Last Minute or Deadline Oriented?

The bottom line with that comparison, what ever the task, it is completed with little or no time to spare. Not the way to operate any business, or be at your job, study, etc.

I’ve been posed with this thought because of the amount of people I’ve come across who operate like this. It’s a proven fact that our bodies operate poorly while stressed and stress can literally kill you. So why not manage your time a bit better (for those who are last minute) and create earlier soft deadlines (for those deadline oriented people) to relieve some of the stress associated with a time crunch.

Cramming for tests never helped me, and I found numerous studies that showed a good night’s sleep would be a better idea than trying to re-learn (for some of us – learn) the course within the 24 hours leading up to the exam. Most of the studies showed that during the cramming time period, the brain is not working as efficiently as possible, nor at its full capacity. This was not helped by drugs, energy drinks, coffee, etc.

I found that learning the course and absorbing through out the semester was the best way to gain knowledge and retain it. The retention was aided by having some time to apply the knowledge whether it be a term project, an essay or simply class discussion.

Now, fast-forward to today. How can we apply this to our office setting? What about our most recent client or project?

Be a sponge of information all the time. I think the more you can absorb over the course of time, you will be very sharp when it comes down to executing. Clients drop hints, previous events can give you guidance, and the amount of info out there is immense! Don’t let the deadline scare you, eat it like an elephant; one bite at a time. Being a sponge is profitable!

Make the bites a little easier to understand by dividing them by category. I find that this also helps with delegating. For example, you can easier identify tasks that will a creative person or a graphic designer by having them all classified under design, creative or visual.

Keep tabs on how everything is going, and always be aware of the deadline or Event date. I know this sounds stupid, but it is very true. Don’t get so wrapped up in you work that the deadline sneaks up on you. Then you don’t have a choice, but to pull that all nighter.

Don’t think that I’m against deadlines or being spontaneous. After all, a lot of our ideas are spontaneous, mostly stemming from creative, and they might require some last minute work, or a tight deadline to pull off, but its not a choice that is made day-in and day-out. We would much rather plan.

When something is going to plan, everyone is calm – once again cutting down on stress levels – and the efficiency levels go through the roof. Allowance for changes, or road blocks are much easier when the deadline is comfortable, or you have lots of time.

Work with a sense of urgency to get ahead of the curve; don’t have the hammer about to come down on your head. Do tomorrow’s work today, so you can finish with ample time and breathe easier.

Artic Cold Front = Bike Riding Season?

Vancouver BC has gotten hit with this strange “arctic cold front” and we’re breaking records for snowfall and cold weather. In the midst of this, on Christmas Eve while I’m coming into the office, I see a guy riding his bike to work. Hold on, its -4 degrees outside, the streets are barley plowed, cars are having difficulty getting around, and this guy is commuting to work on his bike like others do in the summer months.

Have some resilience; a quality that few people exercise and those who do always cross the finish line and usually it is on top. Just like our biker friend refusing to change his means of transportation due to weather, to succeed, we must all be resilient.

I was told this metaphor years ago about what the pay off would be worth. Would you be willing to doing the dirtiest or most demeaning job in the world if you had a $1,000,000 bonus at the end of each year? Think about that. What is your price? Is it less than a million dollars? For some, it might be having debts paid off each year – what ever it is, find your price when looking at the tasks in front of you.

No matter the industry, this is relevant. Goal setting is one thing, fitting as the New Year’s Resolutions are a week away, but following through the necessary steps to hit those goals is essential.

I’ve met a lot of very smart, educated, sharp people over the years, and I must tell you, they have all the potential in the world. They have all the tools needed to accomplish great things. But only few put those tools to use – don’t be one of the could have, should have, would haves.

The worst thing someone can say to you is, “wow, you have so much potential!” That is translation for, “I see you have the tools, and you’re not putting them to use.”

Get into gear for the New Year, just like the biker commuting to work in the snow, be resilient and follow through on your goals for 2009!

A Little Christmas Humor

With the holiday season in full swing and Christmas right around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate to have a Christmas themed joke. Remember, its a time of joy and celebration - smile, chuckle and laugh through the holidays - it makes for a great close to 2008 and points you in the right direction for 2009. ~Merry Christmas~

Little Johnny's Christmas Present

Little Johnny had a cussing problem and his father was getting tired of it. He decided to ask his shrink what to do. The shrink said, “Since Christmas is coming up, you should ask Johnny what he wants Santa to bring him. If he cusses while he tells you his wish list, leave a pile of dog poop in place of the gift or gifts he requests.”

Two days before Christmas, Johnny’s father asked him what he wanted for Christmas. “I want a damn teddy-bear laying right beside me when I wake-up. When I go downstairs I want to see a damn train going around the damn tree. And when I go outside I want to see a damn bike leaning up against the damn garage.”

Christmas morning, Little Johnny woke up and rolled over into a pile of dog poop. Confused, he walked down stairs and saw another pile under the tree. Scratching his head, he walked outside and saw a huge pile of dog poop by the garage. When Johnny walked back inside with a curious look on his face, his dad smiled and asked, “What did Santa bring you this year?”
Johnny replied, “I think I got a dog but I can’t find the son-of-a-bitch!”

Sponorship Part 3: Go After the BIG FISH!

Don’t think that you, as a little fish, can’t land the big names or host that huge event! Here’s an example of Sneakers and NBA stars!

1995: Young man, just shy of 7 feet tall is coming out of high school, jumps in the draft, and ends up with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Before his NBA Career even starts, he’s landed a huge shoe deal with Nike that will give him the ability to have his own signature shoe. Who?? Kevin Garnett!

The deal was great! Nike was “the” shoe company for bball and if you we’re a top player, that’s what 90% of your peers were wearing in the NBA. The stats were truly staggering as majority of basketball players had on some Nikes. The trend of aggressive athlete sponsorship hadn’t caught on with all the major shoe companies who were making shoes for the hardwood.

But that would certainly change. The next year, a large deal was landed for 2of the hottest rookies of 1996-1997; Allen Iverson and Antoine Walker signing with Reebok, that same year Adidas picked up Kobe Bryant. All 3 showed up in the NBA with their own signature shoes – something rare at the time.

Fast forward a couple of years, Adidas and Kobe are having design issues, and he’s threatening, so Nike focuses their efforts to get Kobe on their team, which was official in 2005 with the launch of the Zoom Kobe 1. Why did they need Kobe to jump from Adidas? Because they went shopping! To the tune of Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Tracy McGrady, Gilbert Arenas, just to name a handful. All receiving signature shoes, and becoming the new face of the 3 stripes brand.

A bold move by Adidas, one that paid off – big time. 75% of the high schools that I’ve seen play in the past week have been wearing Adidas gear from head-to-toe, and it stems partially from those big signings.

The bottom line: no matter how small you think (or know) you are in respects to your industry, a bold move can really pay off! Many times, the potential clients out there prefer to go with someone a little smaller because they want your creativity and perspective. Something that is totally different than their views on corporate culture. Go For the BIG FISH!

All the Best of Success!

Don't be shy, multiple websites can help you

I've noticed recently that ads are "giving you the sequel" or more info on their website. Any typically its not something that is related to the brand.



Here's a great example: www.feelgoodfeelbad.ca its for a new type of medicine (I had to revert back to their site and still couldn't find out the name with out giving a lot of info). The whole idea is that your joints feel good, but the medicine used to heal that upsets your stomach. Its a pretty catchy campaign, but that's not what we're talking about.

We're talking about the choice of website. The benefit of having a campaign oriented web address is huge. Especially if you are supposed to be a "silent part" of the campaign or event. There is more to a name than you might think. Especially when you have the ability to get domains that are phrases, much easier than the name of your self or company.

It is becoming easier and cheaper to buy these domains too. I personally look no further than GoDaddy. If its good enough for Google and Blogger will direct you to go daddy if you are wanting a personalized web address, then its good enough for me. And their president loves hot stars - that's why you'll see like likes of Danica Patrick, Candace Michelle, Ocho-Cinco and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to name a few.





Try wrapping your next event marketing around this idea, if you have the time and resources to build a separate site. Remember if you wanted to buy www.bravadosports.com its taken, but I can assure you, www.wecanplanyourulitmateevent.com is available (at least it is today).

The "i" in team?

Its the day after the Mats Sundin free agency is over, and he's now a Vancouver Canuck. The Canucks' fan forum is buzzing with reactions and opinions, of their new player and what he will bring to the team.

No matter which team landed the popular Swede, here's my question, "What made numerous General Managers around the league chase him for months?"

I don't think Sundin is a deal breaker or a Gretzky, but the length some teams were willing to go in order to get Sundin was awfully ridiculous. Of all the teams, the Canucks are the only which need not trade a top player with the arrival of Mats. Great positioning by Mike Gillis, and the Canucks won the battle. Can you imagine if we had to get rid of 2 of our best players to bring Sundin in - that's what the NY Rangers were willing to do.

No player, in my books, is worth restructuring mid-season. Sure, some teams would have taken a stab at Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky in their prime but there isn't and "I" in team, and that one player will never cut it.

The Rangers tried with Gretzky, and it was less than successful, with out the rest of the team creating the magic on the ice. The Wizards tried to spark a championship with MJ and it was an utter failure. The best exanple of restructuring and winning a championship immediately is the 2007-2008 Boston Celtics. And that was no one player signing - it was adding 2 additional superstars, numerous roll player and leadership.

I think the best fit for Sundin is with the Canucks, and its simply because he won't ruffle feathers. If it leads to a Stanly Cup, fantastic, but first let's hope he's a solid, healthy hockey player that can still SCORE!

Whether or not he'll perform, Ticket Sales are through the roof and if you're planning on going to a game, be ready to pay a premium. We've got another star in Vancouver - it still might be best to take a couple days and catch a road game.

Small Market? BIG BUSINESS

Here’s a good look at the shift to being online. The recent rumors of Lebron James getting a ridiculous bonus from Nike and other sponsors if he signed with the New York Kincks in 2010 are just that – rumors. Maybe Lebron will sign with the Knicks as they will have a lot of cap space, and will be looking to spend, but there will be no extraordinary Nike bonus coming his way.

The logic behind it works – in the 1970’s or 80’s. As the rumor went, it was pitched to Lebron that New York would be a better market for him to play in since it is the biggest market in the US. It would have made sense years back when there would be more people to wear his jersey and come to games, but with the internet and the media having much improved coverage, us fans no longer have to cheer for the home town hero. We can choose to root for whom ever we like.

Lebron is a Global Brand, and that’s probably why we would consider the insane mention of $50 Million per year to play overseas. Lebron is like Tiger Woods, no matter where he plays, everyone is watching him. I am amazed that he makes the Lakers look like a small market. Kobe gets pushed aside if there is a Lebron James story to be had on the evening sports. I can remember the days when the sports coverage was of your local team and Michael Jordan. That was it. Now its all at our fingertips – if you want to cheer for Yao Ming, and you live at the North Pole, you can get relatively the same coverage as someone in Houston.

The power of info in a split has brought fans much closer to these superstars night after night. Its great for markets like Canada. Heck, if Vancouver still had the Grizzlies and was drafting Steve Francis today, maybe he would have realized that he can still be a star, and Canada isn’t half way around the globe (but that’s a whole other story for another day)

Lebron is going to live and play where he has the best shot at the championship. He has all the ingredients to be at the top of the Athlete Superstar food chain, except for the championship ring(s). We’ll see what happens as the season progresses, is that illusive championship ring in the near future?

Newsworthy!

We’ve come a long way since the first days of Bravado, and I’m happy to say that we’ve got most of our foundation set, and the rest is planned and being put in place, early 2009. Of the things I’ve mentioned before, branding, marketing, networking (all which I’m sure we’ll touch on again) nothing gave us quite the boost that media exposure did.

In college I got the chance to meet a couple of executives from Canada Newswire, and one of them mentioned, when you’re ready to launch your company, (a different project at the time) give me a call and we’ll set up a proper press conference. At the time, I was polite and thanked him, but I really couldn’t grasp the idea of a small local business needing a press conference. Now, with Bravado we need all the exposure we can get.

Taking the time to research more about press releases, it is amazing how quickly you can really get the word out! I sound like a broken record, but its true, the internet has advanced how quickly we can do business. Being able to write your press release (take a look at what's appropriate for your industry) and have it posted can be done instantly with various mediums depending on your geographical or demographic relevance. Be ready to spend a couple bucks to get featured placement, but there are many websites that will let you post for free.

The best sources to use are going to be the ones which feed into the news outlets you’re looking to hit. Do a bit of research, I’ve done a couple of blanket US/Canada postings on www.free-press-release.com and we have seen results, even with their free posting.

We managed to get in touch with some of the “Around Town” writers here in Vancouver, and thanks to Fred Lee, we were seen in TV Week Magazine, Vancouver Courier, National Post, and Fred mentioned us on CBC Radio. He’s a contact that we’re really looking forward to working with since he covering the types of events we’re planning!

Stick your neck out when you need to. Networking never hurts! As much as new technology comes along, networking and traditional mass media are not going away overnight – use it to your advantage! Majority of people still get and read the newspaper, and watch the 6 o'clock news. The blackberry and pod-casts haven't fully taken over.

Perfection... what's your take?

There is nothing in this world that is truly perfect. As much as you may think something is the best it can be, there is room for improvement somewhere. Take the picture above, do you see your "Perfect Vacation?" Maybe not. As any consultant of any sort, be cautious of how far you may want to push your client to change, since the two of you may have very different ideas of perfection.

Some are very open to change because they are motivated to make it to the next level. While others can become defensive when showing opportunities to change and grow since, usually, they are extremely happy that they have gotten to their current position.

Here’s an example of the latter. Recently, I met up with a former colleague to catch up, and naturally, we started talking about work. He'd just started in a new position, and saw so much potential for the company's efficiency and growth within his department. His ambitious nature took over and he approached his superiors with his ideas. Not only rejected, but he was accused of not doing his job.

He was told something to the likes of, “If you have time to dream up these changes, you aren’t focusing enough on your daily tasks.” I couldn’t help but laugh – yes, it is an extreme case, but that person is out there. He obviously thinks things are great and don't need to change.

Armed with this knowledge, my approach to clients and changing their concepts will very different. Less presenting ideas, more including the client, as we’re working towards the new idea. Maybe if my friend’s boss could have felt as he was making the suggestion, it would have gone differently and there would have been a pat on the back instead of a scolding.

Going back to the start of this entry, I think all people are looking to get to the next level if they have brought you on. The way you must go about it will be different case by case. Ceasing to remember that you are there to help their business will throw all of this out the window. As much as I would like to have extraordinary results every time, business is business, and completing your project is always a win!

Maybe its time to plan that "Perfect Vacation"

Sometimes, You Need to Change Direction

Honestly, I hear this every day, "great idea, how's that going to work? Can you really pull that off?"

No longer does this frustrate me, and is actually what drove me to do more reflection on where we've come from. A couple years back, I picked up a great habit at a conference a couple years back from the top leadership teacher, John Maxwell; always have some where to put your ideas and expand on them. Since then, I've probably gone through 5 or 6 "idea note books." I'm quite amazed how far my ideas have come, but more surprised on how drastically many of those ideas have changed. Of course, continuing to learn and be hungry for more info about your industry and your interests helps. Using John Maxwell as an example, I've read a couple of his books, and by the first chapter, I'll have something valuable from it. Something that I can apply right away. I am confident that all the reading helps me make better decisions day-in and day-out.

Yes, the ideas have grown and changed, a lot. Not changed in a bad way, but significantly changed as they had to be manipulated before they could come to fruition. Roadblocks are always unforeseen, I'm happy we were able to overcome them. As stubborn as I can be at times, wanting to see that ideal in my head happen, the best ideas are those up for interpretation and molded by our team. Keep that mindset, that the idea is only the beginning of the plan. Let the changes be suggested, and be willing to take a sharp change in the direction of your plans if necessary.

We recently had to take a 180 degree turn with one of our projects, and it was painful. Feeling like we threw a lot out the window and had to start from scratch. Big Picture; its for the better. Its going to take a while to get back to where we need, expect and should be.

I'm glad that I have a team who is flexible and willing to change as the project evolves. If there is a fork in the road, I am very confident brainstorming with them to come up with the direction we should head in. Being confident and committed to whatever you choose is what makes the difference down the road. I love the saying, "leave it all on the field" and I truly believe that can be used in any aspect of life. Give it all you've got, and you'll be happy knowing that you put in all your efforts.

Part 2: Sponsorship Anyone?

I have been reading about a lot of traditional businesses (large ones at that) who are turning to sponsorships, new advertising and product placement as new sources of revenue.

The biggest ones which caught my eye were some of the major airlines. Way before the economic crisis really kicked in this fall, we heard about the airline industry losing money, cutting flights, canceling orders for new planes, laying off staff, and raising ticket prices to boot! This industry is in serious need of a cash injection; sounds like a small business owner or a new event.

Here's a good example. If you have flown recently, you have noticed the ad on the tray table. The first one for me was a Verizon ad on my last flight to New York. As I folded down the table and noticed the ad, I wasn't shocked at first, but as the flight continued, I thought about it a little more. Just as we look for places to generate revenue with our events (t-shirts, banners, posters, give-aways, etc) the major airlines are also looking for additional places to slap a logo!

It makes perfect sense for a couple of reasons; you have a captive audience for an extended period of time, demographics are easy to grasp, theres lots of eyeballs, you know where your audience is going to, and in a lot of cases, the consumer can purchase the minute they land in the airport.

These advertisers are seeing this as new, uncharted territory for them to gain more market share. As an event planner who is looking for sponsorship, you have to be that airline. Why does your sponsorship make perfect sense? Your event is the opportunity for them to get more market share, what are your hot points and which companies would be a good fit? Durning flights, I've seen a couple of Verizon ads now, a few for cough syrup/cold remedies, car rentals, hotels, etc. Sounds like everything you would need on your trip. So what would every one attending your event need? That's where we start, keep it broad, and land those sponsors!