Like many, I subscribe to Chris Brogan's blog and give it a read pretty regularly from reader or my inbox. Today's post "What Timberland Taught Me About Retail" kind of stopped me in my tracks for several reasons. As a disclaimer, I like Chris, I may not follow his every tweet or live by the words on his blog, but I generally think he is a nice guy and thought he was, for the most part, professional when we interviewed him at SXSWi last year. 

The point of my post is that I think Chris's post today serves as a pretty good example of a few downsides to some prominent voices in the blogging community. This is by no means meant to be a rant against Chris personally, nor a stab at bloggers in-general, just a few thoughts that have been in my mind for a while and Chris's post happened to be the one that drew them out.  Here they are:

1. The Social Media Hedge Fund
2. With great power comes great responsibility (Cheesy... yes, but well-said Spidey!)
3. Live by the sword; die by the sword

1. The Social Media Hedge Fund - I love the fact that business has evolved/started to evolve, and through current tools like Facebook and Twitter the "average" consumer now has a viable and amp-able voice in the marketplace. I also love the fact businesses are held to more accountability for their actions in this modern environment and less can fly under the radar.  However, in some cases, our new advocates and leaders e.g. techno/twitteratti are slipping into a place similar to a hedge fund short-selling. By that, I mean the negative effects of their post/tweets cause a "group think" response and people begin to pummel said company/brand without much independent thought. Now, I recognize both views of short-selling and recognize I am NOT a financial expert so feel free to critique my analogy. Though those who "digitally short" a brand by remarking about its enormous "sucking power" are not necessarily gaining financially by the value/equity of the brand declining, they are in some cases gaining financially from the thousands of followers and readers that closely follow their lead and subscribe to their thoughts fairly close to word-for-word. How many times have you seen RTs, quotes and theories taken practically verbatim from the mouths and text of Chris Brogan, Gary Vaynerchuk, Guy Kawasaki etc.? This can be a powerful thing, as well as a very positive thing as long as point 2 is kept in mind.

2. With great power comes great responsibility - Yes, I know it is a cheesy quote from Spiderman, but it is definitely legit and should be taken into consideration by all of our digital celebs. Though I love the fact we have an increased voice as a consumer, there is a form of censoring or filtering our words and voice needs to go through as our voice grows in resonance.  If the POTUS went out and started speaking his mind freely, there would definitely be backlash as he is highly influential and must consider his every word, even in a country where we put tremendous value on free speech and press. The same is common to corporate officers and their words. If they were to publicly release harsh statements via their blog or interview, they would quickly be blasted by many of our online colleagues and peers for doing so. We need to keep that in mind and carefully choose our words as our voices grow. Though transparency is highly rewarded in today's society there is still a place for some choosing and filtration of what should be blogged about or posted on Twitter or Facebook.

3. Live by the sword; die by the sword - The Online Model is quickly catching up with the Traditional Models of business we are so quick to criticize and claim to be dead. In fact, the traditional retail model is not dead. We are merely reviving it online and are encountering the same problems in a digital environment, where we can more easily voice our complaints and praise. Here, I use Chris's post as an example, sorry Chris, where he complains about the broken experience he recently encountered, trying to find a pair of Timberland boots. I encourage you to read it as it is an important example and quite a good post...read the comments too! Some of the things he talks about and criticizes as flaws in the brick and mortar retail model are things evident in his very post.

We are often quick to criticize a lack of action or response to complaints and questions from companies and corporations. But, if you look at some of our digital leaders and top blogs, there are many complaints or comments that go unrecognized. Why is this? Chris and others like him are simply too busy to answer and reply to every comment, criticism or question. This is the same fundamental problem we criticize traditional businesses for having.

In his post, Chris also mentions a problem in the communication through channels e.g. Timberland retailer, Journeys and Macy's and their logistics in carrying an ample supply and having appropriate knowledge of the brands they carry as affiliates. Again, there is a flaw here. In Chris's post there was a logistical/technological error that seemed to occur in the post and reply that was made by Chris (a representative from Timberland) to apologize for the issue. Should Chris Brogan be held accountable for this error? He does get to choose his service provider, blog platform and host. In reality, things happen and most would not think to criticize Chris for that error, it just doesn't really make sense even though it is a possibility.

Another issue mentioned in the post was a wait time of 10 minutes while contacting other possible carriers. I went back and looked at the time between comments and replies from Chris on his post. On the comments he chose to reply to there was on average 1-3 hours in delay. We find this acceptable from blogs as we view them differently, for some reason, than the brands and stores we criticize. Actually, I would venture to say that many of  those who read and commented on Chris's post were in fact Chris's customers. Perhaps they purchased Trust Agents, paid for the Thesis theme, paid to attend one of Chris's speaking engagements or Podcamps. Should we hold our digital leaders/brands to different standards?

Obviously I am being a bit facetious and dramatic, and truthfully I recognize the need to pick and choose replies and understand a non-instant response as I too run a business and know the logistical and time challenges business owners and executives face on a constant basis.

All in all, this is just something to consider. I truly love what social media has brought to the forefront and the changes it has evoked in the way we do business. That being said, I think we just need to calibrate and be considerate of the full 360 view before we take to the streets with our picket signs of revolution.

Thoughts?

After finishing up a late night of packing I was on my way back to TX. I flew my best friend, Joe, up to help me make the trip back. We ended up making it back in a little over 22 hours and without any wrecks, car trouble or tickets!!! In my book, I consider that a success.

Tonight I go to bed officially back in TX and, in my mind, home. I was definitely filled with a whole series of emotions as I shut the door and closed the lock to the moving trailer and locked up the house in PA one last time on Friday.  So many things happened in these last two years and, in a nutshell, I really believe I can attribute much of the last two years to truly “finding” myself.

There are so many things I learned both professionally and personally over the course of my time spent living in PA, and in some ways the move back here to TX is a whole new chapter. It’s a chance to further grow as an entrepreneur, expand our business, a fresh start in new relationships and a move to do what I know is best regarding family and friends.

Often, when writing for this blog, I find myself searching for the blend of ways to provide value and insight into the professional and personal sides of my life. As I was thinking about different points to include in this post, an interesting discussion occurred when I was giving a couple guest lectures at Temple University. A student asked me if “as an entrepreneur and business owner, my (personal and professional) lives ever seem to blend together?” My answer was yes, and initially I felt somewhat guilty, but nonetheless, honest. Now that I think about it, how can they not? I truly love and am extremely passionate about what I do and what Spych represents. I pour hours of hard work into making it successful and no matter how much you strive to separate work and personal life, for me it is somewhat impossible. But is that really a bad thing?

I had a really great conversation with Carla Blumenthal tonight about this topic as well. Carla and I talked about a few different things that really made me think further about what I planned on writing in this post. I have been blessed to work with some really great people, whether they are clients of Spych, other AMA Board members or other research colleagues. I guess, because of this, I tend to find the direct line between work and personal life a bit blurred. Sure, I have friends who are not at all related to my work (mainly my closest ones) and others who I purely consider work-related. But, why have we started to insist and force such a dichotomy between work and personal life? If you love what you do and are passionate about doing it, then how and why do we set that completely aside? In theory, I know when people talk about work vs. personal we do not rule out having friends that live in both spaces, but I feel like we may tend to associate a little too much importance in completely separating the two.

Another thing Carla and I spoke about that directly related to an issue I wanted to address in this post is personal community. Rather than focusing on trying to delineate a separation between my work and personal life, the past two years have helped me to recognize and establish my personal community. Those who I interact with on a consistent basis, reach out to for advice, or just to lend an ear, shoulder or hand. Carla asked if my crazy travel schedule impacted the ability to maintain a close personal community. Truthfully, it did, but maybe not only as you would initially expect. Yes, it was difficult to maintain all of the different friendships and regular communications I had when living in TX and traveling less. But, on the other hand, it really helped me to mature, enrich and increasingly value the relationships I have with those in my close inner circle. To that point, as I mentioned earlier, moving back to TX represents a few different things.

On the personal front, I wanted the opportunity to spend more time with my family and close friends. Some of you know the battle my dad is fighting with cancer and I knew in my heart that it was the right time to come back and try to be around my mom and dad when I am not on the road.

On the business front, Spych is rapidly gaining traction in the DFW area and it made sense to establish it here when we launched it as its own company from its initially life as a division of DGA. When I am not on the road for research or speaking at conferences, I have the benefit of being able to work remote and from home. This helps with the ability to spend some time around my dad.

To truly fulfill my responsibilities on the Board for the DFW AMA , and to do what it takes to provide a true value to the students, it requires me to spend more time with all of my collegiate representatives and act as a liaison and source of help. Being back in TX is key in allowing me to help them, which is a huge passion of mine.

With all signs pointing back to the Lone Star State, I’m back. I am ready to see what the next years offer and spend time back in the place I call home. I know continual change will come my way, but I am excited to not know exactly what is around the corner and look forward to taking the passion I have for my work and working toward taking Spych to new levels. When you take a close look at all three of those points, again it shows the influence my work and personal lives have on each other. By no means do I suggest sending e-mails out on dates, or bringing your laptop on vacation, and I recognize the situations in which work must maintain a clear separation. But where do we really need to draw a distinction? It’s a personal choice and I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Great to be home!

I have been very fortunate in having the opportunity to do quite a bit of speaking and guest lectures lately and a few common themes have sprouted in terms of Q&A regardless of the topic I am presenting:

1) How did I get my start in Market Research and Entrepreneurship?

2) When do I sleep?

3) What motivates me?

1) The first question is really one of my favorite questions to answer.  I pretty much love answering any type of question, as I think it is the REAL value of any presentation.  You disseminate your information and then after the audience has a chance to relate it to their own personal situation, they get a chance to ask the thing that will really have an impact on what they walk away with from the presentation.  Back to the answer..

The homepage briefly talks about my background but it was really a chain of fortunate events that led me to qualitative research….I do not think very many people REALLY set out pursuing qual research, it just sort of finds you.  Through college, I worked my way through school playing the saxophone in various jazz, rock and cover bands.  I’m in the process of writing a post about how Jazz is truly the way I honed my entrepreneurial skills but for now, just know it was a huge part of my life . 

One of the holiday gigs I got booked for was the YMCA of Arlington Chairman’s Round-table Dinner.  There, my band was fortunate enough to be seated at the same table as the Director of Marketing and I began to strike up conversation.   In conversation, she mentioned the YMCA was launching their first marketing internship program and asked me to apply.  After the traditional interviewing process I was selected for the internship, where I met a friend, Amy, who is a moderator for a large research firm.  She is the one who shed light on the world of qualitative research for me and encouraged me to take my entrepreneurial goals via the route of market research.

Amy introduced me to Jessica Josset, the President of Fieldwork Dallas, a well-known and highly regarded market research facility in Addison TX.  I was clear and up-front with Jess about my goal to become a moderator for a small firm and I saw Fieldwork Dallas as a valuable step in helping me achieve this goal.  I knew if I worked hard enough and proved myself, Fieldwork was the best place for me to meet the company I wanted to work with. 

After about 6 months, my hard work had paid off when I received a call from Jess letting me know she had just recommended me to one of our best clients, Dave Gustafson.  He was looking to expand his business and wanted to meet me!  Dave flew down from PA and the interview process began.  After a few weeks of due diligence, I had accepted an offer and made arrangements to make the move to PA.  Working with Dave at D. Gustafson & Associates, is where I really immersed myself into the world of qualitative research.  I was mentored and shown the ropes, while Dave still empowered me to help shape the direction of our business.  This was a huge point in my career and the pivotal piece of what has guided my trajectory thus far.  Getting the opportunity to work with a company that has helped over 10 of the top 20 Pharma companies in the world and sink my teeth deep into every aspect of the research process was a rare opportunity and one that I am thankful for every single day! 

As things started to shake up economically, we began to not only enhance our business within the Pharma/Healthcare market, but also look for ways to diversify our business.  Early on in joining DGA, I had posed the question about our sole focus on Pharma and to me, this was the perfect time to expand our scope and reach.  I began formalizing my previously intangible thoughts about consumer research and Spych was born.  Literally from a blue Mead spiral notebook, nothing fancy, just simple and straightforward, I drafted our business model, strategic plan and thoughts on market entry.  Over the course of a year, this plan would be molded, polished and pressure-tested for validity.  I’m now sitting on a train on my way back to my house in PA to pack up, load the moving truck and head back to TX where Spych lives as boutique research firm specializing in youth and young adult consumer segments! 

 
2) The answer to the second question, when do I sleep, is an easy one.  Generally, I sleep from about 2:30 AM to 6AM, give or take about 2 hours depending if I am “at home” or on the road for research.  Pleasantly coined at SXSWi this past year, “I’ll sleep when I’m 30.”  It’s no secret that I work long hours, but the truth is I absolutely love what I do, and running a successful business takes every second of the hours that I put in.  I think sometimes, we have this view of executives as spending the 9-5 on the phone and then Friday’s on the golf course.  The most successful businessmen/women I have met across the globe are those who put in the hours consistently.  This does not come without sacrifice, and another post will follow talking about the sacrifices of being a successful entrepreneur.

 

3) As for my motivation….well, for me there are two main faces of motivation that get my blood flowing.  I was at a DFW AMA event last week where I am participating in a mentoring partnership program as a mentor and one of the protégé participants asked me what things motivated me most.  I thought it was a great question, as I think you can tell quite a bit about a person by the things that motivate them.  One of the things that motivates me most is an honest and sincere giving, with nothing expected in return.  Having lived a small portion of my live in airports and hotels these past few years, I have found them to be great people watching spots.  If you are looking for it, you can see some amazing acts of kindness.  Whether it is helping an international visitor with directions, offering to stand on the subway to let someone more in need take the seat or even just small token conversations that make someone’s day a bit brighter, for me that is motivating for me to pursue my passion.

The other is simply music!  If you want to talk about pure drive, to me, music is the epitome of passion.  I have been blessed to meet, and in many cases, play with some absolutely phenomenal musicians.  In every case, they were some of the most passionate and motivating people I have encountered.  Nothing can change my mood and get me going like a great song.  When I am writing, whether for business or pleasure, there is always music in my ears, often jazz.  This is inspiration for the title of this post.  One thing I truly miss about the pre-itunes era is the liner notes and lyrics.  If you go back to some of your favorite CDs (Or records :) ) and read through the lyrics of some of your favorite songs, you can truly see how they are “Life’s Transcripts”.  Some sing about lost love, the best day of their life, growing up, or a new-found love interest.  I think the best musicians are the best storytellers.  Sometimes it is with words, other times it is through the saxophone, drums or guitar.  Either way, it is the one who best conveys their story that connects with the audience and causes us to dance in our car or sing out loud. 

So, sing loudly, dance like nobody’s watching, be willing to give up that extra hour of sleep and find someone that will show you the ropes while still letting you drive your own growth!