The healthcare system you want is here, right now. But it’s for animals.

Last Sunday morning as we were getting ready for church, our 5-month old Cairn puppy, Scout, pulled up lame. For us, the alarm bells went off. Our previous Cairn had two ACL surgeries, and Scout’s symptoms looked all too familiar. We contacted the Small Animal Emergency Room at the NC State University Vet School to have him evaluated, fearing the worst.

What happened next is something every human doctor or resident should experience. From the reception, to the vet students and vets, everyone exuded confidence, compassion, and cheerfulness that puts human healthcare providers to shame. They listened, and then explained the diagnosis in detail. The vet even emailed Scout’s discharge papers Sunday evening at 8:30pm, wishing him well and asking to be kept informed of his progress.

Thankfully, it was a pull or strain, not an ACL. So with a little rest, Scout should be back to normal today or tomorrow.

Our experience with the NCSU Vet School gives me hope. Parts of the U.S. healthcare system are phenomenal, but it’s how it all comes together that is lacking. Look no further than pet healthcare for a model that works. At least that’s what Scout and I say.

Where is the action now?

Seems like all I hear from all types of communications firms is how difficult it is to:

• Land a new, potentially profitable client assignment;
• Stick to any reasonable timeline due to client indecision;
• Get paid.

So where is the action today? What types of marketers are making commitments, making decisions, and moving ahead?

Let me hear from you.

Wow. LinkedIn Number 179,920!

Woo hoo. I'm special

Got an email from LinkedIn informing me I was number 179,920 to sign up out of 100 million current members. Can’t quite figure out why I felt so special. It’s not like I’ll put it on business cards or go around announcing, “Hey everybody. I’m number 179,920!!” Just doesn’t have the punch I was expecting, or feeling.

Maybe it’s the fact that somebody at LinkedIn (their CEO, Reid Hoffman) recognized the opportunity to build greater intimacy using one of the most powerful motivators – recognition.

Yes, I’m proud to have 179,920 now permanently embedded in my LinkedIn profile link for all to see. Maybe it’s the first time I’ve been an earlier adopter…or adoptee.

How to prevent rusting tools.

Never, ever thought I’d post such a comment, but here goes. Found this wonderful bag of tips on Popular Mechanics’ website. Go here for the full story: http://bit.ly/i0Oo79

“Your tools are an investment, and you need to protect them from damaging elements, especially moisture. Keep tools in your toolbox rust free by storing a few pieces of blackboard chalk in each compartment that contains metal tools or other hardware.”

Blackboard chalk?? Never would have considered that one.

 

Scan, baby, scan.

At last. A real time-saver, space-saver, and mind-saver. Just bought a NeatReceipts Mobile Scanner and software. Immediately I disposed of two stacks of receipts, documents, and several dozen business cards by scanning them.

Not only do I have more space, I know where things are. And it’s safe. Everything is backed-up on two external hard drives. Kinda like wearing a belt and suspenders.

If you’re looking for a way to tame the paper monster, give this a look. Go to http://neatco.com/ for a look. And for a great price, you Mac users can’t beat Small Dog Electronics for great prices, products and know-how.  http://www.smalldog.com/

Sweater Folders or Marketing Executives?

Ran into Mike Holsinger last week. Great guy, strong ad agency and marketing executive.

We were lamenting the absence of strategically oriented marketing managers in most companies today. Those who understand the value of qualitative and segmentation research. Those who lead the way to growth through new products, distribution channels and alliances. Those who defend and sell big ideas to senior management and boards of directors. Those who leave their tracks long after departing the firm.

Mike agreed with my assessment that the demise of strategic marketing occurred in the 2000-2001 recession. But he said it in an interesting way.

There was a time when going into the agency business was seen as the glamorous, challenging path.   The elite few chose between Wall Street or Madison Avenue.  Maybe McKinsey, BCG, Bain, DDB or Leo Burnett.

Then … the first waves of “irrational exuberance” spread across the landscape.  As internet startups blossomed, they became the sexy choice for the best and brightest.  They paid ridiculous salaries and offered a sort of appeal that promised applicants nothing short of modern day alchemy.

So as all the best and brightest flooded the internet startups, who was left to populate the entry level agency opportunities?  It was that guy who carried the keg at the frat parties; the cute girl who did alright but not great in school, but was voted “best smile” in her sorority.

As they reached the end of the summer after graduation and realized that they needed a full-time job, many were faced with three options.

1.    Starbucks barista
2.    Gap sweater folder
3.    Agency Assistant AE

Starbucks wasn’t all that attractive.  It involved getting up early and you came home smelling of coffee beans and steamed milk.

The Gap had a certain allure, what with the fashion and proximity to other mall retail locations.

And then there was the agency.  You could wear the Gap clothes, and your parents seemed to feel you had a real job.

Now where does that leave us?  Ten years later, all those erstwhile sweater folders are the middle management layer across ad agencies and client organizations!

Interviewing Questions??

Ever wonder if the question you were asked in a job interview was one of the craziest? Compare yours with these compiled by GlassDoor.com.

What were these folks thinking?

http://bit.ly/iez1O6