tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39820190745027920252024-03-12T19:09:58.987-07:00Black Marble Consulting in ReviewSmall business fascinates, particularly as it connects to the community in which it functions. I have spent years in activism, working in corporate environments and as an entrepreneur. This is an outreach of my consulting business to share daily lessons, insights and comments about life in small business.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-56345659064085559642013-05-28T07:12:00.000-07:002013-05-28T07:12:24.354-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrtrNvRAsT_PKIYsXJL6Qvm3fxT6K4-l_m081baRZSThWKFNg_9piTWKrEoyAmBYUhedFbvD3GEuVyfYHl667E5qk-YWXcxy8lrX167GTjRjtTWhm1Hnku57uhw6mWKC-_vN4KZ718aiP/s1600/Peaks+and+valleys.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrtrNvRAsT_PKIYsXJL6Qvm3fxT6K4-l_m081baRZSThWKFNg_9piTWKrEoyAmBYUhedFbvD3GEuVyfYHl667E5qk-YWXcxy8lrX167GTjRjtTWhm1Hnku57uhw6mWKC-_vN4KZ718aiP/s320/Peaks+and+valleys.jpg" /></a>Sometimes, a long break is needed in life before you pick things up again. So it was with this blog. In the last several years, I have become a partner in another business, seen my business continue to grow, become a regular writer for a variety of news papers (all local and small, but maybe moving to the idea of a syndicated column), deepened my commitment and relationship with my husband and generally lived what lots of people call "a dream." As far as I am concerned, I have been in a peak of my life. While I know their are peaks and valleys throughout our life, I am definitely enjoying the peak. What has been new with you?BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-59436428404448433682011-09-25T13:00:00.000-07:002011-09-25T13:55:35.518-07:00Show Pony or Work Horse?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4aM7sZw4Ijb6C_7KZuN3y27r45el2BAwzOYY-b3Ac1pJxvhrMHY77RaP8uc9Hbc_wfBlAnhyphenhyphen7WHq7HZ41friKu43pL91MDAMZGWCoQzvTaW_7nOfaa5Kj0vGXxdjNWJWb-RC3AJrtw_W/s1600/Work+horse.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4aM7sZw4Ijb6C_7KZuN3y27r45el2BAwzOYY-b3Ac1pJxvhrMHY77RaP8uc9Hbc_wfBlAnhyphenhyphen7WHq7HZ41friKu43pL91MDAMZGWCoQzvTaW_7nOfaa5Kj0vGXxdjNWJWb-RC3AJrtw_W/s320/Work+horse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656393529163987474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8PspokPJtiedxRrsQHlDPr9KBJrtlBWL1cQGYmlb9quoMOsTo32kftUoMptpBYHrHQ4eEFGb1gEZXv_wce4PIV2RXBS2mw917vLLTzTRFNatd62Jsg5qnAobyRv4UXOSyQf-QcmWLSHn/s1600/showpony.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8PspokPJtiedxRrsQHlDPr9KBJrtlBWL1cQGYmlb9quoMOsTo32kftUoMptpBYHrHQ4eEFGb1gEZXv_wce4PIV2RXBS2mw917vLLTzTRFNatd62Jsg5qnAobyRv4UXOSyQf-QcmWLSHn/s320/showpony.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656390228070869842" /></a><br /><br />Are you a "Show Pony" or a "Work Horse?" Both of these types of people have pros and cons and most businesses need a mixture in both leadership and follwership of these types. What spells trouble is when a department or business becomes filled with only one type!<br /><br />Show Ponies are known for their dazzling sense of panache, fashion and latest grasp of technology. They are often on the cutting edge and are trendsetters. In groups they often draw attention to themselves while highlighting their friends. Imagine that friend of yours that is always "on stage." Frequently concerned about appearances, the Show Pony likes to be part of a group that lavishes attention on them. They in turn become evangelists for those things which interest them. What is great about the Show Pony is the amount of energy they bring to any given venture. Their enthusiasm is infectious and before you know it, large groups of people a drawn to them like moths to a flame. Show Ponies are actually pertty easily bored, and if it isn't about them, they generally have the attention span of a fruit fly. They flit from concept to concept, group to group and fad to flash.<br /><br />Work Horses on the other hand are plodding, deliberate, consistent and are highly stable. They tend to show up and get it done. They may not be innovative or insightful, but just keep working. They know they aren't the Show Pony and sometimes that may bother them. They often don't understand why more people don't see their value, after all, they do most of the work, right? Work Horses don't need an entourage and frequently disparage those they perceive as Show Ponies in private (often with other Work Horses), but secretly want the accolades that seem to come to the Show Pony. On the plus side, Work Horses rarely complain about tasks given to them and understand their own limitations far more quickly than others. They tend to be more mature in their decision-making and will admit to being wrong more easily than some.<br /><br />There are two sub-breeds which are quite rare.<br /><br />The Work Pony, is the individual who often has their reach exceed their grasp, much to their surprise. Often young and inexperienced (literally or mentally), they simply don't understand their own limitations and preconceptions. Many of us have already gone through this as a phase, but unfortunately for some of us, we never move beyond it.<br /><br />Finally is the Show Horse. This type not only has the strength to get it done, they get it done in style. They lead by example, often perform the tasks that others think are "beneath them" and still manage to make it seem "cool." Many successful entrepreneurs I know fall into this category. They manage to just always seem to get it done and get it done in style.<br /><br />I haven't come up with a test for this yet, but would be interested in your thoughts on it!BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-9497088073287913472011-09-08T00:09:00.001-07:002011-09-08T00:37:28.425-07:00Macau Fitness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bdz2g1VeBlMGzDOPlTvGXtK4vHSMBfTvOl1k6AmQ6Ixry1OVu_qoFrUPNq-XS3HaQqcu-rEA7JXMIQlpc1YJbXRg9ixeGTLl4GwDou-fVqOJTUWNfzSRfbzyOc1kQNc8xz-1UYNR1ajI/s1600/pnm_macao_fitness.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bdz2g1VeBlMGzDOPlTvGXtK4vHSMBfTvOl1k6AmQ6Ixry1OVu_qoFrUPNq-XS3HaQqcu-rEA7JXMIQlpc1YJbXRg9ixeGTLl4GwDou-fVqOJTUWNfzSRfbzyOc1kQNc8xz-1UYNR1ajI/s320/pnm_macao_fitness.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649883663271717538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsruBacAJl4SFIBTV3KWALTkNURlXRmVVCB9Ghrm-3uV0JRZoHIGdxZ9FxJWmgjNB8SX21bsohXlETmYooBimpyYqDNz0ftdiW-98bn0viLLJJWTghruftNJd-lC_flKec3TNciNbB7wX9/s1600/Macau+Final+photos+002.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsruBacAJl4SFIBTV3KWALTkNURlXRmVVCB9Ghrm-3uV0JRZoHIGdxZ9FxJWmgjNB8SX21bsohXlETmYooBimpyYqDNz0ftdiW-98bn0viLLJJWTghruftNJd-lC_flKec3TNciNbB7wX9/s320/Macau+Final+photos+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649882598099873634" /></a><br /><br />So one of the most important things both Anthony and I have to evaluate when we are in a city is of course, the gym. Thankfully, Anthony had spent the last several months checking out facilities and found by far the best one in Macau.<br /><br />Recently opened by General Manager Pavlo Lysenko (who by the way, is huge and looks awesome - really bodybuilder big and incredibly nice and helpful - always a plus in my book), and Managing Director Norika Chio, this facility is actually a direct result of their success with Power Nutrition Macau. This is a state of the art facility with over 16,000 square feet and a full range of machines, free weights, class space and equipment.<br /><br />When I asked them about Crossfit, they don't have much experience with it. It follows a traditional 24 hour / Gold's gym formula. They do have an extensive line of nutritionals and a really helpful staff. Of particular note is Alexander Chan, who signed us up, and Pedro Gomes. Both Pavlo and Luis Machado are trainers in the facility and watching Pavlo train was both inspiring, and he was clearly knowledgeable. Both Anthony and I also like to train where some serious muscle is, and we actually saw some here. Couple of guys training for competition, a few who are obviously in some of the casino shows and women who were also at the same level.<br /><br />Good music, tanning and modern, western style facilities (think ala Equinox) rounded out a really good experience. I know that I will be back and if Yelp or Google Places let me leave a review here, I would.<br /><br />Thanks again to all at the gym!BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-22917269398071790432011-05-06T17:33:00.001-07:002011-05-06T17:41:55.379-07:00A Powerful No<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSgIwYAHa-By4DMkKS00_xkwcdL0ge9ybfy0XpuxUutT1_2sJnumcoc37IaHYuHHY84RZHc4a9h5S2qBZm63pKsRJejv7TYaSY32VcNONPqGJjahm5KGGYFcBhOViqK6JSfN2Lsj3_z31/s1600/No%2521.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSgIwYAHa-By4DMkKS00_xkwcdL0ge9ybfy0XpuxUutT1_2sJnumcoc37IaHYuHHY84RZHc4a9h5S2qBZm63pKsRJejv7TYaSY32VcNONPqGJjahm5KGGYFcBhOViqK6JSfN2Lsj3_z31/s320/No%2521.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603766936958276578" /></a><br />Earlier this week, I went to a great seminar (part of the EDGE Series by the SB Chamber) by Chellie Campell on "Financial Stress Reduction." Though the seminar actually ended up being not at all what I expected, I still thought it was amazing. She made one incredibly powerful statement that I felt obligated to blog about:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Without a powerful NO, your yes is meaningless.</span><br /><br />That is pretty profound. How often do we as people say "yes" when we really want to say "NO!!!" I would even go so far as to say FUCK NO!<br /><br />We need to take back not in a negative way, but an assertive way, our own ability to limit our commitments. There is plenty of rhetorical and righteous "no's" out there. I find them most odious when uttered by the religious zelots or ultra conservative/liberal pseudo-intellectuals who feel that their "no" is somehow superior to others.<br /><br />I would challenge you to simply offer a strong, firm NO when you need it next. It doesn't make you a bad person. I just makes you clear and your YES more meaningful.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-71406332513501102452011-05-03T17:30:00.000-07:002011-05-03T17:41:38.360-07:00Generating content<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCoBzm9OSAGvwmZSubpYReKTe0pp2BHuegx6bLAcBAI_kymnX2paawwTSD6pW1gXS8_GxgWpmF2JPe4pvqE2SoVHLP-fL66sf3rxLrjDJy4k1hoPo73XXux-AqHGcK3b6GVo51Qv5qlRJ/s1600/effort03.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCoBzm9OSAGvwmZSubpYReKTe0pp2BHuegx6bLAcBAI_kymnX2paawwTSD6pW1gXS8_GxgWpmF2JPe4pvqE2SoVHLP-fL66sf3rxLrjDJy4k1hoPo73XXux-AqHGcK3b6GVo51Qv5qlRJ/s320/effort03.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602654498580955426" /></a><br />You know, the effort involved in generating meaningful content is substantial. Both of my parents are artists, so I would have thought that I would have come to this realization much earlier in my life.<br /><br />I had thought because I enjoy the activities of speaking, writing and oration, it would be effortless. Nothing could be further from the truth. Actually, if I am being critical, simply speaking or writing without point is simple and relatively effortless. Writing and speaking cogently, effectively and clearly is what requires the effort.<br /><br />A client recently told me that most content generated in the English speaking world needs to be done at approximately an 8th grade level. I find this a bit troubling. Are we so incapable of reading? Is our vocabulary so limited?<br /><br />It is truly shocking how repetitive we are in our patterns of communication. Not that Wikipedia is the end all of information, but this link provides some interesting facts on our language:<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Most_common_words_in_English<br /><br />What do you think of your language level? How often do you write or speak in a way that isn't casual? On average, I write 50+ emails a day, at least one professional document/article/communication and take at least 10 phone calls. In a week, I will likely speak publicly or in a meeting format a dozen or more times. I don't feel this is a great deal, but I do feel the effort during preparation and in the record keeping.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-80744642421988709542011-05-03T17:24:00.001-07:002011-05-03T17:26:24.053-07:00Blogging and Patch.comWell, I was approached by Patch.com to begin blogging for them. Perhaps this will drive some motivation into me to move forward.<br /><br />You should be able to see me shortly on http://losalamitos.patch.com/<br /><br />That or perhaps the soundtrack of "Requiem for a Dream" will provide inspiration. I am certain something will with Anthony in Macau for the next 10 weeks!BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-91451776159754990422011-04-21T13:11:00.000-07:002011-05-03T17:24:08.694-07:00Incredible family fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57CW3826StCaooGXM41-vn-vpp21tlGkRf6g9xjUvcbv5VkUYJZzTq5o5q00T_WxNPc48Ozh-smyBDYkgwJqRiCet3qTC0sbrti0nDc8iN6fzRTyH6k5K0ng0B0yx0O2PLh1Zb50-FZbH/s1600/106_0665.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57CW3826StCaooGXM41-vn-vpp21tlGkRf6g9xjUvcbv5VkUYJZzTq5o5q00T_WxNPc48Ozh-smyBDYkgwJqRiCet3qTC0sbrti0nDc8iN6fzRTyH6k5K0ng0B0yx0O2PLh1Zb50-FZbH/s320/106_0665.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602650164196582274" /></a><br />So I had the opportunity to go up to the Russian River valley this past weekend to spend time with my "Charming & Gracious" stepmom, Barbara for her 60th birthday. She and I have a very special relationship, as we have both made a conscious choice to be in each other's life. She was married to my dad from the time I was 4 to 16. Pretty important years. Regardless, she is simply a delight.<br /><br />What made this time so special, beyond her presence was the joy of the people involved. She is simply fabulous. Hats off to you girl! Happy birthday and I am so thankful we are in each other's lives.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-58164011531828043352011-02-25T17:59:00.000-08:002011-02-25T18:05:55.331-08:00Traveling & Comfort<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk3Pc8mnV7-sE5DSZ1LJ0jJhS_lA_bojo-OnBowkI82-fn7kx_2d6D6D5-gpF7uk5osLlMo3uyY2KkgELQeAq85x5_9xSPhG_hDAkbFC62eBLf3pRDqvQbScTheNeDyBaeFuUxJD1wlPD/s1600/JetBlue2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk3Pc8mnV7-sE5DSZ1LJ0jJhS_lA_bojo-OnBowkI82-fn7kx_2d6D6D5-gpF7uk5osLlMo3uyY2KkgELQeAq85x5_9xSPhG_hDAkbFC62eBLf3pRDqvQbScTheNeDyBaeFuUxJD1wlPD/s320/JetBlue2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577813674026650050" /></a><br />I can't say enough about JetBlue. They continue to delight me on my recent trips to Miami and Washington, DC. On both flights, I had the entire exit row to myself and their pre-boarding process for all of those in EML (Even More Legroom) seats is fabulous. On both flights, passengers asked to move to those seats and were graciously denied, indicating that you have to prepay for the seats prior to boarding and can't be moved. Best $50 per flight that I spent!<br /><br />I also found due to their endless snacks, I felt good about my nibbles, comfortable getting additional beverages as needed and felt renewed and refreshed upon arrival at every destination.<br /><br />Why don't we remember the little things with our own clients? Make sure that we can provide simple but appreciated amenities in our offices, work spaces and be courteous of other's comfort. If we get a little kindness and comfort, the probability is we will pass it forward in our next interaction, making everyone more relaxed and ready to get the objectives done.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-25815264277315902832011-01-18T12:32:00.000-08:002011-01-18T12:33:16.581-08:00Making it on Main StreetIt’s a new year and like many Main Street, USA locations, there are changes on ours. What allows a business to “make it” over time? Surely there are some lessons to be learned from various businesses that have flourished over the years.<br /> I took some time to talk to business owners who have been in town for years and those who have taken over long term businesses. Others, who are relatively new had other things to add to the mix. <br /> Just in the last few years, I have seen dozens of businesses go out or change locations: Gee’z, Minx, the Alley, Cinnamon Productions, Grandma’s Cookies, Gallery 212, Barbara’s Beauty, Old Town Travel, White Sage, and the list goes on and on.<br /> Still others have changed hands and flourished, like Bay Hardware. Diana Brunjes, the new owner said, “There is a camaraderie here in town that I haven't ever experienced before, we all [businesses] want to see one another succeed. Main Street is very lucky to have such a large variety of unique and eclectic shops. Sure, the beach helps, but I think it's the shops and restaurants that keep people coming back.” So diversity as a whole and the fact that we look out for each other, as a community is key.<br /><br />Tarit Tanjisari, owner of Crema Café also felt that focusing on the basics: food quality and customer service have been keys to success. “By trying to delight the customer every time they eat with us, we get them back. We provide not just great food, but an experience they want to share and repeat. Plus, who doesn’t love fresh baked pastries?” In just four years, Tarit and his team has made the Crema Café a destination regionally for epicureans. Just look at his Yelp page! This in turn spills over to other businesses as customers not only dine, but shop and stroll our entire Main Street corridor.<br />Joe Kalmick, has been a shop owner on Main Street for over 30 years. Recently moving his shop from one side of Main to the other in the 200 block, he looks back and realizes what others haven’t, “businesses have failed because they didn’t match their dreams with the reality of the overhead. What does it cost to open your doors each day?” He also makes a conscious effort to connect with customers so they feel appreciated. “You have to make every effort to have each customer come back. In a town this size, we love the local business and we need to attract shoppers from outside of our own community. Give them a reason to come back.”<br /><br />Another key seems to be referrals. Joe makes a point of highlighting belinda’s Art on Glass. He will refer business out to her and vice versa as the customers needs might change. belinda also has produced the Arts & Crafts Fair for years, and this level of community engagement has helped maintain her business as one of the art resources for miles around.<br /><br />Who hasn’t noticed the incredible success of Gabe and Lena Gordon and Beachwood BBQ? They have created a niche and filled to capacity, every night they are open. Actively engaged in bringing their unique approach to basic commodities – beer and barbeque, they have the “Hop Cam” and Twitter feed showcasing what they have on tap. There is a fresh, vibrant energy in their restaurant which invites you back to try new things, like their Alligator & Tasso Stew or such an epicurean brew as Midnight Sun Monks Mistress (sounds tantalizing even as I read it from the cam). Keeping things new and fresh also seems to help a business stay alive in our Main Street.<br /><br />With fresh and new, there must also be tried and true. Clancy’s, the Irisher, Hennesey’s & O’Malley’s, the “Four Horsemen of St. Patrick’s Day,” all have survived and flourished for decades. They are the good, old stomping grounds for many locals and those who come back to Seal Beach during college breaks or when visiting family in town. Often an impromptu meeting of classmates or reunions can be found at these spots.<br /><br />Other fresh new expansions like Jacqueline’s Boutique and her second store, just a block away, Ensemble, both are bringing in destination shoppers from all around. French and European flair draw customers in. Recently, she shared with the community a fashion show with both professional and amateur models in her outfits. Again, it is the effort of creating excitement which helps propel her businesses to new heights.<br /><br />Erik Dreyer-Goldman, of Ask Erik Computer Services has been in two locations – both the 100 and 300 blocks of Main Street. While he enjoyed, the 100 block, as a service provider, the 300 block seems to suit him better. “Most of the 300 block are destination businesses, while the 200 block and down to the pier could be considered more ‘walk in.’ Regardless, the longer you’re in business on Main Street, the more likely it is that you’ll get repeat business if you’re good at what you provide.”<br />Finally, it is clear that both locals and visitors need to use all of our businesses for them to stay viable. Keep true to your dream, keep your feet on the ground and your ear to your customers and you, like the success stories above, will make it.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-80587548812552244412011-01-15T12:13:00.000-08:002011-01-18T12:33:58.527-08:00The Blessings of Sunny WeatherI mentioned about a year ago the impact weather has on business and this weekend is another example. Today in Seal Beach is breathtaking - 76F, clear blue skys and dry (but not Santa Anas). The air feels fresh and clean and the day is one of shorts and t-shirts. Nights are cool and crisp. Got to love So Cal!BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-41776731818648712292011-01-10T16:45:00.000-08:002011-01-10T17:13:36.220-08:00Consultant or Trainer?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ31VscbcdLegl-lSQy923nRAcSg4o1f9I17Rb6n0uRnjDmThDGcg1CX3lWejKeln9fHoOz_Ed1o6VcLEV3QfBCjV6wxBzLidjs1bu_fLXjylGhuCBGSgkp7tvN9HPjFyVQsOvOVXCbeWO/s1600/hot-guy-abs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ31VscbcdLegl-lSQy923nRAcSg4o1f9I17Rb6n0uRnjDmThDGcg1CX3lWejKeln9fHoOz_Ed1o6VcLEV3QfBCjV6wxBzLidjs1bu_fLXjylGhuCBGSgkp7tvN9HPjFyVQsOvOVXCbeWO/s320/hot-guy-abs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560728736544394386" /></a><br />Being a business consultant is a lot like being a personal trainer. There are two traits in highly successful clients: #1 - They show up on time and ready to do the work. #2 - They are compliant and do what you tell them to do. Successful trainers have it pretty easy, they know how to train the whole client. <br /><br />As a consultant or trainer, you have to first listen, then direct your client into new directions and behaviors.<br /><br />It amazes me how many entrepreneurs and small business owners blame others or external circumstances for their lack of success. The reality is YOU are your own slow step. You are the one who prevents your business from growing. Hire someone to help you and then get out of the way. Do what they tell you! It will work out. Promise.<br /><br />If you want to lose weight, you have to reduce your caloric intake, manage your diet and workout. You don't get that incredible body just by coincidence - you WORK to attain it. Your business is also a reflection of you. What you put into is what you get out of it. Why would your business be any different.<br /><br />With that said, the issue of compliance matches the basic action of execution. Many of us know what to do, but can't execute on the plan we have, for our bodies or our business. That is why you hire experts. So hire them, let them do their job and just do what they say. You know it is right anyway.<br /><br />Oh, and one tip for training and weightlifting - when you feel like whining or quiting, just say to yourself, "SHUT UP body and do what I tell you!"BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-64797602052664245612011-01-08T14:06:00.000-08:002011-01-08T14:21:52.162-08:00Writing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNyYLf4sSV0KFpf1i048y0maqvf50DWgmfa_nISDQ12CjABn42FcgZ2y_OGTRjwAoZqSP9HjXqmv4PcGHwS3el6j_awKOQ3QLN2SfADjqmSbWTBmceY6g0JC5U29JaZLrGdPnqbWIwDWQ/s1600/Writing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNyYLf4sSV0KFpf1i048y0maqvf50DWgmfa_nISDQ12CjABn42FcgZ2y_OGTRjwAoZqSP9HjXqmv4PcGHwS3el6j_awKOQ3QLN2SfADjqmSbWTBmceY6g0JC5U29JaZLrGdPnqbWIwDWQ/s320/Writing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559943853402636434" /></a><br />People ask about writing - "how do I get better?" Simple, you write. A lot.<br /><br />Start off by having a goal to simply write to yourself: a journal, blog or even emails to friends and/or business associates. Once you have become accustomed to writing on a regular basis, you should shop your writing around - news outlets, non profits that may need volunteer labor, or even offer to do some work for free for friends and family. <br /><br />The next step is to consider a longer term project: journal article, research paper, significant publication or even a book.<br /><br />If you just write it, it will come!BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-3674532819544752102011-01-05T11:49:00.000-08:002011-01-08T13:46:27.206-08:00Mastermind<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOyMCp8CjuB6xnPf1MV4QLO05-WzygCC0otkxek6zUPXk3HWpjjR7AiVq8UMWZ1l0uvIS-xnEKJHHJ_9hx9Qou2BeOsz9kXN0vLhzRTfN-LaXTpLuT20CfaRz7uU8RiDhwLM1Vrzae25u/s1600/Think+Grow+Rich.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOyMCp8CjuB6xnPf1MV4QLO05-WzygCC0otkxek6zUPXk3HWpjjR7AiVq8UMWZ1l0uvIS-xnEKJHHJ_9hx9Qou2BeOsz9kXN0vLhzRTfN-LaXTpLuT20CfaRz7uU8RiDhwLM1Vrzae25u/s320/Think+Grow+Rich.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558792118509226706" /></a><br />Today was the first day of my work in forming a Mastermind group. This set of like minded individuals get together to create a synergy of energy commitment and excitement about growing their entrepreneurial ventures. The concept was pioneered by Napoleon Hill in his seminal work <span style="font-style:italic;">Think & Grow Rich</span>.<br /><br />We should see some amazing results!BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-88751535697896128332011-01-04T10:41:00.000-08:002011-01-05T11:49:28.018-08:00Why not share?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUg1nI_WW5D7QkYG9N7fVC6aqxxPzzOyCLSsP_9s0Ilrj80yHaivorU2dJ4fhTCqGn1s6PGvcsdP4kTqdKfYxtc2-AB13zTN-Cj-5wVFiZnJ11dRft8Wqh7C6nyDMN3H9A2yylxBEUIFCn/s1600/the_mesh_book_large.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUg1nI_WW5D7QkYG9N7fVC6aqxxPzzOyCLSsP_9s0Ilrj80yHaivorU2dJ4fhTCqGn1s6PGvcsdP4kTqdKfYxtc2-AB13zTN-Cj-5wVFiZnJ11dRft8Wqh7C6nyDMN3H9A2yylxBEUIFCn/s320/the_mesh_book_large.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558403061730688930" /></a><br />Why must we all own lots of things? Could we own less and share more? That is the simple premise of Gransky's book which I think does represent an important business model of the future. We are beginning to see a rejection of the rampant consumerism which gripped us through the 80's and 90's. People have begun asking - "Do I need that?" Certainly an important question for many people who current sell "stuff."<br /><br />One of my clients, Main Street Cyclery, will begin accepting bikes on consignment with the vision of "Repair, Refurbish & Resell." Many customers are no longer driven by the need to buy purely new product and as long as the product is of good quality, has a brand backing and a local business to stand behind it, why not buy used? For that matter, do we need all of the items we think we do?<br /><br />Clothing and food are both items which seem to consume a disproportionate amount of our discretionary income as US citizens. We also spend a good amount on entertainment (TV, cable, movies, etc...). It is interesting to see how many consumers are turning to Netflix and Hulu for content delivery. Again, this is a "sharing" model for business. You don't have to own the DVDs, you get to share a copy with strangers. What do you think?BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-12515982527772954332011-01-03T20:24:00.000-08:002011-01-03T20:45:08.247-08:00And now, rest...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvb4TjRrCXuw-uh_VM-3uK5iWPBvVc_ndcE9EaQDnwIYS5Ly23T7uycPZMSbRimXYzyAEEFW-ukBSXLD4XCRdaoXFNsvJcGRvoqfvxPN1tPIQW3VbgwXh_hQ7hXsvDxyptFG7CihwSjSN/s1600/thefourhourbody.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvb4TjRrCXuw-uh_VM-3uK5iWPBvVc_ndcE9EaQDnwIYS5Ly23T7uycPZMSbRimXYzyAEEFW-ukBSXLD4XCRdaoXFNsvJcGRvoqfvxPN1tPIQW3VbgwXh_hQ7hXsvDxyptFG7CihwSjSN/s320/thefourhourbody.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558184544925288962" /></a><br />I have been reading <span style="font-style:italic;">The Four Hour Body</span> by Tim Ferriss, and I have to say that it reminded me of an important fact of life: <span style="font-weight:bold;">rest</span>.<br /><br />I know, it is not one of his five rules for weight loss, nor one of the secrets of incredible muscular gains, though he does touch on it. We spend a great deal of our lives rushing to various obligations (both real and ephemeral) and we forget that our bodies, minds and souls need to recover through a process called, rest.<br /><br />As someone who has been a trainer and worked out for nearly all of my adult life, the key to successful muscular gain is sleep and good nutrition. Dealing with stress in your life may be affected by adequate, quality sleep. Many psychological issues may be dealt with via mediation, a particularly helpful form of rest.<br /><br />Have you made sure you have taken time for rest of your mind and body today? Are you getting enough recovery time during your workouts? Do you have rest within your business so that you may take stock of where you are and simply allow your business to flow?<br /><br />If you haven't done these things, you may want to consider refocusing a bit on rest and your time. Making rest a priority seems simple, almost silly, yet few of us do it effectively.<br /><br />ps - The book is pretty neat and Ferriss does a good job explaining how research to implementation goes in the world of health & fitness, and ultimately to the public.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-26301248145130305872011-01-02T13:26:00.001-08:002011-01-02T13:35:39.552-08:00Welcome 2011 - Goals & Objectives<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpD8L90zozAJ4HanuICj-eFNf4_T9KTsh7ijzady10iloJFr9UCVI7T9BVrwCkRKs5YKIigqyuRqL_SPE5FCvxn9jl__3Cy5FsI7RFF9zFEZociCSMuhZ2sFJIKW5cyVqxYRp3IQzamLc/s1600/2011+New+Year.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpD8L90zozAJ4HanuICj-eFNf4_T9KTsh7ijzady10iloJFr9UCVI7T9BVrwCkRKs5YKIigqyuRqL_SPE5FCvxn9jl__3Cy5FsI7RFF9zFEZociCSMuhZ2sFJIKW5cyVqxYRp3IQzamLc/s320/2011+New+Year.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557704419008423474" /></a><br />2011 is here and life continues to march onward. Anthony has been home since December 18th and that has certainly helped improve my mood. Business has actually moved into a very active phase, with a great deal of work coming my way over the last several months.<br /><br />This in turn allowed me to continue to put off my blog. Figures, right? No one pays me to write this and while I find it a creative outlet, it is not always the most "fresh" way to approach issues. What was helpful yesterday rather than setting a "resolution," we made an effort to talk about goals - both daily and over the coming year.<br /><br />Writing these goals in a tangible way, having them posted and most importantly, having Anthony and I agree about them seems like a reasonable way to actually make them happen. While many might say, "well, you can just manifest those goals, the universe will provide..." I find that a bit too esoteric and disengaged from reality.<br /><br />Each year when I work with clients, I provide a year in review as a snapshot of their performance and work on setting new goals for the coming period. I would encourage you to reflect not only on your life, but your life with your partner (spousal, professional or both!) and take stock of where you have been and where you are going.<br /><br />Make sure you buckle your seat belt, stay focused on the goal and begin movement towards it. You can reach it!BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-31365468323810269702010-10-23T09:28:00.000-07:002010-10-23T09:33:37.509-07:00West OC Legislative CommitteeAs election season comes to a close, there is a pervading sense of unrest among the citizens. We see it regardless of what news station we watch or political affiliation we may have. People want change, results and a belief that our system of government works. Our community is no different.<br /><br />You may not have heard about it, but there is an organization, which has been meeting some time for years, combining our voice and votes of business, in what is called the “ West Orange County” region: The West OC Legislative committee. This community of Chamber leaders from La Palma, Stanton, Los Alamitos, Cypress and Seal Beach, along with representatives from the Joint Forces Training Base, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, and the unincorporated regions of Rossmoor and Sunset Beach tries to identify core issues and communicate en masse to our legislators. We meet monthly, on the third Friday of the month, and get updates from the contiguous legislative representatives for the region. Currently we are served by the following representatives:<br /><br />• Congressman Dana Rorhbacher (R) - 46th Congressional District<br />• Congressman Ed Royce (R) – 40th Congressional District<br />• County Supervisor Moorlach (R) – 2nd County District<br />• State Senator Tom Harman (R) – 35th State District<br />• Assemblyman Jim Silva (R) – 67th State District<br /><br />Formed over two decades ago the organization has provided direction for an often-overlooked region of Orange County. Theresa Murphy, of the Los Alamitos based Precious Life Shelter, and a long term member of the committee, indicated that the group has gone through many levels of activity, but has been focused always on informing the business community: “ Before legislators started having ‘ town hall’ style meetings, we had the annual mixer, where everyone wanted to attend to access them. It [the West OC Legislative committee] was designed to let the Chambers interface with the aides to our elected officials and bring some notice to our small cities for business purposes and legislative action.”<br /><br />Recently, we considered several state assembly and senate bills and tried to support or oppose those which were in alignment with the consensus of the entire region. It is far easier to sway a politician when you have a high percentage of their constituents in agreement. This past year, we advocated for Senate Bill 954 which would have ensured the evaluation of tax impacts on business prior to adoption, supported Assembly Bill 1812 which would have provided credit for manufacturing businesses and opposed Senate Bill 518, an elimination of free parking in local communities.<br />Concurrently, there has been a support of the JFTB runway funding and support of the USS Dewey commissioning earlier this year. The voices of these communities is magnified by their synergy and participation. There are several ballot issues which are of particular business concern: Proposition 22 (which would remove the state’ s ability to take local funds), Proposition 24 (which would remove a tax break for businesses) and Proposition 26 (which would force a 2/3rd vote for most new fees and some taxes).<br /><br />Overall, the West OC Legislative committee is pro-local control and opposed to new tax increases or removal of existing tax benefits. Business owners and non-profits have to meet budgets, payroll and regulation standards. If they don’ t, they go out of business. Why doesn’ t government? We too have become frustrated with government, but try to work a process of engagement with the legislative aides, who both inform and communicate our needs. The meetings are also quite different from others in that they are focused on actionable legislative issues. It is a conduit for information from the legislature to our Chambers and communities directly. If you are interested in attending our meetings,<br />please let me know.<br /><br />In closing, as co-chair of the West Orange County Legislative committee, I would remind you of the words of Thomas Jefferson, “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Please go vote on November 2nd. If we don’ t hold our politicians accountable, no one will.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-56466477363350519692010-10-11T08:53:00.001-07:002010-10-11T08:54:37.513-07:00The FABULOUS Bellagio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7wCBcjce2Ic1S_HjTXildpsB7Z95qeuU-_mllllij6CMbd_XtyCOLXZB41wc1_49hD5CB-_RuEabQKxmJiD3klW-8OyfwUrfpU233WmxhHFpAqkmn5gcpf6NY74wCXLI9jX0fu4k_r1B/s1600/Bellagio+Hotel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7wCBcjce2Ic1S_HjTXildpsB7Z95qeuU-_mllllij6CMbd_XtyCOLXZB41wc1_49hD5CB-_RuEabQKxmJiD3klW-8OyfwUrfpU233WmxhHFpAqkmn5gcpf6NY74wCXLI9jX0fu4k_r1B/s320/Bellagio+Hotel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526817443289771106" /></a><br />The FABULOUS Bellagio. <br /><br />Yes, it is that sumptuous. This past week, I had the remarkable opportunity due to a client visit and conference to stay at the property, attend a conference and dine several times. I could write reviews of all of the components individually, but that would take up far too much time. Instead, I will write in aggregate about many of the features.<br /><br />1. Hotel rooms - four stars. They have delightful rooms with vast glass showers, soothing bed sheets, beautiful views, a simple but elegant turn down service and all that you should need in the room. They don't get five stars because I had to pay for wireless access - seriously? $15 a day simply for access seems silly. Also, don't bother with the minibar or snack selections - they are a fortune. The room sizes are really ample. I live in 550 sq. ft and I think the room (including bathroom) was bigger than my condo.<br /><br />2. Convention services - three stars. Because of the size of the facility, it takes forever to walk to your venue. There were multiple AV issues for both presenters and the audience and networking connectivity varied over time. On the plus side, the food was remarkable at lunch and in the cocktail hour one evening, kind of meh at breakfast. Not much to enjoy if you don't do carbs.<br /><br />3. The Bellagio Buffet - four stars. They don't get five because the wait to get in can be as long as an hour, the place is usually packed to the gills and the service can be hit or miss on the drinks. In terms of the food, it is unbelievable, particularly in terms of both depth and breadth of choice. You don't want to go on the weekend if you can avoid it as the buffet becomes "deluxe" which jacks the price up $7 (29.95 to 36.95) and the "normal" buffet still is amazing. Make sure you go after the high protein items. My friend Aron and I grubbed deeply on crab legs, shrimp, prime rib, NY strip, lamb, Chateaubriand, etc...that was the value. The Friday night "deluxe" buffet did include quite a few exotics - quail, ostrich, carved duck breast, etc...Oh, and to the four service people who ignored my friend Aron's request for Thousand Island dressing refill - BAD CALL / EPIC FAIL. How hard is it to refill the dressing container? It cost part of the tip and prevented me from giving it five stars for the entire review.<br /><br />4. The Bellagio Fountains - five stars. Watch from the elevated veranda roundelay in front of the hotel so as not to be overwhelmed by all the plebes not staying at the FABULOUS Bellagio. (That was for you Aron!) The best part - it is FREE!<br /><br />5. The FIX restaurant - two stars. Overpriced, loud and without alcohol, two people was over $160. I know I am an epicurean, but I expect all components of dining, including environment to be amazing and in this case, deeply disappointing.<br /><br />5. The Fitness Center and Spa - FIVE stars. Originally off put by the $25 a day (which runs from 6 am to 8 pm), we decided to go down on Friday morning early 6:30 am to get our workout on before the conference. What a GREAT decision! As a long term weightlifter who has now looked to CrossFit and HIIT, they had ample equipment and machinery for everyone. Loved their cardio equipment and because there was so much of it, I never had to wait a second. The crowing glory however was the spa. Three jacuzzi spas (102, 104, 106 F, respectively), a cool (room temp) plunge, eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, complementary beverages, ice towels, fluffy & silky robes, luxurious large, enclosed rain showers (with primo soap, shampoo & conditioner), full on grooming with razors, qtips, etc... and shorts you can borrow, it was THE best part of the trip. After doing a 45 minute workout, having a steam and sauna, not to mention the luxurious shower, I was fully focused and centered for a day of sitting and doing the mental work the convention required. It was such a delight, since our day pass was still good, at 6 pm, where were we for another hour and a half? Yep, the spa! Totally worth it.<br /><br />Overall, if I was going to hit Vegas again for vacation or a business trip, I would definitely go back to this property. Some minor lessons learned, but mostly remarkable. No kidding about the Spa. I would go back just for that!BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-68378641434475044682010-10-10T17:35:00.000-07:002011-05-16T21:42:39.636-07:00A Weekend in Vegas - Sales anyone?This past week I spent it in the FABULOUS Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. I was there for an InfusionSoft (a corporate CRM software system) convention with a variety of speakers. Some of them were: Bob Britton, James Malinchak, Bill Glazer and Brian Tracy. Wow, do these people know how to sell. They package, ship and then produce programs of "value-packed, wealth generating, high energy, synergetic, marketing & sales resources." The promise success in a box.<br /><br />I have realized it is a lie. You lie to yourself if you believe them. Yes, the programs work. Yes, they produce results. Yes, their clients are successful. I believe however, we fall victim to a fallacy of attribution. We think because of some course work, the successes happen. I would argue a different reality.<br /><br />Winners simply do the following: work hard, show up every day, research and implement plans, track results, hire the right people at the right time, envision their own success, surround themselves with other successful people, are prepared for opportunity when it comes knocking and have fun while working.<br /><br />See, it is simple (not easy) and I didn't even have to charge you. Don't let that stop you from buying my program when it comes out. After all, I am certain mine will have all the secrets of the ancient civilizations and "7 Ancient Keys to Business Success." I promise. Just get your credit card ready...<br /><br />Did I mention we will help starving kids in South America too?BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-81196921256989034202010-09-25T20:03:00.000-07:002010-09-25T20:04:47.040-07:00Seal Beach ChangesSome weeks you never quite know what to expect. This past week certainly was a surprise in many ways. The Chamber suffered a devastating loss, one of our newly installed board members, Beverly Pearce passed away last week.<br />At the same time, it was a busy week of City Council meetings, Planning Commission, additional community meetings, and the real start of change in our traffic and parking patterns in Seal Beach due to the Electric Storm Drain project and the West OC Connectors projects.<br />Erik Dreyer-Goldman was out of town with some family emergencies this past week, and our Director of Operations, Gina Phillips, mom had to have open heart surgery. If you would keep all of them in your thoughts, we would appreciate it.<br />All in all, change came abruptly and in some cases very painfully to our members and supporters of business. Cicero, the great Greek Senator and orator, said over two millennia ago: “History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.”<br />In Seal Beach, with the 95th anniversary of Founder’s Day coming up in just a few weeks, what can we learn from history, business decision and cycles of change in our own community.<br />Firstly, there are those businesses which have been proven over time to be successes: Walt’s Wharf, Hennesey’s, Bay Hardware, Clancy’s, Art on Glass, Sun Newspapers, Harbour Surf, the post office and a few others. They have managed to last for decades and have filled a niche for many of our residents and visitors. They have evolved in small ways, but rather have each become destinations for more than one generation. We should tip our hats to those businesses who have survived more than one down turn in the economy and certainly a boom or two.<br />Secondly, the historic successes: the Joy Zone with its roller coaster and the Jewel City Café. There was the remarkable Red Car railway system and the hotels and expanded dining options like Sam’s Seafood (when that part of California was still Seal Beach). If we thought Seal Beach was always a sleepy town, you might be surprised if you saw Vivian Laird’s Garden of Allah and her rakish matchbook advertising. What about the gambling boat run off of the pier in the 30’s? If you look at photos of our Main Street in the 40’s liquor stores and restaurants dominate it. Tourism boomed and caused Seal Beach to thrive. They exploded into prominence like bright fireworks and then faded from view as the region’s demographics and needs changed and the era of the Glider Inn slipped away one night.<br />As we moved through the late 70s and early 90’s, Seal Beach went through a period of contraction. It wasn’t unusual to see boarded up store fronts on Main Street, a decline in many of the options we now enjoy. We saw restaurants, coffee shops and retail clothing come and go, but some solid businesses arrived and flourished. California Sea Shell Company, Main Street Art & Frame, Baby Boomer and others have made their mark. <br />By our current decade, we have seen the changes, the new buildings on Main Street and the annexation of what is now the Shops at Rossmoor and the Target shopping center. This started the current upswing in the businesses of Seal Beach.<br />What can all this teach us? Those cycles continue to move forward and that life brings change. We should be thankful each day for the business and personal successes we have and be a little more gracious about those who might have less or are going through a rough time. We should continue to shop local and find common ground between us. Seal Beach has been a boom town, a shanty town, an older town and a young town. Most importantly, it is our town. It’s success or failures are only our own visage in the mirror of history.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-9095727644229665702010-09-25T16:08:00.001-07:002010-09-25T16:09:33.903-07:00Cool words - linguistic gymnasticsAs a consultant and writer, language is important to me. This is provided by the Washington Post in their annual competition:<br /><br />Once again, The Washington Post has published the winning submissions to its yearly neologism contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternative meanings for common words.<br /> <br />The winners are:<br /> <br />1. Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs.<br /> <br />2. Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.<br /> <br />3. Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.<br /> <br />4. Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.<br /> <br />5. Willy-nilly (adj.), impotent.<br /> <br />6. Negligent (adj.), describes a condition in which you absentmindedly answer the door in your nightgown.<br /> <br />7. Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.<br /> <br />8. Gargoyle (n), olive-flavored mouthwash.<br /> <br />9. Flatulence (n.) emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are run over by a steamroller.<br /> <br />10. Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.<br /> <br />11. Testicle (n.), a humorous question on an exam.<br /> <br />12. Rectitude (n.), the formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.<br /> <br />13. Pokemon (n), a Rastafarian proctologist.<br /> <br />14. Oyster (n.), a person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.<br /> <br />15. Frisbeetarianism (n.), (back by popular demand): The belief that, when you die, your soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.<br /> <br />16. Circumvent (n.), an opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men.<br /> <br />The Washington Post's Style Invitational also asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are this year's winners:<br /> <br /> <br />1. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.<br /> <br />2. Foreploy (v): Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.<br /> <br />3. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.<br /> <br />4. Giraffiti (n): Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.<br /> <br />5. Sarchasm (n): The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.<br /> <br />6. Inoculatte (v): To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.<br /> <br />7. Hipatitis (n): Terminal coolness.<br /> <br />8. Osteopornosis (n): A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)<br /> <br />9. Karmageddon (n): its like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.<br /> <br />10. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.<br /> <br />11. Glibido (v): All talk and no action.<br /> <br />12. Dopeler effect (n): The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.<br /> <br />13. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.<br /> <br />14. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.<br /> <br />15. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a grub in the fruit you're eating.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">And the pick of the literature:</span><br /> <br />1<span style="font-style:italic;">6. Ignoranus (n): A person who's both stupid and an asshole.</span>BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-51981329607027473422010-07-12T23:18:00.000-07:002010-07-12T23:19:27.001-07:00Are we focusing on the right things?John Abrams, a noted business author once noted: “If the people who make the decisions are the people who will also bear the consequences of those decisions, perhaps better decisions will result.” This past week, in a memo dated July 7th, Main Street merchants received a “Courtesy Notice if Sidewalk Encroachment/Outdoor Display Laws” in which city staff asserts “a number of complaints,” and “an increasing amount of sandwich board signs, racks of clothing, tables with merchandise, tables and chairs, and other items…” I doubt if any business owner complained about such things in Seal Beach. Most of the business owners I know are just trying to entice a few more customers into their stores.<br /><br />Interesting that the merchants I talk to are not concerned about these issues, they are concerned about other code issues. Code enforcement in the City is by “complaint” meaning that if you call, it will be investigated. I thought I would share a few concerns and highlight what others might have missed from the business community standpoint.<br /><br />There are an increasing number of individuals who are using our public spaces without event permits or agreement with the City for outdoor classes. This is prohibited by code. Where is the effective enforcement of that?<br /><br />What about the “bandit” flower or candy vendors which move through our community with impunity selling their product without a business license or tax contribution? Where is the support for “No Solicitation” signs that are in many storefronts which others ignore – going so far as to interrupt customers and shop owners during a transaction? Where is the code enforcement on that?<br />Merchants are concerned about benches for their patrons to sit down outside their shop while others browse or wait for a table. They are concerned about uneven pavers which are far more of a trip and fall hazard along with the awful newspaper racks which lie unused and unkempt with graffiti. Can we do something about those items? What about installing more bike racks or benches permanently by the City which would make it even more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists? If we encouraged more biking traffic, we may even favorably improve the parking situation.<br />There are groups which have gatherings on the beach in excess of the “exempt” number. Those businesses and organizations who apply for permits and receive them have no advantage over those who simply do not get a permit. They actually end up paying for more than their fair share - as one friend and congregation did this past Easter sunrise service. That congregation had paid, but another didn’t and saved the special event permit fee and the “beach use fee” – over $250 in savings. This is quite a bit for a church. Neither service was interrupted so why be compliant? Is this a double standard or just lax enforcement?<br /><br />We have inconsistent enforcement of various ordinances pertaining to how businesses conduct their business – what is outside, enclosed, noise, waste and appropriate or “compatible use.” Just this past Monday there were several residence speaking about two years of complaints against a Main Street merchant. While some of their concerns may have merit, what is the other side? What about businesses, which have more understanding neighbors, are they held to the same standard? Doubtful as they simply don’t’ receive complaints.<br /><br />When does business have a voice?<br /><br />There are two sides to every story. As a community, we need to remember that if you look at the historical record, in many ways, Main Street was here first. As Anaheim Landing, it was the business which developed our City first. Residents came later as it was identified as a great place to live. If not for Main Street and our other centers of shopping, Seal Beach would not be the place it is today.<br /><br />There is the ongoing issue of parking in our community. Will the City be as robust with their code enforcement of residential garage requirements? To all of those residents who have surfboard shaping areas in their garage, a home based hobby business or other concern in their garage where a car is unable to be parked, will the code strike you as firmly as some City councilmen wish to strike at Main Street?<br /><br />I recently had one store owner comment to me how perhaps we should transform our Main Street into Main Street Disneyland – full of facades and empty storefronts with just window dressing. Residents and visitors could then promenade unimpeded through our “pedestrian friendly” corridor. The 95th birthday of Seal Beach is coming up and I hope all of us remember that in our roots, business was the seed which founded our City. We should consider the benefits they bring to us – in unique character, quality of life and ease of transaction.<br /><br />I often implore you to shop local. In a bit of a change, I would ask you to consider the other voice, the voice of the “mom & pop” stores which dominate our centers of shopping. Most of those shops are good neighbors and at some point, they deserve the right to advertise, have special events and enjoy some of the protections that the residents so extol. Most of the shop owners and workers I know live in town. Isn’t there room for both sides of the story?BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-35995695046044491612010-06-24T20:09:00.001-07:002010-06-24T20:16:57.954-07:00Perspective on business<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSELVM_bmSQdM9J6hUjjbibCf3bJEs8syb4NrdsPjRw52xUFDpESqkAR3u00awh9eF17KcCwS30LRGeQr60P-8oASVp9LEKw4vxtJDr6j41UUOs14a484s5bzfYVE9YO-SohF-ACPRCuE/s1600/Perspective.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSELVM_bmSQdM9J6hUjjbibCf3bJEs8syb4NrdsPjRw52xUFDpESqkAR3u00awh9eF17KcCwS30LRGeQr60P-8oASVp9LEKw4vxtJDr6j41UUOs14a484s5bzfYVE9YO-SohF-ACPRCuE/s320/Perspective.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486544801475774754" /></a><br />It is important for all of us to get out of our own heads to see perspective on our life and our business. When working in our small businesses or non-profit, we forget to take stock of the 360 degree viewpoints around what we do.<br /><br />Look to mentors, peers, family, friends and other community members to give us an unbiased view (when possible) on the work we do. Realize that the way you see yourself is often quite different from the way others see you.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-27110434877275123672010-06-23T20:52:00.001-07:002010-06-23T20:52:20.398-07:00Summer Growth & Viewpoints“Growth, in some curious way, I suspect, depends on being always in motion just a little bit, one way or another.” Norman Mailer’s words seem particularly relevant to our community of Seal Beach. No matter what happens in the larger community, there is steady motion, sometimes forward, other times backwards, perhaps even sideways.<br /><br />As we enter the heart of the “visitor season,” the summer months, what is in and what is out? What has been happening with the business community? Change has happened in the Shops at Rossmoor as Panera Bread, Subway and Yogurtland all have indicated they will be coming to the center. Main Street has said goodbye to the AT&T store and welcomed another clothing shop, along with Ensemble, the new boutique, next to the Crema Café. These new businesses will definitely serve both visitors and residents.<br /><br />Our restaurants and hotels seem to be doing quite well with high occupancy and solid sales. If you are having out of town visitors, be sure to check them into the Pacific Inn, Hampton Inn or Ayres Hotel – they all have great rates and are perfect for visiting family. Make a commitment to dine out in one or more of our restaurants. Try something new and if you like it, write a Yelp or other online review to help bring more visitors to our town.<br /><br />With this in mind, the Chamber marketing committee has developed a vistor’s rack card which will be strategically located at airports, hotels and visitor centers in our region. We hope to continue to drive new customers to our centers of shopping. D on’t forget to use a Seal Beach City map to help navigate our town or to share with visitors. Also, be on the look out for our new 2010-11 Community and Visitor’s Guide, which is being produced by the Chamber again. Full of resources, information, business and content, it will be the official guide to our business community for the next two years.<br /><br />On the governmental front, we were hoping for some closure to the Title 11, the comprehensive zoning code. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen as it was sent back to the Planning Commission for further consideration. It should be of concern that there seems to be resistance to merchants advertising and marketing their businesses with A-frame signs. Further, there seems to be growing discontent with our City Manager, David Carmany from at least one councilman. From the Chamber perspective, Mr. Carmany has been one of the best things that has happened to City Hall. He has consistently been focused on improving our community and moving city staff to a greater degree of customer service to everyone.<br /><br />With the Car Show and EDGE (Educate, Develop & Grow the Economy) Seal Beach Seminar series, over, the Chamber is ready for the annual Summer Concert Series. It is going to be a wonderful series and as other communities are wondering how they can afford to provide this kind of free summer entertainment, our Chamber and town is producing ten concerts this year. <br /><br />Look out for bands like Sligo Rags, Nobody Cares, Emperor, the Elm Street Band and locals like Eddie Montana and Robbie Armstrong. Previews of some of the bands will be in the Sun’s “Hot Ticket.” New this year will be our vendor village, in the concrete slab area next to Eisenhower Park. This should give residents and visitors more access and seating in the grass of the park. Look also for a Main Street sidewalk sale kick off on July 7th, the first of the Summer Concert Series concerts. Be sure to shop local and have friends come to town on those Wednesdays. Use the beach lots at 8th and 10th to reduce parking impacts for residents too!<br /><br />Part of the mission of the Chamber is to “enhance the quality of life in Seal Beach.” As Mailer states, movement is critical. The Chamber is proud of the movement we produce in the community. Major events and partnerships are what give part of the magic to our city. It is always a great time to look for events like the LIONS annual Fish Fry in July and the Rotary’s Fishing Derby and new Chili Cook Off in August.<br /><br />Finally, remember that the Chamber, our members and volunteers, produces the Summer Concert series. It is through sponsorship, vendors and our member dues that the event is provided as a free benefit to all. Your connection to our merchants helps us keep all of it happening! Enjoy your summer and we look forward to seeing you at our events all season long. As always, shop local!BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3982019074502792025.post-53881761054363593352010-06-06T19:25:00.003-07:002010-06-13T12:06:07.021-07:00Memorial Day weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vt8eNgB9yzuldUu1h8j-6tcdPnO9IKJxQriw3rQOezFaecwtaF0sWVb_x-IdEu7bp8sHJs2JFsgqkivY2VXbdmo95gnMLgd-jwimsK85Fm-IsF1FkATG6lgR45u1pkJu9po5dVY-g6Ga/s1600/DSCN0417.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vt8eNgB9yzuldUu1h8j-6tcdPnO9IKJxQriw3rQOezFaecwtaF0sWVb_x-IdEu7bp8sHJs2JFsgqkivY2VXbdmo95gnMLgd-jwimsK85Fm-IsF1FkATG6lgR45u1pkJu9po5dVY-g6Ga/s320/DSCN0417.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482304467302774546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVxQIl6i0ym2LaIgQurJheFO1SRhaUsOOA8P2pGRj1c-YPVn96pWOj_8IY7cS4rXL1jvjJZerABecVYqgUBgc-4U3trwm_LF-Q9g7M512r1kTtsjX2IGr5ktpTC3yyvBRrKVjrL-AQVUF/s1600/DSCN0425.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVxQIl6i0ym2LaIgQurJheFO1SRhaUsOOA8P2pGRj1c-YPVn96pWOj_8IY7cS4rXL1jvjJZerABecVYqgUBgc-4U3trwm_LF-Q9g7M512r1kTtsjX2IGr5ktpTC3yyvBRrKVjrL-AQVUF/s320/DSCN0425.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482304225016527858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jff-VYjiBauOi5IPBSlQEvMR-eNpwJuci0h1Xzc90iAkbftttHn-VlJaR8ebrk8iZeXA9UxikYgx1F5iyFaLmKR5gSkgEzXXDF_0vqUk3N-7d3LaVtx7pH3151dxjRsn-8YCugLrAGJm/s1600/DSCN0415.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jff-VYjiBauOi5IPBSlQEvMR-eNpwJuci0h1Xzc90iAkbftttHn-VlJaR8ebrk8iZeXA9UxikYgx1F5iyFaLmKR5gSkgEzXXDF_0vqUk3N-7d3LaVtx7pH3151dxjRsn-8YCugLrAGJm/s320/DSCN0415.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482303695435971634" /></a><br />So here are some photos from my trip to Rehoboth. My best friend Christopher and I on the dance floor along with my client Ross, 'topher and his boyfriend Michael (my new Boo!) Such a good time.<br /><br />Reminds me that we have to all celebrate friendships, particularly those which are like family. Christopher in particular and I have been through a great deal - far to much to share here, but suffice it to say, if you could go through it, we have. LOL! Doesn't he look amazing? If only you knew his diet...<br /><br />What was also great was to work with my client Ross on his vision of changing iPhone applications and technology development. With some work together, we have outlined a draft business plan - certainly enough to clarify his vision. It was such a pleasure to work in my area of core competency.BlackMarbleConsultinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04894169721733147816noreply@blogger.com0