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Is Facebook good or bad for business – Try this trick
July 30th, 2010I have to admit, I always thought Facebook was just a friends website. Then, I discovered the powerful search component. You can search key words on people, pages, groups, posts by everyone, posts by friends.
I now think businesses can connect with people using search terms and adding to the conversation.
Try it, you might be surprised
Check out some websites
July 29th, 2010I will be spending some time away from the site.
Check out some of these links and let me know your thoughts. These are a few of my favorite sites.
http://newsmidwestlabs.com Midwest Laboratories News Site
http://www.dantcathy.com/ Chik-Fil-A CEO Dan Cathy
http://www.jimsmarketingblog.com Jim Connolly – CEO – Marketing information
Keep samples cool to insure quality analysis
July 28th, 2010
With the hot temperatures, it is really critical that clients submitting samples make sure enough coolant: (ice, ice packs, dry ice) is included. Every environmental water and wastewater sample has a recorded temperature upon receipt. The rule is that if the temperature of the samples is above 6 degrees celsius, a note must be made indictating that a variance in results could occur. This regulation is part of a number of state and national laboratory certification bodies.
Please watch your samples and make sure the samples go into the cooler as cool as they can be with enough ice to keep them cold. 24 hours is usually the rule of thumb in keeping the samples cool
Just some cool advice on these hot summer days.
Hyatt’s new customer service model
July 27th, 2010
I really like stories like this one in today’s USA Today. Hyatt Place – the new model for customer service. The new look has no front desk or concierge desk. In addition, free internet, bottled water and an open kitchen. Customers are greeted at the door as they walk in.
I think the point here is that even in a down-turn economy, companies need to reinvent themselves and do all they can to maximize the customer experience.
What are your thoughts on this model? Do you think it will work? Read the article and see if there is a major change you could make that would be as big as this one is in this industry.
Watch for those Grubs
July 26th, 2010
Remember, Remember – I told you back in a June Blog Post to watch out for these little critters. Well, over the weekend the little white creatures struck har. My neighbor was putting in several patches of fresh seed along his grass section between the sidewalk and the cub. After mowing, I uncover little brown spots popping up. I think the wet summer had to do with the nice hiding.
Most of the time, these critters appear in late August or September, but if your area is like ours, this last week may have been the driest in some time. My advice, win the battle today. Its not too early to start. Apply an application that works. Some products take a few weeks to get down below the soil, but above all do something.
Tom Peters innovative move
July 23rd, 2010
Referenced on Tom Peter’s Website
July 23, 2010 | http://www.tompeters.com/books/little-big-things/
One of my favorite authors Tom Peters, always helps me understand how successful companies works. However his latest move, might be his most brilliant move yet.
Did you purchase his latest book “The Little BIG Things” – Great Book – -I am halfway through it.
However, Tom knows that Twitter, and Social Media are creating a new culture where concise information is the new trend in reading and sharing of information.
As a result Tom has posted a link on his site, where you can download the condensed version for free. 538 pages down to 78 pages. He wants to get the word out and wants others to share it.
Again, a brilliant move. I downloaded the condensed version and printed out 39 pages, front-back.
What do you think of Tom’s idea of a condensed book? Should more authors do this? Do the risks outweigh the rewards?
Be a part of change and start thinking and acting
July 23rd, 2010Everyday, decisions are being made that are affecting the current economy. It is time for a change. This country was built on freedom and all of us have a choice and must be involved in order for a change to occur. The Iowa Farm Bureau has put together a nice video, which really helps you stop and think. I am not here to influence your decision one way or another. I think it’s important to think about the issues currently facing us and to make sure all of us take the next step and get involved. Watch the Video!
Is your work just business or is it personal
July 22nd, 2010Have you heard this statement before?
In your work can some things just be business, for me I have to agree with Mr. Dan T. Cathy, Chik-fil-A take on this subject.
Mr. Cathy had a great blog post on this subject. We are dealing with real people as employees and clients. It really separates the good companies from the great companies. Actually caring for people, helps us connect and really shows our true colors in serving each other.
Final quote from Mr. Cathy
“It’s just business, it’s not personal.’ You hear that sometimes when people have to make unpleasant decisions or do things that are a little uncomfortable. And it’s a nice phrase to make things feel a little better, but I’ve learned over the years, as both an employee and an employer, that it’s simply not true. There’s nothing in life that is “just business.” Everything we do is personal on some level. Any decision that involves people is by nature personal. ”
It’s a great post and a must read for everyone in business.
Check it out today.
Keep up your blog posting…
July 21st, 2010Ever have one of those days that your inbox is just piling up and just as you begin to make a dent, more items come in. That is the kind of day I am having and I would not trade it for anything. Being busy makes the day go fast, and I have found if I just prioritize a little and make a checkoff sheet, I can get through the day.
Like this blog, I have started several times today and I am finally finishing it and posting. (3.15pm )
Source t2.gstatic.com
Can any of you relate? What would you do if you were in my shoes?
I think it is critical that if you start a blog that you continue to write in a consistent manner.
Side note and Word of Appreciation to the people I work with at Midwest Laboratories
“The people I work with at the laboratory are faced with this type of work everyday. We are fortunate to have a staff that does care and wants to see analysis through to completion. WORKING WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY! – Its one of the best drivers for me as a team player at Midwest Laboratories)”
How is your day going? Do you work with a sense of urgency?
Post your comments!
Thanks, Brent
Bacteria in Soda Pop News Story
July 20th, 2010
This is a follow-up story to a post, Soda Fountains Contain Fecal Bacteria from earlier this January
Local Station KETV did a very nice job on this feature story from July 18, 2010.
Would appreciate your comments regarding the news story.