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.

Just Like Johnny Appleseed!

Back in the early 1800’s, it was customary to retire to bed at night and leave the cabin unlocked. Neighbors and Native American Indians were welcome 24/7. Locking the cabin was considered an insult. Sharing heat and food was common.

Considering the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the most honorable feat would be to help out someone in need.

 

My friend, John O’Brien, lives in Connecticut. Due to the Hurricane his family lived comfortably for several days using a power generator at home. After power was restored, he immediately loaned his generator out to a friend. The friend was in need of heat and a warm meal. John’s simple act of humanity provided comfort and relief.

Times, culture and trust have changed considerably since the days of Johnny Appleseed. It’s safe and easy to be cautious to the extent of ignoring suffering.

If the devastation of a Hurricane inspires us to reach out and provide assistance the humanistic values alive in the 1800’s, still exist today in America.

Consider helping a stranger, friend, or animal.

Just like Johnny Appleseed the seed you plant-grows.

Well done Mr. O'Brien!

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.

Making a Ruckus and Turning Pro

Photo courtesy of: Kjunstorm.

“The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.”
― Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
 

You can tell when you are making an impact. The ruckus usually begins after the truth is discovered and the curtain is slowly opened.

Instead of well-wishers, the only noise will be whispers of denial. As the focus expands and the message spreads, the whispers become a loud roar of threats and the attempt to ruin your credibility begins. When the sound is deafening you've hit the motherlode. The risk is great and the reward is huge.

Most fold their cards and go home.

The battle has now reached the tipping point.

Those with the guts, patience and passion push through it.

You've discovered the meaning of turning pro.                                                      

Suddenly, the story becomes about the war, odds, obstacles and the effort. Everyone has an opinion and the rouse begins.You’re a minuscule hero of sorts.

The Giant has been defeated.

You understand success.

And now it’s time to choose another battle and make a difference again.

This is a true warrior!  

What have you done to overcome a battle and be successful? Do you fight for just causes to help others? Or do you just surrender to fear? I’d love to hear your comments and thoughts.

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/

Take the Money and Run

Photo courtesy of: Alan Cleaver.

We live in a society where truth is often overlooked to support incoming money through marketing strategy. Nothing is really sacred or off limits, particularly in the rust belt, when seeking funding.

Stories can be spread to justify the means of private funding, elections or the passing of a levy.  When funding is by means of corporate money or a total lack of backers, the spin begins.

Urgency of power is all that matters. If an idea can be bought, it can be sold.

Why do Issues desperately in need of fixing remain broken for decades, while “special Interests” are seemingly satisfied?

Once upon a time, specific unwritten standards existing such as truth, honor and dignity were important. Not anymore. If someone has enough time, presence and money, the story can be developed, just like Hollywood.

Repeat the chant often enough and it becomes believable.

Few question the motive, details or accuracy.

Worse yet- few people really care!

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.

End Sex Trafficking

 

Photo credit:Mike Baird

As Hurricane Sandy wreaks havoc on New York City, the East Coast and into the rust belt area, I wanted to update you with a blog related story.

Were not Gonna Take It

Photo by: Alex E. Proimos

I recently wrote a blog to raise awareness against sex trafficking. I received a timely bit of email information through meeting culture warrior Al Pittampalli.

Last Friday, was National End Sex Trafficking Day.To commemorate this day a project was initiated by Erin Giles, Business Philanthropy Coach. Erin has been the force behind the release of the book- End Sex Trafficking. The book is a collection of 60 essays by 60 authors on love, knowledge and freedom. Among those contributing essays are: Al Pittampalli, Seth Godin, Danielle La Porte, Jonathan Fields, and many others.

The authors, publisher and editors proceeds go directly to the Not For Sale Campaign, which battles every day to abolish sex trafficking throughout the world. More than 27 million people are slaves to human trafficking today.

One of the awesome changes in today’s world is our ability to make an impact in lives, without the proceeds going to a million other pockets in administrative fees, salaries ect…

Thoughtful folks like Erin Giles and the gracious authors have donated freely to this cause. This is what I often write about. Here’s your chance to help end sex trafficking. Now you have the opportunity to make a difference by purchasing the book- End Sex Trafficking. Here is the link.

Note: I receive no affiliation marketing proceed from the purchase of this book.

Riding the Storm Out!

 

 Photo credit: MTAPhotos.

My blog viewership of Ohio readers is about to be bypassed by the citizens of New York City. This is a pleasant and totally unexpected surprise. So as we feel some of the rains and wind from Hurricane Sandy here in the rust belt- hang in there, button down the hatch and thank you for following my journey!

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.

Mansfield, Ohio- Watch it Burn?

One of the problems of living in a small city is the lack of people networking. Sharing appears to be a protected behavior pattern. Being open to new ideas is regarded as a loss of control or power. Businesses and people somehow feel it is safer to keep the binders on and the plan is a repeated daily ritual.

What better way to thwart progress than to refuse to ask questions, share and listen?

How can you expect change when the community is being managed like it’s the Cold War?

We lost the ability to compete by keeping competition out. The grand effort to control financial personal interests and creating wealth among the few kept us locked in a time capsule. Instead of growth we have decay, poverty and crime. Our negative reputation precedes us in all we do. Is it any wonder we are unable to attract new businesses?

“Do it in Mansfield”

Our city is an eyesore of slum landlords and boarded up homes. We average an arson case every 3.2 days in downtown Mansfield, Ohio. As of today, we’ve had 42 arsons committed since June. A $5,000.00 reward has been offered, however; not one tip or lead has surfaced.

Why has no one reported or unveiled any information? Why isn’t the city working to have town meetings with the residents to increase surveillance and attract information?

 Many people feel it is part of an inside job or are some of these vacant houses, drug houses and the neighbors are tired of dealing with the threat? Superstition is on the rise. The likelyhood of several arsonists is probable.

Is a new safety tax ballot levy in the works next year? It does beg the question.

New Development Area?

One of the areas of several fires has been designated for some new community development. Grant money has recently been donated by the State of Ohio to tear down old debilitated structures and demolition has finally begun. Is someone speeding up the process by torching those vacant homes and buildings?

The lack of seeking Federal assistance in investigating the arsons has many people scratching their heads. The situation is clearly out of hand!

Perhaps we can add a new moniker to our name. Our nickname is “The Fun Center of Ohio.” Sadly, we are becoming known as”The Arson Center of Ohio?”

It might be wise to beef up the investigative process before a firefighter, squatter or innocent family is killed. It’s shocking someone hasn’t lost their life.

Party Like it’s 1959

We live in a world connected by the Internet. Yet we continue to act like its 1959.

The problem we suffer began decades ago, our businessmen locked competition out, politicians serenaded themselves by taking trips to merry old England and ignored the need to grow and replace the loss of manufacturing and jobs.

 Instead of fining slum landlords and earning considerable income, the homes and property were allowed to deteriorate. The city of Mansfield nearly went broke and the few, proud and unconnected prospered. There has to be a better way!

Heck, even stumbling upon something to bring hope could accidentally happen. But the law of averages doesn’t live in this town. It checked out decades ago.

Who will Step-Up?

Isn’t it time we do something promising to change the future?

Do we stand back and watch it burn?

It’s tough to connect the dots when you live in an unconnected environment.

Or is it?

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.