The Difference Makers!



Photo courtesy of: Silicone Prairie News.

 

Several days ago, I wrote a blog about the apparent political choices inducing a negative outcome between government, employers and employees. The day after the election some companies began to introduce massive layoffs and/ or the reduction of full-time jobs with benefits. I failed to cover some obvious positive possibilities during that blog due to time constraints. So let’s talk about the upside to another seemingly down-economy.

The best time to start your own business is now

The corporate uncertainty has created a seam within industries. Some corporations cease performing specific functions for consumers due to overall costs. Perhaps you know of a simple way to streamline one of those lost services and can start your own business by offering a solution without the overhead or added cost. The idea doesn’t have to be original, it just needs to provide income and grow.

Hours cut, remember that business idea you had? 

You have the window of opportunity to attempt to make it happen. Use your free time creatively and work up a business plan to start your own business. Keep it simple and effective. Focus on specific ways to bring your product or services to market, and then do the additional research as required.

Some other tips:

·        Seek advice from those with a positive knowledge of experience. Don’t waste your time or energy discussing your plan with people who failed, family members who don’t understand or friends who don’t really care. This is the recipe for failure! While they may have good intentions this will produce nothing worth the time or effort.

·        Seek out those in online forums or send emails direct to someone who has professionally succeeded. You’d be surprised how many people will respond with helpful information. Virtually every function necessary to run a business is freely available through the Internet. Study the choices- some are free; others are costly.  

·        Attend business seminars or ask questions of others in small business or local entrepreneurs. Again, helpful advice is at your fingertips. It’s not like you’re asking for secret ingredients!

·        Some small businesses or agencies provide locations (space) to run your operation. Perhaps you need a kitchen setup or a small room for machinery. Spaces can be leased and sometimes grants are available to fund those startups. If not, maybe lease a small building and start your own business leasing space.

I was discovered many choices and sources available when I decided to author and self-publish my book. I studied options and researched the choices extensively to find a suitable situation.

One of the simple pleasures in life is building something and doing the work required to allow the process to mature. Becoming an entrepreneur or starting a small business isn’t something you do from beginning to end in one afternoon. But, it doesn’t require a degree or years of work either to start.

The quality of the people you seek information from and your own passion are the difference makers.

While being laid-off or having your hours reduced can be psychologically or cash crippling, it gives us that one opportunity we’ve possibly never had- to live our dream and do something meaningful!

When the economy is suffering for some, new roads become available.

Don’t allow a scheme to pigeon-hole you into sleep, depression or suicide.

Find your passion or dream, start living and feeling alive.

That’s all we really need! 

I’d love to hear your comments, views or ideas. Feel free to contact me with your questions!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Difference

Photo by: seekingthomas.

It’s hard to believe we’re closing in on the Holidays which should be a time of good will and cheer. Instead, due to the election, Obamacare, greed and poor business/Union decisions- many people are focusing on the possibility of massive layoffs and the reduction of full-time employment with benefits.

In past years, employees looked forward to raises, bonuses, stock options, longevity pay and possibly, improved benefits. It’s been a decade or more since many have seen any of those positive signs.

In fact for some- the threat of impending layoffs and the corporate chant of “just be thankful you have a job” has been the yearly gift. The message ensures compliance for another year and the morale erodes. The board awards themselves, the CEO and the upper echelons of management bonuses or a raise and the employees receive zilch.

Where’s the value placed on your employees?

The difference between a great and mediocre company is how those businesses treat their employees and customers in good times and bad.

 

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Film Review: I'm Fine, Thanks!

 

Back in early July, I wrote about the Kickstarter project entitled: I’m Fine, Thanks! The film is a documentary by Crank Tank Studios, who travelled the country  interviewing people who created their own success, by not settling for mediocrity. (This is the stuff I love to write about and I can't wait to see this motivating film).



The Film Crew of: I'm Fine, Thanks!

 

The film is now available and it's definitely worth purchasing. Director, Grant Peelle, Producer, Adam Baker and their team travelled throughout the United States for two months interviewing and spending time with people motivated to change their life to live their passions and dreams. Rounding out the team was- John Cropper, the Assistant Editor and Camera 0perator, Bryan Olinger served as the Director of Photography and Dustin Koester handling Sound and Audio.

I’m Fine, Thanks features best-selling authors, bloggers, academics, and common folks tired of being stuck in a cubicle or dangling from a corporate ladder. It’s loaded with dozens of stories relating to the moment people became fed-up attempting to live someone else’s life, keeping up with the Jones’s, realizing money doesn’t buy happiness, the despair of debt and in some cases physically sick from job-related stress. 

Two of the interesting stories were the family living in a converted school bus and an author who lives in a cozy 300-square foot home. The documentary focuses extensively on those who realized the potential to live their childhood dreams and the events leading up to that moment. Lots of minimalistic living and the important role of family are heavily discussed in this superb film.

Director, Grant Peelle narrates the story and he keeps the story flowing with thoughts and emotion. You may recall reading about Adam Baker and his family in Chris Guillebeau’s best-selling book, The Art of Non-Conformity. Adam and his wife sold all of their possessions to relieve their debt and move overseas.

My only negative statement regarding the film is the two “F” Bombs used weren’t necessary and it would have been educational to discover how the families actually completed their steps (“The Forge” bus and cozy 300 sq. Ft. home grabbed my curiosity) to change lifestyles.

Who knows, maybe that could be a follow-up project for Grant and Adam, along with how Kickstarter played a key role by crowd-funding this wonderful documentary?

I’m Fine, Thanks is certainly empowering. The Cinematography and editing by Patrick Moreau of StillMotion is excellent. .

Grant Peelle, Adam Baker and crew are doing what the film recommends-

“Live Your Dream- Not The American Dream.”

I’m Fine, Thanks is a career and life changing work of Art! It’s a call to live your life. This documentary proves that despite location, career, wealth and background anyone can lead a fulfilling meaningful life simply by following their own passion and dreams!

Order your copy of I’m Fine, Thanks- today. You’ll be glad you did!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Why a Tax Levy Fails to Win!



Photo courtesy of: Donkey Hotey.

When you compare and contrast  tax levy campaigns against personal election campaigns- it’s no wonder most levy’s fail. Yes, its true economic times are tough and our income has suffered dramatically over the last few years. The problem magnifies when a tax levy is often presented as “dire” and “urgent” necessities, yet the campaign methods are weak, impersonal and non-transparent.

Some of the money spent on levy campaigns could be better spent elsewhere!

The Drive

When running for office, candidates often travel door-to-door asking for your vote. This gives the voter the opportunity to ask questions, listen to views and meet the candidate. The marketing is personal, up-close and clearly shows the willingness of the candidate “to go the extra mile” for your vote.

I recall years ago, former Ohio State/Cleveland Brown’s player, Dick Schafrath, knocked on my Mother’s door. Mr. Schafrath’s driver had dropped him off in the neighborhood and the driver was late returning to pick-up the candidate.

After a short conversation asking for her vote, Dick asked her for a glass of water and wondered if she would mind, if he waited under a shade tree for his ride? My Mother gave him a cold glass of iced tea and a lawn chair to wait in the shade on a very hot day. Mr. Schafrath commented on how well the iced tea tasted.

Who do you think she voted for?

The Fumble

The difference in seeking levy approval is instead of a personal commitment towards the taxpayers, we get to read the overtures for money in newspapers, local TV, radio, signs and (everyone’s favorite) junk mail.

Not exactly an openly transparent marketing method to instill confidence. No chance to ask a question or feel the merits of voting. Threats are often used to seek the passage of a levy and have eroded our trust in elected officials.

The Shot

Sure candidates use some of the same media tactics when running for office. However, nothing sends a stronger message to a local community when given a personal invitation to interact closely.

If you can’t go door-to-door and/or reach out publicly with open neighborhood meetings the common voter views the request as a money grab.

Give the voters the opportunity with all the cards on the table.

Pulling a community together, bringing new ideas forth might be the best and cheapest levy marketing campaign in recent years.

Heck, a promise to not litter our mailboxes with junk mail might rally a few votes!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Change is Coming!



Photo credit: Joel Washing.

 

In less than Sixty years we have witnessed an unbelievable amount of change.

Just to name a few technological advances:

·        78 RPM (monograph) records to MP3's.

·        Mono record players to- iPods.

·        Antennas receiving 3 television channels to digital cable with hundreds of stations to view.

·        Picture tube television sets to HD TV.

·        Television stations to Internet TV.

·        Rotary phone (one neighborhood shares one phone line) to cell phones.

·        Radio station programs to Podcasts.

·        Transistor radios to satellite radio.

·        Dark room photography developing to instant digital photos.

·        Drive-in theaters to home theaters.
Encyclopedias to Wikipedia.

·        Personal movies to YouTube.

·        Joining organizations to social networking via Twitter and Facebook.

·        Shopping centers to online shopping.

·        Books to eBooks.

·        Hand delivered mail to email.

·        Typewriters to keyboards with a brain.

·        Researching information at libraries to searching instantly using Google.

I could go on..............

Can you imagine today's society sharing one phone line? Luckily, technology has advanced with a method to communicate, not just a means of accomplishing the feat. Would you wait in a line to use one computer at your business or school? The technology would have died.

The advancement in communications enables us to perform tasks at any particular moment quickly, and practically for free, 24 hours a day. All it takes is an account, a connection, and time.

Look at the amount of change in the way marketing and business operate. Being employed as an encyclopedia salesman, owning a typewriter store or working within a record company wouldn't have been a wise career choice. Many people employed in those markets never saw change coming. Like it or not, change is constant, undeniable, and certain.

Is your business doing things the same old way? Are you operating as if it's business as usual?

 Is your vision directed down the road ahead of you or in the rear-view mirror?
If so lookout- change is coming!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The One Interface We Need!

 

Photo by: Jurvetson.

 

Today, I spent a majority of the day tweaking numbers to improve my department’s budget. In doing so, I was able to free-up over $6,000.00 from one project. Saving the department $1000.00 per hour in expense was well spent time.

While working, it occurred to me how other organizations spend little time actually examining the costs, numbers and the opportunity to innovate processes.

Organizations spend a small fortune on a software system,implementations, manhours, enhancements and updates, but rarely take the time to examine the process used to formulate the data.

Garbage in- garbage out!

Some never question the consistency, method or details. Organizations claim lack of time or manpower to orchestrate the necessary education or review the allocation for assets. Needless money is wasted and the pattern becomes a repetitive learned trait. Money is lost in the trenches within the gaps of the process.

Purchasing a system is designed to reduce costs and simplify the procedure. The software doesn’t decide the parameter’s, it’s a human function. The program may not have the ability to allow us to massage the data or give us what we desire. It’s still the human factor that makes those decisions.

The level of comfort within an organization working with technology often dictates whether the methods are examined or ignored. We live in a fast-paced society that wants things brief, simple and finished. Taking the time to breakdown a process is too often viewed as inefficient. It's to costly not to allocate the time.

Technology and business must work together to ensure all processes are understood and function properly. Assumptions are costly. There's a diference between crunching numbers and working with the right information.

The human factor of processing is still- the one interface we can’t do without!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Whatever Happened to Transparency?

Organizations, businesses and politicians often communicate appearing to care or give you the inside scoop. The problem develops when those words serve to explain little, prompting confusion or mistrust.

There’s a fine line between passing information and communicating in a vacuum.

When addressing the masses don’t presume we are dumb enough to believe “warm fuzzy words” without substance or action.

Anger, frustration, blame and mistrust increases due to spin, half-truths or rhetoric. Eventually customers, employees and voters find it easier to discount anything written or spoken as truth.

Unions, Tea Parties, Occupy Wall Street, and other groups of people have been formed as a result of mistrust. Acts of Civil War have their roots inspired by this powerful cowardly deed.

When a lack of transparency becomes the focal point, secrecy only serves to breath disconnect of epic proportions to your audience.

It’s far better to be transparent, honest and live up to your written or spoken intentions.

Anything less, is hardly worth our time.

How do you feel about this issue? Do you give people, organizations and politicians the benefit of the doubt? Where do you draw the line? Who exemplifies transparency? I’d love to hear your comments.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Goal or Project- What are you planning?

Goals Anyone?

It’s time to begin thinking about goals for next year. Before long the New Year will be upon us, so it might be a beneficial period for thought. You may want to review this year’s goals as well and see if those goals are becoming a reality. It’s a great time to cultivate our thoughts of future endeavors.  

One Day at A Time

There are some of us who find it better to take things one day at a time. It helps to keep us grounded in who we are and what we do. The less we forecast the better off our mind’s function. Obsessing over a grandiose idea is a recipe for failure. I like to keep things simple. Life can be challenging enough without our help.

Project Time

Some people wrap themselves so strongly into goals it prevents them from seeing what’s in front of their face. That’s why I prefer to create a project, instead of numerous goals. It’s nice to have flexibility and not set deadlines. The freedom to create and the necessary time to finish the project is paramount to success!

Degree of Success

There is a greater feeling of success at performing one significant goal, instead of being mediocre with succeeding in a group of goals. Making a direct impact is a sure-fire way to make a difference. A series of small goals can be great for positive reinforcement, however; isn't any large goal in reality consumated by a series of small steps anyway? The risk is larger, but the reward is greater!

I never have particularly cared to be locked into someone else’s goals, because goals should be personal. When you are working towards someone else’s goal it’s just that- someone else’s! The procedure becomes a game or exercise, hardly worthwhile.

 A tribe of people interconnected for the same reason can create a common goal if the motivation is shared throughout the tribe. Being stuck in an organization doesn’t carry the same degree of thought, excitement or cause.

So pick a goal, tribe or project.

Whatever- you choose.

Just make it noble, realistic and genuine.

Follow through with the intent.

At the end of the day- it’s all that matters!

What goals or projects are you planning?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Boom Town to Doomed Town?

A long time ago Mansfield, Ohio was a booming mega-factory city. Now it is represented with boarded-up, graffiti riddled houses and decay. While driving near the downtown area, you often discover houses hidden behind overgrown weeds, shrubbery and trees.  



The former:Westinghouse World Headquarters (see website header for current photo)

It’s been said during its heyday you could quit one good paying factory job and be hired at another- all in the same day. Not anymore.

Healthcare appears to be the best paying income in town with fast-food jobs being the most widely available. Consequently, it’s not unusual for folks to work two or three different jobs to stay afloat.

Mansfield has many people unemployed. Drugs have overtaken some neighborhoods to the point of no return. Welfare recipients and people on disability are the norm here. Arson is  nearly the front-page daily news. Not a pretty picture!

We didn’t reach this level of instability overnight; no it took several decades of erosion to get to where we are today.

Diversity and Leadership?

Some might say we lack diversity. Others say we failed to attract new business or lacked planning for the future. I would agree with all of those assumptions.

Our leaders failed to lead. Instead, the core players spent years locking-out other businesses from becoming competition. If the “good ole boys club” couldn’t control it or make money off it, the business wasn’t welcome.

It’s impossible to diversify without competition. The focus was never on where we we’re going. Greed was all that mattered. Consequently, when the existing businesses changed or dissolved; another hole was left in the void.

Help is On the Way?

 

Several years ago, a community of business people formed an organization to attract outside interest and bring new businesses into our area. I became suspicious when I noticed many of the members were from the same groups of people who for decades were related business owners and charter members of the “good ole boys club.”

I was hoping Mansfield was going to make a serious effort to plan and attract new businesses. Then it was announced the organization was going to focus on improving existing business, first. What a surprise, some things never change!

Our Only Plan?

The only new proposal that I am aware of is attracting warehousing business since we’re located halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio with an airport and railroad nearby. Empty buildings and warehouse facilities are numerous. Unfortunately, most of these buildings are owned by the club members. Great idea, if you’re looking for a fleece (I meant lease).

Photo by: THart2009

Mean Town

I’ve had members of city council tell me they wouldn’t open a business in downtown Mansfield. The fear of crime and lack of people downtown ensures this attitude. People don’t have money to spend and that does make it tough on entrepreneurs or possible small business start-ups. The existing business owners must have a courageous heart of steel and I respect their resolve.

What We Need!

Perhaps no city has a greater need to grow and prosper. We lack so many options, and choices. Mansfield, Ohio has so many needs to be filled, yet the opportunities are scarce. Why?

Without consumers we stagnate. We become hardened. Our dreams die. Our taxpayer base is shrinking. Decent paying jobs are part of the answer.

We need leaders that can lead.  We need young people who are passionate and have a vision about creating a future and the courage to follow through with a plan.

We must end the current gatekeepers of cronyism within politics and business.

We must create something sustainable or we will forever be nothing more than rust!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.