Alone in the Car: 72 hour Kit

I live close to a large railroad hub and chemical factory. I also am fairly nearby to the edge of town.
Approximately 3 miles west of my home is just flat, agricultural-use land. If a tornado decided to sit down and travel east and head my way, there would be little to stop it.

I also have been viewing current photos of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Florida once again got battered by a strong storm. Japan's tsunami is bringing its destruction to America's western shore. Broken parts are appearing here. Clean-up will now begin to protect the beaches for people and the animal kingdom. Mother Nature is a force that rarely can be controlled. Sometimes a human will unfortunately start a catastrophe, but once natural forces have it in their sight, it is theirs to decide what to do.

What would you do if you had just a few minutes to escape tragedy? What would you grab in your home? What do you consider precious? Sometimes we know ahead of time and our safety professionals warn us in advance, giving us 24 hour notice. Then what would you pack in your car before you left?

I belong to a church that emphasizes preparedness. Perhaps it is because of their Boy Scout troop sponsorships. Perhaps it is because of their sense of being practical as well as ecumenical. Certainly it is because of service one to another.

All the ideas here emphasize a 72 hour (3 days' worth) kit for emergencies. I also would think of a few extras. For example, I have picture frames stacked with more than one photo behind the glass. I can grab just a few frames and preserve at least a few pictures of my family.

1. Contact your (my) local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints congregation for details on the kit best designed for your weather, geography, etc. Their women's organization will be glad to assist you.

2. The American Red Cross has a list on their website: http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.53fabf6cc033f17a2b1ecfbf43181aa0/?vgnextoid=537b218c37752210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&currPage=e507d7aada352210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

3. Here is a list through the Homeland Security/FEMA: http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit.

Preparation takes the fear out of a situation. It will give you precious moments to work on other important actions before you leave your home.

Working Wednesday: Don't Post a Job Unless You Are Hiring

 

I recently read an Associated Press report about employers. They posted the fewest job openings in April in the last five months. Usually Spring time employers start hiring again. Winter is the season for traditionally slow hiring months. Now experts are wondering what this means for Summer and beyond. Certainly what is going on in Europe may have some companies deciding to stay the course and not hire anyone. This was evidenced by fewer people quitting their jobs and staying where they are currently, else they would think they could find a better job some place else.

The last paragraph is really why I am writing this blog. Job postings increased by 13% in the past year. Gross hiring increased during the same time period by 4%.

See: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765584349/US-employers-post-fewest-job-openings-in-5-months.html

So what does that statistic tell us?
1. Companies interview but don't hire. They can't find anyone among those that apply?
2. Companies just want to see who applies and get resumes on file for when they do need to hire?
3. Companies got cold feet. They can't decide if the economy is recovering or not and decided to change their mind after they posted a job opening?
4. Or the cold feet reasons are different: retirement plans, health care costs, budget figures, etc. came in after the job postings were announced and all hirings were frozen?

It could be some or all of the above. Some of the questions above are logical and there are times when bad news stops forward progress. But do not be a company that cheats job seekers with premeditated intent. Don't put an ad in the local newspaper just to see who applies when there is no real hiring process. Don't tease by giving someone hope of a better future when all you want to do is take "all about me" way too far by screening for a job but not hiring just in case something comes up. Don't take advantage of people when you over emphasize "expanding" when in fact you're hiring just one extra person. Being literal in this economy is not fair.

People have a set of expectations. They have a set of expectations for large, medium, and small businesses. The evaluation is supposed to be a higher grade the closer a person is to dealing with a company. Smaller companies should get more A's than large corporations. Don't get an "F" for failing job seekers. Be truthful and only post a job when you are going to hire.

Working Wednesday: How to Play Hard Ball About Soft Skills

I was talking to an elementary school volunteer, a mother of 2 children who attend the school. She helped out at an outdoor activity day which is designed to be fun and emphasis the importance of physical health at the same time. The classes rotate from one activity to the next. This volunteer was asked to help the classes stay in line, go to the next activity as pre-determined by the organizers, help those that couldn't find their class, etc.

The volunteer found her responsibility to be tough. The children would not respect her because she was just a volunteer who had no authority. They were rude, told her they would go where they wanted to go, and created chaos because of the disorganization they created.

This volunteer witnessed a boy in one of the older classes run into a teacher and basically bowl her over. The boy continued running until the teacher called him back to her. He did not apologize for his actions. The teacher asked the boy for his name and his teacher's name which he gave and replied he didn't care. The teacher asked why he had hit her. The boy replied the teacher was in his way.

In a few years, this boy and his generation will be applying for jobs in all business sectors. They will be inefficient workers because of their non-existent soft skills such as manners, sense of responsibility (coming to work on time, committing to employment, teamwork, etc.), and their sense of timing (completing work, personal time v. employer time on the clock, etc.).

What can be done? It is a cultural responsibility, not just one part of a culture, but all pieces of the culture. The top 3 would be: parents, educators, and employers. These spend the most time with people. Where do these come together? Not necessarily naturally. Yes, sporting events, neighborhoods, libraries, and perhaps restaurants would have all 3 at any one time. But unless someone organizes them, has a networking event with speakers, time for discussion, and refreshments afterwards for people to mingle, this isn't going to happen.

I believe employers have the most to loose and therefore are the strongest player here. It would take a group of employers to approach the other 2. Parents need to make a list and the same for educators. This blog is about business and since they are the strongest, here are some suggestions:

1. Employers get behind a school tax only and I mean only if schools and parents pledge to work on soft skills. Employers need to emphasize they will find another community that has better prepared generations to work in their businesses. Everyone understands the hard skills, but they are missing about the soft skills. This applies to every job. Come up with a slogan that catches the eye of parents and educators.

2. Businesses sponsor sports teams. What else can you sponsor when it comes to teaching soft skills? What about an ettiquette class just for father/son and one just for mother/daughter? You could also have a father/daughter or a mother/son class. Men need to have manners just as much as women when moving ahead in the business world. The class would emphasize general manners but also include employment related. The class sign-up means parent and child (or adult/child), not just the kid. This is a community effort. Find an award given to the community by a foundation and have the Chamber use it as part of the marketing once so many people take the class.

3. There is a National Professional Certification in Customer Service sponsored by the National Retail Foundation. This would be a great course during the senior year of high school. Businesses in the community commit to giving interview priority to those who have successfully completed the course or perhaps drop probation time by 2 weeks. It is also a plus to have on a resume/application. See: http://www.nrffoundation.com/content/certification-customer-service. Talk about this at PTO meetings, Chamber meetings, have a booth at the local fair, etc. Get the word out: we want to employ people the same way they want to be treated. Aggression and selfishness won't be the way anymore.

4.  Have a meeting with each sports organization, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, YMCA, and really any group that has adult leaders who work with elementary aged and older children. Let them know how serious the situation has gotten. Give anonymous named examples. Tell them your business depends upon reliability and efficiency. Just like their team and non-profit depends upon the exact same things, but you must make a profit to stay in business or you are closing/moving on. It is just that simple.

Small business is the backbone of our economy. You are needed in every town and in every county.
I hope you can stay where you are. Good luck.

Alone in the Car: New York City Soda versus Boston Tea Party

First, a bit of instruction to my readers. Ordering a carbonated drink in the United States really depends upon where you live. Some regions call it "pop", others name it "soda", some same "Coke" meaning all brands and flavors. For this article, I will defer to what the New York Mayor, Mr. Bloomberg, refers to the drink which is "soda".

Mr. Bloomberg wants to limit all carbonated drinks to only a 16 ounce serving at one time at restaurants, theaters, stadiums, and street carts. The purpose of said decision is to "assist" citizens with their healthy eating choices.

I have never been to New York City. I think I can assume there are restaurants and certainly street carts that fall under "small business". I also believe there could be small local soda makers. All of these could be affected with this new ruling.

(This blog is about the drinking choice debate only. Not the waste debate, the health debate, or the public v. private debate).

Please recall the basic historical outline regarding the Boston Tea Party. Taxation without representation came to point where people were tired of paying for taxed goods including tea. Tea could only be bought through one English company. No choices, no representation in parliament to vote for said taxes and people became angry to the point of revolution.

Now certainly, we level headed, practical, common sense, champions of small business can think of solutions to the Mayor's decision about only 16 ounces of Pepsi, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Mug Root Beer, and Canada Dry Ginger ale way, way, way before the people of Boston. Besides, it was another century, our nation had mostly an agrarian economic based society, and they had John Adams who lived nearby. Does your city have a couple like John and Abagail Adams?

Ideas
1. Food carts could line up in a row and just like a marathon, hold out sodas as people come by. Citizens would know ahead of time to get rid of their dollar coins this way and a quick exchange of drink and money would be completed. People could collect several 16 ounce sodas at one time.

2. Restaurants would use vending machines placed all over their establishments. They would have one next to the front door for customers to use as soon as they walk in, one behind customers' tables to conveniently reach behind and get another drink, and one more can to purchase as customers are leaving for the ride home or the casual walk after dinner. Those serving mixed drinks would only need to put the alcohol in the glass and the customer does the rest. More efficient service from the bar!

3. Fast food chains could have a circular rotation lane with drive-through window just for sodas or perhaps an outbuilding for only sodas. People could drive around the buildings and each time get a soda.

4. Restaurants and food carts come together and let a person buy a cup for a day for a certain amount.
They get so many refills for that price. Each time they get a refill, the retailer puts on some kind of invisible sticker which will shine under a lamp, etc. etc. Just like hotel keys, this changes each day. Start a marketing campaign. Use Pinterest to show how to use these empty cups for crafts and other practical uses. Involve theaters and stadiums as well.

5. Have you ever eaten a pint of ice cream at one sitting? A pound of M&M's, Snickers, or other candy? A pound of peanuts? 16 ounces of popcorn? Granted I am mixing up measurements. A pint of soda is 16 ounces, but you get what I mean. All of us have done something like this I suspect. I just don't do it everyday for every meal. Small business can do the same thing when marketing their products. You are special and everyone needs to have you in the correct proportions at the right times. I believe people can decide for themselves when those occasions are because they have memories of the last fun time they ate your product. They will come back for more when they are ready.

Random Facts Friday: June 8, 2011

It is Friday night. Time to catch your breath and think of something else for a minute. Small business takes many hours to be successful, that is for sure. Just let the other side of your brain take over while you read these miscellaneous facts and relax.

1. With all the news about Venus going across the sun this past week, did you know that Venus is the only planet that rotates from east to west instead of west to east? This means, that if we lived on Venus, the Sun would appear to rise in the west in the morning, and set in the east in the evening.

2. Attended a graduation party? Think the punch had 7Up as one of the ingredients? It was invented in 1929 by Charles Grigg.

3. A lightning bolt is about 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun or about 50,000°F. About 85% of all lightning occurs inside the cloud and never touches the ground.

4. Onych- is a word element describing nails for fingers and toes.

5. Recipe: Try this Strawberry Eclair Cake found on GroceryBudget101.com. Takes about 15 minutes to make. Who likes being in the kitchen in the summertime?

1 sleeve of graham crackers
1 large box of instant vanilla pudding mix
2 c. milk
2 cups sliced strawberries
3/4 of a tub of whipped topping
1 large chocolate bar

In a 9 x 9 inch pan, first take half of the graham crackers and lay them in the pan. You will probably have to cut the crackers to fit the bottom of the pan. Next, spread a cup of the sliced strawberries.

The 3rd layer is formed by mixing the dry pudding mix and the 2 cups of milk until thickened. Add the whipped topping until smooth. Use half of the pudding/whipped topping mixture and spread evenly over the strawberries.

Repeat layers 1 - 3. Then melt the chocolate bar and drizzle over the entire dessert. Place in the freezer for about 20 - 30 minutes or until chilled throughout.

Working Wednesday: New Signs

Somewhere along the line, I am sure I have discussed the fact that marketing is usually the budget piece that gets deleted when a business is having problems when in fact it should be the part that is one of the last considered. It is hard when bills have to be paid and/or creditors are knocking on the door.

Hopefully the economy is calm enough right now that owners can make a few improvements before the next downturn makes everyone crazy again. I am hopeful that people will turn towards small business because of the trust that has been established during this recession and they know they can count on small businesses. This is where they get expert advice and have decided to make their purchases with them.

So if you owners have seen a profit again, then take a little bit of money and market yourself. Let people know you are back in the game. This can be done by seriously looking at your signage on your building. How old is it? Does it need just repainted or do you need a new sign altogether?  What about the walkway, sidewalk, etc. Does the parking area need repair? A new coat of sealant? Granted you may lease your building. But fix up what you are responsible for. A new coat of paint inside or out will be noticed by your customers. If you renovate enough, you can have a "Grand Re-Opening" with free gifts, food, or visit from a local celebrity. Again, it just depends on how much you have to spend, but do something now. Reward your loyal customers and gain some local attention.

And please, if you are running ads in the paper or have commercials on the radio, stop using the same ad you have been using for the last 10 years. I have a company in my town who has been using the same jingle for at least 50 years (I can tell by the song and the way people sing it). You got your money out of it. Now is time to change the tune and the words. The people you were trying to attract to come to your business are no longer with us. People will again notice you are up with the times if you hire someone to create something new.

Marketing is tricky. Some research is needed. But everyone will appreciate the effort you have put in to make your business shine. That will bring the right kind of notice you are looking for.

Alone in the Car: Civilization in Reverse

Ok, this is a follow-up to the May 18th blog: A time for preparation? See:
http://emilyspanoramicview.blogspot.com/2012/05/alone-in-car-time-for-preparation.html  
I suggested to my readers they plan for another 2008 economic downfall.
I took my own advice and have made some plans myself.

Now, think about the future in another way by reading these news articles:

See: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/former-hedge-funders-fearful-forecast-were-looking-at-the-biggest-economic-shock-the-world-has-ever-seen-theres-nothing-we-can-do-to-stop-it/

See: http://www.glennbeck.com/2012/06/04/soros-euro-has-three-months-left-until-collapse/

http://larryh.newsvine.com/_news/2012/06/04/12055251-full-text-of-george-soros-speech-june-2-2012-trento-italy-business-insider

These articles are about Europe and Asia and the possible downfall of these countries within 3-6 months. It is interesting that the authors are from completely different points of view and yet have come up with the same conclusion. That is what caught my attention.

Why reverse civilization? Because that is what we may be looking at. Think about a how a civilization starts. People do everything themselves on their farm, ranch, or home. Then come cottage industries followed by small businesses springing up in villages and towns. Finally factories, manufacturing, and large companies appear in cities. Now think about this going backwards. You end up with small businesses in towns close to your home and families making money through cottage industries.

Look around now and start making a list of independent small businesses in your town. These may be the ones to survive if we are headed into an economic crisis later this year and through 2013. Their supply lines could stay open when larger companies depend upon global shipping lines and global finance which could be affected. Start frequenting these stores now and support your local economy.

Also consider start making something at home. Get on the web and find recipes for everything from cleaning supplies to making bread. Think about your natural skills and interests and pursue creating something you normally would buy.

I am committed to being more self sufficient. I am committed to making a list of small businesses in my area. It certainly won't hurt, could improve my household budget, and I believe I am planning ahead.

Random Facts Friday: June 1, 2012

Life is good. Saw my first lightning bug (firefly) this week. Summer is truly here. Not sure how that affects your particular business, but I hope you can take advantage of the longer days and give your body and brain a bit of a break. Speaking of which, here are a few random facts to at least give you a moment of free thinking:

1. The adrenal glands are the size of a walnut and weigh less than a grape.

2. A 21 gun salute started in 1688 when rules were set up to show respect for an admiral. Normally there were 10 guns on each side of a ship, plus one extra shot to tell the others to begin firing.

3. Queen Elizabeth II enjoys Scottish country dancing. Each year during her stay at Balmoral Castle, The Queen gives dances known as Gillies' Balls, for neighbours, estate and Castle staff and members of the local community.

4. The modern day hand held can opener was invented by William Lyman in 1870. The electric can opener was developed in 1931.

5. Recipe: The pull tab opener was invented by Ermal Fraze of Ohio in 1966. Today frozen juice
comes this way. Mix equal parts of lemonade and orange juice together, following directions for a refreshing summer drink. Enjoy!

Working Wednesday: Happy Employees

24/7 Wall St. recently ran an article about the happiest countries (citizens) in the world. Please see: http://247wallst.com/2012/05/22/the-happiest-countries-in-the-world-2/  They found this information through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report. Life satisfaction in the developed world is based on 3 things: economic prosperity, health, and a strong social support network.

They divided these 3 into 11 different categories: education, employment, housing, income, health, the environment, safety, civic engagement, community, life satisfaction, and work-life balance. Through their surveys they were able to come up with 30 data points.

The happiest countries were Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria. The United States came in 11th. For the full report, please see: http://www.oecd.org/document/2/0,3746,en_21571361_44315115_50407156_1_1_1_1,00.html

If we use this report as a panoramic view and base what drives or motivates employees as the same 3 general items listed in the first paragraph, then you the business owner have a place to start when deciding on how to get the best effort from your workers. You also have the other 11 categories to draw from. If you read the article and the full report, you will get even more details which hopefully will lead to more ideas.

What you put into action has to match your personality, type of business, location, and how much funds you have decided to invest in your employees/long term future. Take action. The summer is a perfect time to show appreciation. Don't fool yourself--not doing anything is a decision and the employees feel that too.

Alone in the Car: A salute to Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, (1847 - 1931) was born in Ohio and our state has claimed him a favorite son ever since. Edison lived most of his life in other states, but our hearts our endeared to his for several reasons:
1. His inventions were incredible. He was always coming up with another idea or improvement. Most know he had a lab with many employees and they contributed their part. His theories and research started it all.

2. Edison had disabilities and was highly intelligent. For those of us who root for those that can't fit into the square culture has defined as "average or normal", Edison is our hero. He had a hard time hearing and had ADD. His mother taught him at home.

3. Edison is famous for this quote, "I never quit until I get what I'm after. Negative results are just what I'm after. They are just as valuable to me as positive results." As a true entrepreneur, he believed a negative result got him one step closer to the invention/discovery.

I write a salute to Thomas Edison today because there appeared a news story about him through the State of Ohio mid-budget review conference committee. Their recommendations go to the General Assembly (passed) and then onto Governor Kasich.

Edison's statue will represent Ohio in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol. Two statues (people) represent each state. I am glad the General Assembly chose Edison because he truly changed the world. Just think about electricity and the electric light bulb. From darkness into light. That brought on an explosion of inventions that evolved human kind.

Could Edison and his compatriots of his day make the same impact today? Would they be free to experiment like they did in the late 1800's? And perhaps into the early 1900's? What government policies, regulations, laws would slow down their progress comparing to what our small businesses have to go through now to back then? I am talking common sense of course. Some things we know now they didn't know back then with chemicals and so forth, so that has to be taken into consideration.

Again, I am looking at this from a panoramic view. We have to support freedoms to fly, to try, to discover, to ponder. Of course there are common sense boundary lines. They come after the dreams and during the practical application. Our country was founded on wide open spaces and that includes our brain.