Capitalism at its Finest?

Image used courtesy of: extranoise.

 

It’s amazing how organizations are so obsessed in using power, fear and control to manipulate and market themselves as a moral entity. 

Organizations use “spin” to market their agenda and often create more harmful results than good. Even more pitifully, the process is repeatedly used resulting in reduced customer satisfaction and trust. Is it any wonder business is suffering? Sadly, the alternative to repairing the mess is more advertisement, fluff and tighter control.

Greed is often the culprit in an Industrial Age environment. The thinking is: “If we build it they will come” or “People will forget the past.” Not true in today’s world. People remember remarkable, something special and we recall disasters.

The notion of a subservient class and superior rulers is a brainwashed idea of the Industrial Age. It is a hideous outdated form of manipulation based on fear, compliance and obedience. It was productive for 100 years because people bought into the idea. Seriously, what were we thinking?

Organizations with parochial run Boards and management are crumbling in the USA. In today’s new economy it’s about connecting. Connecting to everybody; including the 47%.

Everyone matters- has a voice and the means to use it. It’s no longer 1970 and a megaphone isn’t required to be heard. Technology and the capability of forming tribes of people bonded in common causes will tip the disruption from fear. Power of technology is shifting culture, economies, governments and your life.

We can either realize the “old regime” is dead or we can whistle towards a dark alley. The choice is yours. Many will stay the “We’ve always done it this way” course and disaster is imminent. The post-industrial age- isn’t built upon dividing and conquering; it’s about connecting!

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.

Breaking News: How would you like your Spam?

Photo courtesy of: comedy nose.

Spam is something we are all familiar with as we check our email or scroll through the web. It’s annoying, noisy and begs us for attention. The message is broadcast to separate us for a brief moment from our agenda to focus on something entirely different and convince us of the significance. We have become somewhat immune from the noise as it further reduces our awareness.

The news media blasts us with “breaking news” which is anything but an emergency. Think 911, missing child alert or Hurricane Sandy. Television has basically relegated the latest little information as nothing more than Spam. The repetition of “crying wolf” has numbed us to the point of not noticing when a significant event does take place.

Commercials attempt to steal our minds for a minute of time. Competition is ferocious to “one-up” every other brand during the Super Bowl. For some, Super Bowl Sunday is a Commercial Bowl in conjunction with a football game. While the commercial messages may be spiffy, sexy or different it's only high-dollar Spam.

Today, we live in a connected world. Perhaps we need a new Warning System for relevant information. A system designed to allow a sense of urgency, eliminating Spam from being used in a serious message or news event. By not drawing lines in the sand, we have allowed technology and marketing to blur our vision between reality and fantasy.

Anything less is not worthy of stealing our attention, wasting our time or focus!

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 Narcissistic Style of Management

Corporations and businesses have an obligation to serve their customers and employees. We’ve seen managers who mistakenly abuse their authority as a gesture of their passion for the organization and are often rewarded for their aggressive style of manner.

Brief History Lesson: How the Narcissistic Boss was Born

Here in the Rust Belt, this type of narcissistic behavior is an ongoing problem. The poor behavior started in the factories. Over the years the need for a secondary class of workers fueled the manipulation of minds, status and the lowering of workers expectations. Thus the herd was formed.

But who is going to make sure the workers stay within our parameters and build widgets every day? The schools had teachers to instruct, the factory needed this type of person with far more authority. Someone who could create fear and increase the flow of widgets was desired. The Boss was created.

Somehow the race with competition and greed upped the ante. Enter the narcissistic boss!

Narcissistic Style of Management

Individuals who display cut-throat acts of superiority towards employees cause an incredible amount of psychological and mental harm to morale and emotions. Organizations that see this as a positive strength are ensuring a poor work performance, bad reputation, financial loss and their eventual demise.

If you somehow offend or disagree with this type of person, their quest turns into a personal vendetta for the good of the company. Narcissists receive it as a form of rejection and you will pay dearly. After all, a narcissist is never wrong; they are perfect. If you don’t believe me, just ask one.

The company mantra, dogma, slogan or mission statement is merely a desperate attempt at lip service at this point. The fact is: Nobody’s buying what you’re putting out as truth.

Starts at the Top

Companies hire aggressive people knowing that individual will control the workers and create fear to motivate their staff. This must change. Businesses are seeking the wrong behavioral role model to lead.

Eventually thousands or millions of dollars will be spent on surveys, consultants, meetings and marketing to seek improvement. Entire projects will be created or gutted, perhaps redesign the flow of business or even rebuild. (Just think what might have been accomplished financially instead of throwing money away.)

The Dog made me do it!

No different than an alcoholic denying the real problem for the root of their misery. It’s a top-down problem. When was the last time your organization looked in the mirror?

My Argument

We should be weeding out individuals with narcissistic tendencies, not seeking to hire, promote and reward selfish behaviorisms.

Hitler found it easier to start a war than to become an art student in Vienna.

Ideas to Create a Healthy Work Environment

·        Have a social and moral obligation to follow the “Golden Rule.”

·        It’s not about you, it’s about everyone.

·        When you’re wrong admit it. Being humble is good.

·        Your responsibility is to lead and serve, not seek and destroy.

·        Your mission is to inspire people, instead of creating fear and distrust.

Anything less is unacceptable!

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 3^rd 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.

Fly like an Eagle

Living in the Rust Belt has taught us a valuable lesson. The odds of working at one company throughout our entire career are about as likely as pigs learning to fly.

With the economy suffering, many people are unemployed. What better time to start your own business?

Photo used courtesy of: Ricymar Fine Art Photography. 

Starting a business can be simple. Just figure out a need and deliver the results. Just offer a simple need that people are looking for in their daily lives. I know it sounds easy, but it’s true.

Now here’s the tricky part:

Whatever you decide to do- do it better than anyone else. Take the time to reflect on how you can provide something and add enough value to the service to make yourself stand-out! Impressing your customers goes a long way with referrals and loyalty.

If you want to be successful and compete against existing business you must do something the competition doesn’t do.

Marketing yourself is crucial for your starting your own business. Figure out your niche business and how to reach your clientele. Perhaps business cards or flyer's might be all that you need. Internet sources such as experienced professionals, group forums, Google searches or associated organizations are among those who can provide useful information. Don’t be afraid to steal an idea.

Feel free to email me with any questions you have.

Persistence and time are your friends in this process. Stand by their side and you will eventually prosper.

Perhaps you will need a simple website to get started. Google and WordPress offer free access to building your own website. Another option would be to hire someone to create a site specific for your needs or purchase a premium site through WordPress.org.

There are many excellent books and social media sites available to pickup tips, facts and provide education for entrepreneurship, creating websites and marketing with social media.

Author: Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau has recently authored a new book entitled: “The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future.”

 The $100 Startup has a wealth of great start-up ideas and solid time-tested methods towards achieving success. Many of the entrepreneurs discussed in the book started with $100.00 or less to create their own income or small business. Chris keeps things simple within a do-able formula to launch your idea.

I can’t think of a better time to experience the freedom of being an entrepreneur. Immerse yourself in learning how to create a future income in something you love to do. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune; require multiple college degrees or an army of employees and an array of real estate.

The educational opportunity alone is priceless.

Besides, why wait for pigs to fly when you can fly like an Eagle today!

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Why I Created - THE RUST BELT CHRONICLES BLOG?

The Rust Belt Chronicles is a result of witnessing, watching and learning the habits of the Industrial Age mindset. The years of going from a boom town to perhaps the new (move over Youngstown, Ohio) - "The Rust Belt Capital of the World" in sunny Mansfield, Ohio has taught me not to accept the rerun of "Ground Hog Day" from the rust belt theater.

The mindset isn't limited to the remaining or former factory employees. Over the years, it has extended itself throughout various institutions, corporations, and businesses rewarding those: that don't question authority, are unable to think for themselves and strive to be a "cog in a wheel" and nothing more!

Except these days, there is no gold watch. Instead you are laid-off, downsized, outsourced, or re-structured. Oh, by the way; all those years of being compliant, following the manual, and accepting mediocrity basically qualifies you for a job in food service.

The Rust Belt Chronicles is also for CEO's, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senior Management, directors, supervisors, business owners, public relations, marketing, and human resources (?) personnel.

It's not 1959- the old rules of marketing, public relations and employee treatment have changed. The top-down management approach is ineffective and the marketing approach of many businesses is outdated. It's time to change how we manage and do business.

What was once a blessing- is now a curse for many people living in the Rust Belt.

But it doesn't really matter where you live- when it comes to the Industrial Age. We are all in the same wagon train. The American dream has changed profusely.

We sense the frustration in dealing with something you don't understand or was never mentioned at school. That total feeling of futility and not knowing what to do next. Perhaps you're laid-off, jobless, hopeless, tired of being a "cog in the wheel", mentally beat-down, emotionally drained and verbally abused or bullied.

The Rust Belt Chronicles is about:

1. Evaluating your life and your goals.
2. Discovering your passion to find the work you love.
3. Thinking "outside-the-box."
4. The courage to conquer fear.
5. Breaking down the barriers in the workplace.
6. The power of social media marketing.
7. Eliminating debt, so you can live like no one else.
8. Starting your own business or becoming an entrepreneur.
9. Doing something meaningful, that matters.
10. Ending procrastination and doing it now!
11. Giving you the personal tools to work with to achieve success.
12. THE FREEDOM TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST.

Whether you are an employee, management or unemployed- we can turn this predicament around. The old days are gone. It's time to move on, recover and change your life.

Please join me by following The Rust Belt Chronicles as together- we will make a difference!

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Show us you are- Who you say you are!

Photo by: Martin Howard

Companies create slogans.

They strive to market it to death.

It’s another chant, a way to get noticed and be heard.

But what is the actual internal message?

I thought so.

The advertizing dollars spent to market the “image” is really a mirage.

In the scale of creating an image, you’ve failed by “attempting to have it your way.”

The spin is only cleanup for damage control central.

Show us you are- who you say you are.

Anything less, doesn’t matter!

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com