Lake Mesomikenda. Gogama, Ontario

In early August of 2009 I went for 7 days to Lake Mesomikenda in Gogama, Ontario. We caught northern pike, walleye and smallmouth. It was a great trip that I would recommend for any avid fisherman that's looking to catch a large number of fish.

We stayed at a friend's family's island on Lake Mesomikenda, up the river from the lodge and down the river from the Kenda Wilderness lodge.

Guys in my network

Some people in my network have great companies that are worth considering if you need their services and you want to work with somebody that I stand behind both professionally and personally:

Jeff Tuggle owns IQ Intelliquest - www.iqintelliquest.com - Graphics and printing company in Atlanta that has a HUGE amount of experience. Great guys and terrific service!

Sanders McConnell - www.myhsarewards.com - Tie your debit/credit card to his servcie (it's free!) to help fund your health savings account when you make purchases. Purchases made through the enormous vendor mall on his site get you even more points on your account!

Chris Clarke - www.wstyler.com - screening and sizing media for pharma, bio, chemical and screen-printing equipment. Chris is a great guy that will work with you to understand your business needs and find the right solution.

What are your employees saying about you?

Business owners, managers, bosses. Just a quick observation.

Last night I was at a local business that I love. Great customer service. Friendly people. Clean environment. They go the extra mile to take care of you even though you are not spending a LOT of money with them. I asked one of the guys working there, "These people pretty good to work for?" His response was, without even turning to look at me, "No. Terrible place to work. Boss is a jerk. He just fakes being friendly with the customers but he's terrible to all of us. We're afraid of him and need the job so we fake smile at all of you (customers) too. You didn't here that from me."

Wow. What are your employees saying about your company when you are not around? I'm in the business of telling people how great my company is, as a matter of fact. I'm in sales. I don't always feel like my boss is great or the pay is great or that everything is where it should be. But....I don't slam my boss in front of customers. To me it's just not right. But, for somebody to do that, when they have really nothing to gain, only the potential of losing their job, that's pretty discouraging.

I wonder what your employees are saying about your company. Oh sure, there will always be "those ones" that have bad stuff to say regardless of how you treat them. However, keep in mind that impression your employees give of you with customers is very, very important to your business. I lost some respect for my "local favorite place" last night.

Stay Positive Even In A Bad Economy

I started doing some searches online for ways to stay positive in this economic down-turn. It's tough, admittedly. I have so much to be grateful for yet I obsess on how to do better at work and worry constantly about losing my job. My faith has helped but it's tough even on a good day to stay positive. Here are some articles that I have found and enjoy:

http://www.fiscalfizzle.com/2009/03/11-ways-to-stay-positive-in-a-bad-economy/

http://ezinearticles.com/?13-Ways-to-Stay-Positive-in-an-Economic-Downturn&id=1619476

http://www.ehow.com/how_4684630_stay-positive-tough-economic-times.html

http://christianhelpjournal.blogspot.com/2009/01/staying-positive-in-negative-economy.html

Green Is The New Black

Seems that everyone these days is using the word "green" in their marketing. Being a corporate marketer I see it a lot and wanted to share my thoughts on the topic.

Being green is certainly fashionable these days for companies selling everything from mattresses to cars. From consumer products to professional services we are seeing eco-friendly messages creep up in marketing communications, product descriptions and taglines. Don't misunderstand me for a minute, I have a strong belief that reduction of waste, reuse of our resources and improvements in manufacturing processes are all great. What I have a problem with is that sometimes the message is a bit over the top with regards to just how much the environment has been positively impacted by the marketer. Take a closer look and don't assume that the marketer is representing their practices accurately. That's all I'm saying.

Green Careers, or "Green Collar Jobs", are also fast becoming a hot topic. I attended the 4th CareerEco event yesterday where this topic was approached by local experts Ira Blumenthal and Laura Turner Sydel. (www.careereco.com) What a great event this was! Ira is the President of the Captain Planet Foundation and Mrs. Sydel is an Atlanta icon both as the daughter of famed local business mogul Ted Turner and in her own way having led so many good causes. Some of the points I took from the discussion were:

1. Look for ways in corporate America to reduce, reuse and recycle. Don't just settle for the status-quo.

2. Make your own position. Oftentimes we look for job positions that say what we are in the description. You can be an Ambassador of the Environment and make your own position. I will speak more to this in future articles.

3. We need leaders in the eco-world. There are no REALLY well defined leaders championing the eco-cause in America and there's room for you to be the one!

4. Teach your kids about the envirnonmental practices that have a positive impact now and they will be our future green leaders. "Bend a sapling while it's young" to make a difference.

My family and I are doing more everyday to recycle, reuse resources and respect our planet. My company is doing it's part as well with increasing enthusiasm. I would challenge you to find out what you can do, get your education and find new ways to do your part. I am here for dialogue and hope to hear from you soon!

My new favorite golf course

Went golfing last Friday morning at The Oaks in Covington, Georgia. Great golf course. Nice people (Met Andy and Dick). If you are in the area try them out.

www.golfoaks.com

Dick Shulz, one of the owners there, is a great guy with lots of interest in accomodating both small groups as well as tournaments looking for a new venue. Give them a try!

More Kudos and Boos....

Kudos to Chic-fil-A. Love that place. Good food, good service and they will take any coupon, no matter how old, anytime. They are awesome! www.Chickfila.com

Kudos to Cowan Ace Hardware in Conyers Georgia. Nice people and very helpful. Excellent customer service! Kudos! www.acehardware.com

Kudos to The Oaks golf course in Covington, Ga. Great golf course, friendly people and they go above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your visit. www.golfoaks.com

Booooooo - Nah...I'm in such a good mood I can't think of anyone to "boo" tonight. Surely tomorrow brings a new day of resentments that need harboring. ha