Dakotas: Keeping Good Business Climate - Fox Business Video - FoxBusiness.com

Dakotas: Keeping Good Business Climate - Fox Business Video - FoxBusiness.com

OnRamp client Molded Fiber Glass Companies featured on Fox Business News. Example of one way we help promote our client's business. And to make this even more fun - this segment was done in Aberdeen SD - a place rich with my family roots.

What the Bleep is Marketing, Really?

Hot off the press is an article that I authored, published in the Microwave Journal, titled What the Bleep is Marketing, Really? It explores the difference between sales and marketing, and how Marketing - with a capital M - impacts the results of a company. In particular, I address the importance of Marketing to growing a technology company.

I hope you enjoy the read - feedback most welcome!

http://www.mwjournal.com/search/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_9360

Red Sox Find Solid Utility Player in 360 Systems Video Server

Red Sox Find Solid Utility Player in 360 Systems Video Server

Where is the Trust? Small biz Comes Out On Top.

Issue Date: Daily 'Dog - May 20, 2009, New Public Policy Survey Shows Americans Report Low Confidence in Government, the Media and Corporations, More in Churches

The continuing economic downturn may be taking a toll on the confidence Americans have in corporations and the government, and there may be a certain "kill the messenger" message that Americans are sending to the media, according to a recent Capstrat (www.capstrat.com) Public Policy Polling nationwide survey. Only 5% of the 568 respondents in the recent survey said they have "a lot of confidence" in the media, compared to 50% who reported "little confidence." That compares to 8% who said they had a lot of confidence in corporations. And 52% said they had little confidence. U.S. banks track the confidence ratings of corporations in general, coming in at 13% who said they had a lot of confidence in banks, and 51% who said they had little confidence. "This certainly is a time of economic and social disruption. Many Americans don't know who or what they can trust," said Capstrat CEO Ken Eudy. "Now is the time for businesses and the media to make sure their business practices with customers, employees and other stakeholders are straightforward and transparent." Other notable Capstrat-Public Policy Poll results included: Half of the American voters polled said they had a lot of confidence in churches. Government fared better than corporations, with 23% saying they had a lot of confidence in government, while 50% said they had little confidence. Compared to corporations (8% reporting a lot of confidence), small business enjoyed a high confidence level from 40% of poll respondents. Some 57% of Americans said they have little confidence in labor unions. The national survey on financial stress, conducted by the Public Policy Polling April 24-26, 2009, polled 568 adults. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points. Survey questionnaire and results at www.publicpolicypolling.com.

Abrams' Across-the-Aisle Venture

Today's heavy topic at the Media Relations Summit was surfaced by Dan Abrams, CEO of Abrams Research, a media-focused expert network. (He is also the Chief Legal Analyst for NBC News, formerly served as General Manager of MSNBC and as an anchor for that network) Mr. Abrams, Columbia trained attorney that he is, rigorously defended his foray into providing underemployed (but still affiliated) journalists to the corporate world as consultants to assist in advancing the promotion of their products and interests. In Washington DC there are laws against this kind of thing - it's required that lobbyists identify themselves as such to the world at large.

There were a few at the conference that expressed appreciation that his new consulting company is providing lucrative employment for under (and un-) employed journalists (and bountiful fees for himself) through leveraging entree to top floor news desks developed during his tenure as General Manager of MSNBC. Most, myself included, perceive this new slippery slope as troubling and a dangerous breach to the church/state separation that has served our democracy well.

The balance of the day included forums with a formidable collection of New York Times editors as well as sessions with leading corporate communications practitioners who shared their pioneering work in the areas of multi-media, research-based campaign design, and the brave new world of Web 3.0. It was both provocative and challenging to learn that today's website format is already dead.

By 5pm my mind was calling for The Cure: a 3-olive Tanq 10 martini, fine American cuisine, and a few hours of woman to woman conversation. Lucky me - my buddy Lynn T. was available and Bobby Flay's Bar Americain had a table for two. If you're the martini type, this is the place to have one. We shared a perfectly friend green tomato topped with Carolina smoked trout, beets and mustard dressing that I promised myself I will order every time I come to NY - it was unforgettable.

A fine ending to a very full day.

Rather on the Demise of the News Media and Collapse of Democracy

My first day at this Media Relations Summit in NYC was a monster hit. It began with a thoughtful and well presented speech by the veteran newsman Dan Rather who described and bemoaned the extinction of the diverse, independent media in America. He argued that the current corporate consolidation (is any more consolidation possible?) will continue to negatively effect democracy in pernicious ways - confessing that in his final network days soft-spine reporting had markedly diminished the quality of the news. It might be suggested that his views are tinged by a less-than-glorious exit as a headliner.

Regardless, the endangered state of the independent media is reason for concern among all believers in a free society. Mr. Rather accurately pointed out that the print media is the fountainhead that supports and guides broadcast and the others. The collapse of the daily journals that we are presently witnessing is sure to impact our country significantly.

"We in the Press Need a Spine Transplant, We Lost Our Backbone".
Dan Rather at Media Relations Summit 2009
play interview

On a lighter note - I also had the opportunity to learn from and personally meet a delightful character, Michael Musto, reporter for the Village Voice. An absolute riot - quintessential New York! I include a link to his most recent column for those who follow theater: Link.

Nine hours of non-stop sessions made for a full day, and I'd be happy to share details of the substance upon request with anyone interested. I'll be transposing my notes after signing off here.

Healthy, safe and happy here in NYC.

NYC in May

This weekend Phil and I spent a little time in NYC - staying for the first time in the Meatpacking District. On a recommendation from our globetrotting, celebrity friend Rob - we thought it would be an adventure to stay in a district we'd never explored. For years I've been reading about The Spice Market restaurant in gastronomic journals - so we took the plunge. The Hotel Gansvoort is billed as NYC's first urban luxury resort that transformed the Meatpacking District from gritty to chic. We negotiated a bit on the rate (directly over the phone), so paid a pretty avg $300/nite avg for an upscale NYC room, and it was a good value. I could wax on and on - most comfortable and exciting hotel stay that we've had in a long while.

So, Friday night we dined with local friends at Son Cubano, great fun - cha cha cha. We ordered a collection of tapas and mojitos and had a lovely experience. Since we started early (by NYC standards) we were able to sit outside on the sidewalk which was mucho better for conversation and taking in the vibe of the city. There was live cuban music inside, which made for great atmosphere but less amenable to dialog exchange.

Saturday we trekked over to Hobokon, NJ on the Path train to see our friend's new high rise condo - pretty striking contrast to suburban SoCal living. Fabulous view of the Geo Washington Bridge and city across the Hudson! Hobokon is charming and full of youthful energy - everyone there seems to have a tight body, a child in an expensive stroller and a dog. Restaurants and shopping along Washington St. was great fun. We lunched at The Elysian Cafe, the oldest continually operated bar/restaurant in Hoboken. (scenes from the movie Sleepers were filmed here) Food is straightforward and delicious - the hamburger was about as good as it gets and the wine list was unexpectedly interesting. They've done a lovely job of restoring the interior - however the day called for outside dining - so we did.

Saturday evening was my long awaited dinner at The Spice Market, across the street from our hotel. We slipped over on Friday afternoon to examine the menu and get some inside scoop from a knowledgeable bartender (the nuts at the bar are terrific) - so the decision was already locked up to order the tasting menu. This includes a selection of appetizers, a selection of entrees, the signature ginger rice and dessert. We give the restaurant a strong DO IT! recommendation.