Does your Idea Mesh?

 

How many times have you had one of those: “wish I would’ve thought about that idea" moments? Or the times you’ve thought about a new idea, never acted upon it, only to discover later someone else initiated the same thought and became highly successful. The failure to act, take a risk or perhaps our financial capital limits our capabilities to mesh with society.

I first heard of Zipcar in Lisa Gansky’s book entitled- The Mesh: Why the Future of Business is Sharing.

A  membership to Zipcar costs $25.00 for an application fee and $50.00 a year per membership. The car sharing service entitles members to rates of $7.50 per hour and includes gas, insurance and up to 180 miles per day. The idea of mesh connects people with ease of services and is popular among young adults.

The idea of using a car for a one-time chore, short trip or a month by using the Internet was a great idea for people who normally don’t own or need a vehicle on a regular basis. Why pay for an entire day of car rental? Why waste your time riding a cab or bus to stand in line at a car rental agency? The car is made available near your hotel or apartment.

  Image used courtesy of: Sharon Hahn Darlin

 

For those requiring transportation in large cities, Zipcar was an easily accessible, economical and efficient use of time and finances. It eliminates the financial burden of a lifetime of leasing, purchasing, insurance payments and repairs of vehicles. It’s a similar process as bicycle renting from a centralized location in many European countries. Two men from Boston started Zipcar and using GPS devices to gather data from the customers led to more offerings for their clientele and enhanced marketability.

Last week Zipcar was purchased by Avis for $491.2 million.

Image used courtesy of: poptech.

The idea of Zipcar is now being marketed by other car rental companies as well. Avis wanted to be competitive and jumped on the trend. I can’t help but think those two fellows from Boston probably had a ton of naysayers when they thought of the idea.

 It’s easy to assume an entire industry has already cornered the market or the idea would’ve already been implemented. The opportunity catered to a segment of the customer base being ignored by the corporate giants. Zipcar was the foresight of filling a need and by connecting with people; the idea spread and created a trend.

Traditional formats of existing business are undergoing change. Will you see the next trend by offering something simple, innovative and different or just wait for someone else to do it?

Opportunity to mesh with ideas is all around us-

if we choose to accept our destiny.

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.

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.

Isn’t it Time We Pick Ourselves?



Image courtesy of:

Michael 1952.

When the teacher asked questions, most of the students raised their hands. The ambitious or popular students were usually chosen first to respond with the answer. This situation took place often, throughout the day. If you were selected and didn’t respond with the correct answer, good luck being picked again, anytime soon .

The subtle message was :

1.   You weren’t popular.

2.   The teacher didn’t trust your judgment.

3.   What you thought didn’t matter.

During the summer before a basketball game, it was common for the two most popular and gifted athletes to choose their teams from a select group. The decision to choose the most gifted athletes would be chosen first, usually followed by choosing the most popular or friends of the person doing the picking. Being one of the last two possible selections indicated you weren’t valued as much and if there was any hesitancy as who to choose it didn’t speak well for either of you. Being the last player selected meant you were “stuck” (no pick for you) on one of the team’s roster.

Being last meant:

1.   You weren’t very good.

2.   You weren’t very popular.

3.   You weren’t really wanted.

The same process appears throughout your career in lieu of promotions, positions, hiring and lay-offs. It’s all part of the same system of the Industrial Age. Instead of recognizing and nurturing individuals strength we follow the same rules rewarding the gifted, popular and our friends, while ignoring the rest. For 100 years, it was the only way to ensure fitting-in, compliance and conformity.

Not anymore.

Picking yourself is all that matters. Artists always pick themselves; they don’t wait for permission, acceptance or a christening. We always felt artists were strange, different or didn’t quite fit-in. Artists aren’t concerned with the status quo, survey results or a spreadsheet, their focus is strictly on their core mission .

It's no coincidence artists are the catalyst of change. The system refers to those people as inventors, however; they were artists first and foremost. Ford, Gates or Edison didn’t form a consensus group, become elected or chosen by anyone. Picasso, Tchaikovsky, Dylan and Symon picked themselves. Some said they were crazy and wasting their time, but their determination to succeed came from within.

 Art touches our lives, inspires movements and forges technology.

As we sit on the cusp of change in the post-industrial revolution- isn’t it time we pick ourselves?

 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.

You are Now Free!

Image courtesy of: Luz Adriana Villa A.

If your team is filled with people who work for the company, you’ll soon be defeated by tribes of people who work for a cause.

-          By Seth Godin from: The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

One of the favorite terms of the Industrial Age has been “teamwork.” The word is heavily touted when the slave drivers or gatekeepers want more work from less people or pitch an idea. Teamwork is a requirement on the football field, marching band and battlefield; but it never scaled well with the general workforce.

Ever notice when you are about to be laid-off “teamwork” is never mentioned? If they really believed in their own submission then why not just ask if someone wants to take an unemployment check for the good of the team. After all, we’re a team, right?

 Sadly, it is a word used only when management wants to spin the latest, greatest technique or philosophy. When I think of teamwork it reminds me of “slaves that paddled vessels from sea to land”, a mindless entity that must be given simple instructions to navigate. It also reminds me of the project that keeps being held-up because someone or one group didn’t finish their assignment at the deadline.

Teamwork is a label for mediocrity. Innovation or precision is rarely used to motivate by inept leaders. Failure is easier to swallow, when it’s a team effort or detraction. It’s good enough to use as a drill or exercise, but difficult to ensure has a means to excellence. That would require guts, courage and accountability.

 Few leaders understand the significance of those words and are less willing to take the chance at standing-out from the pack. That would truly mean risk and in a society captivated by fitting-in, not many care enough to stick their neck out. That’s probably why people don’t get too excited by teamwork.

I am happy to not apply for an advertisement that states: “We want team players only” or hear someone say: “I am not sure if you’re a good fit for the team” during an interview. What those expressions imply is the Industrial Age notion of fitting-in, compliancy, not rocking the boat and “do what we say.” You have no mind, soul, heart or the capabilities to stand-out, lead or discover a better way. It sends the message of being a cog and nothing more.

When everyone is committed towards the same outcome because they believe in something, have a vested interest in the idea and care; it’s a beautiful process. When people are told or given a manual to follow the plan it’s boring, repetitive and the results are less than stellar!

For more than 100 years, we believed ourselves to be at the mercy of a few who gave us the instructions, used us like pawns to generate power and financial success. The game is changing rapidly and opportunity awaits you. But you’ll never find it by staying in the Industrial Age.

Like the advert says: “You are now free to walk about the cabin.”

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.

What's your Identity?

Saturday evening I arrived at a local restaurant to pick-up my food order and I heard my named called out. It was a couple (Jennifer and Jeff) that both were employed where I work during the day. Jennifer had moved onto a new job at a different company a few years ago and I hadn’t seen her lately.

Jennifer’s first question was- if I still worked at_______?

After I responded it hit me:

People associate your identity with what they know about you.

It made me realize- where I work isn’t what I wanted to be labeled as or known for. I want to be known as a writer, author, blogger, someone who cares and makes a difference. Apparently, I haven’t made a big enough impact.  



In August, I had the privilege of being invited to a private reunion party for a band (Souvenir) I followed heavily in Cleveland, Ohio between 1978 and 1980. The lead vocalist was gracious enough to introduce me to fellow writers and guests. When introducing me, I was referred as being a writer for The Cleveland Plain Dealer. I pulled him aside and explained I just write blogs in the online version of The Plain Dealer and was never employed by the company.

An honest mistake and I have to admit it gave me some instant credence. He stated: “Everyone knows your blog (which was very kind of him) anyway, so it doesn’t matter.” I knew he was trying to make me feel better about myself due to  some changes in my music career.George is one of the true genuine nice guys in the Cleveland music scene and it’s an honor to be a friend.



Decades ago, during my years of self-indulgence; I ran into a kid who shares the same name as me at a concert. When the other Jim Carver got in trouble, sometimes people would think it was me (hmmm.. I wonder why). We actually attended the same school. He elaborated at how much he wanted to be like me and how he saw me so many nights plastered on drink and drug.

To him, I was a hero. He made me realize something I never knew- I had been setting a horrible example of addiction and destruction for some younger folks. I wanted so bad to tell him-you don’t want to be like me, but I didn’t have the guts. I am hoping he found his way out of the old lifestyle.

Life is too short to live in someone else’s mind for the wrong reasons. It’s so easy to stay in your own comfort zone and never take a chance on being known for whom you are and what you do. It’s far easier to quietly open a door, instead of making an impact.

One of my goals is to do some things differently in 2013. I am at a crossroads with the direction of The Rust Belt Chronicles and where it goes from here. This year, I will do some things I have held back from doing in 2012, things that scared me.

Perhaps, it’s the push to leave a legacy where people will know what I do and why I do it or better yet; it’s my opportunity to link my identity with something meaningful that matters!

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.

Book Review- The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

Don’t buy Seth Godin’s newest book- The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

Because:

·        Seth Godin is the leading marketing guru in the world.

·        Is a best-selling author of Purple-Cow, Tribes, Linchpin and Poke the Box.

·        A top-ten pithy Blogger.

·        An entrepreneur and highly sought after speaker and motivator.

·        Has the pulse of business on his radar and created some of the most remarkable marketing campaigns.

·        Contributes generously to charities.

Don’t buy the new book because: Seth started his own community website, tribe, or has the ability to alter an entire industry.

Buy the book because whatever Seth Godin knows- people listen, ideas spread and in the post-industrial era we need to be artists.

Review- The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

Seth gives us the “inside” information on how to stand-out, speak-up and set the new standards by becoming an artist. His thoughts teach us how to fly higher than we ever could by casting the “old rules” aside which allows you to create your own artistry.

When the Industrial era started nobody gave us the real story, we were the workers, the “cogs in the wheel.” They didn’t want leaders; they sought obedient and compliant followers to work the factory jobs for a penance and gold watch.

Schools were created to train legions of children how to be compliant and follow directions. Goods were marketed to increase sales, build more factories, hire additional workers and we complied. They influenced us so well we bought into debt never realizing our commitment would soon steal our hearts and soul.

The success of this marketing philosophy created industries, corporations, and conglomerates. Suddenly, the inevitable happened.

 A migration in search of cheaper sources, products and people turned our lives upside-down. Everything we were told, promised or expected has faded. The Icarus Deception explains where we are going and will rewire the way you think.

In a way, The Icarus Deception is a conglomeration of Seth Godin’s previous books tied together, to the new economy. It’s the handbook to your future. They didn’t let us in on the old secrets- this time we have no excuse

Here are some of the highlights:

·        The myth of Icarus- how it corresponds to conformity, compliance and how it lowered our expectations in everything we do.

·        Why we should create Art.

·        The difference between our comfort and safety zones and why it’s changed.

·        The introduction of the “connection economy” and the role it plays in the post-industrial era.

·        Building relationships that really matter.

·        The shortfalls of the Industrial Age.

·        The importance of “picking yourself” instead of living someone else’s dream or idea.

·        The joy and emotional labor of creating your own Art.

·        Breaks down myths and psychological trappings of society to fit-in, conform and why it’s far better to stand-out.

·        The meaning of being an Artist.

·        How fear stops us from doing work outside our comfort zone.

·        Dealing with “the resistance.”

·        Defining your audience.

·        The vulnerability of being an Artist.

·        Why your worldview keeps you from seeing the world as it is.

·        Successful habits.

·        Measuring work, eliminating boundaries.

·        The need for a focus group.

·        Going from a mindset of “wanting to giving.”

·        Reminding us- we are all connected.

The Icarus Deception is a book I will read over and over. I highly recommend it. I purchased my copy through Seth’s Kickstarter campaign

The Icarus Deception is the push to do what you’ve always wanted. It’s the approval to become what you’ve always dreamed of becoming. The Icarus Deception allows you the freedom to scale to new heights. Unlike the previous system of 100 years, it’s imperative you break the rules and stand-out.

More importunately it allows you to connect with people and do something meaningful by creating Art!

This is the chance and opportunity you’ve waited for- purchase The Icarus Deception today.

We’ve been bamboozled for too long. It’s your turn.

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 Wisdom to Know the Difference!

People often worry about circumstances out of their control. Worrying used to be one of my “other jobs.” Over the years, I have battled with creating “what if” scenarios and nearly every time the situation I feared- never happened. Slowly, I’ve realized spending time and energy by focusing on “what if” is a monumental loss of productivity and growth.

In A.A.meetings, one of the common slogans is “Let go and Let God.” Carrying worries, resentment and grudges not only lessons your chance of sobriety; it prevents one from moving forward with growth, opportunity and spirituality. The biggest factors most people find troubling are jobs, relationships and money. Mentally beating yourself-up over something that may never happen is never a solution.

Even if our worst fear becomes reality wouldn’t we be better served to focus on a solution after it transpires? Planning ahead for a possible catastrophe is foolish. By responding in this negative manner you are placing yourself as a “victim” with your mind and actions. Conditioning yourself to this attitude devalues your self-esteem, opens yourself up for easy defeat and guarantees failure.

Obsessing over negative situations should be replaced by focusing on changing the things you can make a difference with the outcome. Instead of being “stuck” inside your own prison walls, focus on doing something to help someone else. Checkout of the pity-party and lift your spirit up by doing something inspirational and motivational. If we spent half of the time doing something positive, instead of negative; our jobs, relationships and financial situations would improve immensely.

Worrying give us the excuse to do nothing. We sabotage ourselves due to fear. After all, worry is nothing but fear. It’s that little voice of resistance in our head attempting to stop you from doing great work, urging you to stay with the status quo and never venture outside the hut.

Several years ago, I was looking at the possibility of having lung cancer. After a botched biopsy procedure, I had to have major surgery to remove tissue for another biopsy. My time wasn’t focused on worrying if I had cancer or not. My concern was for my wife and would she have the financial stability to live without me?

 Once those fears were resolved I was completely at peace with myself situation and God.

 Now, one would reason having a terminal illness would send someone over the cliff with worry and fear. Especially me, I am a master of worry. I learned it’s the little things in life that keeps us in fear and prevents us from doing what we were put on this Earth to do. The big obstacles usually take care of themselves. Trust me, it’s true.

More importantly, it’s the wisdom to know the 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

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.