’s about planning. Priorities.

How important is your family, your business, your life…and is it worth protecting?

Where’s the Face in Your Facebook?

The music business has changed. Artists really don’t need a record label because content can be distributed on the internet by anyone. For that matter, with some talent and the right “ear” people can record and mix a pretty decent product without a recording studio. So most big name artists dedicate a fair amount of their time to touring. That’s where they make real money.

If you’ve been to a concert, you’ve seen (and heard) the product. Good or bad. It’s delivered through a massive array of speakers, lights, equipment etc. Sound reinforcement is key. But if there were no songs, no talent, no CONTENT…why would any artist bother with the equipment, the expense and all the ancillary effort? And would anyone go? No.

In any business, music or otherwise, CONTENT IS KING. The internet will never change that. So for every professional who is now fixated on having a social media strategy, Facebook page, Twitter feeds, etc., they better (first) be certain they have a clear vision of their brand, their message, their “content.”  That is what differentiates them in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

A social media strategy by itself – just like the tour bus, roadies, speakers, instruments, lights – is of no use without the song.

Merry Christmas!