Results Matter

SBA's Council on Underserved Communities is Listening to America's Entrepreneurs

2011-12-21T15:54:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting with SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns at an Entrepreneurial Roundtable in NYC this week to discuss the SBA's engagement with the entrepreneurial community. It was a lively and passionate discussion and was well received by the round table.

For more about the Entrepreneurial Roundtable Click Here.

British Airways Face 2 Face

2011-04-04T12:12:00.000-04:00

Pigeon in the Cabin

2011-04-02T10:56:00.006-04:00

When i got on Continental Flight 107 on April 2, 2011 from EWR to IAH there was a pigeon flying in the rear of the cabin, hard to believe but true . I boarded early and the plane was not full at the time of the bird's antics. Naturally there was some chaos on the plane while the flight attendants tried to catch the errant bird / stowaway.

The flight attendants were unable to catch the bird. I jokingly called for an Air Marshal to no avail, though I did not expect support. Using my entrepreneurial mindset and resolve to solve the problem, I got up and took my overcoat and used it to catch and subdue the bird. I picked the bird up and successfully released it.

The plane did depart on time, mission accomplished.

Results Matter!

Birdman of Continental

Pentagon Invitation

2011-03-29T12:57:00.003-04:00

ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE:

Army Executive Outreach, Department of the Army, is offering outside groups a unique opportunity to gain insight into the Army. Groups of 12-25 are cordially invited to a "Fly-In" visit to the Pentagon where they can receive specialized Army briefings and gain personal insights into operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other national security issues confronting America's Army.

A typical "Fly-In" visit consists of a 4-5 hour itinerary with substantive briefings from Army leaders, a "Boots on the Ground" panel, guided Pentagon tour (including the Pentagon 9-11 memorial site and chapel), and a private lunch in the Executive Dining Room hosted by an Army Senior Leader. The cost of the transportation to and from the Pentagon is carried by the visiting party.

This opportunity also includes an invitation to the Army's premier "Twilight Tattoo", a time-honored tradition that blends the precision and discipline of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) with the orchestral sounds of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." This show takes place at Fort McNair on the banks of the Potomac between 7 and 8.

Peter Drucker on Entrepreneurs

2010-04-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity

Why Nations Go to War

2010-02-21T23:07:00.002-05:00

From Zero to $100 Million - A Success Story

2010-01-24T22:22:00.001-05:00

Tune in to learn how Jonathan Smith and his father launched their beach erosion barrier business in the early 1990s and ultimately landed a $100 million contract with the port of Abu Dhabi to protect strategic assets for them using their floating fence technology.

Rich Sloan interviews Smith and reveals the long but undeniable road to a whopping success story. Learn how a $5,000 investment in a search-engine-friendly website helped them land their massive, nine-figure deal. Also learn about how Jonathan leaned heavily on his partnership with his father to endure the low points along the way.

This is a story about sticking to it, but not about making crazy sacrifices. Every step of the way, Jonathan was basing the will to press on on feedback and real potential being indicated by the marketplace.

Want inspiration? This is your podcast!

Learn about the company at www.whisprwave.com.

Podcast

Wave Dispersion Technologies (UDM-Keen Interview Series)

2010-01-24T22:03:00.004-05:00

2008-1210 Technical Entrepreneurship Case Studies 20080228

Commercialization Process

2010-01-03T21:20:00.002-05:00

Source: http://www.idahotechconnect.com/Commercialization/

Technology Transfer Cycle

2010-01-03T21:04:00.008-05:00

Source: http://www.orpc.unh.edu/tech-transfer-cycle.html

The Other Silver Bullet Option - Underdog

2009-12-30T17:30:00.001-05:00

Homeland Security is "Everyone's Responsibility" - The Silver Bullet Solution

2009-12-30T17:08:00.024-05:00

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can develop the plans and implement the systems to help mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks to our Homeland. However, their plans and systems are not fool proof; there is no single silver bullet solution.

There will always be loopholes in the system and it is everyone's responsibility to help "plug the gaps."

HOMELAND SECURITY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY

Harvard Business Review on Network Centric Strategy

Obama's making the same mistake as record labels, fighting a decentralized network of extremists with centralized structures, like NYT op-eds. It's not going to work, because the economics don't hold . . . The only solution is to challenge, dilute, and redefine the incentives that cause networks to coalesce in the first place.

Source: Harvard Business Review - "Network Strategy and the Anti-Defense"

What does "everyone's responsibility" mean?

Everyone should be vigilant, take notice of your surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.

Source: DHS | Report Incidents
The best homeland defense will be a good homeland offense. The weapons must not only come from without through what government does. The more powerful weapons will come from within when millions of us decide to think, act and live differently.

Source: www.townhall.com
Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activity

Source: http://www.nationalterroralert.com/suspicious-activity/

Bottom Line - "If you see something, say something"

This simple phrase and concept should be the cornerstone of President Obama and the DHS's leadership platform when publicly addressing homeland security risks, threats and appropriate responses.

Jonathan B. Smith

Patriot
Concerned Citizen
Homeland Security Entrepreneur

Original Research for the Post - Homeland Security Research Priorities

Good Judgment

2009-12-10T18:27:00.000-05:00

Good judgment comes from experience, but experience comes from bad
judgment.

Mulla Nasrudin

Mark the Spot - iPhone Application - Share Your iPhone Call Dropping Frustrations

2009-12-09T21:33:00.035-05:00

I am a huge fan of my iPhone as a mobile device, but find it exceedingly disappointing as a traditional mobile phone, which is why I have dubbed it the iRate. I have replaced my phone 3 times, updated the software on numerous occasions, and spent countless hours with both Apple and ATT to try to determine the source of my frustration - which is the iPhones propensity for serial call dropping.

Who is at Fault?

In my opinion, the culpability resides with ATT. The runaway popularity of the iPhone has outstripped the capacity of the ATT Network and that is why the iPhone stinks at its primary purpose of being a simple phone. I would be better off with a throw away pre-paid phone if a phone was all that I needed.

A Great Deal for ATT and Definitely a Crummy Deal for the Consumer

I once thought that ATT's iPhone exclusivity arrangement was a brilliantly negotiated deal by ATT executives that would not impact the consumer much because I wrongly assumed that the ATT Wireless Network could handle the most basic task of providing universal dial tone and phone service (Flat Rate Commoditization in the US Wireless Market). OH HOW WOEFULLY WRONG WAS I!!!

My calls to ATT have been in vain. I have repeatedly been fed lines like the ones below by the ATT Customer Service Reps, aka the ATT Shock Absorbers:

The issue reported has been investigated and no network fault found.

The ATT Executives who artfully crafted this bit of CorpSpeak must have forgotten that we live in the age of social media and EVERYONE has a voice.

ATT Knows all about the Problem

The reality is that ATT knows internally how woefully inadequate their network is for the level of traffic that they are attempting to manage. Why else would Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive for mobility and consumer markets at AT&T, be talking to the NY Times about how they are going to "incentivize" heavy data users to curb their iPhone usage.

AT&T to Urge Customers to Use Less Wireless Data

ATT's Solution

ATT has even created an iPhone Application called Mark the Spot to address the issue and determine where the network needs enhancements. This is an official iPhone app from ATT letting you report dropped calls, failed calls, lack of coverage, data failure, and poor voice quality.

What Can You Do?

It is time for iPhone users everywhere to unite and break ATT's monopoly on our coveted devices connectivity. ATT service is so bad that I also have a Verizon phone to ensure that I can make imporant calls.

I personally have filed complaints with the Federal Communication Commission, Department of Justice, my US Senators and Congressman, and even filed a complaint with the Office of the President (see below)

Sample Letter Below:

Dear Senator XXXXX:

I am writing you to express my discontent with what I believe to be an antitrust arrangement between ATT and Apple regarding their five year exclusivity arrangement tying anyone who wants to use an iPhone in the US to the ATT Network. I encourage you to vigorously investigate this arrangement on the grounds of its anticompetitive nature, homeland and national security implications and consumer protection principles.

I have found my the mobile phone service on ATT's network to be prone to dropped calls and spotty coverage. Consumers deserve to have a choice when it comes to their wireless carrier and the tying arrangement between ATT is proving grossly unjust to consumers from a quality and choice of competitive carriers in the marketplace.

Thank you for your attention to this matter in advance.

The Department of Justice has launched a preliminary inquiry into this arrangement, but it is my belief that additional voters "encouragement" will help to move their investigation forward.

Telecoms Face Antitrust Threat

It is time for everyone to make their voice heard. The chains of ATT need to be broken from our iPhones.

Responses Received to Date

Dear Mr. Smith:

Thank you for contacting the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Departmentof Justice. The Citizen Complaint Center has reviewed your complaint, and we have forwarded it to the appropriate legal staff for further review. We have your information on file and should legal staff need further information, they may contact you in the future.

We appreciate your interest in the enforcement of federal antitrust laws.Sincerely,

Citizen Complaint Center
Antitrust Division
Department of Justice

Rumors

I am praying that rumors of an an Apple approved iPhone for the Verizon Wireless Network.

Is AT&T losing its grip on the iPhone?

As my Russian friends say "I will be out of here (ATT) like Vladimir."

Stop Worrying and Start Living

2009-11-03T17:57:00.001-05:00

The truth about our childhood is stored up in our body, and although we can repress it, we can never alter it. Our intellect can be deceived, our feelings manipulated, our perceptions confused, and our body tricked with medication. But some day the body will present it’s bill, for it is as uncorrupt able as a child who, still whole in spirit, it will accept no compromises or excuses, and it will not stop tormenting us until we stop evading the truth.

Alice Miller

US Customs Teterboro (TEB)

2009-10-12T19:16:00.005-04:00

I am writing this post to provide a checklist for myself of important documentation and contact information that I need on international flights utilizing Teterboro as the port of entry.

I hope others find it useful, feel free to provide suggestions if there are resources that you feel should be added to this page.

Required Paperwork

Contact TEB CBP

201-288-8799 Work
201-288-4699 Fax

CBP Private Flyers Resources

AOPA Checklist and Resources for Traveling to Canada

http://www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/canada/

Ivan Drago

2009-09-12T23:07:00.003-04:00

Winston Churchill on Lies

2009-09-12T22:02:00.001-04:00

A lie gets half way around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.

Winston Churchill

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old)

2009-09-08T21:25:00.004-04:00

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,

''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Description of Block Island

2009-09-07T10:35:00.004-04:00

I was reading the "Block Island Summer Times" and came across this description of this island gem from a railroad brochure in the late 19th Century. I was struck by the quality of the prose and incredibly descriptive use of adjectives. It reminded me of the fact that this type of writing has been lost amongst the cacophony of media choices and 24 hour news cycle.

The natural characteristics, with its unique setting in the ocean, which is visible from all parts of the Island, present one of the most delightful pictures of natures which defy the power of creative genius to depict and beffles the skill of the brightest imagination.

Hudson River Mid-Air Collision

2009-08-09T19:41:00.021-04:00

Because I am a seasoned pilot of 20 years and a New Yorker, a number of people have asked my opinion about the Hudson River Mid-Air Collision last weekend. I have spent some time formulating an explanation about what may have happened on that beautiful Summer day over the Hudson. The accident investigators from the NTSB will produce a comprehensive and fully supported explanation within 6 to 12 months, outlining their findings. The post that follows details my initial impressions of what most likely caused the accident.

I was in New York City over the weekend and marveled as a Cessna 182 flew by me on the Hudson River at approximately 800 feet. The plane was flying up what is commonly known as the Hudson River Corridor, a slice of uncontrolled airspace underneath the highly controlled New York Class B Airspace. The Hudson River Corridor provides a welcome gateway to transit through New York Airspace without having to get an often unattainable Class B Clearance from New York TRACON.

Hudson Corridor Mid-Air Collision

Ironically, a few hours after seeing the beautiful Cessna 182 pass overhead, I heard about the mid-air collision of a Piper Saratoga and an AS 350 Tourist Helicopter.

I have flown the Corridor countless times and have been amazed at the volume of traffic and the orderliness by which the various aircraft navigate the airspace and "see and avoid" each other without any tacit government intervention.

Hypothesis - Blind Spot

Aircraft, airplanes and helicopters alike have blind spots just like automobiles. Based upon the description of the accident I surmise that the Piper Saratoga was above and overtaking the AS350 and was blind to the helicopter. The helicopter was below and ahead of the Saratoga and could not see the airplane because it was outside of the purview of the pilot's visual scan.

Neither aircraft, nor pilots have "eyes in the back of their heads," but situational awareness can be improved with advanced technology in the cockpit.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association produced a comprehensive report on Collision Avoidance, that provides a wealth of information about collision avoidance causes, factors, and means of mitigation. This is a great resource if you want to learn more about how mid-air collisions can can avoided.

Collision Avoidance Technology

When comparing options for safety, I think it is important to highlight the merits of modern collision avoidance technology over the more myopic suggestions to shut down the Hudson River Corridor coming from Capital Hill. Such knee jerk reactions from politicians with merely generalist knowledge of aviation safety, and a greedy eye on reelection, will result in a system whereby the pendulum will shift too far right with a unnecessary loss of valuable flexibility.

Collision avoidance technology is similar to automobile back up sensor technology that provides an audible and/or visual cue when a car detects an obstacle at the rear of a car when backing up. Collision avoidance systems provide a visual or data reference to other aircrafts in the area and substantially enhance a pilot's ability to "see and avoid."

I fly with a PCAS XRX from Zaon and have been alerted to traffic on numerous occasions long before I was able to see it with my own eyes. I personally will not fly without collision avoidance technology in the cockpit.

There are a variety of collision avoidance technologies ranging from $500 to over $100,000. When flying in controlled airspace, I often hear the controllers calling out traffic to airplanes and the pilot responding with "I see him on TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), but no joy [I do not see the traffic yet]."

Much like abstinence is the safest way to avoiding pregnancy, it is not the only option nor even considered to be realistic by most people. Such is the case with collision avoidance whereby closing down the corridor will guarantee collision avoidance, it is neither a reasonable nor viable solution to the ongoing effort by the Air Safety Foundation and all members of the flying community to completely eliminate mid-air collisions. Accidents happen and unfortunately they will continue to do so, collision avoidance technology is one of the best means of accident mitigation.

If you want to learn more about collision avoidance, check out the following articles:

Conclusion

We will never know definitively, but there is a good chance that a good collision avoidance system may have helped to avoid this tragedy, closing the corridor will not.

Chris Dillon from Dillon Aero on Discovery Channel's Future Weapons

2009-08-04T22:30:00.002-04:00

I just saw my friend Chris Dillon on the Discovery Channel's "Future Weapon" show. I am hoping that my brothers and I get to go to Phoenix this Fall and fly and shoot with Chris.

Dillon Aero (Future Weapon)

Pretty Woman- Vivian's Goes Shopping!

2009-06-23T23:31:00.000-04:00

Quote on Growth

2009-05-04T09:07:00.000-04:00

Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

Chinese Proverb

What Makes a Dog “Red-Zone” Aggressive

2009-04-26T11:25:00.000-04:00

Caesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer's, thoughts on red zone aggression.

“Red-zone” aggression is created by an extreme imbalance. A dog does not choose to be in the “red zone” because it does not exist in the animal world unless it is sick with a disease, like rabies. A good majority of the time, the behavior is caused by a traumatic experience humans may have inflicted upon the dog.

The Four Agreements

2009-04-21T09:51:00.002-04:00

Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don't Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

Don't Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

What Works, What Does Not, Expectations, Not Personal

2009-03-16T19:26:00.001-04:00

Here is what works for me 1 . . . 2 . . . 3. This disarms the person - and has you be present to what the person's contributions are. I find if I can't find something to acknowledge them for I am upset and this is not the time for the conversation - emotional edge vs results.
Here is what does not work 1 . . . 2 . . . 3. Specific behavior vs. You do this you do that. If the person has done something wrong, focus on the behavior, they are not a bad person - take it away from being wrong/bad or feeling like a personal attack.
Here are my expectations - this can also be improvements or outcomes - what needs to happen going forward.
This is not personal, just setting expectations and boundaries.

Quality of Your Life

2009-03-15T22:17:00.000-04:00

The quality of your life is directly related to what you are willing to or not willing to put up with.

Greatest Generation: Solution to Credit Crisis

2009-02-16T19:48:00.004-05:00

Dear Mr. Brokaw,

I heard you speak at my brother's graduation for Yale in 1998. Your speech about "The Greatest Generation" has stuck with me for the last 11 years and its thesis continues to prod me to do more for our country.

I strongly believe that now is the time for our generation to embrace the values of "The Greatest Generation."

There is so much discussion about a Washington created top down solution via a massive stimulus package, but there is very little focus upon the grass roots elements of the solution that allowed the USA to triumph during WWII.

This forum does not provide enough room for significant elaboration, but it is my belief that every American can help to will the solution by:

Employment - Help your "brother" get a job. I have helped a few friends out already.
Hunger - Make sure no one you know is going hungry. If you don't have the means to help, work to find someone who does.
Housing - Make sure no one you know is homeless. If you don't have the means to help, work to find someone who does.

I know this seems simplistic, but it is my opinion that we all need to re-learn the concept of "helping thy neighbor."

The Depression that the company is experiencing can not be overcome merely through government spending, we all need to be part of the solution.

The partisan politics that are Washington are divisive and not in the best interest of the country. We are a nation under seige economically and need to band together to work towards a solution.

I would be happy to discuss these matters with you or your staff further.

My bio can be found at:

http://www.whisprwave.com/jbsmith-bio.htm

V/R

JBS

PS I hope whoever your assistant is who reads these questions and comments actually lets you read this post, "The Greatest Generation" is the solution to much that ills the USA today.

Letter of Support: Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program

2009-02-14T09:06:00.007-05:00

I am applying to the Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School for the cohort beginning in May 2009. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) was kind enough provide the letter of support referenced below.

Thanks for the support Congressman Pascrell, it kind of feels like an Military Academy Nomination for a 38 year old private sector homeland security executive.

Mr. Heat Miser

2009-02-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

TrimTabs Liquidity Theory

2009-01-31T18:17:00.001-05:00

Price is a function of liquidity and has nothing to do with value.

Charles Biderman
www.trimtabs.com

Letter to President Obama about Reaching Out to

2009-01-28T09:15:00.009-05:00

I was in the Middle East during your inauguration and was taken by the optimism surrounding your Presidency. I wanted to commend you for your outreach to the Arab and Muslim World yesterday.

Obama Extends Hand To Arabs and Muslims

Based upon my experience, I believe that you made a very wise decision to reach out to them.

Kudos to you Mr. President.

Keep up the good work!

Anchor Mike Quote

2009-01-24T09:15:00.006-05:00

Never let a white lie stand in the way of a good story.

Anchor Mike McDole

Decision Making Process for Children

2008-12-15T21:17:00.002-05:00

TO MAKE A DECISION

Younger children:

Must recognize that a decision must be made (I would have the children say this out loud)
Must understand that they must make the decision on their own
Must have a deadline to meet in the making of this decision
Must see that the results of the decision are important to them and the people they care about

When the actual decision-making process begins, the steps below should help. You might first talk you children through the following steps with a make-believe decision so that you're sure that the steps are understood.

There should be a record made of the following steps. Each child should:

State the problem that requires a decision
List the choices of action that can be taken (most situations have more than two options)
Recognize what happens if a decision is not made (not making a choice is a choice)
List values held that will help make the choice
List the prejudices held that could unfairly influence the choices
Recognize how the various choices effect the child and others (what will happen with this choice)
Make the choice
Examine the choice to make sure it is consistent with the values held
Commit to the decision

YEO Protocol

2008-12-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Special Thanks to John Drury from www.fullyalive360.com for facilitating our forum retreat and sharing his wisdom. The diagrams below were part of John's "bag of tricks" and we shall be forever grateful for his guidance and mind share.

john drury
fullyalive360, inc.
drury@fullyalive360.com
2823 ne 21st court
fort lauderdale, fl 33305
954-565-3136 wk
954-444-3460 cell

25 "To Do's" in Uncertain Times

2008-12-03T10:26:00.006-05:00

1. Communicate regularly with your team and with your clients

2. Take time to think about things…especially when you are stressed out

3. Cut your losses early and cut deep – you would be surprised how many people step up to the plate after you get rid of the fat

4. Stay close to your key relationships – if you don’t have a very strong relationship with them – fix this right away (this includes vendors/partners/clients/etc)

5. Trim the fat (kind of like #3)

6. Incentivize your team – do more with less

7. Use technology whenever possible to make things easier (it will also save you money in the long run)

8. Negotiate better pricing

9. Measure everything – we all have key indicators for our business health (don’t just look at profits either)

10. Watch your key indicators (again – similar to #9)

11. Eliminate unproductive people

12. Invest in training your staff and yourself

13. Sell more to your existing customers

14. Offer incentives to your clients

15. Go to conferences to learn and network

16. Visit and befriend your competitors…he said this has been very helpful in growing his business…you can learn a lot

17. Do not slash your marketing budget – this is the time to spend

18. Always find opportunities in adversity

19. Your advisors should challenge your assumptions

20. Do not worry about what you can’t control (I thought this was a really great one)…

21. Keep a great attitude

22. Go to the gym

23. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst

24. Do not panic

25. Make it fun!!!

Dominos: Pizza Tracker

2008-11-30T20:33:00.004-05:00

It's snowing hard here in the big D. The flakes must be 2 inches in diameter. The kids were hungry, so we ordered Domino's Pizza online - but of course.

What a great website! They have a Pizza Pracker page where you can track the progress of your pizza from:

Order
Prep
Bake
Box
Delivery

The kids loved it.

I wonder what genius or team of geniuses came up with this! Was it the team from Bain Capital or the internal marketing folks or their web vendor? I would love to know.

Great execution and use of the web!

Deaf Performing Artists Network (D-PAN) on CNN

2008-11-27T23:00:00.007-05:00

I got an opportunity to meet Sean Forbes and Joel Martin from the Deaf Performing Artists Network at a Detroit President's Organization event a couple of weeks ago.

It is incredible what these guys are doing! Below is a CNN piece about their efforts:

Buy D-PAN Music Video DVD

Donate to D-Pan

Mash Potato Mile for Clydesdales

2008-11-27T12:06:00.006-05:00

I started the Thanksgiving Day with the Turkey Trot, Downtown Detroit.. I rolled through the Mash Potato Mile in the Clydesdale Division, for those of us who were not really built to run.

Great way to start the day!

Happy Turkey Day!

Thoughts for EO Leadership

2008-11-24T21:03:00.011-05:00

This post was in response to a question that was posed to the Entrepreneurs' Organization Group on LinkedIn:

EO friends: Did EO Management respond fast enough to the economic crisis? Or did it fail its members?

I did not expect much from EO Global Leadership in recent weeks. The majority of the value that I get and have gotten from EO has been from forum, the #1 EO membership value, and my local chapter.

I am an ardent supporter of EO, primarily at the local level.

I am from EO Detroit, at the epicenter of the current financial crisis. Our membership has experienced substantial casualties and we are having an incredibly difficult time renewing our sponsors in the current economic environment (If NASCAR is having trouble retaining sponsorship, how can we expect to maintain our current level of sponsorship?).

I personally derive 99% of my value from EO from local activities. I believe that the 2009 renewal cycle will serve as a watershed for EO. I often find EO Global's priorities out of alignment with the needs of the local chapters;,even though a disproportionate amount our dues fund EO Global initiatives that provide little perceived value to the local chapters and their membership. It often feels like taxation without representation.

I believe that EO Global's leadership will be dramatically tested in the next 6 months. It will take a lot of courage, but EO Global needs to reassess their budgets, business processes, and goals. A complete review of the operations of the organization are in order and a true sign of leadership would be a rebate of our global dues and/or a reduction of dues in 2009 / 2010.

Following Hurricane Katrina, I read a great article about how the City of New Orleans was using technology to vastly improve the building permit process. A link to the article is provided below, I hope EO Global leadership reads it and implements the same kind of dramatic process reeingineering for EO:

City Hall Gets More Efficient, Despite a Hurricane (or Two)

EO Global leadership has a tough task at hand, but everyone is compromising and adjusting their business practices in today's environment.

There are very few "True Statesman"

The true statesman's art is to be able to judge the way of life of his nation and to know which institutions will preserve it and which will destroy it. This is a delicate business and requires a special knowledge of the particular customs of a nation and their relation to its whole way of life.

Jean-Jacques Rousseu
Politics and The Arts
Introduction XXIX

The question to the EO Board is: Are you a true statesman or merely a politician?

It is our time to lead!

You Talk To Much

2008-11-24T11:06:00.006-05:00

I remember this song from high school. Hanging with the United Nations: Jay, Goldie I, Goldie II, Charlie, Marcus and Phil. Good times!!!

EOtv - Jonathan B. Smith

2008-11-18T22:51:00.002-05:00

Expert Networks

2008-11-08T22:22:00.006-05:00

I am fascinated at the evolving industry that connects experts with management consultants, investment management professionals, and research analysts. Here is a list of the primary expert network providers:

Industry Leader

Gerson Lehrman Group

Other Players

Research on the Expert Network Industry

The Future of the Expert Network Industry

Forest Gump Chimes in on the Mortgage Crisis

2008-10-28T00:29:00.002-04:00

Mortgage Backed Securities are like boxes of chocolates. Criminals on Wall Street stole a few chocolates from the boxes and replaced them with turds. Their criminal buddies at Standard & Poor rated these boxes AAA Investment Grade chocolates. These boxes were then sold all over the world to investors. Eventually somebody bites into a turd and discovers the crime. Suddenly nobody trusts American chocolates anymore worldwide.

Hank Paulson now wants the American taxpayers to buy up and hold all these boxes of turd-infested chocolates for $700 billion dollars until the market for turds returns to normal. Meanwhile, Hank's buddies, the Wall Street criminals who stole all the good chocolates are not being investigated, arrested, or indicted.

Mama always said: "Sniff the chocolates first."

2008 Election Coverage: New Presidential Candidate

2008-10-12T22:38:00.002-04:00

There's an effort to elect an unknown random person as President... and it's someone we know! Watch this online video about the surprising new nominee: Jonathan B Smith

I thought this post was hilarious. I could not resist putting it on my blog.

If you want to create a similar video for yourself or a friend, click here.

Everyday Leader of the Week

2008-10-12T21:11:00.007-04:00

I got a nice mention on Dan Mulhern's, Michigan's First Gentleman, radio show, Every Day Leadership with Dan Mulhern, this past Saturday October 11, 2008. He referenced my recent blog post entitled "It's Our Turn to Lead."

Dan also mentioned the blog post on his own blog, Reading for Leading, this morning. I was mentioned in the same breath with Governor Granholm, pretty cool stuff.

It's Our Turn to Lead

2008-10-10T14:08:00.004-04:00

Every where I turn people are talking about the current state of the economy. We are all feeling this crisis in one way or another.

As a patriot and a leader I wanted to share a few thoughts with you to close out this historical week in our country's economic history.

It is an important time for us to all reflect upon the impact we have upon the world around us as leaders. We are all leaders at work, leaders at home, and leaders in the community. America and the world at large needs leaders, true statesman / stateswoman.

I believe that now is the time for us to step up and selflessly lead. I know times are scary, but if we don't lead who else will. I challenge all of us to consider the sacrifices that Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" undertook during WWII to ensure our freedom and way of life and go out and lead in a way that would make them proud.

In my quest to be part of the leadership solution, I came across an article from the Harvard Business Review entitled "Leading in Times of Change" and found it very appropriate and inspiring. I encourage you to review the 12 To Do's During Times of Change suggested in the article below.

12 To Do's During Times of Change

Catalyze change: Champion an initiative or a significant change, consistently promote the cause, and encourage others to get on board.
Cope with transition: Recognize and address the personal and emotional elements of change.
Show a sense of urgency: Take action, move fast, and accelerate the pace of change for everyone.
Demonstrate realistic patience: Know when and how to slow down the pace so that people can cope and adapt.
Be tough: Make difficult decisions with little hesitation or second-guessing.
Be empathetic: Take others' perspectives into account; understand the impact of your actions and decisions.
Show optimism: See the positive potential of any challenge, and convey that optimism to others.
Be realistic and open: Don't shy away from difficulties, speak candidly about the true situation, and admit personal mistakes.
Be self-reliant: Be confident in your ability to handle new challenges.
Trust others: Be comfortable with others doing their part; stay open to others' input and support.
Capitalize on strengths: Know your individual and organizational strengths and attributes; confidently apply them to tackle new situations and circumstances.
Go against the grain: Show willingness to learn and try new things--even when the process is difficult or painful.

Source: http://discussionleader.hbsp.com/hmu/2008/09/leading-in-times-of-change.php

Have a great weekend! Go out and lead.

Lender of Last Resort: US Treasury

2008-10-10T11:38:00.006-04:00

I just read in today's Wall Street Journal that the US Treasury is considering having the FDIC insure all US bank deposits and guaranteeing all bank debt, I assume inter-bank debt. This policy is very consistent with my previous posts on the value of the CDARS program to unlock the liquidity crisis in the banking community.

The proposal is only in the discussion phases, but I feel there is a strong possibility that this will come to fruition.

My vote is that they enact this policy today!

We need to restore confidence in the markets. The current liquidity crisis is more of a crisis of confidence than a cash crunch.

Sooner or later comes a crisis in our affairs, and how we meet it determines our future happiness and success. Since the beginning of time, every form of life has been called upon to meet such crisis.

Robert Collier
American Motivational Author

Suggested Reading for our Leadership

Leading in Times of Change

Leading Indicator that the Market is Overbought

2008-10-10T11:36:00.001-04:00

When beggars and shoeshine boys, barbers and beauticians can tell you how to get rich it is time to remind yourself that there is no more dangerous illusion than the belief that one can get something for nothing.

Bernard Baruch, 1929

Policy Consideration for the Federal Reserve Board - CDARS

2008-10-07T20:47:00.015-04:00

Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service^®(CDARS^®), owned by Promontory Interfinancial Network, LLC, are a great way to increase yield over T-Bills, while still having a security insured by the Federal Government.

I was speaking to a banker at a community bank today a community bank and found out how tough the current liquidity crisis is on their operations. Their loan portfolio is incredibly strong, written to rigorous underwriting standards, but their inter-bank funding has virtually dried up.

My suggestion to them was to shake the trees in the neighborhood for folks who have substantial cash reserves that are sitting in T-Bills and encourage them to move their investments into substantially higher yielding FDIC insured CD's with a CDARS participating lending institution.

CDARS^® is the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service^®. And it's the most convenient way to enjoy full FDIC insurance on deposits of up to $50 million. With CDARS, you sign one agreement with a participating local bank or other financial institution of your choice, earn one interest rate, and receive one regular statement. It's that easy.

Source: www.cdars.com

Wouldn't it be interesting if we could get the extremely well connected Promontory Interfinancial Network, LLC Founders to encourage the Feds to encourage investors to place deposit money with community banks, substantially increase the investors' yields without incurring any additional risks vs. treasuries, and break the liquidity crisis.

The CDARS vehicle could be a intermediate vehicle that the Fed could use instead of becoming the "lender of last resort" (acting as the counterparty on each inter-bank transaction). In my opinion, it is the community banks that are going to help rectify our economy, not the Wall Street firms or money center banks.

Presidential Implications

It could be an arrow in the quiver of whichever Presidential Candidate they support.

Patriotic Duty

I think it is our patriotic duty to try and save our economy. I am trying to do my part.

Ironic Foresight: Definition of Promontory

A promontory is a prominent mass of land which overlooks lower lying land or a body of water (when it may be called a headland).

Most promontories are formed either from a hard ridge of rock that has resisted the erosive forces that have removed the softer rock each side of it, or are the high ground that remains between two river valleys where they form a confluence.

Throughout history many forts and castles have been built upon promontories because of their natural defensive properties.

Source: www.wikipedia.com

How safe are my bank deposits?

2008-10-07T17:04:00.005-04:00

With the global liquidity crisis in full force and many Americans worried about a "run on the bank," I started doing some research about protecting my bank deposits.

I came across some very well written articles and an innovative deposit security program called the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service^® CDARS^®.

Financial institutions can offer CDARS because they are members of a special network.

When you place a large deposit with a network member, that institution uses CDARS to place your funds into certificates of deposit issued by banks in the network. This occurs in increments of less than $100,000 to ensure that both principal and interest are eligible for full FDIC insurance.

http://www.cdars.com/how-cdars-works.php

One drawback to the convenience of CDARS is that you can miss out on higher CD rates offered by banks other than your own. If you're willing to do a little extra legwork, you could get around that by finding a bank in the CDARS network that you believe consistently offers higher rates and open an account with them specifically for CDs

Another factor is that banks pay a fee to join the network and then pay transaction fees. Some banks pass those costs on to CD buyers by reducing the interest rate, says Angela Baker, treasury officer at Allegiant Bank.

"We set CD rates every Tuesday and we've built in those transaction fees for CDARS. We reduce the baseline interest rate by 15 basis points across all maturities."

Pemberton says customers are willing to pay for the convenience.

"We price CDARS (interest rate) a little bit less than one of our weekly CD specials. The value with CDARS is the extended FDIC coverage. You're going to pay a little something for that. People have been very receptive; they understand the value."

Adding to CDARS value is the convenience factor of one consolidated statement from your bank detailing your CDs. But while you know exactly where your money is, the other banks don't know you by anything other than an account number. The only institution, other than your own bank, that sees your personal information is the Bank of New York, which handles the CD transactions for all the banks in the CDARS network, according to Jacobsen.

CDARS: Beat the $100,000 FDIC limit

Key Issues for Depositor:

The two key issues for me as a depositor are as follows:

Minimum CD Term is 4 weeks, I would like shorter maturities available to create full CD length CD ladder.
CD rates are dictated by the local bank where you physically make your deposit. Thus, you want to find the CDARS participant bank with the highest CD yield.

When walking, walk. When eating, eat.

2008-10-02T21:35:00.011-04:00

When walking, walk. When eating, eat. (When debating, debate)

Zen Proverb

Noah is Selling Popcorn for his Cub Scout Troop

2008-10-02T13:11:00.006-04:00

To look @ popcorn options, go to www.orderpopcorn.com and Enter Order Key is TENA9KY

When buying, confirm that it says PACK 902 in top right hand corner.

Please email me to let me know that you have made a donation and we will let Noah's Pack Leader credit the sale to his account.

Thoughtful Response from the Federal Reserve Board to my Inquiry Re: "Bailout Package"

2008-10-02T11:59:00.006-04:00

Dear Mr. Smith:

Thank you for your observations and comments regarding efforts underway to relieve the current strains on the U.S. financial system. Healthy economic growth depends on well-functioning financial markets. Consequently, helping the financial markets to return to more normal functioning will continue to be a top priority of the Federal Reserve.

The shortcomings and weaknesses of our financial markets and regulatory system must be addressed if we are to avoid a repetition of what has transpired in our financial markets over the past year. The Federal Reserve supports the Treasury's proposal to buy illiquid assets from financial institutions. Purchasing impaired assets will create liquidity and promote price discovery in the markets for these assets, while reducing investor uncertainty about the current value and prospects of financial institutions. More generally, removing these assets from institutions' balance sheets will help to restore confidence in our financial markets and enable banks and other institutions to raise capital and to expand credit to support economic growth.

Again, we thank you for sharing your views. Please be assured that the Federal Reserve is working diligently to find and implement the best and most sustainable solutions to the current economic challenges.

Sincerely,

JPD

Board Staff

Original Email Content:

Following is the original e-mail received:

E-mail Content:

As a former Wall Street employee and concerned citizen, I am appalled by the House of Representatives' rejection of the mortgage bailout bill today. There have been a lot of headlines "bailing out Wall Street," I think the press should be focused upon the true issue at hand: saving our economy and way of life. ROME IS BURNING and I am not referring to Jim Rome, the sports reporter! ! ! This mortgage crisis extends much farther than Wall Street, it is a global crisis and if we don't capitate now and I mean NOW, we are going to see job loss, economic dislocation, and widespread global economic malaise for years to come. Congress is playing with fire and too many members of the House are focused upon their reelection campaigns vs. the true crisis at hand. This is a time where we need true leadership, not another Congressman groveling for votes and reelection. While the press chooses to focus upon the $700 billion package size, the real issue at hand is CONFIDENCE. The most important issue to address is the Crisis of Confidence. If the US Congress does not act swiftly the dominoes will fall and the crisis will only get more dire. I wrote this post because I am a patriot and I have no direct means of benefiting from the bailout package.

Polar Bear: I Come in Peace (Inspiring)

2008-10-02T10:51:00.008-04:00

If you don't already think animals are far more spiritually advanced than we humans, think again. Stuart Brown describes Norbert Rosing's striking images of a wild polar bear coming upon tethered sled dogs in the wilds of Canada 's Hudson Bay.

The photographer was sure that he was going to see the end of his dogs when the polar bear wandered in.

The Polar Bear returned every night that week to play with the dogs.

May you always have love to share, health to spare, and friends that care.

Advice for Trying Times

2008-10-02T10:05:00.006-04:00

My grandfather, who was a highly decorated WWII Veteran, left me with these words from his lifetime of amazing experiences: Great Depression, War Hero, Captain of Industry, Patriot, Patriach.

There are three stores of value during trying times:
Guns
Gold
Alcohol

Joseph G. Smith

As I watch the global financial markets tremble, I think of my grandfather fondly and thank him for his shared wisdom.

Suggested Reading

The “Scary Times” Success Manual

Financial Bailout: The Wisdom of Crowds

2008-09-30T11:18:00.005-04:00

there's no real evidence that one can become expert in something as broad as 'decision making' or 'policy' or 'strategy' . . . And much of what we've seen so far suggests that a large group of diverse individuals will come up with better and more robust forecasts and make more intelligent decisions than even the most skilled 'decision maker.'

James Surowiecki
The Wisdom of Crowds

Modern Marketing

The Modern Marketing paradigm and social media toolsets at our finger tips as citizens and employees of Clear!Blue provides us all with an opportunity to shape the debate currently occurring in the White House and others. With the election just over a month away, people are talking all over the Internet about the pros and cons of each candidate. While the following is my opinion, and yours may differ, last night, I was able to start a conversation through social media. Thanks to the Internet, I made my mark on the debate.

There is panic in the street. Rome is burning and I don't mean the sportscaster Jim Rome. Our financial markets are in disarray and are on the brink of a global catastrophe.

The funny thing about this crisis is that it is more of a crisis of confidence than the typical cash flow crisis that almost all of us have experienced sometime in our lives. Cash is not the problem here; there is plenty of that being hoarded here and there.

The crux of the problem is that institutions that typically freely make loans and take deposits from each other are reluctant ("terrified") to trade amongst themselves and this lack of confidence could bring the economy to its knees if confidence is not restored here in short order.

While lawmakers in Washington are busy trying to protect their fiefdoms and ensure their re-elections, the crisis of confidence is steadfastly eroding options and pushing our economy toward depression, not just the current recession. Washington's inaction and failure to come to a compromise on the financial bailout package yesterday represented a colossal failure of leadership that will be felt for generations to come if something is not done to restore confidence in short order.

The bottom line is that once confidence reaches the tipping point, the domino effect will take hold and there will be no going back.

Step Up

In Bill Abele's words, now is the time for our elected officials to "step up" and selflessly lead. The stock markets 700+ point decline yesterday was a vote by the crowd that the "decision makers" made a grave error yesterday. Unfortunately, the stock market does not have the power to propose legislation in the US Congress. Hopefully, the US Congress is listening and will consider the wisdom of the crowd's vote and craft a solution that helps to maintain and restore confidence.

Individual Solutions

I spent two hours last night creating a blog post detailing my thoughts and opinions on the current financial crisis entitled: Bailout Voted Down: Colossal Failure of Leadership. When I started writing the post, I did not know what I was going to do with it, but figured I could at least get my frustrations off my chest. By the end of the night, I sent the post to the following people 9in additon to posting it on facebook):

Office of the President
Senator Levin
Senator Stabenow
Congressman Knollenberg
Board of the Federal Reserve
Secretary of the Treasury
Governor Granholm
Mary Kramer at Crain's
Matt Roush at Great Lakes IT Report
Eric Morath at Detroit News
Free Press - Washington Bureau
Emailed Numerous Friends

How are you going to change the world today?

Make it a great Tuesday.

Jonathan

Bailout Voted Down: Colossal Failure of Leadership

2008-09-29T20:28:00.006-04:00

ROME IS BURNING and I am not referring to Jim Rome, the sports reporter! ! ! This mortgage crisis extends much farther than Wall Street, it is a global crisis and if we don't capitate now and I mean NOW, we are going to see job loss, economic dislocation, and widespread global economic malaise for years to come.

Congress is playing with fire and too many members of the House are focused upon their reelection campaigns vs. the true crisis at hand. This is a time where we need true leadership, not another Congressman groveling for votes and reelection.

While the press chooses to focus upon the $700 billion package size, the real issue at hand is CONFIDENCE. The most important issue to address is the Crisis of Confidence if the US Congress does not act swiftly the dominoes will fall and the crisis will only get more dire.

Lessons from the Past

The preeminent book on the topic of widespread panics and bubbles that have gripped the financial markets for centuries is:

I highly recommend the book, it is very insightful. Every member of the US Congress should read it, if they did they would be much more apt to take play offense vs. the defense posture that they take trying to ensure their reelection.

There are very few "True Statesman"

The true statesman’s art is to be able to judge the way of life of his nation and to know which institutions will preserve it and which will destroy it. This is a delicate business and requires a special knowledge of the particular customs of a nation and their relation to its whole way of life.

Jean-Jacques Rousseu

Politics and The Arts
Introduction XXIX

I only wish there were more true statesman in the US Congress. The implications of their indecision and selfish dealings today will have unintended consequences for generations to come. WE NEED TO RETAIN CONFIDENCE IN THE US BANKING SYSTEM, lest we go back to the Gold Standard.

Global Implications

The implications of the crisis of the US Financial System are widespread. If the system fails because of a lack of confidence, the impacts will be felt from New York to Sydney to Timbuktu. Here are a few of the financial luxuries and conveniences that we may lose if the US Congress does not step up and lead.

Credit Cards
Auto Financing
Mortgages
Business Lines of Credit
Convenience of Modern Credit Availability

I could write an entire doctoral thesis on the topic.

Conclusion

If US Congress fails to come to a compromise on this issue within the next week, generations to come will feel the impact of their failure of leadership. The Congressman who fail to lead today may win in November, but they won't win in the future, they will be viewed as authors of the first Great Depression of the 21st Century.

I implore the US Congress to stand up and lead and consider the interests of the whole over their selfish reelection concerns.

Note from the Blogger

I worked on Wall Street for 5 years at JP Morgan & Co., Deutsche Bank AG, and Arthur Andersen & Co. I am was intimately familiar with Mortgage Backed Securities, Credit Default Swaps, the Derivatives Market and bank treasury operations at one point in my career.

I left Wall Street in 1998 because I could not live my life surrounded by the culture of avarice and greed. I can remember eating dinner with my dad @ a dinner in Scotch Plains, NJ telling him that I could not continue to work on Wall Street because I did not agree with their ethics and conduct.

I sometimes questions whether I made the right decsions. Many of my friends made millions and millions of dollars, but I got to keep my soul.

I was somewhat vindicated on March 17, 2008 when one of the trader's I used to support was highlighted on the front page of the Wall Street Journal (Carlyle fund on ropes as banks get nervous: Lenders rush to sell assets tied to loans in mortgage market) because his $20+ bn portfolio of mortgage assests was being liquidated and his investors lost all of their equity. He may have made a lot of $$$, but I got to keep my integrity.

Final Thought

I wrote this post because I am a patriot and I have no direct means of benefiting from the bailout package.

What does the economy look like without credit cards?

2008-09-16T16:07:00.006-04:00

In my opinion there is a very good chance that banks will start cancelling credit cards in droves, even for people with perfect credit. The credit crisis and instability on Wall Street has led to a true liquidity crisis and no one is going to be immune from its effects.

What is going to happen to the economy if people have to pull out cold hard cash to make their purchases vs. their oh so handy credit cards?

Spending on [credit cards] operates on the same psychological principles as [casino chips]. Signing a piece of paper does not "feel" like spending money.

"Hospitality & Tourism: An Introduction to the Industry," P. 195
Robert A. Bryme

The inventor of chips was a genius. Plopping down a stack of $100 chips isn't nearly as painful as putting down a wad of $100 bills . . . Have you ever noticed there are a dozen places in a casino to buy chips but only one place where you can cash them in? Cash goes straight into your pocket, and the casino owners know they might never see it again.

Confessions of...a Casino Pit Boss

It will certainly be interesting to see how this plays out, I think it is going to be devastating to the US economy. Time will tell!

Climbing Mt. Whitney

2008-08-30T11:35:00.006-04:00

The Wall Street Journal had a great article today on climbing Mt. Whitney: http://www.wsj.com/article/SB122005156389884849.html?mod=Travel79_1

Having climbed Mt. Whitney 2 1/2 years ago, I can attest that it's pretty accurate. Like many in the article, a friend and I climbed it in a single day; leaving at a 4am Alpine start, we stayed right on target and were off the mountain by 7pm.

There is a more direct route, called the Mountaineer's Route, but with snow near a dangerous section of the summit, we elected the 22 mile roundtrip "Mule trail" as did the author of the WSJ article. If you consider the Mountaineer's Route, be forewarned as there are signs posted along it's somewhat "hidden" trailhead: tales of two young and experiened climbers on separate trips that both ventured just 20 feet in the wrong direction and loost their lives in a 1000'+ fall. We may use the Mountaineer's Route on the next trip, but we'll closely watch the snow and make alternate plans for the Mule Trail as needed.

We had no celebratory reason for climbing Mt. Whitney--just the self-confidence that we could do it. That's not to take away from those whose summit marks a significant point in time. It is a challenge and an accomplishment that no one will forget.

There are great things to see on the climb, including wildlife, lots of nature-loving challenge-junkies just like you, beautiful lakes, and lots and lots of rocks.

You'll want to pack lightly--but don't skip any of the essentials: water, food, goretex rain pants and jacket, along with a fleece, shorts, venting underwear, and climbing boots. On my first climb, South and Middle Teton, I was amazed to see so many inexperienced climbers with a single bottle of water and no pack on their back. In the mountains, weather can set in amazingly fast and without some form of coverage from wind and rain, hypothermia and other complications arise quickly. For those who think they can just climb down before bad weather reaches them; just a week before my first climb, a woman had died from being struck by lightning in the Tetons.

From firsthand experience, I also recommend packing a small amount of duct tape and vaseline to head off blisters. You'll need headlamps for the Alpine start and perhaps the end of your climb. You'll also want some aspirin as the altitude often causes headaches. Lastly, don't underestimate the need for warm clothes and for staying injury-free. Bear in mind that no one can carry you off the mountain so if you get a twisted ankle, blisters, broken bone, or other--you'll still need to get off the mountain somehow. A helicopter lift might be available, but perhaps not as well. Bad weather, altitude, location, and other factors may prevent it. Your best bet is to not take chances that could get you needlessly hurt.

My climbing buddy has moved on to other things in his retirement, but I'm ready to visit Mt. Whitney again--with a new set of friends. I highly recommend taking on the challenge.

You'll thank yourself when you get there--and forever after.

UM Dearborn / EO Sponsored E Training

2008-08-18T11:18:00.006-04:00

I am proud to say that I helped craft the relationship between University of Michigan Dearborn, the Entrepreneurs' Organization and Jaffe. I want to especially thank Kim Schatzel, William Lekse, Mark Winter from Identity PR and the Entrepreneurs's Organization, the team @ Jaffe, the Detroit Chamber, who spearheaded the grant process locally, and the Department of Labor, who is funding this program, for making this exciting program happen. I am very excited about the prospects for this program and look forward to a successful partnership with University of Michigan Dearborn.

Michigan's Emerging Technology Entrepreneurs' Program

Nine owners of startups or innovation-based businesses looking to expand in Michigan have been approved for the first class of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Product Realization and Technology Commercialization program beginning in October . . . . He also said the school is using the Entrepreneurs Organization, Detroit Chapter to help gather and screen more applicants until Sept. 15. Those not chosen from the original 200 also will get a second look.

Open Letter to Howard Schultz, CEO Starbucks

2008-08-06T16:15:00.004-04:00

Dear Howard:

I am a big Starbucks fan, but I have to tell you that I am not a fan of your new brand positioning and marketing tactics. We all know that you have a major crisis on your hand, but I think the tactics you are using are focused upon the wrong underlying issues.

Here's how I see it:

Low Hanging Fruit: The US Economy is in a recession and every financial planner and their brother is telling their clients to cut out Starbucks out of their budget - easy $80 to $100 / month savings.
Coffee Grade A / Food Grade C-: Your coffee is great, but your food stinks. The food tastes like it has been frozen out of some commissary hundreds of miles away. Your food needs to be upgraded.
Great Brand, Take a Leadership Role: I heard Tom Brokaw speak at my brother's graduation about "The Greatest Generation." Lever your brand to help the US create another Greatest Generation. This is not a political position, but a true patriot / leadership position.
Running Scared: The changes to your marketing appear more like you are running scared than making smart decisions. I bought an iced coffee venti coffee for somewhere around $2.65 and was offered a coupon for another iced coffee grande iced drink after 2 pm for $2.00. I just could not see the value proposition to me, the customer here, to come back for a coupon worth roughly $0.20.
McDonald's is not the Enemy, the Indulgent Perception of Your Brand is: People are on tight budgets and they have a perception that a cup of Starbucks is an unnecessary and unwise indulgence. THIS NEEDS TO CHANGE.

I wish you luck with your current situation, unfortunately the wind is at your bow and you need to tack. I would be happy to discuss these issues further with you or your team.

Best regards,

Jonathan B Smith
Loyal Starbucks' Supporter

Why I www.flyclear.com

2008-08-04T11:57:00.002-04:00

I was running late for the airport the other day, what else is new, and was a bit stressed. Fortunately, there was no traffic on the way from NYC to LGA, but when I got to the airport it was line city, yuck.

I HATE LINES

So I decided to pay the porter $5 at the curb to handle my bags and checked in without having to stand in coach class check in hell.

The next dilemma was getting through security, but fortunately I had my trusty Clear Card. One swipe of my right thumb print and I was identified and whisked to the front of the line, almost seemed unfair, but I was relieved that I did not have to anxiously wait with the huddled masses. I have used my Clear Card on a number of occasions and am hooked.

I only wish I could www.flyclear.com in more locations.

About Clear

Clear members are pre-screened and provided with a high-tech card which allows them to access designated security lanes nationwide. Clear members pass through the security checkpoint faster, with more predictability and less hassle. The annual fee of $100 (plus a $28 TSA vetting fee) is charged once applicants are approved by the government. Applicants start their enrollment at flyclear.com and complete the process at an enrollment location where their fingerprints and iris images are captured and their identification is validated. Clear’s registered traveler program has been operational since July 19, 2005.

The Best Yoga in NYC

2008-08-04T11:47:00.005-04:00

I spent last week in NYC and had an opportunity to try out a bunch of different places for yoga. Jivamukti in Union Square and on the Upper East Side was far and away my favorite yoga studio.

Why I liked Jivamukti:

The Studio felt like a Community
Sanskrit Message
Sanskrit Chanting
Instructors Provided Helpful Adjustments
Block and Blankets Available in Class
Incredibly Challenge Class

I will be sure to go back to Jivamukti whan I am in NYC again.

It also does not hurt that they have instructors like Purnima:

Thought from Deepak Chopra

2008-07-29T22:57:00.002-04:00

I had the opportunity to attend both Yoga and Meditation sessions @ the Chopra Center in NYC today and had a very interesting experience. When you pay for your Yoga session, you are given a token. The quote on my token was as follows:

When I learn to appreciate and express my unique perception of the world, I let go of the need for approval

I understand that my perception of the world is unique.

There are no coincidences in life. I found this quite to be quite appros pos.

Sydney's Irish Wake

2008-07-26T00:23:00.012-04:00

I got some really bad news on Thursday morning. My dog, Sydney, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The options were really grim; go to extraordinary measures and she might live 6 to 9 months or euthanize her and put her out of her misery.

As a strong proponent of euthanasia, I felt that I had no choice. I put Sydney down on this beautiful sunny day, while she was laying in the grass with myself, Noah, and Lia hugging and comforting her.

What a downer! A real downer!

Yet Sydney is out of pain and in doggy heaven, hopefully frolicking with her like minded kin.

So What Did I Do?

Sydney always loved to have fun and really enjoyed boating and the water. My friends were out at Put N Bay, Ohio on their boats, some might say yachts, so I decided to fly to 3W2 and meet them there for the afternoon.

We had a fabulous time. Good friends are invaluable.

I flew home around 8 PM and ended up attending a party with a bunch of folks from the Yoga Shelter. I really love to be around Yogis, their calm energy is so soothing and I especially appreciated it yesterday. Namaste.

Sydney would have been happy that I chose to live the dream today, instead of lying around sad and depressed. She always loved biting the water spray behind the ski boat. I will never take my boat out again without thinking of my beautiful Sydney.

My you rest in peace Sydney. You were loved and will be sorely missed.

USMC Adage to Live By

2008-07-23T22:48:00.004-04:00

No man (woman, child or dog) left behind

Uncle Les Kyle's Famous Line

2008-07-23T22:10:00.000-04:00

Let the line out little by little until she gets to know you . . . You don't want to look desperate.

Fear and Greed: The Mortgage Meltdown

2008-07-09T11:15:00.005-04:00

Excerpt from Business Week "A Smart Idea Spoiled: In his first interview since the crisis began, Lew Ranieri, inventor of mortgage-backed securities, says the system can be fixed"

There's an old Wall Street adage that there's a nexus between fear and greed. If you diminish fear, you get more greed. People got braver issuing (mortgage backed securities) this stuff. All the participants felt they could act merely as agents and collect fees. Nobody was prepared to say "I have liability."

Bad Beat

2008-07-07T17:18:00.001-04:00

In poker, bad beat is a subjective term for a hand in which a player who had what appeared to be strong cards nevertheless loses. It most often occurs where one player bets the clearly stronger hand and their opponent makes a poor call that eventually "hits" and wins. There is no consensus among poker players as to what exactly constitutes a bad beat and often players will disagree about whether a particular hand was a bad beat.

Rothbury Music Festival - Namaste

2008-07-07T11:48:00.011-04:00

I got the opportunity to attend the inaugural Rothbury Festival in Rothbury, MI this past weekend. WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE ! ! !

The weather was glorious, the music was fantastic, the yoga was spiritual, and the people were gracious and incredibly socially conscious.

Bravo to the promoters of the event. A+

One of my favorite parts of the event was the outdoor yoga with 100's of hippees under the sun.

More about Rothbury, click here.

Where are all of the Travel Agents?

2008-07-03T08:47:00.003-04:00

I was trying to book a last minute flight to the Middle East yesterday in business class and could not find the right flights at Orbitz or on the airlines websites.

I decided that I really needed a travel agent to handle this complex booking and have not used a conventional travel agent for years. I knew that the American Express Platinum Card has an associated travel service available, so I called them for help.

I spoke to Mike @ AMEX Travel Services and he spent over an hour on the phone directly with the airline to get some seats released and he got it done. BRAVO ! ! ! I will be calling AMEX next time I need a travel agent for sure.

Tumi - Lifetime Warranty - Why Buy Anywhere Else?

2008-06-30T21:46:00.003-04:00

I bought a messenger bag from Tumi more then five years ago and was given a lifetime warranty for the bag.

After hundreds of thousands of flight miles, hotels, subways, buses and taxis, the bag finally gave in and the main buckle on the bag failed. I went to the mall today because I had a few extra minutes and figured I would try to collect on the lifetime warranty.

I was skeptical that Tumi would uphold their end of the bargain, but to my suprise the sales person was very accomodating and even gave me a loaner bag - incredible. The whole repair will cost me $15 for shipping, I love when a company follows through on its promises.

Next time I am in the market for a bag, I will be sure to go to Tumi first.

My First Flight with my Garmin GPSMAP 496

2008-06-30T13:03:00.007-04:00

My First Trip with my Garmin GPSMAP 496

I recently got a Garmin GPSMAP 496 and had the opportunity to really work it out on my first trip cross country.

I was flying from Troy, MI (KVLL) to Tauton, MA (KTAN) to see my good friend Dave Moura. The trip was uneventful until I got to Rhode Island and realized that my destination airport, which was about 50 miles away, was painted all RED, severe thunderstorms. The Providence based air traffic controller asked me if I had weather radar and I replied affirmative. He strongly suggested that I deviate my flight plan to North Central State Airport (KSFZ), which I did to wait out the storm for an hour or two. When I finally got to KTAN they told me that there had been half inch hail and huge thunderstorms, thank god for the Garmin GPSMAP 496.

I had difficulty getting home on Friday and Saturday because of the wicked, SE Mass adjective, thunderstorms. Thus, I waited until Sunday to come home and left early hoping to get home before the afternoon buildups. The trip was uneventful, but as the day wore on the thunderstorms started building again. I missed any major adverse weather because I was home before 1:30 PM, but I did use the NEXRAD Radar option to deviate around 3 or 4 major cloud buildups.

I am now a member of the converted. Flying without my Garmin GPSMAP 496 would feel like flying in the blind at this point.

Purchasing the Garmin GPSMAP 496

Buying the Garming GPSMAP 496 was not an easy decision, the typical average price of the units is $2,395 plus $50+/month for subscriptions for weather and maps, etc.

I was trying to find a novel way to acquire the unit and called my old friend Howard Van Bortel. Leave it to Howard, the great aviation marketer, he created a program where I could rent the unit for roughly $45 / month plus whatever monthly subscriptions.

The cash flow implications of Howard's rental program were fantastic for me, 44 month breakeven renting vs. buying the unit without considering the time value of money. I can return the unit at anytime and rent it as long as I wish. Howard was happy with the deal and I was happy to rent the unit, so I can easily upgrade as soon as Garmin comes up with a newer version.

Anyone considering a Garmin 296, Garmin 396 or Garmin 496 should call Howard Van Bortel's team at 866.287.8506 or sales@factorygps.com or http://www.factorygps.com/.

Nice work, per usual Howard ! ! !

Fire, Fire, Fire, Aim

2008-06-27T23:18:00.005-04:00

The Wall Street Journal had an interesting article today about the power of trusting your gut / rapid fire decision making. It really helps to support my decision making style, where I prefer to execute decisions in a zen fashion vs. paralysis by analysis.

Graphic to review from WSJ Article:

Related books to consider:

How Do Major Public Works Projects Get Funded?

2008-06-23T22:07:00.003-04:00

A wise General once told me that:

It is much easier to get a project funded in Congress if it shows up on the front page of the NY Times or Washington Post.

I watched the program to up armor Humvees and develop the MRAP move rapidly through the funding process, as a result of the power of the mainstream media.

However, I never truly appreciated the wisdom of this statement until I saw the impact of $130 oil on the world economy and the political decision making process.

Fortune Cookie Quote

2008-06-23T12:19:00.001-04:00

Luck happens when hard work meets opportunity.

Spatial Disorientation

2008-06-12T15:44:00.001-04:00

Spatial disorientation is a condition in which an aircraft pilot's perception of direction (proprioception) does not agree with reality. While it can be brought on by disturbances or disease within the vestibular system, it is more typically a temporary condition resulting from flight into poor weather conditions with low or no visibility. Under these conditions the pilot may be deprived of an external visual horizon, which is critical to maintaining a correct sense of up and down while flying.

A pilot who enters such conditions will quickly lose spatial orientation if there has been no training in flying with reference to instruments. Approximately 80% of the private pilots in the United States do not have an instrument rating, and therefore are prohibited from flying in conditions where instrument skills are required. Not all pilots abide by this rule, and approximately 40% of the NTSB fatal general aviation accident reports list continuation of flight into conditions for which the pilot was not qualified as a cause.

Blueprint D Mind Mapping Results

2008-06-01T09:07:00.011-04:00

I had the opportunity to facilitate the final session for the Detroit Regional Chamber's Young Professionals' (YP) Organization called Fusion at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Saturday May 31, 2008 at the Grand Hotel.

I utilized a mind map to facilitate the session, utilizing an open source mind mapping tool called FreeMind.

I received a number of requests from attendess for copies of the mind map that was created during the session, so I created this blog posts with downloadable versions of the map. The map can be downloaded in one of two formats below: 1. PDF, 2. JPEG. Note, I could not get the FreeMind format to download properly from the web, so if you want a copy of this version please email me.

10 Advantages you'll gain through Social Media

2008-05-28T09:52:00.010-04:00

Even though Social Media sites have been around for a couple of years, they are now hitting the mainstream in a big way. Often, it takes time for people to understand a new phenomenon and those who are late to the game often miss out on the biggest gains. If you're on the fence on Social Media, there are a number of great reasons you and your organization should be using them.

According to Wikipedia, Social media describes the online technologies and practices that people use to share opinions, insights, experiences, and perspectives with each other.

Companies, organizations, corporations--even the military are starting to realize the benefits of Social Media. Below are the top 10 advantages you'll gain through Social Media:

1. Gain intimate information about your customers and competitors
Social Media has an unprecedented ability to connect you to your customers in a very intimate fashion. If your customers feel that respected by their Social Media experience, they will speak openly and helpfully about what works and doesn't work well. And, not only will they speak openly about you have to offer, but they'll also share what they like and dislike about your competition. Organizations pay a tremendous amount of money for focus groups, test marketing, pilot programs, etc., but Social Media can offer similar results if you listen carefully to what you're being told. Generally speaking, in my opinion, most people want to help--let them help you to improve your company and your products.

2. Share information with those who are REALLY interested
The Internet has offered unprecedented opportunity for people with highly-specialized interests to find a forum, share their thoughts, and interact with others who share interest. If your Social Media efforts are well-placed, you can get your message to the exact group(s) that will sign-up, purchase, donate, contribute, share, or work with you on whatever your goal. Tread gently--be humble--and genuine because chances are high that the people you're interacting with may have far more experience on the subject than you.

3. Raw communication from your customers and potential customers
There are few better, faster, or cheaper opportunities to gain raw insight than from Social Media. The anonymity of the Internet offers some the needed "boost" to speak candidly about what you have to offer. They may be more inclined to write a post about something good or bad if they don't have to be concerned with hurting the feelings of your customer service representative or salesperson. That being said, be sure to *read* customer posts "in the best light". That is, posts or blog entries lack the tone or body language that would accompany a phone call, focus group, or other human-to-human interaction so it's easy to misunderstand the intent, agitation, or enthusiasm of the writer. When in doubt, assume that the person meant the post to be helpful and constructive, and respond accordingly.

4. Customers feel connected to "insiders" in your company
We've all felt it... that connection felt when an employee reveals something about an upcoming product or change in the organization or company. That knowledge has a certain "value" to it. You might call your friend, your mom, sometimes--anyone that will listen--and share it with them. When employees understand what they can share, and use that information strategically, it can benefit the company and the customer. In some cases, customers will develop a heartfelt bond simply by learning a little detail about the company, your products, or anything that strikes an emotional interest in them. For example, learning a little-known story that Ben & Jerry's named its newest flavor after comedian Stephen Colbert might mean something to a serious Colbert fan. It's hard to anticipate those connections, but it's not impossible.

5. Blazing-fast information sharing
Many people start their day by checking their favorite Social Media sites. When they do, they can be the best purveyors of information throughout the Internet. What used to be shared by phone, is now shared by hotlinks to postings and articles of interest. If you want to share something new--Social Media can make it happen at lightning speed.

6. Inexpensive public relations, advertising, and marketing
Compared to the cost of traditional print--even websites--you can't beat Social Media for spreading your message. A website may have a certain following of people, but a true Social Media network, wherein people share information and interact, and feel part of an online community can spread the message much less expensively, more successfully, and to the desired group better than any other media.

7. Customers feel like they're being heard
When customers see that members of your organization are responding in forums, comments, and posts, they know that their message has been heard. People want to be heard and know that their opinion is respected. That's not to say that you have to react or agree with their thoughts--in many cases--you've probably already heard their idea somewhere else. However, a kind response of "That's similar to something that we've explored in the past that we might have to reconsider." will go a long way to cementing a helpful bond with your customer.

8. Employees and organization members love to use Social Media amongst themselves
Social Media is also helpful to learn insight about products, employees, and other members of organizations. When employees feel comfortable sharing personal information about their hobbies, pets, experiences, aspirations, and interests, with other members of the organization, a lot can be gained. When a CEO blogs about upcoming challenges facing the company, and employees share information, i.e. Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald's, Whole Foods, or Starbucks, everyone benefits.

9. Support your other marketing/media efforts
Social Media can [and should be] be an integral part of your overall marketing efforts. Connect to your customers on a personal level while supporting that connection through traditional media. Integrating the two can be a powerful combination. Consider launching blogs with specific topics in mind and, if necessary, with a limited lifetime.

10. Social Media can radically change your organization
Adopting Social Media strategies and techniques can develop entirely new directions within your organization. Sharing and interacting with your customers and employees can enable you to move faster with less-expense, and react more quickly to changes. IBM launched a new exploration of Social Media called Beehive and, in just nine months, they've reached 30,000 users. If some of those 30,000 users become IBM customers as a result of their new direction, you can be sure that other companies will pick up on the trend.

Social Media can help you spread your message quickly, inexpensively, and surgically-right to the people you want to hear it.

Supporting our Soldiers in Uniform

2008-05-25T12:44:00.007-04:00

One of the best way to support our soldiers in uniform:

Thank them for their sacrifices and express your support for all they do to preserve the freedom that we enjoy.

The next time you see a soldier in uniform, remember to express your thanks and gratitude.

US Army "Fly In" and Military Tattoo - Lessons Learned

2008-05-23T22:24:00.018-04:00

The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Chicago Chapter coordinated a "Fly-In Visit" with the US Army to the Pentagon and they were gracious enough to provide me an invitation.

Always Be Present

The visit was flawlessly arranged and coordinated by K Stephenson the Director of Executive Partnerships at the Executive Office of the Army. I know K had a busy schedule all day, coordinating a number of tours and performing her normal duties, but you would have never known it. K, as well as, all of our hosts (4 generals and 4 Colonels and 1 Major) made sure to make us feel like we were their priority, despite the fact that the US Army is executing a Global War on Terror (GWOT) on two major fronts and other engagements across the globe.

Our hosts' hospitality and personal engagement reminded me of a business quote:

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.

Dale Carnegie

Lesson Learned

The value of being present and interested in your guests and will take this lesson with me for life.

Global War on Terror (GWOT) - The Long War

We got a lot of information about the current high profile conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and I came to the conclusion that these battles are part of a continuum in the GWOT that is anticipated to persist for the foreseeable future (The Long War). The reality is the GWOT did not begin with on 9/11 or the day that the USS Cole was attacked in Yemen in 2000, its roots can be traced all back to the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979 or even earlier. This perspective of time provides us with a clearer vision of the seeds of the GWOT; I am confident that 10 or 20 years from today, the importance of bringing the GWOT to our enemies vs. the homeland will be applauded by historians instead of being chided, as so many of the news media do today.

The militaries need to manage the US citizens' expectations and the news media’s constant prodding reminds me of the process that a publicly-traded company might engage in with Wall Street to manage quarterly earnings expectations. The best companies focus tactically on the next 90 days, but are strategically looking over the horizon, 10 or 20 years out.

I think that the US military should consider reviewing Google's position on providing earnings guidance below:

Although we may discuss long term trends in our business, we do not plan to give earnings guidance in the traditional sense . . . A management team distracted by a series of short term targets is as pointless as a dieter stepping on a scale every half hour.

"An Owner's Manual" for Google's Shareholders

Setting unrealistic timetables for troop withdrawals in GWOT is akin to "a dieter stepping on a scale every half hour."

Lesson Learned

Let's give our troops the leeway to execute their mission of protecting freedom, lest we overmanage the GWOT in the short term and undermine our way of life in the long term.

Speaking from Experience

A cornerstone of the EO values is to utilize Gestalt Protocol, "speaking from experience."

It came as no surprise to me that our "fly-in" include an element of experience sharing from the fronts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Ken Spielvogel spoke to us about how he worked on a project in Afghanistan to develop micro-hydro and hydro electric infrastructure. LTC Spielvogel is quite a character and share some great stories about his experience delivering power to some villages in Afghanistan that had never had power.

Major (MAJ) Jeffrey Weinhofer talked to us about his time in Iraq, as a Transition Team Advisor, helping to train and develop the Iraqi Security Forces. MAJ Weinhofer was upbeat, yet candid about this very difficult mission.

Lesson Learned

The Iraqi culture values of personal relationship over any professional qualities an individual may possess. The GWOT will be won by engaging the community at a grass roots level; it will not be won by occasionally removing a terrorist here and there.

An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

Mohandas Gandhi

Impressions of the US Army

Great Leaders
Articulate
Engaging
Charismatic
Committed
Competent
Courageous
Positive

Lesson Learned

I would be happy to hire an Army Veteran, they would be a serious asset to any civilian organization. I would also encourage my son or daughter to join the US Army if they expressed interest.

I left with a lasting impression of the Army: they would be in good hands. To me, the most important people in this world are my children—and if the field leaders are similar to those that I encountered during this trip—my children would be well cared for.

Challenges Facing the US Army

Recruiting
Retention
Family is Strained

Lesson Learned

The concept of a feeling of failed leadership. Great leadership can overcome any obstacle, but the hit to morale even from the perception of failed leadership can prove devastating. Leadership Matters.

Chicago-area Entrepreneurs Get Inside Story on Army

2008-05-23T22:14:00.005-04:00

I was quoted in Army.Mil/News following our trip to the Pentagon. The quote is below and the full article is further below:

Jonathan B. Smith, of WhisprWave, a company that manufactures equipment to prevent shoreline erosion, was interested in getting a more complete perspective on the war on terror.

"It's interesting to get the military perspective verses the perspective that's in the newspaper on a daily basis," he said. "It's nice to get some balance."

He also said Huntoon is typical of many chief executive officers he meets in his business, "they are worried about their people, and retention, more than the bottom line," he said.

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 22, 2008) -- "This is very much a captain's war -- a sergeant's war," the director of the Army staff told entrepreneurs from the Chicago area at the Pentagon Wednesday.

The Army hosted members of the Chicago-area chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization for a "fly-in visit" in which the community business leaders met with Army leaders to learn about the status of the service, and how the Army is executing the war on terror. They also heard from Lt. Gen. David Huntoon Jr., director of the Army staff.

During a lunch in the Pentagon, Huntoon said it is the junior officers and NCOs who make a difference in the war on terror. "There are opportunities for them to make decisions on their own -- life and death decisions. When you have a sense of that -- to make those kinds of decisions and to be supported by your chain of command -- you don't want to leave that kind of atmosphere. It is exciting, it is empowering, and it makes you feel you are doing the right thing."

Huntoon also discussed the Army's recruiting and retention challenges, telling the entrepreneurs the Army has found only 3 in 10 young Americans are suited for Army service. Many are excluded, he said, due to criminal pasts that cannot be waived, or due to health concerns such as asthma or obesity.

He also said the Army is concerned about retaining Soldiers. Saying that multiple deployments have put a strain on Soldiers who would like to start a family as well as those who already have families.

"We recruit Soldiers and retain families and it is family members that vote on whether the service member stays in the profession," the general said.

Dale Boehm, of Brookfield, Wis., was one of the 14 entrepreneurs to attend the fly-in. One of his employees at Caspian Technology Concepts, LLC, is an Army Reserve member who will soon deploy to Iraq for the second time. Boehm said he's concerned about his employee and his family. He's also concerned about how multiple deployments could affect his business.

"What are we doing to make sure we don't have to deploy troops two or three times? I am seeing first-hand what that is doing to a family and my business," Boehm said. "He's a major component of what I do, day-to-day. We're going to have to figure out how to fill that gap while he's gone. And there's also that period of time not knowing what's happening to him."

Jonathan B. Smith, of WhisprWave, a company that manufactures equipment to prevent shoreline erosion, was interested in getting a more complete perspective on the war on terror.

"It's interesting to get the military perspective verses the perspective that's in the newspaper on a daily basis," he said. "It's nice to get some balance."

He also said Huntoon is typical of many chief executive officers he meets in his business, "they are worried about their people, and retention, more than the bottom line," he said.

John Allegretti runs a commercial real estate company, CMZ Properties, LLC. He is also developing cargo pallets made from bio-resin that contain embedded RFID tags. He is currently working to sell those same pallets to the Army. He said his time visiting the Pentagon was fascinating.

"I hope to get a better understanding of why we do what we do and have a better understanding of the connection between military and civilians," he said of his visit. "The information we receive in the general public is somewhat different than what we are hearing today. I'd like to know the meaning behind the why, the when and the where.

He also said he recognizes that the decisions being made by those at the Pentagon are decisions he made, in part.

"This is interesting to know why we are doing what we are doing," he said. "And this is a 'we,' because we elected the people that are telling these people what to do -- so it's a collective decision."

During their visit to the Pentagon, the 14 members of the Chicago-area chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization took a tour of the Pentagon, attended a Twilight Tattoo at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., and visited with Army leaders ranging from a major to a lieutenant general.

While the Army provided the entrepreneurs with an inside perspective of how the Army is completing its mission in Iraq, the Army also asked something of the entrepreneurs.

"As an employer, support that Guardsman or Reservist as much as you can," said Maj. Jeffrey Weinhofer, recently assigned to the Pentagon after a tour as a military advisor in Iraq. "If you have relatives or friends interested in military service, certainly don't discourage them. Please talk about your visit to the Pentagon and the military folks you talked with."

Even Lieutenant General Huntoon Recognizes the Human Weapon

2008-05-23T21:06:00.007-04:00

My buddy Troy and I were part of a group of Entrepreneurs' Organizations recent visit to the Pentagon to meet with a number of military brass though a prograom called the Army's "Fly-In Visit." In addition the the "Fly-In"we also got to a Twilight Tattoo, an hour-long military pageant.

Below Troy and are speaking with Lieutenant General David Huntoon, Director of the Army Staff. LTG Huntoon made an effort to personally meet and greet all of his guests. In the picture below LTG Huntoon just asked Troy about his military service. Troy has never served in the military, but we got a great kick out of the question because I call him "Human Weapon" because he is a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo and I regularly tease him that he is my bodyguard.

Troy is such a character that he embellished the photo below to play out the subliminal exchange that we were having while conversing with LTG Huntoon.

Smart Women with Available Time - SWAT

2008-04-30T09:59:00.012-04:00

I always thought that SWAT stood for "Special Weapons and Tactics," but I learned this a new use for the acronym this morning (in the Wall Street Journal in an article entitled "How Stay-at-Home Moms Are Filling an Executive Niche" by Sue Shellenbarger) SMART WOMEN with AVAILALBE TIME.

The decision among some highly educated women to stay home with children is sparking a countertrend: The rise of the mommy "SWAT team." The acronym, for "smart women with available time," is one mother's label for all-mom teams assembled quickly through networking and staffing firms to handle crash projects. Employers get lots of voltage, cheap, while the women get a skills update and a taste of the professional challenges they miss.
Excerpt from WSJ

I was having a conversation with a very senior telecommunications executive on Monday and told her that I thought that the SWAT moms offered a boon potential for the local Michigan Economy; given the fact that the dollar is relatively weak, prices are rising in India for good labor and Michigan's proximity to NYC, Boston, DC, Atlanta, Chicago, etc. there is a great opportunity to exploit an On Shoring / Best Shoring strategy:

What is the best sourcing strategy to pursue?" In the digital age, where information moves instantaneously and customers can, business managers can select providers in multiple locations in the U.S., as well as overseas. The question is where is the best place (considering costs, skills, convenience, culture, experience, etc.) to source the talent to solve the problem at hand.
Excerpt from Bank Technology News

The population of SWAT moms provides a great untapped resource that benefits both the employer and employee.

List of SWAT Providers:

Resources for working with SWATs:

I told my friend telecom executive friend this morning that I only wish that I could predict the stock tables, as well as I had predicted the importance of the SWAT to the Michigan Economy.

Results matter,

JBS

Entrepreneurship program coming to U-M Dearborn

2008-04-24T11:12:00.003-04:00

metromode, 4/24/2008

Innovation and entrepreneurship are already practically synonymous with the University of Michigan, but the university is trying to spread that gospel to its Dearborn campus.

U-M-Dearborn is launching an entrepreneurship and innovation program as part of its business School of Management. The idea is to work with the colleges of engineering, computer sciences and the Detroit Chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization to help local businesses become more involved in the new economy and even foster a little business creation.

"A university can only guide, foster and provide a platform for ideas and thinking... That's what we are doing here, thinking, fostering growth and development," says Tim Hartge, a lecturer at U-M Dearborn. "In fact we are starting an eMBA program in the fall of 2009 and we are designing the program around innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership."

The program is open, not only to students at the university, but businesses throughout the region as well. Although only in its infancy, administrators hope to begin working with businesses soon, helping them to make the right connections and moving them forward, both at both home and abroad.

"Our mission is regional yet global," Hartge says.

For information on the new program, contact Hartge at thartge@umd.umich.edu or at (313) 583-6465.

Source: Tim Hartge, lecturer at University of Michigan-Dearborn
Writer: Jon Zemke

The Increasing Value of the Ad Network

2008-04-21T21:25:00.006-04:00

Interesting article about the shift in advertising to the web and how its Return On Investment (ROI) is becoming ever more important. I think I told the guys from Google about this prediction in 2003. The time has come Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) is the way to go, not Cost Per Click (CPC) will eventually become less and less relevant.

The reasons ad networks are thriving are price and improved technology. Ad networks charge much lower cost per thousand ads served (known as CPMs), as low as $4 on an ad network with some targeting, compared with $40 and up for some ads on premium sites like MSN or Yahoo.

How to Stop Predatory Marketing

2008-04-20T10:54:00.001-04:00

Add yourself and family to http://www.Donotcall.gov (free) - ends calls

Add yourself to DMA choice: https://www.dmachoice.org/MPS/proto1.php#how_to ($1) - ends direct marketing

Add yourself to OptOutPrescreen.com: https://www.optoutprescreen.com/opt_form.cgi (free) - ends free credit card offers

Use catalogchoice.org (free) - ends most catalogs

Sign up for 41pounds.org ($41 for 5 years) - Removes coupon ads, ect

Sign up for http://www.lifelock.com ($110 per adult per year, $25 per child per year) - locks down your credit report - end users must ask you permission before using your data.

Alternative service to http://www.lifelock.com is http://www.identityguard.com.

Monitor your credit reports ( http://www.equifax.com) - http://www.equifax.com/credit-product-list/ - alerts to all changes on all credit reports

Lawrence Tech University - Leaders & Innovators

2008-04-15T07:46:00.009-04:00

Jonathan Smith is the Founder and CEO of ChiefOptimizer LLC in Keego Harbor. Smith is an entrepreneur in Internet marketing and social media. Smith consults with CEOs throughout the United States and has worked with Fortune 500 companies as diverse as Google, DuPont, and MasterCraft to develop new business strategies that revolve around the changing technology landscape. He also is the founder and president of Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc., a Summit, N.J.-based company that holds patents for WhisprWave, a line of maritime products designed to stop terrorist attacks and prevent beach erosion. Smith is president of the Detroit Chapter of the Entrepreneurial Organization, a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference Committee, and volunteers with the United Way of Southeast Michigan's 211, a human services hotline. Previously, Smith worked in the investment banking industry for JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank. A New Jersey native, he earned his bachelor's degree in history and economics at Wesleyan University and his master's degree in accounting from the University of Hartford. He also holds a certificate in Homeland Security studies from Michigan State University. Smith was recognized as the 2004 Man of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for his dedication and fund-raising efforts in the fight against cancer, and is also an advocate for the American Diabetes Association.

WHERE BORN: "Boston, Massachusetts."

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: "I've had three or four really good mentors in my life, some of whom are still around and some who are not. I love to talk to people who have wisdom."

LAST BOOK READ: "The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell."

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: "Entrepreneur, innovator, hard-driving, results-focused, loving, good friend, integrity."

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: "To the moon. I�m a serial entrepreneur and I don�t work out of a specific office. I have a couple of different ventures. I�m in the homeland security field and in the green field. We�re in the business of hunting elephants and it appears that we�ll bag a few elephants this year. I�m also an Internet strategist and visionary in terms of new technologies through realizing the power of social media and the Internet. I�m consulting with big brands a few times a week. It�s going to be like the television revolution and I�m glad to be part of it. My blog is at resultsmatters.blogspot.com."

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: "I just got a new set of Bose Quiet Comfort 3 noise canceling headphones with a Bluetooth adapter. I tie in my iPod through the bottom, it turns the iPod off and I can listen to a phone call and it has a noise canceling feature in place. It's really slick."

FAVORITE PLACE: "Block Island, Rhode Island. It�s an island off the coast."

FAVORITE HOBBIES: "I�m a pilot, so I like flying. I do quite a bit of yoga. I like to meditate in the yoga studio. I like spending time with my friends and family and any kind of water sports."

FAVORITE FOOD: "I turned a leaf and I mostly eat organic food, so mostly organic and locally grown vegetables."

MY HIDDEN TALENT: "I can do a handstand."

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: "As an entrepreneur who taught others entrepreneurial skills to make the world a better place."

Link to Full Article

JS Kit Comment Test

2008-04-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Future of Shopping

2008-04-09T10:22:00.004-04:00

I rarely read airplane magazines, but I was on Southwest and ran out of reading material last week so I picked up their magazine. I came across this article that detailed the future of shopping and was quite intrigued. The article provides visibility into technologies that will radically change shopping in the future. It is broken up into four trends:

Out-of-Body Shopping (Virtual avatars will allow designers to create custom clothing that you can try on with a single mouse click.)
Preference Marketing (Our passions drive our spending habits. When sellers get you into their clubs, you get access to discounts and special offers.)
Shoppertainment (When retailers make visiting their stores a joy, we reward them with loyalty and impulse buys. Look for more in-house conveniences.)
Unshopping (Smart chips implanted in your food packaging will tell your fridge to alert the store when you need to restock. Same-day delivery will have you serving dinner in time for American Idol.)

I am already totally over the brick and mortar shopping experience, online is so much more convenient.

The article is a good read. Take a look. Click Here

The Experience Matters

2008-04-03T16:06:00.001-04:00

Show me, don't tell me.

Patti Mara

Basic Communication in the Internet Age

2008-04-02T13:06:00.001-04:00

You inform via email and motivate via the phone.

Dave Moncur

The Age of the Picture / Mind Map

2008-04-01T16:28:00.006-04:00

Interesting discussion about how pictures, no really pictures drawn on a napkin, are are all the rage among management consultants and corporate strategists. The age of the mind map is here to stay and bounded rationality has finally reared its head to the point where companies are beginning to realize that more data is not necessarily better.

You ought to be in pictures. No, really. Companies are increasingly using simple pictures to distill complicated concepts into easily shared, easily remembered nuggets. "Graphic expression and visual thinking are a central part of human cognition," says Neil Cohn, a researcher in cognitive psychology and linguistics at Tufts University. These ideas are spreading from how companies sell what they do -- as in UPS's "Whiteboard" ad campaign, featuring its agency's creative director sketching out what brown can do for you -- to plotting strategy. For example, Mark Zuckerberg has said that Facebook is based on the "social graph," a visual model of how people interact.

"Between information overload, globalization, and the sheer complexity of modern business, we've got to be more visual and less language dependent in communicating ideas," says Dan Roam, a visual consultant who advises major organizations such as eBay, Wells Fargo, and the U.S. Navy. (His book about how to use pen-and-paper sketches to your benefit, The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures, was published in March.) Flip the page for four instances in which Roam's clients forced their thoughts into pictures with great success.

Fast Company April 2008

Social Networked Municipal Wi-Fi

2008-04-01T16:11:00.006-04:00

This is a totally different approach to Municipal Wi-Fi, it's all about communicty cooperation.

Meraki empowers individuals to build wireless Internet communities. Meraki provides a level of access that has never before been economically, geographically or technically possible. Instead of a traditional top-down wireless service approach (such as municipal wifi or carrier hot-spots), the company takes a progressive bottoms-up approach that allows everyday people to affordably and cooperatively build a wireless network. In addition, Meraki makes the Internet more universally accessible by providing access even in rural and urban situations where traditional broadband access has failed. Meraki offers accessible, easy, and affordable wireless connectivity for everyone.

How It Works

Meraki’s wireless networking products are based on revolutionary mesh technology. Individuals are able to easily and affordably build and operate cooperative wireless networks anywhere – whether in a home, apartment building, office complex, or across an entire city. With Meraki’s Mini routers and an online dashboard tool to monitor and manage networks, customers without technical expertise can quickly set up an entire wireless network. Plugging a Meraki Mini router into a DSL line instantly creates a gateway. As more Minis are added nearby, the signals stream back and forth to build a web of wireless connections. Known as a mesh, this fabric of signals makes it possible to use just one DSL line to create a cooperative wireless Internet network, bringing access to more people than ever before.

Jonathan B Smith Biography

2008-03-31T22:32:00.002-04:00

Always make your contribution bigger than your reward. These are Jonathan B. Smith’s words to live by and he practices making his contributions count everyday, through his highly unique and strategic modes of problem solving.

Jonathan is an entrepreneur and a leader in the emerging world of Internet marketing and social media. A foreword thinker and progressive entrepreneur, Jonathan is the founder and CEO of ChiefOptimizer LLC, a Michigan-based company he created to conquer the ever-changing Internet marketing landscape. As the ChiefOptimizer of the company, Jonathan serves as a consultant to CEOs throughout the United States and has worked with Fortune 500 companies as diverse as Google, DuPont and MasterCraft to develop new business strategies that revolve around the changing technology landscape. Jonathan has established successful relationships with companies of all scopes and sizes by assisting management teams in reinvigorating their business plans through the use of web-based technology and communication methods. His expertise has produced millions of dollars in increased revenue and profits. Jonathan is a respected technological leader who thrives on problem solving. His mantra is “Results Matter.” You give him the obstacle, and he will help you surpass it and take your company to the next level.

Jonathan’s desire for continuous self-improvement through education, grasp on utilizing new technology and creative thinking skills are matched only by his commitment to constantly deliver results and maximize potential and profits for all of his clients. He possesses the rare combination of creativity and business acumen that has enabled him to devise and execute plans that others could not even dream of. An entrepreneur at heart, Jonathan is also the founder and president of Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. (WDT), a Summit, NJ-based company that holds patents for WhisprWave®, a innovative line of maritime products, that include floating security barriers and breakwaters, designed to stop a USS Cole-style terrorist attack and prevent beach erosion. Little did he know when he founded WDT that homeland security and green technologies would be some of the fastest growing sectors in the marketplace. His innovative thinking and proven results have made his expertise highly sought after by business from coast to coast.

A born leader, Jonathan is the president of the Detroit Chapter of the Entrepreneurial Organization (EO), a professional organization focused on promoting entrepreneurial growth, and a pioneer and innovator in the Network Centric Revolution. Jonathan’s success with EO on a regional level has led to him recently being selected to be a global EO leader. His commitment to inspiring new business and thought has led to his active roles in the Michigan business community. He is currently a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference Committee, Michigan’s premier public-policy conference, and volunteers with the United Way of Southeast Michigan’s 211, a human services hotline. He has also actively engaged future innovators with his participation as a speaker at Lawrence Technological University in both the Extreme Entrepreneur’s Tour in 2007 and the Invention to Venture event in 2008.

Prior to acquiring the many distinguished titles he holds today, Jonathan worked in the investment banking industry for esteemed firms such as JP Morgan & Co and Deutsche Bank. He then became involved in a number of entrepreneurial ventures.

Always responsive to the evolving trends of social media, today Jonathan actively manages and writes content for his two personal blogs; “Diabetes Advocacy Blogspot”, aiming to unite millions of Americans who suffer from diabetes, and “Results Matter”, a blog featuring Jonathan’s social media expertise on topics including the Network Centric Revolution.

A New Jersey native, he is a graduate of Wesleyan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Economics and the University of Hartford, where he earned his Masters of Science degree in Professional Accounting. He also holds a Certificate in Homeland Security Studies from Michigan State University. Jonathan strongly believes in achieving success in all areas of his life and is a devoted family man. When he is isn’t spending time with his friends and family, he is practicing his incomparable headstand in yoga class or taking time off to enjoy exotic travel.

Always cognizant of his own contributions, Jonathan is passionate about giving back to the community and pro-actively speaks with students, community groups, business forums and government symposiums on the value and importance of innovation, the Internet and entrepreneurship on their future plans and success. His impressive network of global relationships has enabled Jonathan to maximize his personal interests by becoming more involved in non-profit work. He was recognized as the 2004 Man of The Year by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for his dedication and fundraising efforts to the fight against cancer and is also an advocate for the American Diabetes Association. Jonathan currently resides in Keego Harbor, Michigan.

Flat Rate Commoditization in the US Wireless Market

2008-03-30T23:55:00.003-04:00

The current price war, offering flat rate unlimited calling and texting within the US, among the major US wireless has created a commoditized marketplace with virtually no differentiation from carrier-to-carrier.

AT&T the Only Exception: It's Not the Network, It's the iPhone Silly

The one exception in the mix is AT&T, not because of their network as their engineers would like to think, but because of their exclusive arrangement with Apple and their iPhone product.

Did you know that AT&T has a 5 year exclusive arrangement with Apple for the iPhone? Brilliant move!

It is like when Nike and AMEX signed Tiger Woods to massive multi year contracts before he had even proven himself on the PGA tour.

My Wireless Agreement

My wireless contract is scheduled to expire in August 2008 and I am seriously considering changing my service from Verizon to AT&T. The only reason that I won't change to AT&T in August is because I want to wait for the 3G iPhone and barring an new iPhone I have no compelling reason to go through the hassle of changing carriers.

Interesting fact about iPhone's market penetration:

Canalys estimates that Apple took 28% share of the fast growing US converged device market in Q4 2007, behind RIM’s 41%, but a long way ahead of third placed Palm on 9%. This was also enough to put Apple ahead of all Windows Mobile device vendors combined, whose share was 21% in the quarter according to Canalys figures.

Suggested AT&T Customer Acquisition Strategy

What do you think would happen if AT&T offered to rebate the early termination fee to users of alternative carriers who moved to their network with a two contract year and bought an iPhone? I think AT&T's market share would go through the moon.

I think the users would even be willing to stomach a higher termination fee and longer contract period.

The cash flow and market share implications of this strategy are staggering

I hope someone is listening at AT&T.

Shoutlet - Turn Key Social Media Campaign

2008-03-30T11:02:00.002-04:00

Shoutlet is a front end for widget and feed publishing and management for
marketers.

I have not tested this product yet, but intend to do so. Sounds like an interesting way to get viral video into multiple sources. Not sure what else it really does?

The State of the Economy and Global Commodity Pricing

2008-03-29T11:48:00.004-04:00

I read this article in the NY Times about how thieves are stealing catalytic converters for the intrinsic value of the precious metals inside, details below, and it made think a few thoughts:

What is driving these thefts? Economy? Commodity Pricing?
What are thieves going to think of next to steal, expecially if the economy gets even worse?
Are commodity prices going to continue to skyrocket? Is this driven be global demand - the China and India effect? A weak dollar? or most likely both.

The price of gold recently hit record highs, crossing the $1,000-an-ounce mark before retreating a bit. Less well publicized has been the fate of the even-more rarefied metals platinum, palladium and rhodium, with platinum hitting recent record highs of more than $2,300 an ounce. People who may have thought their lives had nothing to do with the booming commodities market are finding out the hard way where their connection is — in their car’s exhaust system.
The catalytic converter is made with trace amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium, which speed chemical reactions and help clean emissions at very high temperatures. Selling stolen converters to scrap yards or recyclers, a thief can net a couple of hundred dollars apiece.