What do you see when you look at this picture?

The following is the original post and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

There seems to be some question regarding this photograph.

Is it a pithy motivational saying for your wall; a commentary as to why many people miss opportunities; a reminder that nothing comes without hard work; or just a bad picture with a scratch?  The fact is it doesn't really matter what it is ... it really doesn't.

What does matter though, is the discussion as to what it is.

I am reminded of a story* told a while back about an executive team that was vigorously debating it's strategic direction and the Commercial Leader was adamantly opposed to the proposed line of thinking. The discussions went on and on and on... and on some more. Finally having heard enough, the CEO decided in favour of the proposal. In turn, the Commercial Leader simply said, "You have my total alignment and support. We will exceed expectations."

After the meeting, the Commercial Leader was asked how she could support something that she was so adamantly against. To that, the leader said what's important was her thoughts were heard and part of the discussion... all she could ask was to be part of the discussion, and once a decision is made, her job is to support that decision to the best of her ability and make it work. 

For me, the takeaways of the story are:

• It is important to be part of the discussion as it makes for better decisions.
• Involvement encourages buy-in and alignment.
• Someone has to make a decision... it is the only way to get something done.
• Once a decision has been made, you must support it to the best of your ability.

With regard to that photograph... I think it's a bad photograph with a scratch.

What do you think?

gpe

* The spirit of this story is good ol' business debate and does not involve illegal, unethical or nefarious issues.

Even you Hipsters have to admit this is brilliant marketing...

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

On the vacant storefront window, beside the "FOR LEASE" sign, it reads as follows:

You win, Hipsters.

After 55 years in the Junction WestEnd Offset is moving, and we're not telling you where.

But you can reach us at 416-767-9853.

My response -

1. I laughed and laughed, and laughed some more.
2. I took a picture with my phone.
3. I jumped on the Internet to check out two things.

This is simply brilliant marketing worthy of the admiration of laughter. I will admit I find the concept of blaming a business' relocation on "Hipsters" very funny, and once I got over that, "laughed with" how effective this vacant store front is with it's ability to engage, explain, develop interest, and stimulate subtle calls to action.

As I read the 25 words plus a phone number, I could not help but ask myself a number of things:

• Who are these Hipsters that drove this long time member of the community away? Am I one of them? What exactly is a "Hipster anyway? 
• What does WestEnd Offset do? Why do Hipsters impact them in such a negative way?
• What do you mean you aren't going to tell me where you are moving? What if I want to know, even if its just out of curiosity?
• Well at least you left a phone number... proof they are still in business and maybe still interested in dealing with me if I'm not a "hipster".

And as if on queue, the handoff from old world marketing to new world marketing occurred without missing a beat... I pulled out my smartphone. 

I took a picture, and will admit I have shared it a few times.

I had to Google a couple of things - The need for immediate satisfaction and all.

First I had to Google the definition of Hipster - I needed to know if I was party to any of this. The definition reads as follows: The hipster subculture is composed of affluent or middle class young Bohemians who reside in gentrifying neighbourhoods. It is broadly associated with indie and alternative music, a varied non-mainstream fashion sensibility, generally progressive political views, organic and artisanal foods, and alternative lifestyles.*

Well that's not me, and even if it was, I just moved into the neighbourhood.

Secondly, I Googled WestEnd Offset and their new location. It seems WestEnd Offset is a sign and design company that is now located at 125 Blake St. As an aside, when I looked at their website it struck me that it was rather "Hip". www.westendoffset.com 

Because someone had the imagination to put 25 innovative words and a phone number on a vacant retail window to promote long after they moved, I now know WestEnd Offset exists, what they do, where they are, and if the need arises I will give them a call.

Rather brilliant wouldn't you say?

gpe

* Definition from Wikipedia.

How you define a good day...

This starts with shoes, more shoes, and quite literally rows and rows of shoes.

A friend of mine is part owner of a wholesaler that specializes in high end footwear mainly from Spain; the name of the company is the U4ik Agency (www.u4ikagency.com). This is a relatively new endeavor for her and the days are long as she shapes the company, builds the brand, and works to generate a profit - This brings us to what in the shoe business is affectionately known as a Sample Sale.

As a layman that was just happened to be driving his daughter who was helping out, a Sample Sale looks very much like a room with a vast variety of shoes, boots and accessories (in limited sizes) where the shoe lover can check out the latest fashion trends. If you like what you see and they have your size, substantial discounts are available that would satisfy any battle hardened bargain hunter. My daughter, who is taking visual merchandising at school was excited with the possibilities of the day - I on the other hand had somewhere else to be and left them all to their own devices.

After the obligatory text message at the end of the day to pick up my daughter, we were driving home and I happened to ask, "How was your day?"

To that she responded, "It was a good day...

"I made some money..."

"I learned some things I didn't know..."

"and I met a number of new people."

I could not help but smile as it did sound like a good day.

gpe

PS: I am incredibly proud of my daughter's accomplishments and here is an example of her work from a recent photo shoot.