I like New Years because I like to set goals. I know it is not quite New Years but it is close to holidays so it counts for me.
I read a book - the Spirit of Kaizen - Creating Lasting Excellence One Small Step at a Time by Robert Maurer. The title says what kaizen is - the process of continually creating excellence or continually getting just a bit better.
People often ask me how EMJ was successful. It was not one thing, it was a lot of little things. The focus was on many tiny competitive advantages which in total created a profitable company. The same is true of Kaizen. The focus is not on a complete change and makeover, rather it is just one tiny thing at a time. The book even cautions against "We need something bold and innovative" or trying to make sweeping changes (which is the temptation with New Years resolutions).
This is like the 1% Solution. A tiny 1% change every day doubles in 72 days. I use that 1% rule when I work out. I just work out 1% longer. So my calculation is I will be able to bench press 3964 pounds in just 2 years by only adding 1% to the weight each day.
I have blogged many times about the power of success habits. For me, most kaizen revolves around those. Just a few more tiny habits can create long term good impact.
The Spirit of Kaizen has a lot of little ideas for personal and business growth. EG - How to inspire staff in 3 minutes per day. And I liked the chapter on sales. Every sales person needs to practice Kaizen.
The Spirit of Kaizen is a great inspirational book that reinforces the value of small changes to create big results.
Good luck on creating your goals, resolutions and your future.
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I know one habit, I have never been good at is stretching. But I am now battling a bad case of tennis elbow (actually in the inside so it is called golfers elbow). So one habit I will be better on is stretching.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Have a great Christmas
Monday, December 24, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Pioneers of Digital
Stormy night so no power this morning. Would not be a big deal but memories of no power for a week due to Sandy are still fresh.
I read a book by Paul Springer and Mel Carson called Pioneers of Digital - Success Stories from Leaders in Advertising, Marketing, Search and Social Media. Of course I like success stories. One problem I see with news is it is often about the negative so I like books that are about the positive.
I really liked that this book was mostly about people I did not recognize. The people highlighted are successful but not famous. Any successful business is not the work of just one person. It involves many other great people. This book is mostly about these other great people. EG - Angel Chen from Olgivy One China, Malcolm Poynton - Dove Real Beauty campaign, June Cohen (Ted talks). So not Steve Jobs or Bill Gates but important people who still make a difference.
I am always inspired when I read success stories. I can learn from each story. EG - one story on social media tells of a company with an email inbox for feedback with 80,000 unread emails. Of course the social media lesson - develop systems to deal with the volume.
The final chapters include one on Pioneering Places (hint - India, China). And one on lessons from Pioneers.
Great book. Easy read. Each chapter is stand alone so it is an easy book to put down and pick up again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Have a great holiday.
I read a book by Paul Springer and Mel Carson called Pioneers of Digital - Success Stories from Leaders in Advertising, Marketing, Search and Social Media. Of course I like success stories. One problem I see with news is it is often about the negative so I like books that are about the positive.
I really liked that this book was mostly about people I did not recognize. The people highlighted are successful but not famous. Any successful business is not the work of just one person. It involves many other great people. This book is mostly about these other great people. EG - Angel Chen from Olgivy One China, Malcolm Poynton - Dove Real Beauty campaign, June Cohen (Ted talks). So not Steve Jobs or Bill Gates but important people who still make a difference.
I am always inspired when I read success stories. I can learn from each story. EG - one story on social media tells of a company with an email inbox for feedback with 80,000 unread emails. Of course the social media lesson - develop systems to deal with the volume.
The final chapters include one on Pioneering Places (hint - India, China). And one on lessons from Pioneers.
Great book. Easy read. Each chapter is stand alone so it is an easy book to put down and pick up again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Have a great holiday.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Perfect Day
I am having Blogger stress - the stressed caused by not blogging for a while.
One way to create a good life (nothing is ever perfect) is to think about your perfect day. So this morning, I am writing down the components of a perfect day. And at my stage, there is no reason I should not have more perfect days or days that are more perfect.
There is a big difference between what I am calling perfect and perfection. We are not aiming for perfection. If we did, the slightest hiccup could ruin what is the perfect day.
As one thinks about perfect days, it is also good to include how to make more of those components happen.
Today included part of what makes a perfect day for me. I woke early. I always love early morning and am highly productive. there are so many things I like to do in the early morning. But the problem with early rising is sleep. I need to go to bed early and I am not particularly good at that.
Other parts of a perfect day for me include exercise (although sometimes it is more the having worked out than the actual working out that I want) and eating right. There is no reason for these not to be every day for me.
I need some social interaction. I need some friend time. I need some outdoors (although I could do without the pollen). I need gratitude - appreciation for life and the world. I need a neat, clean and tidy environment. And the list goes on...
Try writing down your perfect day. It will help you have more perfect.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
I love great companies. One of the ones SEO Pledge is working with is an email marketing company (with permission of course). I find just being around good companies inspires me. Likely part of my perfect day.
One way to create a good life (nothing is ever perfect) is to think about your perfect day. So this morning, I am writing down the components of a perfect day. And at my stage, there is no reason I should not have more perfect days or days that are more perfect.
There is a big difference between what I am calling perfect and perfection. We are not aiming for perfection. If we did, the slightest hiccup could ruin what is the perfect day.
As one thinks about perfect days, it is also good to include how to make more of those components happen.
Today included part of what makes a perfect day for me. I woke early. I always love early morning and am highly productive. there are so many things I like to do in the early morning. But the problem with early rising is sleep. I need to go to bed early and I am not particularly good at that.
Other parts of a perfect day for me include exercise (although sometimes it is more the having worked out than the actual working out that I want) and eating right. There is no reason for these not to be every day for me.
I need some social interaction. I need some friend time. I need some outdoors (although I could do without the pollen). I need gratitude - appreciation for life and the world. I need a neat, clean and tidy environment. And the list goes on...
Try writing down your perfect day. It will help you have more perfect.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
I love great companies. One of the ones SEO Pledge is working with is an email marketing company (with permission of course). I find just being around good companies inspires me. Likely part of my perfect day.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Into The Storm
Since we are just off Hurricane Sandy (and the damage is still everywhere), I am more attuned to the power of weather and mother nature.
Into the Storm is a book by Dennis Perkins and Jillian Murphy (authors of Leading at the Edge). This book is one that you cannot put down. Although it is a business book (Part 2 is anyways), it is the captivating story of of a sailing regatta - Sydney to Hobart Ocean Race in 1998.
In the 1998 regatta, 6 people died. The weather was horrific. The book tells of ships losing their masts, sinking, rescues. It also tells of crews that survived.
One of the ships in the race is Larry Ellison's from Oracle. I heard him speak live about his experience at a 1999 YPO event in San Francisco. I remember much of what he said then. Recalling that made the book that much more interesting.
I am not a sailor but still loved the book.
The gripping and chilling story of the storm is followed by a series of lessons learned. Sailing is a lot about teamwork so much of the lessons are about teamwork. It covered stuff like "prepare, prepare, prepare" , "deal with things that slow you down" and "relentless learning".
What I know is people learn best and remember best from stories. And I certainly do. I really liked the format - captivating adventure followed by lessons.
This book is a page turner just like Driven to Succeed and their previous book about Shakleton. I am inspired to consider reading more adventure books instead of just the business books I usually read. Of course this one is the best of both worlds - adventure and business.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am always trying to be healthier. So I have been experimenting baking with Stevia - a super sweet plant extract that substitutes for some of the sugar in a recipe.
Works perfect so far (in banana bread and muffins)
I have also been making soup for the whole crew at the office. It all started with the storm and many people did not have power so I thought it was the right thing to do. And people liked it so I kept doing it many days.
Into the Storm is a book by Dennis Perkins and Jillian Murphy (authors of Leading at the Edge). This book is one that you cannot put down. Although it is a business book (Part 2 is anyways), it is the captivating story of of a sailing regatta - Sydney to Hobart Ocean Race in 1998.
In the 1998 regatta, 6 people died. The weather was horrific. The book tells of ships losing their masts, sinking, rescues. It also tells of crews that survived.
One of the ships in the race is Larry Ellison's from Oracle. I heard him speak live about his experience at a 1999 YPO event in San Francisco. I remember much of what he said then. Recalling that made the book that much more interesting.
I am not a sailor but still loved the book.
The gripping and chilling story of the storm is followed by a series of lessons learned. Sailing is a lot about teamwork so much of the lessons are about teamwork. It covered stuff like "prepare, prepare, prepare" , "deal with things that slow you down" and "relentless learning".
What I know is people learn best and remember best from stories. And I certainly do. I really liked the format - captivating adventure followed by lessons.
This book is a page turner just like Driven to Succeed and their previous book about Shakleton. I am inspired to consider reading more adventure books instead of just the business books I usually read. Of course this one is the best of both worlds - adventure and business.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am always trying to be healthier. So I have been experimenting baking with Stevia - a super sweet plant extract that substitutes for some of the sugar in a recipe.
Works perfect so far (in banana bread and muffins)
I have also been making soup for the whole crew at the office. It all started with the storm and many people did not have power so I thought it was the right thing to do. And people liked it so I kept doing it many days.
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Laws of Subtraction
I am just off US Thanksgiving, Black Friday and now Cyber Monday. Much of it is about consumerism. So my answer - reading a book by Matthew E. May called The Laws of Subtraction - 6 Simple Ways for Winning in the Age of Excess Everything.
I like to think I like simple but I do not live simple in many ways. The recent hurricane showed me my dependence on little things like power, internet and hot water.
The Laws of Subtraction is mostly about design - art and music. I apply much of it to life though.
May starts with a simplified version of John Maeda's (The Laws of Simplicity) tenth law:
What isn't there can often trump what is.
The simplest rules create the most effective experience
Limiting information engages the imagination
Creativity thrives under intelligent constraints
Break is the most important part of breakthrough
Doing something isn't always better than doing nothing.
These become the 6 laws and 6 chapters of the book.
At the end of each chapter is a series of one page articles written by "guest authors" giving their view of the topic. I found these to be some of the best part of the book. Each author has their own gems of wisdom. By distilling them to one page, we get the best from each author.
Less is more in design. It can be more in life too.
I think it might be better in blog entries too.
I like to think I like simple but I do not live simple in many ways. The recent hurricane showed me my dependence on little things like power, internet and hot water.
The Laws of Subtraction is mostly about design - art and music. I apply much of it to life though.
May starts with a simplified version of John Maeda's (The Laws of Simplicity) tenth law:
What isn't there can often trump what is.
The simplest rules create the most effective experience
Limiting information engages the imagination
Creativity thrives under intelligent constraints
Break is the most important part of breakthrough
Doing something isn't always better than doing nothing.
These become the 6 laws and 6 chapters of the book.
At the end of each chapter is a series of one page articles written by "guest authors" giving their view of the topic. I found these to be some of the best part of the book. Each author has their own gems of wisdom. By distilling them to one page, we get the best from each author.
Less is more in design. It can be more in life too.
I think it might be better in blog entries too.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Driven to Succeed
I just finished Frank Hasenfratz's biography - Driven to Succeed. It is gripping.
The story starts in Hungary and tells of Frank (called Farec then) hiding while Russians overrun his village - stealing everything in sight and worse. He is then forced to leave his family home with only what they can carry and being re-settled in a much tinier house in an area they did not know.
I am thankful for where I was born and raised that I had such a relatively easy life - especially by comparison.
Frank escaped from Hungary after WW II and made his way to Canada with no money. He tool a job in a metal shop and eventually had a falling out with his boss over how to make parts efficiently. So he made a deal. He would buy a lathe and put it in his basement and make the parts and sell them to his former employer.
He then added an oven to heat treat. He added more machines and built a shed to house some of the machines. He hired a few people. Then a few more.
And over 35 years grew to $2 Billion in sales and thousands of employees. (His original vision was to "grow to perhaps 20-30 people).
In reading it, I am inspired to consider returning to selling real goods. There is something rewarding about selling tangible "things".
There is certainly a large focus on family business (sort of like Now Foods - supplement manufacturer, distributor of stevia etc.). There is a section how Linda worked her way into and up in the business and the hopeful note that one of her children might someday join the business.
I am sure I found it partly interesting because I know many of the players. Frank was a neighbour. I played bridge with him every other week for 15 years. He sat on my (EMJ) board for the 10 years we were public. I have been to his house many times and he has been to mine.
And I know many of the characters in the book like Jim Jarrel, Bob Young, Linda Hasenfratz etc.
I also have spoken one of the authors, Rod McQueen when he was writing a book on Blackberry. McQueen is well known for writing Canadian business books. He is an excellent writer. I like his general positivity and objectivity.
It is a great - must read book.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The house across the street set out some storm debris today. I wish I still had a wood stove.
My brother Glen sent me an interesting article on global warming. There has never been a month for 27 years that global temperatures have been above average. 337 months in a row. The odds of that happening are ½ to the 337th power. We don’t even have a verbal number for something that small – it is 3.571 e—102.
I fear we may have more and worse storms in our future.
The story starts in Hungary and tells of Frank (called Farec then) hiding while Russians overrun his village - stealing everything in sight and worse. He is then forced to leave his family home with only what they can carry and being re-settled in a much tinier house in an area they did not know.
I am thankful for where I was born and raised that I had such a relatively easy life - especially by comparison.
Frank escaped from Hungary after WW II and made his way to Canada with no money. He tool a job in a metal shop and eventually had a falling out with his boss over how to make parts efficiently. So he made a deal. He would buy a lathe and put it in his basement and make the parts and sell them to his former employer.
He then added an oven to heat treat. He added more machines and built a shed to house some of the machines. He hired a few people. Then a few more.
And over 35 years grew to $2 Billion in sales and thousands of employees. (His original vision was to "grow to perhaps 20-30 people).
In reading it, I am inspired to consider returning to selling real goods. There is something rewarding about selling tangible "things".
There is certainly a large focus on family business (sort of like Now Foods - supplement manufacturer, distributor of stevia etc.). There is a section how Linda worked her way into and up in the business and the hopeful note that one of her children might someday join the business.
I am sure I found it partly interesting because I know many of the players. Frank was a neighbour. I played bridge with him every other week for 15 years. He sat on my (EMJ) board for the 10 years we were public. I have been to his house many times and he has been to mine.
And I know many of the characters in the book like Jim Jarrel, Bob Young, Linda Hasenfratz etc.
I also have spoken one of the authors, Rod McQueen when he was writing a book on Blackberry. McQueen is well known for writing Canadian business books. He is an excellent writer. I like his general positivity and objectivity.
It is a great - must read book.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My brother Glen sent me an interesting article on global warming. There has never been a month for 27 years that global temperatures have been above average. 337 months in a row. The odds of that happening are ½ to the 337th power. We don’t even have a verbal number for something that small – it is 3.571 e—102.
I fear we may have more and worse storms in our future.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Self Leadership
If you cannot lead yourself, who can you lead?
I read Self Leadership - How to Become a More Successful, Efficient, and Effective Leader from the Inside Out by Andrew Bryant and Ana Kazan.
The title says it all - seems like what most leaders would want. I particularly like the More Efficient but the More Effective is the most important. This is the difference between leadership and management - leadership is about effectiveness, management is about efficiency. See my post on leadership vs management.
"Self leadership emerges from self awareness which leads to greater self responsibility and behavioral flexibility, which in turn which in turn increases our ability to reach our goals."
I smiled at the title of one chapter - "Driver or passenger". The gist of it is - we decide.
The book is a comprehensive compilation of much of what is known in the self development field. I liked the suggestions on how to improve self discipline.
There is a great chapter on goal setting which of course I believe in. For many people, that chapter alone would pay for the book.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Life is back more to normal in Long Island. Still lots of storm evidence like the piles of stuff (like this piano) set out for garbage.
And of course the daily Josh is growing up photo.
I read Self Leadership - How to Become a More Successful, Efficient, and Effective Leader from the Inside Out by Andrew Bryant and Ana Kazan.
The title says it all - seems like what most leaders would want. I particularly like the More Efficient but the More Effective is the most important. This is the difference between leadership and management - leadership is about effectiveness, management is about efficiency. See my post on leadership vs management.
"Self leadership emerges from self awareness which leads to greater self responsibility and behavioral flexibility, which in turn which in turn increases our ability to reach our goals."
I smiled at the title of one chapter - "Driver or passenger". The gist of it is - we decide.
The book is a comprehensive compilation of much of what is known in the self development field. I liked the suggestions on how to improve self discipline.
There is a great chapter on goal setting which of course I believe in. For many people, that chapter alone would pay for the book.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Life is back more to normal in Long Island. Still lots of storm evidence like the piles of stuff (like this piano) set out for garbage.
And of course the daily Josh is growing up photo.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Useful Workout
It was a beautiful perfect day to be outside.
I spent much of the afternoon sawing logs. No - not napping (that was yesterday), really sawing logs, moving branches, clearing storm damage. I used a manual bow saw so got lots of exercise. I often think when I am working out in a gym that I could actually be doing something productive like this.
And then I harvested most of the remaining vegetables from the garden. Some potatoes, lots of beets, carrots and almost a bushel of leeks. I grew both yellow and red beets this year but the yellow ones were disappointing - low yield and small.
To some extent, gardening could be classified as a useful workout.
The only problem with harvesting is it is a lot of work to clean, dry, freeze and deal with them now.
I left the parsnips in the ground. They sweeten with freezing and can even wait to the spring for harvest.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I read Every Leader is an Artist - How the World's Greatest Artists Can Make You a More Creative Leader by Michael O'Malley and William Baker (Both PhD's).
I do not consider myself to be artistic. I cannot draw worth anything. I am also highly utilitarian oriented and tend to undervalue art. But I am highly creative. This creativity has served me well in business.
Leaders, like artists put their work on display every day in front of judgmental and discerning audiences.
O'Malley and Baker have distilled 12 successful characteristics of artists that can be applied to leadership. They call them leadership criteria. I like that they acknowledge there is not one success formula that fits all situations or leaders.
Some of the 12 criteria:
1 - Intent. Make a commitment to achieve exceptional ends. I found this inspirational.
2 - Focus. I have often had concern that my creativity has limited my focus. I often jump from idea to idea. Every successful person I know is high focus.
7 - Authenticity. This is one trait that makes a leader. Simple, easy and rare.
12 - Criticism. Constant evaluation of results and using that analysis to modify as needed.
Most artists (and they include writers in this) dedicate their lifetime to their pursuit. Leadership is a lifetime pursuit as well.
Part of the moral is we can all learn from any highly successful person. Most successful people in any field have applied themselves passionately to their chosen field.
I spent much of the afternoon sawing logs. No - not napping (that was yesterday), really sawing logs, moving branches, clearing storm damage. I used a manual bow saw so got lots of exercise. I often think when I am working out in a gym that I could actually be doing something productive like this.
And then I harvested most of the remaining vegetables from the garden. Some potatoes, lots of beets, carrots and almost a bushel of leeks. I grew both yellow and red beets this year but the yellow ones were disappointing - low yield and small.
To some extent, gardening could be classified as a useful workout.
The only problem with harvesting is it is a lot of work to clean, dry, freeze and deal with them now.
I left the parsnips in the ground. They sweeten with freezing and can even wait to the spring for harvest.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I read Every Leader is an Artist - How the World's Greatest Artists Can Make You a More Creative Leader by Michael O'Malley and William Baker (Both PhD's).
I do not consider myself to be artistic. I cannot draw worth anything. I am also highly utilitarian oriented and tend to undervalue art. But I am highly creative. This creativity has served me well in business.
Leaders, like artists put their work on display every day in front of judgmental and discerning audiences.
O'Malley and Baker have distilled 12 successful characteristics of artists that can be applied to leadership. They call them leadership criteria. I like that they acknowledge there is not one success formula that fits all situations or leaders.
Some of the 12 criteria:
1 - Intent. Make a commitment to achieve exceptional ends. I found this inspirational.
2 - Focus. I have often had concern that my creativity has limited my focus. I often jump from idea to idea. Every successful person I know is high focus.
7 - Authenticity. This is one trait that makes a leader. Simple, easy and rare.
12 - Criticism. Constant evaluation of results and using that analysis to modify as needed.
Most artists (and they include writers in this) dedicate their lifetime to their pursuit. Leadership is a lifetime pursuit as well.
Part of the moral is we can all learn from any highly successful person. Most successful people in any field have applied themselves passionately to their chosen field.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Gas Math in Long Island
I finally had to break down and get gas yesterday (I am odd, which most of you already know, so yesterday was my day). I still had almost 1/4 tank but even I am being more conservative than usual. Normally I consider it to be a waste of time to fill up when I am not almost empty. It cost me $30 to fill the tank (I love my Prius).
My fault was choosing to wait in one of the many "hope" lines. A hope line is one where the cars are lining up and even moving forward (as cars leave the queue) but the gas station in question is not pumping gas. So that killed an hour.
When I finally found a gas station that was pumping (referred by a friend), I drove 10 miles out of my way (burning gas) and filled up after about a 25 minute wait. The Hess website is good at showing which station has gas and there is a web site gasbuddy that also shows them.
Did I tell you I love my Prius. I lasted 2 weeks and still had enough gas that I could have driven another few days. I tell everyone I drive a sports car (because it is red).
I really rail against people who think odd/even gas is gas rationing. It is not. People can still buy as much gas as they want as long as they shop on the right day. Rationing would be if people were limited in what they could buy (and as an environmentalist, I do not think that would be terrible although the logistics would be a nightmare).
I think there would be one more thing that could be done to cut the wait time in gas lines. Do not allow people to refill unless their tank is on 1/4 full or less. Many people are refilling when they are over half so this is doubling the number of stops at the gas station.
So why the gas shortage? It has to be the damaged distribution system since the math simply does not support that we could not catch up easily.
The math and assumptions:
There are 1.2 million households in Long Island. Assume there is an average of 2 cars per household.
Assume normal people use 10 gallons or gas weekly, the base demand is 24 million gallons/week.
Assume 10% of the gas stations are without power so there is a one time 10% reduction in reserves.
Assume normally the average car is half full and now the average is 3/4 full. Assume the normal tank holds 16 gallons (which has to be way high), this would be 4 gallons times 2.4 million cars or 9.6 million gallons.
Assume of the 20% without power(it is a bit lower than that now but averaging the past 14 days), 20% of those people are running a gas generator for 4 hours per day. A 5000 watt generator (which is on the large side of average) uses 1/2 gallon per hour so that is added demand of 2 gallons times 24,000 households that is 480,000 gallons per day. This is an increase in demand of only 14%.
So the added gas for the increased gas people are keeping in their tanks is about 1/2 week plus 10% for the gas in the ground at gas stations without power. And added demand of 14%. If only 1 week more supply was added, we would be caught up.
Of course these numbers are way skewed because Long Island is not an economic island and what happens in NYC and surrounding areas has impact. So likely all my calculations/assumptions are off (and misresearched)
And what I hear nothing of is people conserving. Conservation would be one easy way to get us back on track more quickly (although the math on that still works out to 3.5 weeks if everyone cuts use by 25% (I will let you do the math))
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I never know what posts will get me the most search traffic. I notice I have good ranking for Good to Great is Gone and Wisdom of Failure but virtually no rank for others like Propel and Compound Effect.
Wondering if Google thinks I am more of an expert in loser topics.
My fault was choosing to wait in one of the many "hope" lines. A hope line is one where the cars are lining up and even moving forward (as cars leave the queue) but the gas station in question is not pumping gas. So that killed an hour.
When I finally found a gas station that was pumping (referred by a friend), I drove 10 miles out of my way (burning gas) and filled up after about a 25 minute wait. The Hess website is good at showing which station has gas and there is a web site gasbuddy that also shows them.
Did I tell you I love my Prius. I lasted 2 weeks and still had enough gas that I could have driven another few days. I tell everyone I drive a sports car (because it is red).
I really rail against people who think odd/even gas is gas rationing. It is not. People can still buy as much gas as they want as long as they shop on the right day. Rationing would be if people were limited in what they could buy (and as an environmentalist, I do not think that would be terrible although the logistics would be a nightmare).
I think there would be one more thing that could be done to cut the wait time in gas lines. Do not allow people to refill unless their tank is on 1/4 full or less. Many people are refilling when they are over half so this is doubling the number of stops at the gas station.
So why the gas shortage? It has to be the damaged distribution system since the math simply does not support that we could not catch up easily.
The math and assumptions:
There are 1.2 million households in Long Island. Assume there is an average of 2 cars per household.
Assume normal people use 10 gallons or gas weekly, the base demand is 24 million gallons/week.
Assume 10% of the gas stations are without power so there is a one time 10% reduction in reserves.
Assume normally the average car is half full and now the average is 3/4 full. Assume the normal tank holds 16 gallons (which has to be way high), this would be 4 gallons times 2.4 million cars or 9.6 million gallons.
Assume of the 20% without power(it is a bit lower than that now but averaging the past 14 days), 20% of those people are running a gas generator for 4 hours per day. A 5000 watt generator (which is on the large side of average) uses 1/2 gallon per hour so that is added demand of 2 gallons times 24,000 households that is 480,000 gallons per day. This is an increase in demand of only 14%.
So the added gas for the increased gas people are keeping in their tanks is about 1/2 week plus 10% for the gas in the ground at gas stations without power. And added demand of 14%. If only 1 week more supply was added, we would be caught up.
Of course these numbers are way skewed because Long Island is not an economic island and what happens in NYC and surrounding areas has impact. So likely all my calculations/assumptions are off (and misresearched)
And what I hear nothing of is people conserving. Conservation would be one easy way to get us back on track more quickly (although the math on that still works out to 3.5 weeks if everyone cuts use by 25% (I will let you do the math))
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I never know what posts will get me the most search traffic. I notice I have good ranking for Good to Great is Gone and Wisdom of Failure but virtually no rank for others like Propel and Compound Effect.
Wondering if Google thinks I am more of an expert in loser topics.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tell To Win
I awoke this morning to a gorgeous snow cover. I love fresh snow. It is beautiful. And since it is warm, it is perfect packing. Wish my brothers were here so we could have a snowball fight.
The temperature will rise today so it will likely all be gone.
The downside - there was a tree down blocking the driveway. And most of my not yet mature fruit trees are broken.
The pictures:
1 - the tree across the drive
2 - a 6 foot wood/twig pile I had piled on the road. Previous storm results.
And being slightly storm bound (They do not know now to deal with snow here), I read a book. Perfect start for a day (other than working out which I will get lots of moving the downed tree - and reading - that will help my brain)
I read Tell to Win - Connect, Persuade, and Triumph, with the Hidden Power of Story by Hollywood producer Peter Guber.
Guber has lead a very interesting life - meeting with famous figures like Michael Jackson, the Dali Lama, Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali and lots more.
The gist of the message is people listen, engage, remember and act more when the message is delivered as a great story. "Move their hearts and their feet and wallets follow".
Of course the book is about story telling and part of what makes a good book is story telling so this is a fun story filled book to read. And reading it helps to show how things that I did not think were stories can be made into stories.
I intend to try to use stories more as a result.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Propel
Well life is starting to return to normal but there are still huge issues in Long Island. 100,000 houses were destroyed (out of 1.2 million). For those people, life is not back to normal. 171,000 people still have no electricity (14%) which is still a huge number. I watch the outage numbers on the LIPA website like the stock market.
And lines to get gas are still a problem. A short line is 40 minutes and some people have lined up for hours. At times like this, I love my Prius even more.
And now we have another snow storm coming in.
These pictures of Long Island help show some of what happened.
All this weather and damage are simply "conditions". I worked with a guy who would point out business conditions (essentially those things that you can do little to change). With conditions, the key is adaptation and how you cope with them. In business they are often used as excuses but they should not be. They are what they are - figure out how to deal with them.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am way behind in my reading but I did read a book - Propel - Five Ways to Amp Up Your Marketing and Accelerate Your Business. Of course I am intrigued by marketing so I liked the book.
I could tell you the 5 principles (Strategy, Story, Strength, Simplicity, Speed) but that would not tell you the story.
The first chapters are fairly basic marketing primers. Good information that reinforces what most marketers know (like have goals and measure).
The chapter I liked was "Amplify Through Media and Opinion Influencers". Once the message is determined, get it out. If done properly, this can magnify results.
Social Media has changed who and what media is. Opinion influencers are no longer just traditional media like TV, radio and newspapers but can be anyone like me - blogging. Different people are influential on different things. Different people have different reach.
For example, if I tweet to my 3,000 followers about a business book and they think I am important in that, it may have as much impact as a celebrity tweeting the same thing even though the celebrities reach is much larger than mine. Impact is a combination of reach and specific influence.
Social media itself often gets amplified. If I read a tweet and retweet it or mention it in my blog (like the pictures earlier in this post), the message is amplified.
In marketing, the marketer has some influence and can help get this amplification.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And for the Josh followers:
And lines to get gas are still a problem. A short line is 40 minutes and some people have lined up for hours. At times like this, I love my Prius even more.
And now we have another snow storm coming in.
These pictures of Long Island help show some of what happened.
All this weather and damage are simply "conditions". I worked with a guy who would point out business conditions (essentially those things that you can do little to change). With conditions, the key is adaptation and how you cope with them. In business they are often used as excuses but they should not be. They are what they are - figure out how to deal with them.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am way behind in my reading but I did read a book - Propel - Five Ways to Amp Up Your Marketing and Accelerate Your Business. Of course I am intrigued by marketing so I liked the book.
I could tell you the 5 principles (Strategy, Story, Strength, Simplicity, Speed) but that would not tell you the story.
The first chapters are fairly basic marketing primers. Good information that reinforces what most marketers know (like have goals and measure).
The chapter I liked was "Amplify Through Media and Opinion Influencers". Once the message is determined, get it out. If done properly, this can magnify results.
Social Media has changed who and what media is. Opinion influencers are no longer just traditional media like TV, radio and newspapers but can be anyone like me - blogging. Different people are influential on different things. Different people have different reach.
For example, if I tweet to my 3,000 followers about a business book and they think I am important in that, it may have as much impact as a celebrity tweeting the same thing even though the celebrities reach is much larger than mine. Impact is a combination of reach and specific influence.
Social media itself often gets amplified. If I read a tweet and retweet it or mention it in my blog (like the pictures earlier in this post), the message is amplified.
In marketing, the marketer has some influence and can help get this amplification.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And for the Josh followers:
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Post Sandra
Electricity is back! And internet. And hot water. Life can start to return to normal.
Life without electricity helps with the "appreciation" factor. I like the think of myself as a grateful person (I lead a charmed life and I know it) but this experience helps drive it home. This experience has helped me with appreciating the simple things.
I am one of the lucky ones. Long Island still has 450,000 households without power (out of about 1,200,000).
My daughter was worried that I had no power but I explained to her I never lost power - just electricity.
I am thinking of putting in a small solar system (and she thought I did not have power - it takes a lot of power to even consider buying enough planets for a solar system).
I am likely to invest in a small generator to at least run the freezer.
I am sure my list is not as good as many others but the following is my suggestion for those preparing for a hurricane:
1 - Take out a bit of cash. ATMs do not work and some suppliers will not be able to accept visa.
2 - Have bottled water. We were never without water but some people were.
3 - Have matches and a lighter is handy. Matches became tough to light since they got a bit moist just from the moisture in the air since there was no heat.
4 - Have candles (and of course make sure they are used safely)
5 - Batteries. They last longer than I thought they would. 6 days without electricity and did not even need to change flashlight batteries. But still - it is good to have some extra.
6 - Food. Dried lentils, rice, beans, quinoa etc are inexpensive and easy. This is the way I like to eat usually so this part is not a problem.
7 - Have some way to cook. A propane BBQ works well. We are lucky enough to have a gas stove. We also have camp stoves but did not think to lay in any extra naptha.
8 - Fill the car with gas. Right now, there are no stations with gas and any station with gas has a 3 hour line up.
Life without electricity helps with the "appreciation" factor. I like the think of myself as a grateful person (I lead a charmed life and I know it) but this experience helps drive it home. This experience has helped me with appreciating the simple things.
I am one of the lucky ones. Long Island still has 450,000 households without power (out of about 1,200,000).
My daughter was worried that I had no power but I explained to her I never lost power - just electricity.
I am thinking of putting in a small solar system (and she thought I did not have power - it takes a lot of power to even consider buying enough planets for a solar system).
I am likely to invest in a small generator to at least run the freezer.
I am sure my list is not as good as many others but the following is my suggestion for those preparing for a hurricane:
1 - Take out a bit of cash. ATMs do not work and some suppliers will not be able to accept visa.
2 - Have bottled water. We were never without water but some people were.
3 - Have matches and a lighter is handy. Matches became tough to light since they got a bit moist just from the moisture in the air since there was no heat.
4 - Have candles (and of course make sure they are used safely)
5 - Batteries. They last longer than I thought they would. 6 days without electricity and did not even need to change flashlight batteries. But still - it is good to have some extra.
6 - Food. Dried lentils, rice, beans, quinoa etc are inexpensive and easy. This is the way I like to eat usually so this part is not a problem.
7 - Have some way to cook. A propane BBQ works well. We are lucky enough to have a gas stove. We also have camp stoves but did not think to lay in any extra naptha.
8 - Fill the car with gas. Right now, there are no stations with gas and any station with gas has a 3 hour line up.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Living Off Grid
I am living off grid now. 4 days so far.
Hurricane Sandy knocked out power at home and the office. No Power, no phone, no internet, no hot water, gas is getting scarce - stations are out or have no power to pump. We lost a few trees. Neighbors fared much worse with car damage, trees on houses etc.
Living in the dark is fine (Many people think I live in the dark most of the time). My worry is for the freezer full of fish. Wild fish caught in Northern British Columbia. A neighbor has kindly loaned us his generator daily to keep it frozen.
Of course my brother Glen pointed out, I am not really off grid, I have water and occasional cell service.
It is getting better by the hour. Cell service gets a bit better. A few more places have power and a few more hotspots become accessible. My Verizon Air card did not work at all yesterday but works now if I am in an area with power (so not at home).
But I am fortunate. Safe and healthy. Just minor inconvenience. I prefer to look at it as adventure.
First 2 and last pics are on our property.
The tree blocking the street is commonplace although many have been moved or at least a car width cut through.
Hurricane Sandy knocked out power at home and the office. No Power, no phone, no internet, no hot water, gas is getting scarce - stations are out or have no power to pump. We lost a few trees. Neighbors fared much worse with car damage, trees on houses etc.
Living in the dark is fine (Many people think I live in the dark most of the time). My worry is for the freezer full of fish. Wild fish caught in Northern British Columbia. A neighbor has kindly loaned us his generator daily to keep it frozen.
Of course my brother Glen pointed out, I am not really off grid, I have water and occasional cell service.
It is getting better by the hour. Cell service gets a bit better. A few more places have power and a few more hotspots become accessible. My Verizon Air card did not work at all yesterday but works now if I am in an area with power (so not at home).
But I am fortunate. Safe and healthy. Just minor inconvenience. I prefer to look at it as adventure.
First 2 and last pics are on our property.
The tree blocking the street is commonplace although many have been moved or at least a car width cut through.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The Virual Executive
I love being up early although I do wish it were lighter out. It seems too early when it is still dark.
The garden continues to flourish although it is getting to the end. I feel healthier when I eat from the garden. I know the vegetables do not have chemicals and they certainly are fresh - often an hour from garden to table. Last night I had beets, beet tops, parsnips, a leek, tomatoes and carrots from the garden. I know I am eating healthy by the amount of scrap I need to take out to the compost. I am a bit surprised more people do not garden. It truly is awesome.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
I read a book - The Virtual Executive - How to Act Like a CEO Online and Offline by Debra A. Benton (author of How to Act Like a CEO).
The book starts with demographics and explains how the different cohort react to the digital world. Of course, I dislike stereotypes but much of what was said rang true. Different ages react differently to different media.
"Online is faster, cheaper and easier" but is clearly not as effective as in person. Virtual can be more efficient. Technology can be a great friend if used properly.
Many of the points the book made were obvious (but good to be reminded of). The simple things like pay attention to the person you are in rather than the Blackberry. Being responsive and fast is courteous and the mark of a good executive etc.
I have long had a theory that relationships are best fostered live for a while. Once they have been developed, online (or phone) can be effective. I recall in my early years building EMJ, I kept a binder with my customers (my offline version of salesforce) and I would divide customers into A, B and C depending on potential. I would then make a point of visiting A customers monthly, B, quarterly and C, annually. After a few years, I modified that system. I would visit new customers 3-5 times in a short period. Then, once the relationship was sound, I would drop back to annually. Having the relationship allowed me to be effective virtually.
As the book says "To be a good executive, you need to be adept at all forms of communication". And good listening is a part of all forms of communication.
I have found it efficient to foster relationships through one to many communication like this blog. It certainly is no substitute for in person, phone or personal interaction but it does keep a presence that can help those communications. Sometimes when I write, I even think of a specific reader and almost tailor it to that.
What I find is many people like to be CEO but far fewer are really willing to do what it takes to be a good CEO. In my opinion, a good CEO needs to first think of building the company. CEO trappings come last. And part of being a good CEO is constant learning. Some good quotes from the book:
" Slow down - you will go a lot faster"
"Everyone laughs in the same language"
"I have plenty of faults but I try to do the right thing"
"Nothing baffles people full of tricks and duplicities than straightforward integrity"
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Good to Great to Gone
I read a new book - Good To Great to Gone - the 60 Year Rise and Fall of Circuit City by Alan Wurtzel. One of the special things about this book is Alan Wurtzel was actually CEO for 13 years until 1986.
I did a lot of business with Circuit City and their competitors over the years so the book was close to home.
In 2009, Circuit City went bankrupt after an amazing 60 year run.
I liked the second chapter which spoke of the culture and values in the early days that created success.
The author has come up with an excellent list of lessons from Circuit city which he calls "habits of mind". Things like "be humble - run scared" and "Keep it simple and accountable" and "mind the culture". The book is probably worth reading just for that list.
The first section is called "the Good" - 1949 to 1970. Then "Almost gone" 1971-1977. Then "the Great Years" 1978 to 2000. And then of course 2001-2009 - Gone (as is often the case, it took a long time to be gone).
There is an expression some self help people push "Craziness is doing the same thing and expecting different results". They are making the assumption that you are not where you want to be so need to change. My variation on this for successful people and successful companies is "Do what you always have done and you will go bankrupt". Environment and the world changes so we need to also.
Good is the enemy of Great. If we are doing good (sorry about the grammar mom), we do not need to change and therefor cannot become great. Great may be the enemy of survival.
Perhaps the problem is being great. I always figured if anyone thinks they have arrived, they begin to decline.
Anyways - awesome book.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And Josh (my grandson) continues to grow and is beginning to talk although I am still much better at it than he is.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The Compound Effect
I am loving my new office space. Gorgeous health club in the building. At the LIRR train station. And open concept. More on that later.
I find it is easy to "not do" something and easy to "do" something but more difficult to moderate things. For example, it is easy to say I will not eat red meat but difficult to not eat more food on my plate.
I find it easy to exercise (although sometimes put it off). But moderation ...
There is finally a non promotional health video that I like.
The health theme lead me to think of a recent book - The Compound Effect. Although the book was more about money and success than health, it certainly applies. And it does talk about the compounding of health and how success habits have a multiplying effect over time.
The book by Darren Hardy (Publisher of Success Magazine) is called The Compound Effect - Jumpstart Your Income, your Life, Your Success.
I owe a lot of my current state to my early sustained drive and to the compound effect. Small savings and earnings added up. At this point, it makes my life easier.
This compounding also counts in success and reputation. I find now, things are much easier. People return my calls. So getting things done is easier.
As Hardy says "Small Smart Choices+consistency+time = Radical Difference"
A cute story in the book. A magic penny doubles every day for 31 days. What would you pay for it? $10,000? $50,000? $100,000? That single penny would be worth over $10 million!
Another example. Coffee with cream and sugar has 90 calories. 2 cups per day for a year is 65,700 calories or almost 19 pounds. Small changes can make big differences. Or walk a mile per day for a year burns about 36,500 calories which is over 10 pounds.
The book is chock full of ideas on how to get and stay motivated (reading a book like this would be a good start in my opinion).
There is a chapter on momentum - something else I strongly believe in.
He certainly believes in my success habits.
I found the book fast and easy to read and inspirational reinforcement of what I know in my heart.
I find it is easy to "not do" something and easy to "do" something but more difficult to moderate things. For example, it is easy to say I will not eat red meat but difficult to not eat more food on my plate.
I find it easy to exercise (although sometimes put it off). But moderation ...
There is finally a non promotional health video that I like.
The health theme lead me to think of a recent book - The Compound Effect. Although the book was more about money and success than health, it certainly applies. And it does talk about the compounding of health and how success habits have a multiplying effect over time.
The book by Darren Hardy (Publisher of Success Magazine) is called The Compound Effect - Jumpstart Your Income, your Life, Your Success.
I owe a lot of my current state to my early sustained drive and to the compound effect. Small savings and earnings added up. At this point, it makes my life easier.
This compounding also counts in success and reputation. I find now, things are much easier. People return my calls. So getting things done is easier.
As Hardy says "Small Smart Choices+consistency+time = Radical Difference"
A cute story in the book. A magic penny doubles every day for 31 days. What would you pay for it? $10,000? $50,000? $100,000? That single penny would be worth over $10 million!
Another example. Coffee with cream and sugar has 90 calories. 2 cups per day for a year is 65,700 calories or almost 19 pounds. Small changes can make big differences. Or walk a mile per day for a year burns about 36,500 calories which is over 10 pounds.
The book is chock full of ideas on how to get and stay motivated (reading a book like this would be a good start in my opinion).
There is a chapter on momentum - something else I strongly believe in.
He certainly believes in my success habits.
I found the book fast and easy to read and inspirational reinforcement of what I know in my heart.
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Wisdom of Failure
I have often blogged about failure. Having a failure does not making someone a failure. It is better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all. And of course one of the expressions I am known for is "fail often, fail fast, fail cheap". This is one way for companies to innovate.
So of course I was interested to read Laurence Weinzimmer and Jim McCooughey's book - The Widsom of Failure - How to Learn the Tough Leadership Lessons Without Paying the Price.
I have long said that true wisdom is learning from other people's mistakes. Easy to say, tough to do. There is always a temptation to think others have failed because they were not smart enough, did not work hard enough, it was the wrong time etc. but when we are in the same position, we, too, often fail. I have seen this repeatedly in entrepreneurial situations.
The Power of Wisdom delves into almost all conceivable failure mechanisms. It includes real life business examples.
The Wisdom of Failure has many great chapters. One is "Seduced by Yes, Being All Things to All People". I know I tend to lack focus and it has served me well but I also know if I had more focus on just one thing I would be stronger. It is a balance.
Another is "Entrenched by Efficiency - Forgetting to put Effectiveness First". Again -the title says it all. We often chase efficiency where what we really want is effectiveness. We sometimes measure activities where what we really want is results.
Not admitting failure can cause wrong thinking and can even lead to cheating and massive failure. This pressure can be greatest in public companies where small failures are punished harshly and the time horizon is often months, not years. For example, Enron chose to hide issues and ultimately became a sham until it eventually all unraveled.
I liked the section on hoarding. Managers sometime hoard power thus limiting themselves and their organizations. I may actually be the opposite to that now (although I was not always that way).
Great book. Easy read. The pages flew by.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And the weekend was one of a lot of weeds. Failure to weed when weeds are small means weeding when they are big.
Great harvests of leeks, beets, carrots, parsnips, tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes and more tomatoes, fennel seed, and basil. And some harvest of green beans, peppers and eggplant. And the approaching chill should help bring out the sweetness in the carrots and parsnips.
I track my hours spent in garden therapy (an appropriate word coined by a friend) and I think someone could grow half their food in about 2-3 hours per week on 1/8th to 1/4 acre. At this time of year, we never buy vegetables and the freezer is getting full.
So of course I was interested to read Laurence Weinzimmer and Jim McCooughey's book - The Widsom of Failure - How to Learn the Tough Leadership Lessons Without Paying the Price.
I have long said that true wisdom is learning from other people's mistakes. Easy to say, tough to do. There is always a temptation to think others have failed because they were not smart enough, did not work hard enough, it was the wrong time etc. but when we are in the same position, we, too, often fail. I have seen this repeatedly in entrepreneurial situations.
The Power of Wisdom delves into almost all conceivable failure mechanisms. It includes real life business examples.
The Wisdom of Failure has many great chapters. One is "Seduced by Yes, Being All Things to All People". I know I tend to lack focus and it has served me well but I also know if I had more focus on just one thing I would be stronger. It is a balance.
Another is "Entrenched by Efficiency - Forgetting to put Effectiveness First". Again -the title says it all. We often chase efficiency where what we really want is effectiveness. We sometimes measure activities where what we really want is results.
Not admitting failure can cause wrong thinking and can even lead to cheating and massive failure. This pressure can be greatest in public companies where small failures are punished harshly and the time horizon is often months, not years. For example, Enron chose to hide issues and ultimately became a sham until it eventually all unraveled.
I liked the section on hoarding. Managers sometime hoard power thus limiting themselves and their organizations. I may actually be the opposite to that now (although I was not always that way).
Great book. Easy read. The pages flew by.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And the weekend was one of a lot of weeds. Failure to weed when weeds are small means weeding when they are big.
Great harvests of leeks, beets, carrots, parsnips, tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes and more tomatoes, fennel seed, and basil. And some harvest of green beans, peppers and eggplant. And the approaching chill should help bring out the sweetness in the carrots and parsnips.
I track my hours spent in garden therapy (an appropriate word coined by a friend) and I think someone could grow half their food in about 2-3 hours per week on 1/8th to 1/4 acre. At this time of year, we never buy vegetables and the freezer is getting full.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Stop Selling Vanilla Ice Cream
Stop Selling Vanilla Ice Cream - The Scoop on Increasing Profit by Differentiating Your Company Through Strategy and Talent. I just love it when the title explains the book (and I have to admit, it is a catchy title)
This book, written by Steve Van Remortel.
I have long believed in choosing a niche. To some extent, this is the same as differentiation. Selling the same thing as everyone else means you can only thrive by being more efficient and this tends to be difficult. Selling differentiated product allows for less or no competition.
The irony, is my business (EMJ then later SYNNEX) was largely selling non differentiated product - or at least that is what most people would say. It is tough to say our HP printer was different than someone else's HP printer.
But was it? According to Van Remortel, a commodity product can become differentiated by adding services. And we did just that. Have a better order system, have more inventory, faster delivery, more knowledge etc. The challenge in distribution was always to stay ahead and catch up where needed.
We were among the first distributors to ship products the same day. Soon everyone did that so even that became a commodity. So then it was a game to ship orders received later and later in the day.
Van Remortel presents a process to work through to identify and implement differentiations is business. One things I love that he suggests is to make sure customers value the differentiation. EG - why sell pork flavored ice cream if customers do not want it(my example - not his). Differentiation for differentiations sake does not help.
His process includes talent management and using talent to help select the differentiations. Good book that would help a team develop their unique differentiations.
+++++++++++++++++++++
And since I have posted many times on brain things (like "The Winners Brain", "Strategic Intuition", "Save your brain" etc.), I thought I would include the following infographic. I liked the link between raising IQ and exercise. Thinking I need to work out more. And wondering if ice cream might not be bad for IQ. +++++++++
This book, written by Steve Van Remortel.
I have long believed in choosing a niche. To some extent, this is the same as differentiation. Selling the same thing as everyone else means you can only thrive by being more efficient and this tends to be difficult. Selling differentiated product allows for less or no competition.
The irony, is my business (EMJ then later SYNNEX) was largely selling non differentiated product - or at least that is what most people would say. It is tough to say our HP printer was different than someone else's HP printer.
But was it? According to Van Remortel, a commodity product can become differentiated by adding services. And we did just that. Have a better order system, have more inventory, faster delivery, more knowledge etc. The challenge in distribution was always to stay ahead and catch up where needed.
We were among the first distributors to ship products the same day. Soon everyone did that so even that became a commodity. So then it was a game to ship orders received later and later in the day.
Van Remortel presents a process to work through to identify and implement differentiations is business. One things I love that he suggests is to make sure customers value the differentiation. EG - why sell pork flavored ice cream if customers do not want it(my example - not his). Differentiation for differentiations sake does not help.
His process includes talent management and using talent to help select the differentiations. Good book that would help a team develop their unique differentiations.
+++++++++++++++++++++
And since I have posted many times on brain things (like "The Winners Brain", "Strategic Intuition", "Save your brain" etc.), I thought I would include the following infographic. I liked the link between raising IQ and exercise. Thinking I need to work out more. And wondering if ice cream might not be bad for IQ. +++++++++
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Strategic Intuition
There is a great article in the Wall Street Journal on energy/creativity cycles and what time of day is best to do things. This is one of the things I suggest in time management. I even have a column on my time tracker sheets to log energy level. Anyways - good article - worth reading.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
One of my investments is in Telehop - a reduced rate long distance carrier. Of course being a frugal guy, a company that sells at reduced rate seems logical to me.
They just introduced reduce long distance for cell phones. This could be a huge opportunity. Cell calls are still a place where long distance costs are high. Good article on the service in Canadian Immigrant Magazine.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I read a book by William Duggan "Strategic Intuition - the Creative Spark in Human Achievement".
I have long been an intuitive person. At the same time, I have suppressed this. My engineering education also helped me to suppress it. And over time and work, I became more logical than intuitive.
Now, I am trying to get back to using my intuition more.
I loved that the book essentially said "it is not only OK to be intuitive, it is good". It cites many great people like Aristotle and Einstein who used intuitive flashes to further their work. And from what I have done and studies, I realize those "flashes" come from reading, studying and thought about something followed by leaving it. And sleeping or exercising after a period of concentration on a topic tends to lock it in. This is why the precious hour before sleep is critical to use well.
The book, Strategic Intuition puts process into intuition. It cites many scientific studies.
I liked the research about how people decide. They actually tend to choose from a very limited selection of directions. In crisis particularly, people do not run through lots of alternatives. This is why crisis training for EMS, marines etc pounds in the one best rather than lots of alternatives.
I was also interested to read that the left brain/right brain theory that Sperry won the noble prize for in 1980 was overturned in 2000 (shows you how current I am). I enjoy books on the brain.
Good book. Interesting.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
One of my investments is in Telehop - a reduced rate long distance carrier. Of course being a frugal guy, a company that sells at reduced rate seems logical to me.
They just introduced reduce long distance for cell phones. This could be a huge opportunity. Cell calls are still a place where long distance costs are high. Good article on the service in Canadian Immigrant Magazine.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I read a book by William Duggan "Strategic Intuition - the Creative Spark in Human Achievement".
I have long been an intuitive person. At the same time, I have suppressed this. My engineering education also helped me to suppress it. And over time and work, I became more logical than intuitive.
Now, I am trying to get back to using my intuition more.
I loved that the book essentially said "it is not only OK to be intuitive, it is good". It cites many great people like Aristotle and Einstein who used intuitive flashes to further their work. And from what I have done and studies, I realize those "flashes" come from reading, studying and thought about something followed by leaving it. And sleeping or exercising after a period of concentration on a topic tends to lock it in. This is why the precious hour before sleep is critical to use well.
The book, Strategic Intuition puts process into intuition. It cites many scientific studies.
I liked the research about how people decide. They actually tend to choose from a very limited selection of directions. In crisis particularly, people do not run through lots of alternatives. This is why crisis training for EMS, marines etc pounds in the one best rather than lots of alternatives.
I was also interested to read that the left brain/right brain theory that Sperry won the noble prize for in 1980 was overturned in 2000 (shows you how current I am). I enjoy books on the brain.
Good book. Interesting.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
The Pause Principle
Lots of gardening after a busy travel week last week. Leeks, squash, basil, tomatoes, beets, carrots, parsnips, beans all abound. You know the harvest is plentiful when you think it takes too long to harvest tomatoes.
I included the shoe in the photo to give perspective to the squash. Not positive I should become a professional photographer. And not sure how big the market is for vegetable photographers.
I read a great book - The Pause Principle - Step Forward to Lead Forward by Kevin Cashman. I love the principle and have for a long time. Basically - step back and pause to gain efficiency and for true clarity.
As a time management guy, I have spent much time studying and honing my efficiency systems. Much of this efficiency is based on "never waste a minute". So I deliberately think of how I can reduce the gaps and fill them with productive tasks.
The Pause Principle challenges that constant motion and activity. Some of our greatest creativity and problem solving (which is often our highest value) can happen by Pausing. Stop and relax, deliberate and solutions will flow.
I think subconsciously I knew I needed this pause for productivity so I built in a few activities that involve pause. For me, exercise and gardening are two pause activities. True pause would be to break without having to do anything.
The book is simply a reminder with the research to back it up and the ideas on how to implement the Pause.
I now need to think of the pause as a productivity tool. I do not think of myself as old but do notice my energy is less than when I was younger. My sense is over time, I will need to evolve a different pace and work style.
Good book - good reminder to me.
I read a great book - The Pause Principle - Step Forward to Lead Forward by Kevin Cashman. I love the principle and have for a long time. Basically - step back and pause to gain efficiency and for true clarity.
As a time management guy, I have spent much time studying and honing my efficiency systems. Much of this efficiency is based on "never waste a minute". So I deliberately think of how I can reduce the gaps and fill them with productive tasks.
The Pause Principle challenges that constant motion and activity. Some of our greatest creativity and problem solving (which is often our highest value) can happen by Pausing. Stop and relax, deliberate and solutions will flow.
I think subconsciously I knew I needed this pause for productivity so I built in a few activities that involve pause. For me, exercise and gardening are two pause activities. True pause would be to break without having to do anything.
The book is simply a reminder with the research to back it up and the ideas on how to implement the Pause.
I now need to think of the pause as a productivity tool. I do not think of myself as old but do notice my energy is less than when I was younger. My sense is over time, I will need to evolve a different pace and work style.
Good book - good reminder to me.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
The Synergist
I was emailed a challenging video on the weekend. A TED talk by Louise Fresco about agriculture and the need to science, mechanization etc. It was particularly interesting since I spent most of this weekend gardening and cooking/canning/freezing what was harvested.
One output from the weekend was vegetable soup made from squash, tomatoes, basil, jalapeno pepper (just one), green beans, dried beans (the protein in the soup and the ones I dry need to be used early in the year), dandelion, beet and beet tops, carrot and carrot tops (but not too many) and a leek. Just put through a blender and simmered for hours. Delicious and 100% from organic home grown produce.
The green tomatoes were simply the ones from the too prolific volunteers that I pulled while weeding and will be made into chutney or baked with mustard. And yes, the eggplants are small but still perfect.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I did take a break and read a few books. All great.
One of the books was "The Synergist - how to Lead Your team to Predictable Success" by Les McKeown. I loved it and will share it with my team.
This is a book one how companies succeed. It explains some of the dysfunctions and also how to overcome them. It uses a framework of "work styles" to do this. There are only 3 styles (which makes it easy to follow):
The Visionary. Visionaries detest detail. They love to just paint the picture and assume it is or will get done. They tend to move in fits and spurts from high productivity/creativity to idleness. I am mostly visionary (although somehow I missed much of the idleness part of the personality).
The Processor. Needs all the details. Brings order out of chaos. Tends to have high risk aversion.
The Operator. These are the doers. Do it now - ask for forgiveness later. Can be the bottleneck if they do not learn to delegate. I am also high on this scale.
These 3 personalities can reach gridlock. They can also be high conflict.
Then comes the role of the Synergist. They look out for what is best for the enterprise. They smooth personalities. They are the time management person that keeps the focus on the right tasks.
My view is we all have some of each characteristic within us. The more dominant we are in one, the more awareness we need to have to make sure we do not destroy the team.
The final chapter is the best. It pulls it all together into how to implement.
The book has a number of QR codes throughout that take you to web pages with other examples. Cute idea.
Great book. Worth reading if you are a leader.
One output from the weekend was vegetable soup made from squash, tomatoes, basil, jalapeno pepper (just one), green beans, dried beans (the protein in the soup and the ones I dry need to be used early in the year), dandelion, beet and beet tops, carrot and carrot tops (but not too many) and a leek. Just put through a blender and simmered for hours. Delicious and 100% from organic home grown produce.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I did take a break and read a few books. All great.
One of the books was "The Synergist - how to Lead Your team to Predictable Success" by Les McKeown. I loved it and will share it with my team.
This is a book one how companies succeed. It explains some of the dysfunctions and also how to overcome them. It uses a framework of "work styles" to do this. There are only 3 styles (which makes it easy to follow):
The Visionary. Visionaries detest detail. They love to just paint the picture and assume it is or will get done. They tend to move in fits and spurts from high productivity/creativity to idleness. I am mostly visionary (although somehow I missed much of the idleness part of the personality).
The Processor. Needs all the details. Brings order out of chaos. Tends to have high risk aversion.
The Operator. These are the doers. Do it now - ask for forgiveness later. Can be the bottleneck if they do not learn to delegate. I am also high on this scale.
These 3 personalities can reach gridlock. They can also be high conflict.
Then comes the role of the Synergist. They look out for what is best for the enterprise. They smooth personalities. They are the time management person that keeps the focus on the right tasks.
My view is we all have some of each characteristic within us. The more dominant we are in one, the more awareness we need to have to make sure we do not destroy the team.
The final chapter is the best. It pulls it all together into how to implement.
The book has a number of QR codes throughout that take you to web pages with other examples. Cute idea.
Great book. Worth reading if you are a leader.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Triple Crown Leadership
Surprise. I read another book.
This one was Triple Crown Leadership - Building Excellent, Ethical and Enduring Organizations by Bob and Gregg Vanourek (a father and son team).
I guess I should not have been surprised that the triple crown was a reference to horse racing (but I was). And ironic part of me could not connect ethics and horse racing (perhaps because my puritan parents would be mortified by any form of gambling and it did not seem in line with high integrity). So I did not really like the horse racing examples they used.
But still, I enjoyed the book immensely. It was all about great leadership and many things I believe in. The gist of the message is leadership is a stewardship responsibility. Leadership is long term. Leadership requires ultra dedication.
It is a book about ethics and values and what place they have in leadership and business (clearly they have a huge place and successful people and organizations have them)
One of my favourite sections was one on alignment. Alignment is much harder and more important that vision. 99% of the time is spent on alignment so figuring that part out is the key.
The points are illustrated with real world examples of businesses in various situations (like J and J and the Tylenol recall). This helps readability and brings points across better.
I loved the many quotes scattered throughout the book - it gave me lots of material for my twitter feed and Facebook updates. I had previously blogged a review on the Tao of Twitter bemoaning the 140 character limit. One quote above that limit:
"I look for three things in hiring people. First is personal integrity, second is intelligence and the third is energy level. If you don't have the first, the other two will kill you."
Warren Buffet (I like Buffet - not because of his wealth but because of his common sense and long term approach)
and
A river cuts through the rock not because of its power but because of its persistence. James Watkins
This one was Triple Crown Leadership - Building Excellent, Ethical and Enduring Organizations by Bob and Gregg Vanourek (a father and son team).
I guess I should not have been surprised that the triple crown was a reference to horse racing (but I was). And ironic part of me could not connect ethics and horse racing (perhaps because my puritan parents would be mortified by any form of gambling and it did not seem in line with high integrity). So I did not really like the horse racing examples they used.
But still, I enjoyed the book immensely. It was all about great leadership and many things I believe in. The gist of the message is leadership is a stewardship responsibility. Leadership is long term. Leadership requires ultra dedication.
It is a book about ethics and values and what place they have in leadership and business (clearly they have a huge place and successful people and organizations have them)
One of my favourite sections was one on alignment. Alignment is much harder and more important that vision. 99% of the time is spent on alignment so figuring that part out is the key.
The points are illustrated with real world examples of businesses in various situations (like J and J and the Tylenol recall). This helps readability and brings points across better.
I loved the many quotes scattered throughout the book - it gave me lots of material for my twitter feed and Facebook updates. I had previously blogged a review on the Tao of Twitter bemoaning the 140 character limit. One quote above that limit:
"I look for three things in hiring people. First is personal integrity, second is intelligence and the third is energy level. If you don't have the first, the other two will kill you."
Warren Buffet (I like Buffet - not because of his wealth but because of his common sense and long term approach)
and
A river cuts through the rock not because of its power but because of its persistence. James Watkins
Monday, September 17, 2012
The Tao of Twitter
I have been hugely busy (all my own doing so cannot complain). It seems for most things there is good and bad.
The weather has been gorgeous. Hayfever has also been bad.
The garden is flourishing. Harvesting beans, beets, carrots, tomatoes, basil and leeks. Weeds also are flourishing. I cannot believe how fast they grow.
Not sure how the orange got in the picture. I did not grow that. The herb is fennel seed.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I read an easy to read short book called "The Tao of Twitter - Changing Your Life and Business 140 Characters at a Time" by Mark W. Schaefer (author of Return on Influence).
The thesis of the book is that Twitter is a great way to make new connections, network and solve problems.
I liked that Schaefer speaks of the need for good content. One downside I have seen with Twitter (even more than Blogs) is the number of meaningless Tweets. It is tough to get followers and I unfollow if the the person Tweets irrelevant things so the lesson is clear - tweet good things.
He gives an example of a tech support issue he has. He tweets and problem is solved in short order. I can see how that would work.
I do use Twitter for "point in time" searches. For example, last week when Godaddy had the huge outage (originally thought to be the work of hackers but later released that it was internal issues), many of our sites were down and Twitter was the fastest way to check. The problem with Google is searches do not yield the most recent result but Twitter does.
I also use Twitter as a news filter. I follow interesting people that I respect and they often Tweet things like "Good article on ...". This makes my news consumption broader than it might have been.
The title might be a bit strong - "Changing your Life". Perhaps if you have no life, it would change it.
Twitter is blogging - just succinct blogging. You would think a time management guy like me would be more into that than blogging. The problem is 140 characters is just not enough to really say anything. And everyone knows that so they do not just tweet once, they tweet dozens of time so in the end, likely more than a blog entry.
As with many things, Twitter can be a time sink. The value needs to be balanced with the time.
The Tao of Twitter did provoke thought and I am more likely to get value from Twitter as a result of reading it.
The weather has been gorgeous. Hayfever has also been bad.
The garden is flourishing. Harvesting beans, beets, carrots, tomatoes, basil and leeks. Weeds also are flourishing. I cannot believe how fast they grow.
Not sure how the orange got in the picture. I did not grow that. The herb is fennel seed.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I read an easy to read short book called "The Tao of Twitter - Changing Your Life and Business 140 Characters at a Time" by Mark W. Schaefer (author of Return on Influence).
The thesis of the book is that Twitter is a great way to make new connections, network and solve problems.
I liked that Schaefer speaks of the need for good content. One downside I have seen with Twitter (even more than Blogs) is the number of meaningless Tweets. It is tough to get followers and I unfollow if the the person Tweets irrelevant things so the lesson is clear - tweet good things.
He gives an example of a tech support issue he has. He tweets and problem is solved in short order. I can see how that would work.
I do use Twitter for "point in time" searches. For example, last week when Godaddy had the huge outage (originally thought to be the work of hackers but later released that it was internal issues), many of our sites were down and Twitter was the fastest way to check. The problem with Google is searches do not yield the most recent result but Twitter does.
I also use Twitter as a news filter. I follow interesting people that I respect and they often Tweet things like "Good article on ...". This makes my news consumption broader than it might have been.
The title might be a bit strong - "Changing your Life". Perhaps if you have no life, it would change it.
Twitter is blogging - just succinct blogging. You would think a time management guy like me would be more into that than blogging. The problem is 140 characters is just not enough to really say anything. And everyone knows that so they do not just tweet once, they tweet dozens of time so in the end, likely more than a blog entry.
As with many things, Twitter can be a time sink. The value needs to be balanced with the time.
The Tao of Twitter did provoke thought and I am more likely to get value from Twitter as a result of reading it.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Resurrecting the Street
I read a gripping book on the weekend - Resurrecting the Street - Overcoming the Greatest Operational Crisis in History by Jeff Ingber. It is the story of what happened to the bond and stock markets during Sept 11. Even this many years later, it is difficult to read about. 9/11 is one of those days in history that I remember clearly where I was (my EMJ office) and what I was doing (a marketing plan).
Ingber is a Wall Street veteran who lived through the crisis first hand. He was a mile away when the planes hit.
It starts with personal experiences of the massive tragedy. The stories were horrific.
The people and firms responsible for trading in the markets were hugely impacted. Many of the key people and computers were killed in the Twin Towers. The people left had to deal with the fear and grief of the situation and at the same time, try to rebuild. Their ability to focus and put aside feelings to make things work is incredible.
I had not thought much about the actual workings of the markets but when you think about it, it is understandable that there would be lots of reconciliation to do. Transactions needed to be matched, funds transferred, securities exchanged etc. Without computers and many of the key firms crippled, the task was monumental.
Since 9/11, the financial world has spread out. There has also been much more thought put into backup and disaster recovery. Of course my hope would be for peace so that redundancy is never needed.
Resurrecting the Street combines the morbidly gripping tales of live people with the technical story of how things were handled. Great book.
Ingber is a Wall Street veteran who lived through the crisis first hand. He was a mile away when the planes hit.
It starts with personal experiences of the massive tragedy. The stories were horrific.
The people and firms responsible for trading in the markets were hugely impacted. Many of the key people and computers were killed in the Twin Towers. The people left had to deal with the fear and grief of the situation and at the same time, try to rebuild. Their ability to focus and put aside feelings to make things work is incredible.
I had not thought much about the actual workings of the markets but when you think about it, it is understandable that there would be lots of reconciliation to do. Transactions needed to be matched, funds transferred, securities exchanged etc. Without computers and many of the key firms crippled, the task was monumental.
Since 9/11, the financial world has spread out. There has also been much more thought put into backup and disaster recovery. Of course my hope would be for peace so that redundancy is never needed.
Resurrecting the Street combines the morbidly gripping tales of live people with the technical story of how things were handled. Great book.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Social Marketology
I read a great book - Social Marketology - Improve Your Social Media Processes and Get Customers to Stay Forever. I liked the book even if I do not think we need more words in the English language. I also think great marketers should be great writers so should know how to use the words we have.
I have a high interest in marketing and branding and think social media is one of the most economical ways to market. Social media also changes the way brands interact and are created, built up or destroyed. The power is now in the hands of the masses. So brands beware.
Social Marketology talks about 3 parts of social media strategy - Claiming Real Estate, Creating Policy and Monitoring.
There is a section on influence. And it correctly notes that it is tremendously complex. Influencers for one product may have no impact on another. The holy grail in social media marketing is trying to find the people with the influence over the topics that influence the brand. Klout is trying to measure this. I previously wrote about how to improve Klout. There is still a long way to go.
Marketology emphasizes that it is important not to just focus on the super influencers (like Oprah or Obama) and the power of the "medium" and "small" influencers can add up.
There is a section on discovering the intersection of what products people are interested in. EG - people who buy a certain type of high end shoes like expensive cupcakes.
Canrock Ventures has an investment in a company - General Sentiment that monitors and interprets consumer reaction to brand. General Sentiment does the linking - people who watch Mad Men talk about BMWs etc.
Interesting book.
I have a high interest in marketing and branding and think social media is one of the most economical ways to market. Social media also changes the way brands interact and are created, built up or destroyed. The power is now in the hands of the masses. So brands beware.
Social Marketology talks about 3 parts of social media strategy - Claiming Real Estate, Creating Policy and Monitoring.
There is a section on influence. And it correctly notes that it is tremendously complex. Influencers for one product may have no impact on another. The holy grail in social media marketing is trying to find the people with the influence over the topics that influence the brand. Klout is trying to measure this. I previously wrote about how to improve Klout. There is still a long way to go.
Marketology emphasizes that it is important not to just focus on the super influencers (like Oprah or Obama) and the power of the "medium" and "small" influencers can add up.
There is a section on discovering the intersection of what products people are interested in. EG - people who buy a certain type of high end shoes like expensive cupcakes.
Canrock Ventures has an investment in a company - General Sentiment that monitors and interprets consumer reaction to brand. General Sentiment does the linking - people who watch Mad Men talk about BMWs etc.
Interesting book.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Resilience
I am up early today with the goal to get caught up from my time away.
I notice an interesting phenomenon. I have an email file of emails that need my action. Many of those are now 2 weeks old. And what I am finding is many of them now do not need to be dealt with at all.
Part of what causes me to me responsive is the vision of myself as being fast and available. I am pondering if that persona is actually hurting my productivity.
One rule to get over procrastination is to ask the question: If I leave this, will it get worse? Perhaps I should be asking: If I leave this, might it go away.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
I read a book last night and this morning - Resilience - Why Things Bounce Back by Andrew Zolli.
The title caught my attention. I have always believed that that ability to bounce back from life's failures was tied to success. As a result, I always seek ways to be more resilient.
But it was not what I expected to start. The stories related to resilience of the economic system and of ecosystems. Both topics of high interest to me.
Much of resilience has to do with interrelated systems. On ecosystems in agriculture, it told of the dependencies on monocultures and the risks that brings to our food system. Of course this is a topic near to me.
I returned to my gardens after being away for 2 weeks to find that the lush climate for growing vegetables also is lush for growing weeds. Unbelievable how fast things grow here. Despite the overgrowth, tomatoes, beets, carrots and squash are all flourishing. Beans are trying to produce a second crop. Potatoes need digging. It is wonderful.
It was not until about page 120 that it got the the parts on personal resilience that I was looking for. At some level, I knew all the keys and know to strengthen them. Resilience can be helped by social networks and meditation both of which can be consciously worked on.
The book was not explicit on health but I am a great believer that health (which we can influence a lot) helps a lot with resilience.
I did find the book to be an interesting read.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And the resilient Josh turned one.
I notice an interesting phenomenon. I have an email file of emails that need my action. Many of those are now 2 weeks old. And what I am finding is many of them now do not need to be dealt with at all.
Part of what causes me to me responsive is the vision of myself as being fast and available. I am pondering if that persona is actually hurting my productivity.
One rule to get over procrastination is to ask the question: If I leave this, will it get worse? Perhaps I should be asking: If I leave this, might it go away.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
I read a book last night and this morning - Resilience - Why Things Bounce Back by Andrew Zolli.
The title caught my attention. I have always believed that that ability to bounce back from life's failures was tied to success. As a result, I always seek ways to be more resilient.
But it was not what I expected to start. The stories related to resilience of the economic system and of ecosystems. Both topics of high interest to me.
Much of resilience has to do with interrelated systems. On ecosystems in agriculture, it told of the dependencies on monocultures and the risks that brings to our food system. Of course this is a topic near to me.
I returned to my gardens after being away for 2 weeks to find that the lush climate for growing vegetables also is lush for growing weeds. Unbelievable how fast things grow here. Despite the overgrowth, tomatoes, beets, carrots and squash are all flourishing. Beans are trying to produce a second crop. Potatoes need digging. It is wonderful.
It was not until about page 120 that it got the the parts on personal resilience that I was looking for. At some level, I knew all the keys and know to strengthen them. Resilience can be helped by social networks and meditation both of which can be consciously worked on.
The book was not explicit on health but I am a great believer that health (which we can influence a lot) helps a lot with resilience.
I did find the book to be an interesting read.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And the resilient Josh turned one.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Canoe Trip FAQ
No business advice in this one - just a personal vacation update. Elizabeth and I are just back from a canoe trip. So exhausted and rested at the same time. And sore.
Or if there is advice, it would be to take time to reflect. Fast company did an article on taking time to reflect to improve productivity. Perhaps that is the message.
I feel the pressure of email, responsiveness, projects etc that were on hold for almost 2 weeks while I was out of touch. I am hoping the value of the reflection time sticks despite the return to real life.
The Canadian shield is just beautiful. There is no place more tranquil. Awesome.
I had spoken to a few people unfamiliar with canoe tripping so thought I would give a basic FAQ.
Canoe Trip FAQ:
How far can you go in a day?
Our days tend to be short. A long day is only 7 hours by the time you pack up, stop for lunch and set up camp again. In 7 hours, you can cover about 20K (12.4 miles). If it was all no wind, flat water, you could do 30K. But the days are punctuated with portages. And a 1 K portage takes an hour.
How do you navigate?
With a topographical map and compass. We do not take a GPS but some people do. We do not strictly plan where we will stay. We see how tired we are and how nice the lake looks.
What do you eat?
We eat well. All just grocery food but dry stuff like lentils, soup mix, pasta etc. We dried some of our own vegetables which are a real treat. We cook on a white gas whispertlite stove and take a stick stove for backup. Usually we augment this with blueberries but it was so dry this year that they were all gone. A few raspberries (very sweet by comparison to blueberries). And of course fish almost every day for breakfast, or lunch or dinner.
Granola is a staple for breakfast. And it has the advantage of not needing cooking so can be eaten as lunch or dinner in a pinch.
How many calories do you burn in a day?
Some people say 6,000 but with the short days we do, I think we only burn perhaps 4-5,000. So for extra calories, we make instant pudding/mouse. And we take high calorie snacks - dried fruit, nuts, sesame snaps.
What is a typical day?
Up at perhaps 6:30. Fish until 7:30. Breakfast. Roll the sleeping pads, stuff the sleeping bags, pack everything. The early mornings are precious times. The fishing is good and the water is still and often misty. If there is a drawback, it is cold so the temptation is to stay in the sleeping bag. It was about 45 degrees F in the mornings. Still water is also best for canoeing - especially bigger lakes where wind later in the day can make them tougher.
Paddle for a couple of hours. Paddling is punctuated by portages.
Stop for lunch. On days we set out early, sometimes fish again. The problem is catching, cleaning and cooking a fish is time consuming. So lunch with fish takes 90 minutes.
The back on the water for a while.
Then set up camp. Fish. Then dinner.
How often do you see people?
Most days, we saw a couple of other trippers. At nights, we never shared a lake with any other trippers. In previous trips we have been as long as 8 days without seeing anyone but this year, there was more activity.
Are the campsites marked?
No - just find a place big enough for a tent. People tend to use the same spots over and over so they do tend to be signs. EG - a fire circle. (we do not have fires though)
How heavy is the gear for portaging?
It feels heavy but it is not. Packs weigh about 50 and 35 pounds. Food pack (stored in a bear barrel to keep the bears out) starts at perhaps 25 pounds and ends at 10. The canoe weighs perhaps 45 pounds. At our age, we take 2 trips on the portages. First with the packs to get the views and figure out what obstacles there might be on the trail (and for that matter figuring out where the portage goes) then another with the canoe and food.
How do you know where the portages are?
Guide books often give directions. We used Hap Wilson's Temagami Canoe Routes. Occasionally a previous tripper has tied a ribbon on a tree or marked a tree. Sometimes there are small cairns marking routes over rocks.
What fish do you catch?
All bass. One perch. I only fish for food. No catch and release so most days, one fish is one meal. Sometimes 2. And when dinner is caught, fishing is done. Rockbass are small but invasive so I always kill and eat them (lots of work to clean though). Did not catch a crappy but same would apply to that.
I use a very cheap collapsible rod and cheap lures. Bass and perch are not very specific and will strike almost anything unlike trout which are picky and hard to catch.
Where do you go to the bathroom?
That's what trees and bushes are for.
What safety measures do you take?
We take 2 of each critical item like 2 ways to purify water - iodine tablets (yuk but works) and an MSR filter, 2 stoves, an extra paddle, 2 compasses (a nice one and a tiny backup). 2 flashlights (although you do not really need one and the backup is tiny)
Let me know if there are other things I should add to the FAQ.
The pictures are all from the trip. The falcon was in the town of Haliburton before the trip began. The spider web was early morning dew. The fish was lunch.
Or if there is advice, it would be to take time to reflect. Fast company did an article on taking time to reflect to improve productivity. Perhaps that is the message.
I feel the pressure of email, responsiveness, projects etc that were on hold for almost 2 weeks while I was out of touch. I am hoping the value of the reflection time sticks despite the return to real life.
The Canadian shield is just beautiful. There is no place more tranquil. Awesome.
I had spoken to a few people unfamiliar with canoe tripping so thought I would give a basic FAQ.
Canoe Trip FAQ:
How far can you go in a day?
Our days tend to be short. A long day is only 7 hours by the time you pack up, stop for lunch and set up camp again. In 7 hours, you can cover about 20K (12.4 miles). If it was all no wind, flat water, you could do 30K. But the days are punctuated with portages. And a 1 K portage takes an hour.
How do you navigate?
With a topographical map and compass. We do not take a GPS but some people do. We do not strictly plan where we will stay. We see how tired we are and how nice the lake looks.
What do you eat?
We eat well. All just grocery food but dry stuff like lentils, soup mix, pasta etc. We dried some of our own vegetables which are a real treat. We cook on a white gas whispertlite stove and take a stick stove for backup. Usually we augment this with blueberries but it was so dry this year that they were all gone. A few raspberries (very sweet by comparison to blueberries). And of course fish almost every day for breakfast, or lunch or dinner.
Granola is a staple for breakfast. And it has the advantage of not needing cooking so can be eaten as lunch or dinner in a pinch.
How many calories do you burn in a day?
Some people say 6,000 but with the short days we do, I think we only burn perhaps 4-5,000. So for extra calories, we make instant pudding/mouse. And we take high calorie snacks - dried fruit, nuts, sesame snaps.
What is a typical day?
Up at perhaps 6:30. Fish until 7:30. Breakfast. Roll the sleeping pads, stuff the sleeping bags, pack everything. The early mornings are precious times. The fishing is good and the water is still and often misty. If there is a drawback, it is cold so the temptation is to stay in the sleeping bag. It was about 45 degrees F in the mornings. Still water is also best for canoeing - especially bigger lakes where wind later in the day can make them tougher.
Paddle for a couple of hours. Paddling is punctuated by portages.
Stop for lunch. On days we set out early, sometimes fish again. The problem is catching, cleaning and cooking a fish is time consuming. So lunch with fish takes 90 minutes.
The back on the water for a while.
Then set up camp. Fish. Then dinner.
How often do you see people?
Most days, we saw a couple of other trippers. At nights, we never shared a lake with any other trippers. In previous trips we have been as long as 8 days without seeing anyone but this year, there was more activity.
Are the campsites marked?
No - just find a place big enough for a tent. People tend to use the same spots over and over so they do tend to be signs. EG - a fire circle. (we do not have fires though)
How heavy is the gear for portaging?
It feels heavy but it is not. Packs weigh about 50 and 35 pounds. Food pack (stored in a bear barrel to keep the bears out) starts at perhaps 25 pounds and ends at 10. The canoe weighs perhaps 45 pounds. At our age, we take 2 trips on the portages. First with the packs to get the views and figure out what obstacles there might be on the trail (and for that matter figuring out where the portage goes) then another with the canoe and food.
How do you know where the portages are?
Guide books often give directions. We used Hap Wilson's Temagami Canoe Routes. Occasionally a previous tripper has tied a ribbon on a tree or marked a tree. Sometimes there are small cairns marking routes over rocks.
What fish do you catch?
All bass. One perch. I only fish for food. No catch and release so most days, one fish is one meal. Sometimes 2. And when dinner is caught, fishing is done. Rockbass are small but invasive so I always kill and eat them (lots of work to clean though). Did not catch a crappy but same would apply to that.
I use a very cheap collapsible rod and cheap lures. Bass and perch are not very specific and will strike almost anything unlike trout which are picky and hard to catch.
Where do you go to the bathroom?
That's what trees and bushes are for.
What safety measures do you take?
We take 2 of each critical item like 2 ways to purify water - iodine tablets (yuk but works) and an MSR filter, 2 stoves, an extra paddle, 2 compasses (a nice one and a tiny backup). 2 flashlights (although you do not really need one and the backup is tiny)
Let me know if there are other things I should add to the FAQ.
The pictures are all from the trip. The falcon was in the town of Haliburton before the trip began. The spider web was early morning dew. The fish was lunch.
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