CNBC annually rates our 50 states in 10 categories to decide which state is the best one to do business.
According to this year's report, Ohio came out 23rd, much better than last year's rating of 35. Congrats, everyone! So many people on the ground have participated in making this happen.
The 10 categories were: 1. cost of doing business, 2. workforce, 3. quality of life, 4. infrastructure and transportation, 5. economy, 6. education, 7. technology and innovation, 8. business friendliness, 9. access to capital and 10. cost of living.
Ohio had gains in: 1. cost of doing business, 5. economy, 6. education, 9. access to capital, and 10. cost of living. Of special note, Ohio was rated fourth in 4. infrastructure and transportation and fifth in 1. cost of doing business.
I like the categories listed above as they represent nearly all areas of a business. Companies had to look at many of these through this downturn. However, I am not sure if #8 got it's fair share. I understand that many companies just had to focus so hard on #1, #5, and #9, there was little time for the others. Now, it is time to think of the customer. They must be brought back to their traditional #1 position. If people have less funds for needs and certainly less for discretionary wants, they will go where they are treated with respect.
True story - - My husband and I had an account with "ABC" business. They were ok when it came to customer service. They decided to expand their building and a friend of ours got a cleaning contract to get the new part of the building looking nice for the grand opening. We volunteered to help her. The employees did not recognize us in our cleaning attire. They were not kind, after all we were just the cleaning crew. We ended our association and to this day have not returned.
Profits depend upon relationships. Relationships depend upon trust. Trust depends upon quality and consistency. When making economic cuts, don't cut out the customer.
The list can be seen at: http://www.cnbc.com/id/41666602?__source=msn|topstates|&par=msn
Panoramic View
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Unity
The word "unity" is special to most of us. I hope I can add some perspectives to it today.
The word "unite" as a noun first appeared in writing in the English language around the year 1300. It was borrowed from Anglo-French and Old French and that was borrowed from Latin. It means oneness, sameness, agreement.
The idea that we all work together and be united I dare say has been around longer than that. A letter to a group of people living in Ephesus, Turkey around A.D. 57 talks about unity. Ephesus was an important seaport at the time, connecting Asia and Rome. Many cultures lived and/or passed through the city. The writer mentions 3 things to unite a group of people from different backgrounds, but I think this list could be adjusted to fit just about any situation:
1. forgive one another. In other words if something has happened between 2 cultures in the past, let it stay there -- in the past.
2. learning. Find something everyone wants to know more about.
3. work together. Volunteer for a service project or stretch out of your own comfort zone and find something to do together.
Here are some other ideas:
1. Pick a day of the week and for a whole month, say each Monday, invite a different neighbor or friend over for dinner/dessert. Get to know each other, find out their interests and talents. Or have a Banana Split get-together and invite several neighbors over at the same time. You provide the ice cream, bananas, a variety of toppings, and they bring their chairs.
2. Another idea for a group gathering and this is a variation on a family tree - -a neighborhood or friends tree. Have everyone paint their thumb and then print it on the back of a T-shirt(per person). Then draw/paint in the branches, limbs, and tree trunk. You are visually showing your support for one another. Write the person's first name next to their thumb print. You could also use other prints like a snowflake, dream catcher, etc. Create an e-mail group, etc. You may already know each other, but give it an "official" look.
3. When you have a division staff meeting, go to church, etc., do you always sit in the same place? Mix it up a bit, sit beside somebody new.
4. Think of something you usually do by yourself and ask someone to come along --exercising, grocery shopping for a new recipe with specialty ingredients, or improving the lawn/adding to the flower garden.
The word "unite" as a noun first appeared in writing in the English language around the year 1300. It was borrowed from Anglo-French and Old French and that was borrowed from Latin. It means oneness, sameness, agreement.
The idea that we all work together and be united I dare say has been around longer than that. A letter to a group of people living in Ephesus, Turkey around A.D. 57 talks about unity. Ephesus was an important seaport at the time, connecting Asia and Rome. Many cultures lived and/or passed through the city. The writer mentions 3 things to unite a group of people from different backgrounds, but I think this list could be adjusted to fit just about any situation:
1. forgive one another. In other words if something has happened between 2 cultures in the past, let it stay there -- in the past.
2. learning. Find something everyone wants to know more about.
3. work together. Volunteer for a service project or stretch out of your own comfort zone and find something to do together.
Here are some other ideas:
1. Pick a day of the week and for a whole month, say each Monday, invite a different neighbor or friend over for dinner/dessert. Get to know each other, find out their interests and talents. Or have a Banana Split get-together and invite several neighbors over at the same time. You provide the ice cream, bananas, a variety of toppings, and they bring their chairs.
2. Another idea for a group gathering and this is a variation on a family tree - -a neighborhood or friends tree. Have everyone paint their thumb and then print it on the back of a T-shirt(per person). Then draw/paint in the branches, limbs, and tree trunk. You are visually showing your support for one another. Write the person's first name next to their thumb print. You could also use other prints like a snowflake, dream catcher, etc. Create an e-mail group, etc. You may already know each other, but give it an "official" look.
3. When you have a division staff meeting, go to church, etc., do you always sit in the same place? Mix it up a bit, sit beside somebody new.
4. Think of something you usually do by yourself and ask someone to come along --exercising, grocery shopping for a new recipe with specialty ingredients, or improving the lawn/adding to the flower garden.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Alone in the Car: Free Enterprise System
Today I ventured into the free enterprise system the way it was meant to be: The Garage Sale. We have neighborhood farm markets as do other countries, flea markets, etc. but I do believe we may be the only country where people sell their goods on their driveways and garages. I think it is wonderful! Some items are slightly used, really used, or brand new. Wheeling and dealing take place between the owner and the bargain seeker. I have been both and enjoy the whole experience, either way. For me there is something about the face-to-face exchange. No logistics, no distributor, no manufacturer or farmer, no government. Just me and them.
If I am the seeker, it is the the thrill of the hunt. Can I find the missing plate to the set for 10 cents? Today I found some vintage clothing and called up a friend who is the costumer for a local theater group. That is the fun part.
Free enterprise seems to work most of the time for most of the people. Why can't we take the Garage Sale theory and apply it to the larger scale of doing business? I know the rules of garage sales. They are pretty simple. So far the government has stayed out of it. Though with most states in debt, the federal government way past debt and into the abyss, the banks always looking for new charges, the airplane companies doing the same thing, don't be too surprised if cities come up with something for Garage Sales. I am just saying....
If I am the seeker, it is the the thrill of the hunt. Can I find the missing plate to the set for 10 cents? Today I found some vintage clothing and called up a friend who is the costumer for a local theater group. That is the fun part.
Free enterprise seems to work most of the time for most of the people. Why can't we take the Garage Sale theory and apply it to the larger scale of doing business? I know the rules of garage sales. They are pretty simple. So far the government has stayed out of it. Though with most states in debt, the federal government way past debt and into the abyss, the banks always looking for new charges, the airplane companies doing the same thing, don't be too surprised if cities come up with something for Garage Sales. I am just saying....
Friday, June 24, 2011
Random Facts Friday June 24, 2011
Hi all,
After a week at the office and crazy evenings of this and that, it is fun on Fridays to review
what facts I have learned. See if you already know them. The first three came from various editions of Consumer Reports newsletters.
1. If you would like to stop pre-approved credit card offers, go to this website: www.optoutprescreen.com
2. Commercial ads for banks are always talking about their banks are covered by FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). Want to know what ISN'T covered? 1. Deposits over $250,000, unless they're in joint accounts or separate account categories such as individual and retirement accounts; 2. items in safe deposit boxes; 3. investment products such as mutual funds, annuities, life insurance policies, stocks, bonds; and 4. money lost due to robbery or other theft.
3. The tip of each chromosome in the body is capped with a telomere, genetic material that helps stem DNA decay. That deterioration is thought to be a basic cause of aging. German scientists have discovered that runners have longer telomeres, meaning more protection than non-runners. This may explain why we all should be getting some exercise.
4. Most of us smile when we are asked about Ohio's highest elevation point. It is in Logan County and is 1550 feet above sea level. However I did not know what our lowest point was - it is by the Ohio River in Hamilton County at 455 feet above sea level.
5. Recipe - -Poor Man's Gatorade. This is used in Third World Countries to combat dehydration in small children. Because of bad weather conditions and poor sanitation, small children easily contract diarrhea. Mothers mix a pinch of salt, a fistful of sugar, and a pint of water together. Try this with your children when they have diarrhea or can't keep much down.
After a week at the office and crazy evenings of this and that, it is fun on Fridays to review
what facts I have learned. See if you already know them. The first three came from various editions of Consumer Reports newsletters.
1. If you would like to stop pre-approved credit card offers, go to this website: www.optoutprescreen.com
2. Commercial ads for banks are always talking about their banks are covered by FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). Want to know what ISN'T covered? 1. Deposits over $250,000, unless they're in joint accounts or separate account categories such as individual and retirement accounts; 2. items in safe deposit boxes; 3. investment products such as mutual funds, annuities, life insurance policies, stocks, bonds; and 4. money lost due to robbery or other theft.
3. The tip of each chromosome in the body is capped with a telomere, genetic material that helps stem DNA decay. That deterioration is thought to be a basic cause of aging. German scientists have discovered that runners have longer telomeres, meaning more protection than non-runners. This may explain why we all should be getting some exercise.
4. Most of us smile when we are asked about Ohio's highest elevation point. It is in Logan County and is 1550 feet above sea level. However I did not know what our lowest point was - it is by the Ohio River in Hamilton County at 455 feet above sea level.
5. Recipe - -Poor Man's Gatorade. This is used in Third World Countries to combat dehydration in small children. Because of bad weather conditions and poor sanitation, small children easily contract diarrhea. Mothers mix a pinch of salt, a fistful of sugar, and a pint of water together. Try this with your children when they have diarrhea or can't keep much down.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Venture Capitalists
This week I attended a meeting where the featured speaker was Kanwal Rehki, co-founder of TiE, The Indus Entrepreneurs. They were started in 1982 in the Silicon Valley. As an entrepreneur, Kanwal had an idea, went to 100 venture capitalists and virtually all said the same thing to him- - Indians are good tekkies, but not good business owners. Finally one took a chance on him and his idea and as they say "the rest is history".
A couple of facts he mentioned:
1. Only 1 - 2% of a country's population are entrepreneurs. U.S. is close to 2%.
2.Small businesses are usually not funded by V.C.'s. --only 6% get funded that way.
He spoke to entrepreneurs in the audience:
If you are an entrepreneur, you will be unique.
You will have less friends because you will be working on your idea in the garage, kitchen, spare room.
You will go on a journey into the unknown.
Entrepreneurs create something out of nothing.
People rush to create a version of the newest invention.
Don't worry about the bubble bursting on the first idea or those versions that always come after because that is part of the nature of the beast of an open economy.
What you do is always be the new fish and create something no one has thought of yet.
Kanwal said that immigration and entrepreneurship experience were much the same. Just be patient.
Because he had such a hard time getting funding, he created a VC for other entrepreneurs: Inventus Capital.
Jim Koch, founder of Samuel Adams micro beer, had the same experience looking for funding.
See http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2011/06/22/brewing-dreams.html?sid=101
Jim has also set up a VC for the same reason as Kanwal.
Both of these men have decided to give back. Thank you.
A couple of facts he mentioned:
1. Only 1 - 2% of a country's population are entrepreneurs. U.S. is close to 2%.
2.Small businesses are usually not funded by V.C.'s. --only 6% get funded that way.
He spoke to entrepreneurs in the audience:
If you are an entrepreneur, you will be unique.
You will have less friends because you will be working on your idea in the garage, kitchen, spare room.
You will go on a journey into the unknown.
Entrepreneurs create something out of nothing.
People rush to create a version of the newest invention.
Don't worry about the bubble bursting on the first idea or those versions that always come after because that is part of the nature of the beast of an open economy.
What you do is always be the new fish and create something no one has thought of yet.
Kanwal said that immigration and entrepreneurship experience were much the same. Just be patient.
Because he had such a hard time getting funding, he created a VC for other entrepreneurs: Inventus Capital.
Jim Koch, founder of Samuel Adams micro beer, had the same experience looking for funding.
See http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2011/06/22/brewing-dreams.html?sid=101
Jim has also set up a VC for the same reason as Kanwal.
Both of these men have decided to give back. Thank you.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day!
For all of you who earned that title biologically or otherwise, I am here to demonstrate my respect to you. Thanks to those who took/take the time to teach the generation behind you and give them a helping hand. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1/3 of our children grow up without a dad. To those of you who decided to be there for your kids - - thank you. They benefited from your perspective, teachings, and actions. You made a difference.
One of the oldest generations around is the one who fought in World War II. They are in their 80's and on occasion I see our local newspaper carry an article about an interview they had with one/several of them about their experience. One of the common themes that seems to run through these articles is the fact that the men couldn't believe that they survived the battles. Most everyone died but them: the guy right beside them, their buddies, brothers, etc. Why didn't they? Many decided there must be a reason and came back to their home towns with the promise they had made to themselves that they would be the best that they could be and contribute to their towns. I have listed at the end of this blog the dialog from the last scene of the movie "Saving Private Ryan" which reflects this generation's sentiments.
If you know someone of this generation, ask them about their feelings about being a dad. What it was like holding their first child after what they had seen or been through. Perhaps those of us following them can see something to learn and use.
Happy Father's Day one and all!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/quotes
For all of you who earned that title biologically or otherwise, I am here to demonstrate my respect to you. Thanks to those who took/take the time to teach the generation behind you and give them a helping hand. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1/3 of our children grow up without a dad. To those of you who decided to be there for your kids - - thank you. They benefited from your perspective, teachings, and actions. You made a difference.
One of the oldest generations around is the one who fought in World War II. They are in their 80's and on occasion I see our local newspaper carry an article about an interview they had with one/several of them about their experience. One of the common themes that seems to run through these articles is the fact that the men couldn't believe that they survived the battles. Most everyone died but them: the guy right beside them, their buddies, brothers, etc. Why didn't they? Many decided there must be a reason and came back to their home towns with the promise they had made to themselves that they would be the best that they could be and contribute to their towns. I have listed at the end of this blog the dialog from the last scene of the movie "Saving Private Ryan" which reflects this generation's sentiments.
If you know someone of this generation, ask them about their feelings about being a dad. What it was like holding their first child after what they had seen or been through. Perhaps those of us following them can see something to learn and use.
Happy Father's Day one and all!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/quotes
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Alone in the Car: Drilling in Lake Erie
This week the Ohio Senate passed a bill allowing oil/gas drilling on state lands. The bill did not include provisions for drilling in Lake Erie. U.S. Congress has passed such a bill some time ago, and Ohio governors from both sides of the aisle have said they see no need to have an Ohio law so long as there is a federal law in place.
I want to bring attention to my blog readers about a concerted effort on the part of Great Lake states not to drill under the Great Lakes. HOWEVER, that has not stopped Canada. And if you are a regular reader of this blog, you will recall that Canada is the number 1 supplier of oil/gas to this country. Canada does indeed drill under Lake Erie. At the end of this blog, I have a news article that includes a photo of a Canadian drill in the lake.
So if I understand this correctly, Canada theoretically is drilling under Lake Erie, taking "Ohio" gas/oil from us and then selling it back to us... ok, greater, smarter minds have thought of something that I haven't figured out yet. Don't get me wrong, I am for preserving the Great Lakes. I am just asking about the economics of this.
Would appreciate your thoughts.
News article on Ohio Senate passing bill:
The photo:
http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/05/24/175034/drill-lake-erie/
Friday, June 17, 2011
Random Facts Friday June 17, 2011
Hi everyone,
Here are some facts I learned.
See if you already know them.
Would love to hear from you!
1. Pearls do not like chemicals (perfume, hair spray). So keep this in mind when wearing a necklace: LAST ON, FIRST OFF. And when you slip them off at the end of the day, delicately wipe them with a slightly moist soft cloth.
2. There is a society of rose enthusiasts, the Rosarians. They will be having a convention in New York and will be inducting 2 gardens into the Great Rosarians of the World Rose Garden Hall of Fame: The Columbus (Ohio) Park of Roses and the Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen, CA. The hall of fame was founded 3 years ago and already has 7 gardens representing CA, NY, and England.
3. Found out there are nurse maid mares for race horses.
4. Utah's snowpack is up 300%, 700% in some areas. Jackson Hole, Wyoming still has snow drifts.
And this still has to melt...
5. Egg salad. Most people know how to make the basic recipe. But what is your "special "ingredient"? I have tried these separately with success: bacon chips, horseradish, curry, and sliced green olives. And take a survey at your next gathering - - mayo or salad dressing. Have a taste testing bar with different egg salads, breads. An easy way to get people to mingle!
Here are some facts I learned.
See if you already know them.
Would love to hear from you!
1. Pearls do not like chemicals (perfume, hair spray). So keep this in mind when wearing a necklace: LAST ON, FIRST OFF. And when you slip them off at the end of the day, delicately wipe them with a slightly moist soft cloth.
2. There is a society of rose enthusiasts, the Rosarians. They will be having a convention in New York and will be inducting 2 gardens into the Great Rosarians of the World Rose Garden Hall of Fame: The Columbus (Ohio) Park of Roses and the Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen, CA. The hall of fame was founded 3 years ago and already has 7 gardens representing CA, NY, and England.
3. Found out there are nurse maid mares for race horses.
4. Utah's snowpack is up 300%, 700% in some areas. Jackson Hole, Wyoming still has snow drifts.
And this still has to melt...
5. Egg salad. Most people know how to make the basic recipe. But what is your "special "ingredient"? I have tried these separately with success: bacon chips, horseradish, curry, and sliced green olives. And take a survey at your next gathering - - mayo or salad dressing. Have a taste testing bar with different egg salads, breads. An easy way to get people to mingle!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Working Wednesday: Status of Small Business and Entrepreneurships
According to the June 16th article in USA Today, small-business employment growth has been slowing down. They referenced ADP, which said that in May, businesses with less than 50 employees added 27,000 jobs compared to May, 2010 which only added 14,000. But this is down sharply from the 84,000 jobs added in April and advances of more than 100,000 in December and January. As mentioned in the article, the National Federation of Independent Businesses believes businesses are unsure about what policies will be enacted by the government.
Small businesses are such an essential piece of our economy and they are the ones to hire people. However, because of the Great Recession, they have been very cautious in hiring new employees. Economists are watching them closely as an indication of economic recovery. But they are moving slowly.
Another indication: entrepreneurs are not formally incorporating- - LLCs, partnerships, etc. numbers are way down. According to the same article, entrepreneurs have started up the fewest new U.S. businesses in more than a decade. I talked to an attorney lately and he also confirmed this from his own firm statistics. They are seeing more business dissolutions than business start-ups.
Solutions:
1. Though there are many laws regarding such, and will have to be reviewed and possibly revised, we may have to encourage bartering for awhile. People can see right in front of them what they are getting. It is not done electronically or on paper. This encourages trust. We take a step back in order to go several steps forward.
2. One of the hallmarks of the United States is its entrepreneurial spirit. We are creative and think outside of the box. We must continue to encourage ideas to become reality. If entrepreneurs are worried about what is going on in Washington, and possibly their own state capital, then it is time to make sure our legislators know they are having this direct effect on our economy. Agencies' policies, procedures, and rules won't change until legislators make it so. We need small businesses to be able to conduct business.
3. Using the Green Bay Packers as the model- -The Packers are the only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sports team in the United States- - create something similar to support small business(s) in your town. Everyone benefits and supports the home grown success.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Laws of the Land
Many have been pondering the end of civilization and when and how this will occur. All I know is that I try to live each day the best that I can. Then I don't need to worry. I will be returning to see my Father again.
Today, I want to spend a few moments writing about the beginning of Western Civilization. It is clear that Christianity played an important part. The people chose what their law would stand on. They decided it would be Christianity's principles that would be the foundation of the laws of the land. It became much larger than religion. It crossed over to civil interpretation of basic tenets of their law.
Those tenets still hold up after the test of time:
1. Don't put other gods before me (in today's world, this could mean money, power, possessions. etc.)
2. Don't construct a graven image.
3. Don't take the Lord's name in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day.
5. Respect your father and mother.
6. Don't kill.
7. Don't commit adultery.
8. Don't steal.
9. Don't bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. Don't covet your neighbor, their spouse, or possessions.
Today, I want to spend a few moments writing about the beginning of Western Civilization. It is clear that Christianity played an important part. The people chose what their law would stand on. They decided it would be Christianity's principles that would be the foundation of the laws of the land. It became much larger than religion. It crossed over to civil interpretation of basic tenets of their law.
Those tenets still hold up after the test of time:
1. Don't put other gods before me (in today's world, this could mean money, power, possessions. etc.)
2. Don't construct a graven image.
3. Don't take the Lord's name in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day.
5. Respect your father and mother.
6. Don't kill.
7. Don't commit adultery.
8. Don't steal.
9. Don't bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. Don't covet your neighbor, their spouse, or possessions.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Alone in the Car: the Great Recession and home ownership
This week I read that 20% of Ohio's homes are "underwater". This term refers to homes that are valued less than the mortgage owed. In the month of April, 1 in every 640 homes received a foreclosure notice.
This is a true housing crisis.
I am not sure if we had a Recession. As I talked to businesses, 2009 was bad, but 2010 was worse. This year, so far they are holding their own with an occasional hiring and expansion. However, the housing statistics listed above are one reason why I think we lived through and are possibly still living through a Depression, not a Recession. Though a case could be made that we are not digging deeper/faster as we once were or that not all economic sectors are crashing, we are still seeing remnants out there of instability.
People are making efforts to change their habits - - having small vegetable gardens, using their credit cards less, driving less, and changing shopping habits/stores. Grocery stores are noticing that people are stopping less times per week.
I have seen where we have helped businesses get a utility audit which lead to ideas to save them money.
The little things do add up. We are making adjustments, which hopefully will halt the housing dilemma and get us back on track again.
This is a true housing crisis.
I am not sure if we had a Recession. As I talked to businesses, 2009 was bad, but 2010 was worse. This year, so far they are holding their own with an occasional hiring and expansion. However, the housing statistics listed above are one reason why I think we lived through and are possibly still living through a Depression, not a Recession. Though a case could be made that we are not digging deeper/faster as we once were or that not all economic sectors are crashing, we are still seeing remnants out there of instability.
People are making efforts to change their habits - - having small vegetable gardens, using their credit cards less, driving less, and changing shopping habits/stores. Grocery stores are noticing that people are stopping less times per week.
I have seen where we have helped businesses get a utility audit which lead to ideas to save them money.
The little things do add up. We are making adjustments, which hopefully will halt the housing dilemma and get us back on track again.
Random Facts Friday June 10, 2011
Hello everyone,
Here are some facts I learned this week.
See if you already know them.
1. Found out it costs $6000 to create an app for a smart phone, etc. and maintain it for a year.
2. Yes, the food pyramid is gone and "choose my plate" is in.
See choosemyplate.gov
3. Looking for a way to support our returning troops? Try this one: Stiggy Dogs. It was recommended
to me by official channels. They combine dogs from the Humane Society with a veteran who needs a "friend". Here is their information listed below- -
Newsletter June 2011-1.pdf
6305K View Download
Jennifer Petre
Director
www.stiggysdogs.org
248-667-8364
4. Hood ornaments on cars started out as radiator thermometers.
5. Recipe: try this twist to macaroni and cheese. Cook, mash, and then add cauliflower to your recipe.
It adds a little zip and you get your vegetable serving too!
Here are some facts I learned this week.
See if you already know them.
1. Found out it costs $6000 to create an app for a smart phone, etc. and maintain it for a year.
2. Yes, the food pyramid is gone and "choose my plate" is in.
See choosemyplate.gov
3. Looking for a way to support our returning troops? Try this one: Stiggy Dogs. It was recommended
to me by official channels. They combine dogs from the Humane Society with a veteran who needs a "friend". Here is their information listed below- -
Newsletter June 2011-1.pdf
6305K View Download
Jennifer Petre
Director
www.stiggysdogs.org
248-667-8364
4. Hood ornaments on cars started out as radiator thermometers.
5. Recipe: try this twist to macaroni and cheese. Cook, mash, and then add cauliflower to your recipe.
It adds a little zip and you get your vegetable serving too!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
moving jobs overseas
This topic is quite controversial. Certainly I prefer to keep jobs in the U.S. and work to retain and expand businesses in Ohio. We cheer when a company comes back to the States. Quality control is a big reason why businesses return, but there are other reasons too. Here, I would like to focus on why businesses choose to go overseas in the first place.
Labor costs would be on everyone's list. What about long term labor pool? Will there be enough people to fill the needs of the company over several generations? I thought of birth rate as an answer and found this website: (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2127rank.html): the Central Intelligence Agency calculates 223 countries' total fertility rates, which is different than the birth rate. They feel it is a more accurate representation. The country at the top of the list is Niger with a rate of 7.60 and it takes 64 countries to get to a fertility rate of 3.0 which is Bolivia. The closest to an even replacement is country # 129, The Bahamas with a 1.99 fertility rate. Macau is last with a .92. Of particular note, India is 2.62; Mexico is 2.29. United States is 2.06; Canada is 1.58; China is 1.54; and Japan is 1.21. I realize many of the countries that appear first on the list may have higher mortality rates due to their circumstances, but that is not part of the discussion here.
I had theorized that perhaps our companies had projected a consistent labor force in foreign countries by looking at these stats. I was surprised to see that China's rate was below ours. It must be that their country is just so big to begin with that they can have the necessary workforce for several generations to come. Another reason may be that fertility rate/birth rate does not play a role. But Japan is concerned about their situation-- they will not have the workforce to sustain their economy and have already strategized/implemented action plans for their future. I would be interested in your thoughts.
*************************************************************
Here are the websites I found:
As noted above--https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2127rank.html
This one lists birth rates, highest to lowest:
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/peo_bir_rat-people-birth-rate
This one also lists birth rates, but has the countries in alphabetical order:
http://www.ed-u.com/birth-rates.htm
Though they don't always agree or list the same countries, they all agree that Niger tops their lists.
Labor costs would be on everyone's list. What about long term labor pool? Will there be enough people to fill the needs of the company over several generations? I thought of birth rate as an answer and found this website: (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2127rank.html): the Central Intelligence Agency calculates 223 countries' total fertility rates, which is different than the birth rate. They feel it is a more accurate representation. The country at the top of the list is Niger with a rate of 7.60 and it takes 64 countries to get to a fertility rate of 3.0 which is Bolivia. The closest to an even replacement is country # 129, The Bahamas with a 1.99 fertility rate. Macau is last with a .92. Of particular note, India is 2.62; Mexico is 2.29. United States is 2.06; Canada is 1.58; China is 1.54; and Japan is 1.21. I realize many of the countries that appear first on the list may have higher mortality rates due to their circumstances, but that is not part of the discussion here.
I had theorized that perhaps our companies had projected a consistent labor force in foreign countries by looking at these stats. I was surprised to see that China's rate was below ours. It must be that their country is just so big to begin with that they can have the necessary workforce for several generations to come. Another reason may be that fertility rate/birth rate does not play a role. But Japan is concerned about their situation-- they will not have the workforce to sustain their economy and have already strategized/implemented action plans for their future. I would be interested in your thoughts.
*************************************************************
Here are the websites I found:
As noted above--https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2127rank.html
This one lists birth rates, highest to lowest:
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/peo_bir_rat-people-birth-rate
This one also lists birth rates, but has the countries in alphabetical order:
http://www.ed-u.com/birth-rates.htm
Though they don't always agree or list the same countries, they all agree that Niger tops their lists.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Let Your Light So Shine
This blog is about a quote that comes from a book by Marianne Williamson. I will give the particulars, like I usually do at the end for those who want to find the full excerpt, website, etc.
Here it is:
... as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
What if we woke up every morning assuming we were going to have a good day? We greeted the first people we met with a positive attitude and a smile on our face. Others took up the same routine and gradually people would come to expect great things happening. Not that there would be disappointments, but that we looked for the good, not the bad. We anticipated the evening news to have uplifting local stories, for example.
Positive Attitude ushers in trust - a trust in yourself and others. Confidence to try out and see where a talent or interest will take you. Letting your Light Shine leads to bolstering your self esteem where you can perhaps reach out to neighbors, friends, and those in need.
Light a candle and it softly glows. Light many candles and see what the effect is...
*************************************************************
The quote is from a paragraph from the book, A Return to Love. Someone has turned it into a poem which I like the best. See: http://www.squidoo.com/our_deepest_fear
The paragraph in the book appeared like this. See: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/17297.Marianne_Williamson
There is much on the web attributing the quote to Nelson Mendela's inaugural 1994 speech. This needs more research.
Here it is:
... as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
What if we woke up every morning assuming we were going to have a good day? We greeted the first people we met with a positive attitude and a smile on our face. Others took up the same routine and gradually people would come to expect great things happening. Not that there would be disappointments, but that we looked for the good, not the bad. We anticipated the evening news to have uplifting local stories, for example.
Positive Attitude ushers in trust - a trust in yourself and others. Confidence to try out and see where a talent or interest will take you. Letting your Light Shine leads to bolstering your self esteem where you can perhaps reach out to neighbors, friends, and those in need.
Light a candle and it softly glows. Light many candles and see what the effect is...
*************************************************************
The quote is from a paragraph from the book, A Return to Love. Someone has turned it into a poem which I like the best. See: http://www.squidoo.com/our_deepest_fear
The paragraph in the book appeared like this. See: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/17297.Marianne_Williamson
There is much on the web attributing the quote to Nelson Mendela's inaugural 1994 speech. This needs more research.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Alone in the Car: A Good Education
One of the sports I like to watch is college football. I have been an Ohio State fan for a long time. I get it naturally since my parents graduated from that fine institution. It happens to be in the news alot lately.
I try to be a positive person and so I would like to write about a group of young men who play OSU football, who letter on the field AND letter in the classroom. Congratulations to those students who happen to be athletes. I researched the students who played since 2000, were Academic All-American, and received their football letter. They were: Craig Krenzel (1999-2003); Stanley White, Jr. (2002-2006); Anthony Gonzalez (2003-2006); and Brian Robiskie (2005-2008). All played or are still playing professional football. There is also a Big Ten academic honor given to players. In 2000, only 8 players received that award. By 2008, 35 got the honor. The last year listed, 2009, 33 players had qualified.
See this database: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/buckeyextra/databas/results.html?firstName=&lastName=&years=2010
I cheer these men who understand the value of an education. Learning plus Experience equals Wisdom. They invested in that equation and will be ahead in the long run. No one can take away what you learn and therefore you can apply it to innumerable situations. And no matter how big you build your pyramid, it doesn't go with you. But learning does.
I try to be a positive person and so I would like to write about a group of young men who play OSU football, who letter on the field AND letter in the classroom. Congratulations to those students who happen to be athletes. I researched the students who played since 2000, were Academic All-American, and received their football letter. They were: Craig Krenzel (1999-2003); Stanley White, Jr. (2002-2006); Anthony Gonzalez (2003-2006); and Brian Robiskie (2005-2008). All played or are still playing professional football. There is also a Big Ten academic honor given to players. In 2000, only 8 players received that award. By 2008, 35 got the honor. The last year listed, 2009, 33 players had qualified.
See this database: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/buckeyextra/databas/results.html?firstName=&lastName=&years=2010
I cheer these men who understand the value of an education. Learning plus Experience equals Wisdom. They invested in that equation and will be ahead in the long run. No one can take away what you learn and therefore you can apply it to innumerable situations. And no matter how big you build your pyramid, it doesn't go with you. But learning does.
Random Facts Friday June 3, 2011
Hi all,
These are some facts I have learned.
See if you already know them.
Would love to hear from you!
1. The Wheat cent penny was last issued in 1958.
2. To get rid of thistles (my dad likes to call them Canadian Thistles) in your yard- - cut them off
about 2 feet above ground. Then spray Roundup down inside the stem. This will take the herbicide
straight to the roots which can be 8 feet long.
3. La Nina weather influence is just about over. Weather patterns should hopefully return to normal.
4. A local landscaping expert said that vinegar will kill anything with leaves. Try it on your dandelions!
5. recipe: This is the recipe for Nestle's Toll House chocolate chip cookies. Instead of using white and brown sugar, I only use white. I then add molasses to the recipe. Start with a teaspoon and add more depending upon how dark you like your brown sugar. In fact you can make your own brown sugar for other recipes too using this same formula.
http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18476/Original-NESTL%C3%89-TOLL-HOUSE-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies/detail.aspx
These are some facts I have learned.
See if you already know them.
Would love to hear from you!
1. The Wheat cent penny was last issued in 1958.
2. To get rid of thistles (my dad likes to call them Canadian Thistles) in your yard- - cut them off
about 2 feet above ground. Then spray Roundup down inside the stem. This will take the herbicide
straight to the roots which can be 8 feet long.
3. La Nina weather influence is just about over. Weather patterns should hopefully return to normal.
4. A local landscaping expert said that vinegar will kill anything with leaves. Try it on your dandelions!
5. recipe: This is the recipe for Nestle's Toll House chocolate chip cookies. Instead of using white and brown sugar, I only use white. I then add molasses to the recipe. Start with a teaspoon and add more depending upon how dark you like your brown sugar. In fact you can make your own brown sugar for other recipes too using this same formula.
http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18476/Original-NESTL%C3%89-TOLL-HOUSE-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies/detail.aspx
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Working Wednesday: You are the New Boss with an Old Team
Not everyone gets to form their own team at work. Many times you are hired to be the leader, but the ones reporting to you remain exactly the same as who reported to the previous boss. How do you form a team that will respond to you, per your management style, and will work together with necessary results? Or perhaps you are reading this just to see what new ideas there are about getting a group of people to be more team oriented.
This blog will be about "new boss, old team" specifically, though it can be applied in other venues.
1. For the first couple of weeks, I just like to make observations. If you are not a detailed person by nature, skip this one. This is really about the non-obvious. What are their habits - not just what time do they arrive at work, but what is their routine when they first get to work? Not just when do they break for lunch, but what do they usually eat and who with and what do they talk about? Pencils or pens? Lots of time on their personal cell phone? Sometimes everyone is on their toes for the first week or so, then watch them relax and see what happens. What is the usual topic at the water cooler? What book do they read at breaks?
2. I like to find out not only their top level talents but their secondary ones. This is usually done by conversations. Sometimes their off work talents can be put to good use during working hours, for example, because a potential client may have the same interest.
3. There are many personality tests available. They are useful IF they are referred to consistently and constantly over a long period of time. If the team goes back to what they were doing before in rather short time, then the value, time, and cost was wasted.
4. What I prefer is learning styles. There are only 3 to remember and hopefully easier to match up to each person. I make sure in all-staff meetings that I introduce new material, etc. in all 3 learning styles. It is a way to reinforce the information and thus helpful with memory too. When discussing information individually, I try and match the learning style if the subject matter calls for it.
5. One question I especially like to ask when getting to know a new group (to me) of people, is how they eat their dinner. Do they eat each type of food on their plate one at a time, do they mix it, do they randomly chose? This might lead to a discussion of how they organize their day or prioritize their work load. It is not to be taken too seriously, but opens the door for you to outline your management style, expectations,etc. whether you do so with each person or with the team at a staff meeting.
6. The most important element is to establish trust. This can be accomplished by being clear in your directions, smiling, noticing good work and saying so, and when correction is needed, don't blame the whole team if it was only one person.
This blog will be about "new boss, old team" specifically, though it can be applied in other venues.
1. For the first couple of weeks, I just like to make observations. If you are not a detailed person by nature, skip this one. This is really about the non-obvious. What are their habits - not just what time do they arrive at work, but what is their routine when they first get to work? Not just when do they break for lunch, but what do they usually eat and who with and what do they talk about? Pencils or pens? Lots of time on their personal cell phone? Sometimes everyone is on their toes for the first week or so, then watch them relax and see what happens. What is the usual topic at the water cooler? What book do they read at breaks?
2. I like to find out not only their top level talents but their secondary ones. This is usually done by conversations. Sometimes their off work talents can be put to good use during working hours, for example, because a potential client may have the same interest.
3. There are many personality tests available. They are useful IF they are referred to consistently and constantly over a long period of time. If the team goes back to what they were doing before in rather short time, then the value, time, and cost was wasted.
4. What I prefer is learning styles. There are only 3 to remember and hopefully easier to match up to each person. I make sure in all-staff meetings that I introduce new material, etc. in all 3 learning styles. It is a way to reinforce the information and thus helpful with memory too. When discussing information individually, I try and match the learning style if the subject matter calls for it.
5. One question I especially like to ask when getting to know a new group (to me) of people, is how they eat their dinner. Do they eat each type of food on their plate one at a time, do they mix it, do they randomly chose? This might lead to a discussion of how they organize their day or prioritize their work load. It is not to be taken too seriously, but opens the door for you to outline your management style, expectations,etc. whether you do so with each person or with the team at a staff meeting.
6. The most important element is to establish trust. This can be accomplished by being clear in your directions, smiling, noticing good work and saying so, and when correction is needed, don't blame the whole team if it was only one person.
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