If you were to look at my iPad, you would see a host of different apps. Some are for productivity. Some are games. Some are for news. I am constantly trying out new apps to see which ones work for me.

With Apple announcing the new features in iOS7, I found myself reviewing my apps. I realized there are several that I use that others would consider “antiquated.”

For instance, I have both Evernote and Wunderlist. With the new “due date” feature, one might wonder why I would keep Wunderlist. The answer is simple — because I use it.

When I graduated from a to-do list on a yellow legal pad to an actual App, Wunderlist did the trick. I have used it for the last couple of years and it has served me well.

Are there better solutions “out there?” Probably. I know people who use task managers like Nozbe or Basecamp. I tried to use these, but always reverting back to Wunderlist. It just works for me.

My experience with these Apps reminded me of a conversation I had with my dentist many years ago.

“What is the best toothpaste?” I asked.

“The one you will use everyday.”

There is a lot of wisdom in those words — even beyond toothpaste.

I’ll keep my Wunderlist.

Click to Comment.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

I am a Star Wars fan — not in the “hang out in my Darth Vader costume waiting for the next Knights of the Old Republic to come out at Game Stop” realm of fans. I don’t know Ewok as a second language. I don’t have a “May the Force be with you” bumper sticker.

That being said, I have found myself with a certain connection to a “Tall Dark-helmeted” figure. I wish I could say that it was as cool a person as Darth Vader. But sadly my resemblance is more to his lesser-known brother/cousin, Chad Vader.

For those who do not know him, Chad Vader is a former YouTube favorite, going viral several years ago. Chad was day shift manager at the Grocery Emporium, his own “Empire” if you will.

The language in Chad Vader is a little rough at times… nothing worse than you will hear in any sitcom these days, but I must caution anyone who wants to watch it. Chad has to deal with the blunders of others, while also curtailing his own shortcomings.

It is probably one of the best parody/fan films I have seen and became a cult classic.

My strange connection to Chad comes in the form of two main similarities: 1) breathing issues, and 2) personnel management.

Bronchitis strikes me on a regular basis and I take medications to keep me “free and clear.” Perhaps a breathing device much like Vader’s could come in handy.

As far as personnel management, we all deal with the occasional setback. However, how we deal with those setbacks it what makes the difference in our organizations.

From The Empire Strikes Back:

[Darth Vader has just learned of Admiral Ozzel's big blunder, and activates a viewscreen]

Admiral Ozzel: [appearing onscreen with Captain Piett] Lord Vader, the fleet has moved out of lightspeed and we’re preparing to…

[Ozzel stops, and suddenly begins to choke, clutching at his throat]

Darth Vader: You have failed me for the last time, Admiral. Captain Piett?

Captain Piett: Yes, my lord?

Darth Vader: Make ready to land our troops beyond their energy field, and deploy the fleet, so that nothing gets off the system.

[beside Piett, Admiral Ozzel utters one last strangled gasp, and falls over dead]

Darth Vader: You are in command now, Admiral Piett.

Admiral Piett: Thank you, Lord Vader.

Of course we cannot do such things in “real life.” However, I think every leader has had a moment when the “Darth Vader Technique” crossed their mind.

As we go about our daily lives, let us all remember that there may be little bit of Darth Vader in each of us… perhaps even a Chad Vader. But that shouldn’t keep us from leading our people in positive ways. Remember, the Rebel Alliance generally defeats the Empire.

Now we must make this battle station fully oper— uh nevermind.

NOTE: Portions of this blog post were originally written in 2007, and have been updated.

Question:
How do you handle personnel issues that bring out the “Darth Vader” in you? Click to Comment

(CC) h.koppdelaney via Flickr

Recently, I have been tasked with the redesign of one our newspapers. We are completely revamping our philosophy (See Think Different) and wanted the product to reflect this fresh approach.

Since I draw inspiration from many sources, I began Google image searches for newspapers. I even visited the Newseum’s Today’s Front Pages website to see what others were doing. I came away with one glaring conclusion — they all look too much like (old) newspapers.

The printed word is a wonderful thing — combined with great design, it can be outstanding. However, we all seem to get into ruts. In the interest of standardization, we have lost creativity. However, magazines don’t seem to suffer from the same problem. Due to a smaller page size and predetermined ad sizes, magazines can display their text and graphics beautifully.

“Something’s gotta give.”

If we are truly in the business of serving our clients and customers (i.e. readers and advertisers), shouldn’t we present the news and information in the most pleasing manner possible? Shouldn’t we engage the reader in such a way that they become part of the product? Instead, we force readers to conform to our idea of “what is best.”

So, I didn’t draw much inspiration from the newspaper world, and while I may “conform” to some of the design standards, the final product will be something that stands on its own. At least that’s my hope. Surely the world is ready for it.

I am a golf fan. I am also a fan of competition. A little “ribbing” is always part of the deal. However, in our super-sensitive world, many things are “off-limits.” Such was the case between professional golfers Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia.

According to published reports, The Woods-Garcia spat turned ugly last week when Garcia was jokingly asked at a Euro­pean Tour dinner out­side London if he would have Woods over for din­ner during the U.S. Open. Trying to go along with the sarcasm, the Spaniard said he would serve fried chicken. Garcia apologized that night in a statement and the next day in a news conference, though he said he had been unable to reach Woods over the phone.

Putting the nature of the comment aside (which is difficult for many) the greater lesson here is that everyone is “on the record” all the time. Those in the spotlight have to choose their words more carefully than ever before.

Growing up, my circle of friends (other boys) threw derogatory comments at one another all the time. Insults were a way of communicating friendship, or even adversarial relationships. Some kids were better at it than others, but most everyone would throw the barbs around.

As I grew older, I saw that insults were not just a tool of the young. As head coach of the University of Florida, Steve Spurrier was notorious for some of his “zingers” — especially when aimed at Florida State or Tennessee. I will never forget “Free Shoes University” or “You can’t spell Citrus without UT.”

Many insults were fired off in the safety of “closed” conversations. Friends and rivals could open a salvo or two with no repercussions. Not so any longer.

Whether you see it or not, the microphone is always on; the film is always rolling. Those in the spotlight — no matter how small — must choose their words carefully.

The nature of Garcia’s comments may be “dry wood” in the fire storm he created — but his loose speech was the spark.

Be careful what you say — I can assure you there is a record of it somewhere.

Question
Have you ever been caught saying the wrong thing and faced the consequences of it? Click to comment.

(CC) By Garfield Anderssen via Flickr

Some people may consider telecommuting part of their “dream job” scenario. After all, they can work from home and still have a meaningful impact in their chosen profession.

With instant messaging, video conferencing and “net meetings,” the need for actually “going to work” somewhere is fading. But, is that a good thing?

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

I thought of this scripture with regard to our business world today. With so many people not “assembling,” I can help but wonder about the impact.

While reading, “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson, I learned the Apple Computer chief wanted a building designed so that employees would have to cross paths on a regular basis, just to do their regular job-oriented routines. From an efficiency standpoint, this didn’t seem to make much sense.

Jobs wanted “random collaboration” to take place. As long as people were segregated to their own departments, offices, etc., interaction would rarely take place.

Through the course of common courtesies, members of different departments might just discuss their projects and get a different perspective from a colleague.

Who knows, that iPhone, iPad or other Apple product you own might just be the result of random collaboration.

I have seen evidence of this first hand in my own office. Someone from the news department is talking about a story package they are developing, and someone from advertising or circulation offers another perspective — or perhaps a sales opportunity is borne out of the idea.

Do not sell short the power of collaboration — even if it seems “inconvenient” to come into the office.

Question:
Have you ever be an part of random collaboration? What was the result? Click to Comment

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

(CC) by Brad Montgomery via Flickr

The old Charlie Rich song was talking about the “benefits” of closed doors — especially in the realm of relationships. However, in business, closed doors are often more trouble than they are worth.

When a leader takes someone behind closed doors on campus, it can create a flurry of speculation — rarely good speculation.

A closed door brings a sense of negativity. When a team member is taken behind closed doors, other team members tend to wonder what is wrong, or who is in trouble?

Closed doors often provide the breeding ground for rumors and miscommunication.

I remember a closed-door meeting I had with a team member that really had nothing to do with work. It was a personal discussion that was initiated by the team member. We closed the door to ensure privacy.

When the door opened, we both had to deal with others asking if the company was alright, or if someone was about to be fired.

Steve Jobs rarely got things right when it came to handling his people. In fact, many at Apple feared his trips through the building, as he was apt to berate an employee in front of the entire place.

However, there were occasions where Jobs asked key players to “take a walk” with him. It was during these walks that great and mighty plans were made.

Instead of taking a team member behind closed doors for an important private meeting, it might be a good idea to take them off campus — when possible.

You would be surprised how well that works, both for that team member, and the rest of the team.

Question
Have you ever dealt with fallout from a “closed-door” meeting? Click to Comment 

Photo by David Specht

I love Apple products. If you have read my blog for any length of time, you already know that. However, I can’t always afford new Apple computers at my business.

New Apple computers are considerably higher in initial cost than their PC counterparts. Macintosh disciples will argue the investment is well worth it over time — and I agree.

Apple computers do not seem to slow down over time. They do no seem to be as susceptible to infections and other internal problems. They are just well built machines. But that doesn’t mean everyone can afford such a initial investment.

For years, I have prided myself on being “one generation behind” with regard to our business computers. When Apple launches a new iMac, MacBook or other device, there is usually a flood of used machines on ebay, Powermax and other sources.

This is where I find my “deals.”

Apple computers hold their value very well, so a “deal” in my eyes might not be the same as a PC owner’s.

In addition, there is always a risk of unknown problems and lack of warranty in buying used equipment. However, over the past 20 years, I have rarely run into any significant problems with my used Apple purchases.

If I do run into any difficulties, I have a great Apple Authorized repair shop in Maccentric here in town.

I recently upgraded my computer to a Macbook Pro with a Cinema display. As a result, a “hand-me-down” took place. A colleague was upgraded from a 17-inch white iMac to my old 24-inch white iMac. Not only were they ecstatic, this circa 2006 iMac is running like a champ, and is responsible for producing an entire newspaper 3 days a week.

If you are thinking of making the switch to Apple, but the initial investment is scaring you a bit. Think used.

Trust me. A used Mac on it’s worst day is still better than that PC you are struggling with.

Question:
Do you have a Mac? How old is it? Does it still run well for you? Click to Comment.

Once upon a time, when a new business located in town, one of the first things they would do is join the local chamber of commerce. The chamber would hold a ribbon cutting. The local newspaper would take a photo. That business would remain a member of the chamber for as long as they were in business.

Times have changed.

Today, businesses rarely spend/invest money out of tradition. In fact, they have to be convinced of a return on their money — and membership in a chamber of commerce is no different.

So, what is the mission of a chamber? Here are the missions of a few locals, based on information from their websites:

The Bossier Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote growth and development within the communities of Bossier and Caddo Parish. The Chamber promotes growth and development by utilizing its most valuable resource, its membership. — Bossier Chamber of Commerce, About Us

As stated in our by-laws, the purpose of the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce shall be “to assist and encourage the advancement of the commercial, industrial, civic, and general interest of the City of Minden and the Parish of Webster,Louisiana.” — Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce, From the President

The mission of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic prosperity, serve as a business advocate, and celebrate the achievements of our region. — Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, About Us

Promote. Advocate. Assist. These three are common missions of chambers everywhere. However, it is the specifics where many chambers differ.

Promote. Chambers are in the business of promotions. Generally, they promote their members through networking and sponsorship opportunities.

Chambers also promote themselves, a practice that is often misunderstood by their members. Through these self-promotion efforts, chambers of commerce not only help fund their operations, they strengthen their voice within their respective communities. The stronger their voice, the more their influence. With greater influence comes the ability to advocate on behalf of their members

Advocate. Business is constantly under fire these days. From taxes to unfair regulation and mandates, the costs of doing business have never been higher. Small businesses do not have the resources to lobby on their own behalf most of the time. That’s where the advocacy arm of a chamber of commerce can help. Some employ lobbyists who can inform lawmakers regarding legislation.

Chambers of commerce can also initiate grassroots efforts for businesses to speak with “one voice” on important issues — locally, statewide and nationally.

Assist. We all need help to succeed — both in business and in life. Chambers of commerce offer help to their members in the the form of seminars, resources and connections to other members.

Not every chamber of commerce does everything well. That’s where we come in.

Chambers of commerce are made up of a board of directors from the membership. These “volunteers” help direct the chamber leadership and staff. Involvement in the chamber is the very best way to improve it.

The Bottom Line. Join your local chamber of commerce. Utilize the resources of you chamber. Get involved to improve your chamber.

Like most things in this world, you will get out of a chamber of commerce what you put into it. That is truly the way to get a return on your investment of dues.

Question:
What does your local chamber of commerce do well that others can duplicate? Click to Comment.