A Lesson in Communication Aboard the Airport Shuttle

Numerous Airport Shuttles run nonstop between San Francisco International and the various hotels in the immediate surrounding area. The shuttle serving my hotel also served two others. It works something like this............

You hop on the shuttle and the driver asks where you're going. You respond with something like Delta, United, American when going to the airport and Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Marriott when leaving the airport. Pretty simple, right?

So we pull up to the Embassy Suites; woman hops on, driver asks where she is going and she says "The Airport." She continues to walk onto the bus while the driver pauses. I couldn't tell whether he was amused, annoyed or confused but the pause and stare were priceless. He then asked her what airline. "Oh, of course, {pause}, Southwest."

Next stop was the Holiday Inn Express. Driver opens the door, man hops on and drivers asks "What airline?" Guess the woman taught him!

But seriously, how many times have we said something, knowing what we meant, but our words were misinterpreted.

Rich's #1 rule of communication: Assume people know nothing, nada, zero, zilch!

When An Opportunity Arises Go For It.......................

Took 20 hours to get home from San Francisco yesterday; I think I got home from South Africa faster.

The plane was grounded in Cincinnati; it had a dent and the maintenance people were trying to determine if the aircraft was air worthy. The pilot and co-pilot were in the terminal with the passengers and I was chatting with the two of them about the "dent."

But then I had an idea....................I thought I would offer them my cost savings idea from yesterday's post. (read that first before you go any further.)

So I shared my skinny people thoughts and Co-Pilot Jason responds in all seriousness, "Well the problem with that is there is only one seat belt in each seat."

I guess he didn't get it. Or he has no sense of humor. Or he is stupid. Or he was trying to be funny? I was more worried about him flying me home than the dent!

My idea to keep the airlines in business.

I arrived at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday morning to find that my flight was overbooked by 18 people. Weather forecast for New England was not good Saturday and Sunday; so I hedged my bet that I would still get home by Christmas and took a bump - Delta was oh so VERY GENEROUS with their offer for me to spend the weekend. (I figured it was better than getting stuck in Salt Lake City at my expense)

While standing in the terminal I noticed these two anorexic looking women and it became oh so very clear how the airlines could get out of this oversold position.................................

Let Skinny People Share Seats.

Hey, if obese people are buying two seats, why not? I think this could work.

If you have a direct link to a decision maker at one of the airlines please give them the link to this post.

Why do people in airports look so unhappy?

Next time you’re in an airport take a look around, not a whole lot of people smiling. Take a look at those faces; no smiles and too many mean stern looks. Scowls are abundant too. I just don’t get it?

The way I look at it people in airports are:

• going home to their kids!
• going to see a loved one!
• getting away from crazy family!
• going on vacation!
• visiting an old friend!
• going to a meeting which gives them money in their pocket!
• Going to a conference or convention with networking and education opportunities!
  

Okay, so maybe there are some inconveniences; like security, delays and cramped seats; and I am sure there are people who just got dumped or are going to a funeral, but statistically there has got to be more good going on than bad.

And it's not just the airport; take a look around your office; watch people walking through the halls or sitting at their desks. Count the happy faces; then count the sad, scorned and scowled looks. And when you're done prepare a PowerPoint presentation of your results and offer it to HR as an opportunity for boosting morale.

Or make your life easy; just do what I do and start a conversation with people.

Think Inside the Globe, Not Outside the Box

For the past 19 years I have sent a picture holiday card to my friends. It started out as my retaliation for all the picture Christmas cards I was getting of every one's kids; but now it's become fun and something my friends and family look forward to; around October they usually start asking me if I took the picture yet. And if I forget to send it to someone or it gets lost....... people are actually crazed.

I tell you though, I really applaud folks who have to come up with creative ideas all the time; I only have to do it once a year and I get all stressed out over it.

So I made a little video of the making of this years card. I've been thinking about doing this for two years; I finally did it. The picture you see at the end is the one that went to print!

Enjoy! Share it with your friends. And don't forget, creativity keeps organizations thriving.

8 year olds at a bar! Now that's what I call breaking rules!

When I went down to the hotel bar last night for dinner, the last thing I expected to see was a bunch of 8 year olds taking up bar stools. But they were.

And the bartender was serving them!

Let me back up.....

There was an ice storm Thursday night. 350,000 people were without power and when they were told that their power "might" be restored by Monday; they headed for the nearest hotel rooms. I suspected something was up when I arrived and the registration line was about 20 people deep.

The hotel was understaffed and in no way ready for this; but everyone was patient. There was lots of laughter and camaraderie; the type of behavior that "refugees" often exhibit when faced with tough times.

I checked in to my room and decided to go down to eat some dinner; and that is when I noticed young children seated at the bar - being served. Food, of course.

Now as far as I know, a minor at a bar is illegal, and I am sure that many a liquor license law was being broken; but the hotel team did not seem to care. They were trying to turn a tough time into something better for people in turmoil (and a recession into an economic opportunity for them). No one seemed cranky, upset or mad. Okay, one person made a derogatory comment about kids taking up seats at the bar. Of course I immediately thought where is the camera when I need it.

Now I am not going to share the hotel or the state I was in, because there is always some idiot that won't see what the hotel did as a good thing, but will slap their hand or slap them with a fine; but it goes back to something I write and talk about with all my audiences. Breaking a rule at times for the right reasons is good - very good. Last night was one of those times.

I decided not to take a seat at the bar; there were young kids looking hungry and cranky. I talked with some folks in the hall, let a few kids turn my propeller and went back to my room. I called for a pizza and watched DVD's of episodes of Batman from the 1960's. It was a good night for everyone!

Recessions Lead To Truths, Lies and Mixed Messages

The other day I was having a conversation with a local real estate agent. He told me his business is booming. A little later on in the conversation he mentioned he was going to take on a second job doing some catering with a friend since nothing is going on. I'm confused; business is booming and you need a second job?

A colleague of mine says she is booked solid in 2009, but she's not attending a holiday event with her peers - it costs too much. I'm again confused.

The postmaster at my local post office just told me things we booming for the USPS; that was a week ago. This morning he told me that the post office is looking at cutting the hours of smaller offices; seems that business is bad at the US Post Office and has been for a while. I'm confused.

Are these lies? Are these mixed messages? Is it wishful thinking? Do people not know what they are talking about? Are people just trying to impress others?

Well with all this nonsense going on I have made a decision................

The only people I am listening to these days are the ones who are telling me things are tough, getting tough, or have been tough for a while. I think they may be the only ones telling the truth.

Save Time Baking Holiday Cookies this year!

What, you really need a recipe?

Okay, visit http://richdigirolamo.com/holidaycookies.html

I thought the opening act was better than the headline

Last night I went to see Comedian Brian Regan. His opening act was another comedian - Joe Bolster.

I thought Joe Bolster was funnier.

Well in the 15 hours that have elapsed since last night two people have lashed out at me for saying this. They think Brian Regan is the funniest man on earth. Okay, I'm glad; and he was funny. I just thought the other guy was funnier. And it is not like I said Brian sucked!

It's kinda like when I speak to an audience; some people like me more than the other speakers; some people like me less than the others. sometimes my blend of fun and motivation in a keynote or breakout session is what they're looking for; other times it is not. I'm not offended. People's tastes are different. I think this would be an awful planet if we all liked the same things.

There are times when we are not on our game or have an off day; and this doesn't just apply to people who are speakers, performers or entertainers. The waiter has a bad day. The secretary has a bad day. The football player has a bad day. And if you're the chairman of GM, Chrysler or Ford you're having lots of bad days that could perhaps be leading to less than stellar performances. Or maybe people just like the other product better?

In the end, the only thing that matters is your opinion; and don't let anyone change it.

So............ for my two colleagues who think I should be nailed to a rafter; I really liked Brian Regan; I just liked Joe Bolster better.

I have an "Opportunity" for you sales and marketing types

Years ago my friend wanted to share a great "opportunity" with me. She wouldn't tell me what it was all about, but invited me to a meeting to learn about the "opportunity." I declined; figuring it was Amway. I was wrong. It was NuSkin; same thing.

A couple of years ago my friend Sherry called me to tell me about an "opportunity" she just couldn't let me miss out on. She avoided my direct questions about what network marketing or pyramid scheme it was about. I scolded her; giving her a piece of my mind; telling her don't pull that "opportunity" crap on me. I;m your friend I said to her. Tell me what you're up to; let me be excited for you and let me ask my own questions. Don't sell me.

Today I was offered an "opportunity" to contribute a chapter to a leadership book. The offer came from a stranger. I shot off an email cutting to the chase, knowing that she really didn't want a contribution and asked what this "opportunity" was going to cost. I received a reply avoiding my question. I sent her an email thanking her for the "opportunity."

I would like to offer a real "opportunity" to sales and marketing people - an "opportunity" for you to remove the label sleazy from your name - and it is a free opportunity...............

Be Honest and Up Front about what you're looking for.

Ten Minutes to Increased Employee Morale

Ocean State Job Lot is one of those fun stores where you just don't know what you'll find (or what you'll catch). They carry overruns and overstocks that manufacturers are trying to unload; at great prices. I pop in every so often to explore the bargains and the people.

On yesterday's visit I came upon the woman who was "in-charge" of the cashiers. Back in my high school days, when I worked at Waldbaum's, they called that person the Front End Manager. For purposes of this blog entry we'll call her that.

The Front End Manager picked up a microphone and made an announcement that two of the employees should "take their ten"; obviously meaning ten minute break. I decided to cause some trouble, uh, I mean have some fun.

"What can anyone possibly do in ten minutes; pee?" I asked the woman.

She chuckled.

My cashier rolled her eyes and went off on a tirade about how ridiculous it was and how right I was and how they get two ten minute breaks and a 1/2 hour lunch on an eight hour shift. Miss Front End Manager joined our conversation. She too thinks this is a silly amount of time, (Heck Waldbaum's even gave us 20 minutes; time to pee and wash your hands.) I was so glad that she didn't see the policy as okay. The three of us kept laughing.

But the kicker was when the elderly woman behind me, I'm thinking she was in her 80's, made this comment..........

"It would take me ten minutes just to walk to the bathroom."

Everyone laughed. I did my job; opened up an opportunity for a bit of levity to be added to an otherwise unhappy worker's day. For a brief moment morale and camaraderie increased. It is that easy. You can and should do it - often.

Laughing at absurd company policies is fun. Rewriting them with a humorous slant is even better; and one of the tips I offer in my 50 Ways To Have Fun At Work Tip Booklet.

Stupid Banking Rules Lead Fun Motivational Speaker to Flee Bank

now

The Stupid Company of the Month Award

goes to........

Bank of America

Congratulations Bank of America; you have just received my Stupid Company of the Month Award.

Yep, this morning I closed out a small personal checking account. My business account and my main checking account are next.

This small account, which I maintain for a disabled relative, does not meet your direct deposit or minimum balance requirement and therefore is no longer free. It was free until recently. Now while I do not consider $5.95 to be a hefty fee and I would even be willing to pay it, I am insulted when I am told I can have the exact same type of account for free if I close this account and open up the exact same type of account - because that is the current "promotion." But I would need to close and open; no type of flagging or converting of my current account can be done; this is what I was told by the Customer Service Supervisor last week. When I asked this person if he sees the stupidity in what he is asking me to do, he remained silent for a few moments and then shared how the online banking business is completely separate from the branch level banking business and that different promotions are offered by each and that he totally sees the logic. Leadership at BOA should be happy to know that one of their supervisors tows the company line; no matter how stupid the policy.

So Bank of America, I did what I was told to do......I closed the account and opened up three new free accounts within walking distance of my home at a competitor bank where size doesn't matter. When I replied to the question why I was leaving BOA, your customer service representative replied in disbelief "another one" and did nothing to try and retain my business.

Your award, should you choose to collect it, is a $5.95 credit towards a keynote or training program of your choice. I would suggest a communications program; whereby staff are encouraged to bring their real issues and concerns to management when they think policies lead to loss of a customer.

Motivating the Big 3 Leadership Through Self-Help

Well, Nancy Pelosi is pissed at the Big 3 CEO's for arriving in Washington to beg for money on their million dollar corporate jets.

I think I better mail a copy of The Only Self-Help Book You'll Ever Need to those three CEO's. I think they're going to need it,

Did you ever hear of something called the telephone?

I've got a spam blocker on my email. It requires you enter a verification the first time you send an email to me. I love it. If you're interested in learning which one I use, click here.

Now realizing that nothing is 100% accurate I check the junk mail folder twice per day. On a rare instance something important is there and the person did not get the verification email; or for all I know their spam blocker stopped my verification email from getting through. Did I lose you yet? Remember the fun days when auto responders went on infinitely????

A sampling of those blocked emails include

• Some King or Prince offering me enough money to bail out the world if I give him my bank account number
• Motivational offers to make me thinner than a rail by drinking pond scum
• Humorous offers from other speakers telling me how they have "THE" system to keep me booked year round; which always produces this thought in my head: if they know how to do that, shouldn't they be too busy to sell me that service?
• How I can get on Oprah
  

Well the other day I saw an email that said "why are you ignoring my emails" with an email address that looked familiar. It turned out it was from a friend who changed their email address and obviously ignored or did not receive the spam verification. I opened the message and read this email asking me if she had done something wrong and could not believe I was ignoring her.

My response: Did you ever hear of something called the telephone? (yes, the Dr. House side of me came out in the response; I can't always be Julie. Huh? What? If you've been to one of my programs you know what I'm referring to)

No response yet; written or verbal.

Have we forgotten how to use the spoken word to connect with people? Have we forgotten there was a time, not so long ago when there was no email, texting, and twittering. Sometimes I really think we have; and it is some of what we'll be laughing about tomorrow during Weekly Recess.

But in the meantime, pick up the telephone and invite someone to lunch or a cup of coffee today. Let them hear your true voice.

Boost Employee Morale, Engagement and Communication. Weekly Recess starts Wednesday

Have you signed up for Weekly Recess yet?

Office mate pissing you off?

Boss out of control?

Your motivation to do anything is dwindling?

Economy has you frightened about career uncertainty?

Wondering what to do with that dysfunctional team?

Looking to boost employee morale?

Seeking creative ways to stand out?

Wishing once and for all your employees would become more engaged?

Leadership needs a swift kick in the you-know-what?

You're looking for Communication versus Backstabbing?

There's No Need To Fear........

Weekly Recess is here

(Yes, I am sitting here watching Underdog as I type this.)

So whether there's a hot topic on your mind or you just need to take a Recess from the daily work grind, join that Fun Motivational Speaker Rich DiGirolamo for a bit of pointed fun and humor each Wednesday at 12:30PM EST. Weekly Recess has been designed with you in mind.

Sign up today at http://weeklyrecess.com/; and don't forget to tell a friend or two. It is free!

Motivate Employees; Engage Employees. Bailout Style

Companies and Associations who hire me to keynote at their conferences and meetings are looking for a few things. First, they tell me they're looking for something fun and motivational; but at the same time they are also looking for:

• Increased morale
• Increased employee engagement
• Employees/Members who will bring innovative and creative ideas to the table
• Employees who will stop whining (yes, I am hired to stop that) and remember they have a job to do
• Simple easy ideas to bring teams closer together

Now the good thing is I study the above issues and I spent a good part of my career in the corporate world; so I bring along the experiences of other organizations as well as my own experiences/ideas.

You with me????

And now for a BRILLIANT RICH IDEA.....................

It seems you can't get away from the dismal news these days about the economy. Even if you don't read the paper or watch TV inevitably you will run into a doom-and-gloomer employee who will tell you the world is coming to an end.

Well I have an idea; as it relates to engagement. Since employees already feel they are owned by their employer and the employer is looking for more engaged employees I think the solution is clear................

All companies should offer a new Employee Benefits option entitled Engagement Bailout. Here is how it works:

• Your employer bails you out of all debt. You are now free and clear. No mortgage. No credit card bills. No loan sharks named Guido hunting you down.
• You will now also stop complaining about the chain around your ankle attached to the leg of the desk. You smile that you have a job and never, ever, ever again think an ill thought about the place you call work.

Oh, by the way, your pay is cut significantly; the good news is you don't need it.

Could it work? Leave your thoughts; Human Resource Professionals encouraged.

_________________________________

Rich DiGirolamo is a Humorous Speaker who works with organizations who help others. If you haven't booked Rich for an event, you're missing out on the best secret in CT.

Challenging the actions of your Leadership can be fun; but have a solution to offer

Last week I received a voice mail with the message "Call me back NOW." The tone appeared irate, agitated and alarming. I laughed. I knew what the call was about.

You see, I had challenged the actions of the President of an organization where I volunteer my time - and he didn't like it. Challenged? Hardly. Questioned? Absolutely. It has taken five months to get a banking issue resolved - an issue that should have been resolved in about one week.

So off I sent an email which I knew was going to be interpreted the wrong way, even though I put the following words in that email:

"I am not angry and do not put tone and inflection in the wrong places when you read this; I am confused, stating fact, and want to know what I can do to help you get this resolved."

So I returned the call; and heard nothing but blame being passed around. He was going on and on blasting one of his volunteers. I held the phone to my hear repeating these words in my head as he talked: blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

At the end of the trashing of another board member (his trashing of the other board member), I offered him a two-step process to get this resolved immediately.....................

Step One: Stop wasting time pointing blame
Step Two: Go into the bank and get the necessary documents.

I do find it amazing how so many organizations; those which are volunteer based as well as those who employ people, spend more time passing the blame versus finding the solution and fixing the problem.

Do you know what I mean? Does this message need to be passed along to someone in your organization?

_____________________________________

Beginning November 19, 2008; Take a Weekly Recess with Rich. It's Free!!!

Sign up today

A Meeting With No Purpose. Right Solution. Wrong Answer.

The rumors are flying. There will be layoffs. There will be cutbacks. There will be an early retirement package; they have to. Bonuses are going to be reduced or eliminated. Our hours are going to be cut; meaning our pay gets cut.

Yep this is what is going on in a lot of organizations right now. These are scary times for workers. Communication is critical to help people get through these times.

So when a state agency decided to bring all of its managers together; from all corners of the state; it seemed like the right solution. The managers were looking for some peace of mind - or maybe a piece of some one's mind.

Here's what they got.....................A 90 minute one-way meeting where they were told to fasten seat their seat belts; it is going to be a bumpy ride.

Hello Mr. Boss............Great idea. Right solution. Wrong answer.

The rumors are still flying. The fear still exists. Could the organization leadership really have no answers right now? Then come out and say it. Maybe those at the top of the food chain could then open a discussion and give everyone an opportunity to figure out how to navigate these turbulent times. Or maybe they do have some thoughts; but are fearful of frightening people.

Hello!!! The fright already exists.

Open, Honest Communication has never been as important as it probably is right now. I urge leaders at all levels to have it at the top of your To-Do list; and don't remove it.

Speaking of Change....How About a Secretary of Motivation and Fun

So President-Elect Obama is pulling his team together. Chief of Staff. Secretary of State. Secretary of Defense. That doesn't sound like change to me? I think we need a Chief of Motivation and Fun; and I would like to nominate myself for that. Please contact Obama if you support me.

As Chief of Motivation and Fun my first task would be a little team building exercise that is very much needed by the members of Congress. It is quite clear that this group of people need to learn how to work with one another and drop their own agendas.

How about a White House Cheerleader? My friend Michelle would be perfect for that. Let's face it, someone is going to have to inspire these people to clean up the current mess that we call the United States of America. Imagine having a cheerleader in the background wherever you go reminding you how great you are and reminding you that "we can."

I'm excited and both scared for Obama. He's got quite a task ahead of him. I also admire the man; he showed true leadership the other night when he asked for every one's help. A true leader shows their human side; and acknowledges they cannot do it all alone. So good for you Barack! Now start putting that new team together - and remember change needs to start right at the beginning. Your new chief is ready to serve. Call me - 203.879.5970

Speaking about my horrible experience could be your next free marketing opportunity

A new indoor water park opened not far from where I live. Last night my friends and I decided to pop in and see what it had to offer.

Here is what we observed:

• bright lights
• lots of fun colors
• activities that really are only geared towards those twelve years old and younger
• overpriced Dippin' Dots (but they are delicious)
• lots of screaming children - on a Monday evening? Whatever happened to "it's a school night?" (Never mind; they're off today for election day - DUH!)
• lots of screaming parents; (the place does have a bar though; probably the motivation for all the dads who were there)
• happy motivated staff
• and a manager with little sense of imagination???

Little sense of imagination?

We suggested an Adults Only night. He not only told us that they did not offer one; but in the same breath he shared that many people have suggested it too. Okay, so this wasn't an original thought, but apparently there is some interest. We chatted about the idea for a few moments. He concluded that it won't happen.

Too bad I thought. What if a bunch of adults popped in there one evening to have a drink in their bathing suits and got to laugh with their friends in a setting other than a bar, coffee shop, or someones kitchen? What if they did not use many of the water park activities because they were too old, too big, too fat or too self-conscious, but still had fun being in a fun playful environment?

But here is the bigger question...................What if they had such a "horrible" time that they went home and told all their friends who have kids about this place; and how great it is for kids? Word of mouth marketing still rules - I know it does; as a motivational speaker it is often how I get booked to keynote at conferences and conventions. I experienced it just last week. Two bookings came out of one educational training session.

So I'll be watching the economy and the water park .Let's see what happens. I'll bet if business slows down we just might see adult night at the water park. I hope I'm in town that day!

Don't Worry About Being Laid Off: Managers & Supervisors Make Great Politicians

This past weekend I found myself in the middle of a "discussion" with people regarding the lack of truth in politics. Everyone involved in the discussion agreed that politicians lie and hold back information in order to get elected.

But then I asked if this is any different than the company where most of these people are managers and supervisors? Aren't managers and supervisors holding back information, not telling the truth or not sharing information with employees? Aren't decisions being made that will impact (negatively) worker morale, productivity and performance but employees are being told the decisions are in their best interests? I asked why that behavior seems to be acceptable to them all, but a politician's behavior is not?

Taking a Halloween Risk and How I Won a Free Trip to Europe

It was Halloween in the late 1980's; I was working for Ask Mr. Foster Travel Service (Carlson Travel) as a Financial Analyst. There was to be a Halloween Costume Contest - first prize was a pair of tickets to anywhere American Airlines flew in Europe. I was not going to participate, but instead be one of the judges. After all, I was an accountant type person, not a fun travel agent.

At the time we had a Vice President named Pam. She often wore black. She often wore a black cape. People were afraid of Pam; she wasn't the warmest person in the office; not very approachable. When people saw Pam walking across the parking lot they would scream, "It's the Wicked Witch of White Plains."

Hmmm.......................... (yes you know where this is going)

So I went out and bought a witches outfit; broom included. My friend Patty painted my face green. We put an ugly wart on my nose. The outfit was nothing special; compared to some of the elaborate costumes worn by others. The long black hair went down the front and back of my head.

The judging was about to begin. We were lining up in the hallway. And then I had an idea...............

A risky idea, but an idea. I grabbed one of those sticky name tags and wrote the The Wicked Witch of White Plains on it.

But then I had a better idea; tore that name tag up and wrote the following words on it.................

Hello, My Name is Pam!

I placed that name tag just above my heart, but hidden by the hair.

The parade began. I heard great cheers for those elaborate costumes. I entered the room. When I saw that first person I moved the hair ever so slightly so she could read the name tag. The roar was that of a lion. I kept going. The roars were getting louder. Pam was ahead. I hid the name tag. I passed Pam and exposed the name tag again. The roars were even louder. Pam had no clue. For a brief moment morale in the office was increased; there was a bond that was always there but not shared enough.

Belgium and Holland are places you need to go visit. I had a blast; thanks to Pam.

Happy Halloween and the next opportunity you have to take a risk or increase your team spirit or office morale............go for it!

A Few Baby Boomers Might Save Your Life

Millenials, Gen X, Gen Y, Boomers; we're all different, yet at times have a hard time existing together. Boomers are considered dinosaurs. Often times technologically challenged, still drinking whiskey and scotch and listening to heavy metal and disco.

Well I only have one thing to say to all the rest,.................Go Ahead, keep making fun of Disco. Keep making fun of Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, The Trammps, the Hues Corporation, France Joli, Deneice Williams and so many others. Go ahead, keep making fun. Keep thinking that Boomers are dinosaurs and have no value.

The greatest thing about generational differences is that we all bring history, new and old ideas to one place. We can all learn from each other. Boomers need to understand that tenure does not mean knowledge while Millenials, Gen X and Y'ers need to realize that not every answer is a text message, email or mouse click away. Teaching is happening at every level of organizations today; which means learning is too.

So don't knock the boomers and don't look at the young ones as having no value. Everyone has value. Everyone - especially Boomers who love disco.

What?

Boomers who love disco?

Yep, and it just may be a disco sound by the Bee Gees that might save your life.

Go ahead keep knocking disco, but before you do, click here and think about this..................

You're Not Motivating Staff When You Embarrass Them

I just returned from walking the dogs. The woman around the corner was yelling and screaming at her children, yet again. She was yelling at one of them for leaving the f&$%ing living room light on; telling the other one to get the f&*k in the car. She then threatened to 'put the dog down' when it ran out the door and would not respond to her shrieks. I see this scene play out many a morning.

This scene will also play out in many organizations today. Some employee will make an error or need to be corrected regarding a behavior or action. That employee will not be grabbed aside. That employee will not be spoken to in private. That employee will be embarrassed in front of others. That employee will do whatever possible to have minimal contact with that supervisor. The only thing that will be different (hopefully) is the use of expletives. This is not how you motivate, engage, or retain people. This is not how you build and grow a healthy team, department or organization.

In both these cases, it shouldn't be this way. Correct people in private; but more importantly provide them with ideas on how to not make that error again.

If I were the dog I wouldn't want to be there either. And as for who we should 'put down'...........

Forget Starbucks and the third place. My motivation today is to get you to look at your second place.

In 2006 the CEO of Starbucks said he wanted his locations to be our "third place."

Home is number one. Work is number two. And he wanted Starbucks to be number three; the place we would retreat to when the other two had sucked the energy out of our life (that is my interpretation).

Well this really confused me, you see my home and office are the same place. So does that mean I need a new second place? Should I count my vacation home as my second place? Or is that a substitute first place for me? Do I move Starbucks up to my second place? And if I do that now do I need to find a new third place? What about the people who spend more time at the office than at home? I was very confused. And what was this going to do to all the studies that were showing how much time people spend at work? Was the number that some people use to impress others about to have its turf stepped on? This third place thing really opens a can of worms.

I do know this however, there are times we all need to get away from our home and away from the office - and Starbucks is a great place to go.

But if you ask my Parks and Recreation clients, they will tell you that so is a park, a nature preserve, a beach, the woods, a ski slope, a golf course, a bike ride or ______________ (fill in your own).

So while I do love Starbucks, and am sitting here right now, I hate to inform them that they are not my third place. Today they are. But tomorrow my third place might be somewhere else. And there is a very good reason.....

Let's think about this logically; all the time we spend at home or work has driven us crazy, ruined marriages, and offered us lots of co-pays on prescription anxiety drugs. I'm afraid of making Starbucks my third place; spend too much time there and well you see where I am going with this.

So I'm spreading the wealth when it comes to my third place. I'm coming up with a rotation schedule. It's much more fun.

And this has to do with what Rich?

I really do have a point here. As a keynote speaker on employee matters, my job is to make your second place, your workplace, just a bit more fun a bit more tolerable. Is your second place just a bit too crazy at times? Do you ever feel trapped in the craziness; craziness that might be stifling morale, engagement, innovation and creativity? Would it be helpful if you changed your second place location every so often?

When was the last time you took that staff meeting or creativity session to a nature preserve, the woods or the beach? The last time??????? How about the first time! Now is the time; especially with all the fear and concern your employees are having in this economic environment. Now.

But just in case you need to break into this slowly, I guess you can go to a Starbucks. If your meeting gets boring, you can do what I'm doing.............eavesdropping right now on some people planning to fire the manager at a certain chain restaurant nearby.

Does Every Meeting Need To Have An Agenda?

This morning at 11:30 I will be on a conference call with four other entrepreneurs to discuss how each of us are planning to do business over the next six to nine months. While it seems that doom and gloom appears to be all over the news and is the conversation at coffee shops and bars, we have chosen not to participate in those conversations. Our conversation is about moving forward, ignoring (to some degree) this "worst financial crisis since The Great Depression", and letting everyone else worry. I have organized the call and agreed to facilitate it as well.

I was asked by one of the participants if there was an agenda I could send out before the call. I am not an agenda type person. I am not scripted, timed to the minute, or that detail oriented. He probably has a schedule for bathroom visits.

Agendas are not bad. Detailed plans are not bad. But sometimes open discussion with no preconceived notions, no missions and no suggested outcome provides the creative solutions to challenges and opens up new opportunities. When I present breakout sessions at conferences I always give a handout, some people need one. But in the end it is creative, lively, fun discussion that helps organizations generate new ideas and offers employees the chance to learn how to work better with one another.

So my response to him was..................Does Every Meeting Need To Have An Agenda?

He responded with "I gotcha" because he knows me and knows how I work. And he still wants to be a part of the call.

How about you? Are there people in your organization whose style of work you need to be more accepting of or more trusting of? Could you possibly benefit from experiencing a new approach to doing business?

Speaking of Not Recognizing Value

It was a great day to go pumpkin picking yesterday here in the Northeast. But on my way back to the car I was looking down a cliff and saw the above.

All at once the following thoughts ran through my head:

• Is it a mass pumpkin grave?
• Is it The Land of the Misfit Pumpkins?
• Maybe it's Pumpkin Hell?
• Is this where the bad pumpkins are sent for time out?
• The Pumpkin Quality Control Team must have been to work today

But my final thought looking down that cliff was; what a waste; a lot of pumpkin pies could have been made!

Every person in your organization has value. Be a good pumpkin and help them locate it.

I Am Now Smarter Than a Fifth Grader..........I Think

Ever feel like the young ones in your life are running circles around you when it comes to technology? Now for me, young ones are below twenty-five years old.

You just figured out texting and they're Twittering. They don't use email any longer. You're still trying to figure out how to save a document as a PDF and they're doing things with technology that frighten you. Then you go ask them simple questions and they look at you with that "Are you a moron?" look. Now you can look at the humor in this (see yesterday's post) or feel terrible; you decide.

Today I was passed along a great Tech Tips article; (click on those words for the slower ones and a new browser page will open with the article) and I felt it was worth passing along. This ought to help you feel motivated and empowered to continue in your technology quest. There are basic and not so basic tips. Have fun with them. Share the source with your friends. Pick two or three of your favorites and use them today. Show the world how smart you are and perhaps add one of two of your own. It might also give you an opportunity to see what your kids are really up to and substantiate that frightening feeling you've been having.

I don't know about you, but each day I wake up hoping to learn one new thing. It is a priority for every day of my life. It is something as a speaker I share with audiences during keynotes, breakout sessions and workshops. Can you learn one new thing today? Can you do this tomorrow? And the next? Continuing Education to a greater degree happens at conferences, meetings, conventions, and classrooms. Continuing Education however should be on your radar map every day.

The day any one of us cannot learn something new is a sorry, sorry day. Think of that next time you're in a meeting bored out of your mind or reading an article that appears basic. There has got to be some walk-away for you.

Now hit the shift key and then the space key and re-read this post.

It's time for Pumpkin Pancakes!

Why Do We Need To Look At The Humorous Side To Things?

So how do you look for the funny and humorous in (almost) everything.

It really is a mindset; and you really need to train yourself how to do so.

So let me start out by telling you that I could do a week long motivational speech at my expense on finding the misery in everything. Yes, I admit I was not always the fun guy; I was a miserable person at one point in my life - always looking at what was wrong, who wronged me, and why I didn't have what I wanted. Anyone with me?

So I won't bore you with the painful process I went through to change my outlook but I am going to share a couple of tips that should get you to laughing or chuckling just a bit more - especially when dealing with those uptight ones who somehow creep into our lives.

1. Perspective - Put things in perspective. Look at what people (or you) are really getting all crazed about; and is it really within their/your control? Recently during a break at an all day Success Program I was presenting, I found myself in a discussion with a woman who was so upset that the person sitting in the next cube was not carrying their weight. She was gong on and on and on and on. I was laughing inside. I could only imagine how much time she spends during her day getting all worked up over this. She just couldn't understand that she was not going to change that person. I had ideas for her; she just wasn't ready to hear them.
2. Irony - Find the irony in the other side of arguments; and how if people focused on the other side a lot more would get done. i.e. My recent blog post about the morons we have in Congress slapping the hands of former AIG execs.

And here's an example of both:

A friend calls me up the other day; frantic and worrying about impending layoffs. He is absolutely sure his group is going. With all the open positions in the company; positions that the company is still trying to fill he just cannot understand why is group is not needed. I said, "John, wouldn't it make more sense for you to place yourself in one of those open positions." He started going on and on about not being qualified. I said, "John, you have been with this company over 20 years; you have company and industry knowledge. If my group was going and I was in your shoes I know what I would be doing." John continued his worry. While I feel for him, he is my friend, I find it funny that he cannot connect the value he possesses.

Yep, that's it. Perspective and Irony - that's how I do it and that's what I share with employee groups when matters like morale, engagement, and organizational change are the topics of our time together. It's really not that hard to see the humor in so many situations. So first start working on the YOUR perspective and the irony of what's got YOU crazed. Then start laughing at all those around you.

My Motivational Keynote Speech Just Got Better Thanks To A Bunch of Morons in Washington, DC

ddksl

Congress scolds former AIG executives over crisis (AP)

Yep, that was the title of the article I just read on Yahoo. Congress just gave a tongue lashing to former executives at AIG.

What a bunch of morons we have sitting in Congress and they seem to get dumber by the minute. Scolding for bad deeds that are completed? Scolding former executives - the key word being former? What good is this? Have we not learned from Enron, WorldCom, and Adelphia. These people do not give a crap. We know what motivates these executives.

The Congress is just making my job way too easy - and too fun. I can't wait to deliver my next keynote; especially when I get to the part where I talk about how organizations spend way too much time pointing the blame and bashing the cause of the problem instead of finding solutions. The only thing this does is get people more angry and creates more ill.

Look around your organization right now - be it government or a corporate entity - what is a problem you are trying to solve at this very moment? Now how about trying to solve it without digging up who/what/where and why got you in this pickle in the first place!

I Have A Vision To Speak About How Fun It Is To Ride A Bicycle

Yep, that's what I want to do. I want to tell people how much fun it is to ride a bicycle. I don't want to promise them how they can lose weight or get that perfect body; that would be telling a lie. I just want to tell people how much fun bike riding is. I could go on and on about the benefits of bike riding, but I won't.

But I do have a dream...........riding my bike cross country and promoting the fun aspects of being outdoors; motivating people to put down the Blackberry and meet me on Newberry; encouraging them to blow off a few meetings and join me for fun in Hastings; to leave the office early one day and bicycle around Crystal Bay. And for the kids reading this, get away from the Wii and come say Wheeeeeeeeee!!!

Yep, I have a vision of meeting people all across the United States and having them join me for segments of this ride. These people are not athletes. These people are not cyclists. These are everyday people who need to be reintroduced to the great outdoors. That is my vision - well at least today.

I know many of you are thinking how cool! Others are thinking Rich has gone off the deep end. Who has the time and how will I support myself and what about the dogs and.................

I know you are thinking this. Some of you are thinking this because it is not your dream; your vision; we never get other's dreams and visions. This is how most people think; always looking for what is wrong with an idea and not focusing on the possibilities. This is why organizations hire me to keynote their conferences and meetings; to get people thinking about the possibilities; about how they need to change their ways of thinking in order to be more successful; to figure out their role in the overall vision of the organization; to provide fun and motivational tools to get them to engage and produce.

So as for supporting myself. What if I got an organization to support my ride?

• How about a bicycle manufacturer?
• How about an organization that is working towards "greening" the planet?
• How about a sports energy drink company?
• How about a parent's organization?
• How about Parks & Recreation?
• What if I got donations?
• How about a clothing company?
• Maybe the PTA would have an interest?
• How about...............
• What if........

The possibilities are endless.

But what this is really about is your dream. What is your dream? What's your great idea. What is the direction where you would like to see your life, your career, or your business head? What needs to change in your office? Where do you need some more fun in your life? What steps have you taken to make your dream or vision occur? Have you taken a step today? Did you take one yesterday?

Don't just read these questions answer them. Even better yet sit down with a pen and paper or your boss and spend fifteen minutes. It could be the best fifteen minutes you spend this week.

Organizations thrive when visions come to life.

Who are you supporting in the upcoming election?

I just don't get it. My Liberal Democrat friends are sending me emails to sign petitions to get Sarah Palin to step down from the ticket - due to her inexperience. Yes, you read it right - my Liberal Democrat friends.

Why in the world are my Liberal Democrat friends sending me this? If you think she is that inexperienced and that clueless wouldn't you want to see her on the ticket? You would think they would be motivated to keep her on the ticket. Do you really want her to step down so John McCain can bring in someone more experienced. If you're assuming Obama is going to win why is this of concern?

And why are you wasting space in my inbox when we all know this is not going to happen? - Palin stepping down.

So here is the response I have been offering these people:

"I am not even going to read this. You should be working to get Obama elected, not wasting your time on Palin if this is how you feel."

But I do find fun and humor in this and it brings me quite a chuckle. Why? Because we live in a world where everyone seems to point the finger, pass the blame and discount people's value rather than work towards fixing the problems, creating new opportunities and being innovators and agents for change. This happens in politics, business and personal relationships - and just another example of why I encourage people to avoid the negative ones when I am delivering a keynote speech.

Thanks Mom for my next fun Customer Service keynote story!

My mother seems to go through computers like I go through toilet paper - and I am quite regular. The things my mom can do to a computer have even left the people at Microsoft dazed and confused. But as a professional speaker, my mom has provided me with lots of fun stories that I can share with audiences.

My mom is 76 years old. I was intrigued by her motivations when at 68 years old she decided she wanted to enter the technological age. For that I applaud her. But who knew the fun and laughs she was going to provide to the family and one of my Top 5 - who I also refer to as her local tech support! Thank you RTO for not moving out of Yonkers!

Some of moms PC feats have included:

• Getting McAfee Virus Scan to go into an endless scan
• Windows updates that never seem to stop updating
• Monitor screens that change to colors I didn't even know existed
• Printers that print anything but the document you have sent to that printer
• Sending email and then sitting and pondering why I have not responded immediately. (this was early on; she finally figured out her son is not sitting at the computer all the time; that occasionally I am out keynoting at a conference)
• Finding a dial-up speed that was 115 kps
• And my favorite...........Managing to get the Windows Start/Task Bar to settle across the center of the screen - yes even the folks at Microsoft could not figure out how she did that one! And CTRL-ALT-DEL did not fix it

So when mom needs a new computer, I now take the disposable approach. Get her the cheapest thing for her needs; because whether it costs $300 or $3,000 we are going to be replacing it within a year.

I try to be honest with salespeople and tell them bells and whistles mean nothing; that the only amount of gigs I am interested in are the ones booked on my calendar. This is purely economics. She is going to need a new computer in a year; it is that simple. I am certain of that.

So to my friends at Office Depot, Best Buy, Circuit City and Staples - all whom I went to visit yesterday - stop and listen to what your customer needs and not what you think they need or are hoping to move out of your inventory. I have an inventory of possessed computers I am thinking of putting on the lawn this Halloween.

Today I'll spend some time shopping the web for a PC Bargain. As I left mom's yesterday she offered to do it. I was concerned she would blow up the Internet.

The Conference Planning Committee Chose Not the Fun, but the Un-Motivational Speaker

She was cheering me on. She wanted me to be the Opening General Session for their conference. We had a great conversation on the phone. All looked good. I was excited. The Executive Director was excited.

And then my name got tossed in front of..................... The Committee.

Her case: We can have some fun. We can really motivate our volunteer base to stay involved and get more active; or we can listen to the Boring State Legislator tell them the state of their industry and how funding and donations will be less and less.

Their Case: But the Legislator is free.

Which would you choose as the opening general session for your conference? Fun and Motivational or Free and Doom and Gloom?

Hello!!!! Unless you're living in a bubble I am pretty certain you know the state of the economy; and if you're in a role which is totally supported by funding and donations you probably know even more what you are about to come up against. So let's gather 500 people together for a few days and start off by pounding that into their heads for an hour? There's a great conference waiting to happen.

Am I pissed that I was not chosen? Pissed is the wrong word. Disappointed? Sure. Even the Motivational Speaker gets bummed from time to time. I know, you're shocked. But as I quoted in my New Self-Help Book, I really am sick of all those people who say life is hunky dory all the time. Let's Get Real!

But what I am more bothered with is the fear and uncertainty that is building daily throughout too many organizations. In addition to the financial health of companies, the health and wellness of organization staff and volunteers is also deteriorating as they continue to have salt poured into the economic wound - that being the US Economy.

I've always believed that there is money to be made in any economic downturn - you just have to know where to look. I also believe it happens because most people are so busy focused on how awful things are while the smart people are ignoring the news and having fun growing their businesses or personal wealth. They've started a new bubble.

So with that, I encourage you and your organization to choose not to participate in this economic downturn. If you're going to take the approach that Free has more value than Fee (yes that is why I was not chosen) or spending more time focusing on cutting expenses versus seeking revenue opportunities, we know where your thinking is.

And Speaking of Ways To Reduce Morale & Motivation

Is leadership really that difficult? Do leaders need a smack upside their head in order to figure out the obvious and right thing to do? Motivating staff to continue to perform for you does not have to be as difficult as people think.

Last week I was having a whole lot of fun speaking to a group of CT State Employees. Well at one point their leader's actions came under fire - that leader being Governor M. Jodi Rell. I told them I would send her a letter. And since I always keep my promises............ the letter below was emailed to the Governor of the Great State of CT this morning (the only edit I made was removing the individuals name; that remains between the 100 of us in the room last Friday).

Governor Rell,

So why is it that when a taxpayer takes the time to send you a message about a great experience he/she has with a state employee; and that taxpayer asks you to personally let that person know they made a difference you cannot find 30 seconds in your day to contact that individual, yet you (or your staff) can find the 30 seconds to contact that person’s boss?

Last week I presented an in-service for a diverse group of state employees; the above matter came up. Governor, one of the focuses of my presentation that day was how leaders and staff can find value in each other, share that value, and applaud each person’s value. You are the leader of our state and I know for a fact that one of your employees, (his name was here), would love to hear from you how he made a difference to that taxpayer; and not get a message from you through his supervisor.

Governor Rell, if you take this as a criticism you are missing the point of this message. If that call or email comes directly from your office you will have restored the faith of a group of state employees that are a little wounded right now.

No need to answer this email, I recognize how busy you are; and this email is not about me.

Rich DiGirolamo

Hmmm..............maybe I should start a new fun part of my speaking business; writing letters for people who are pissed off, slighted, or hurt.

EH! Stop Speaking To Me Like That!

I was in Canada last week. I love the Canadians. They are warm and friendly.

I entered the border crossing plaza and handed the officer my passport. He asked me a few questions about why I was there, checked out the temporary registration on my vehicle, and welcomed me to Canada.

Now let's talk about the return to my own country! I entered the border crossing plaza and handed the officer my passport. I was interrogated - for what seemed like an hour (okay it was ten minutes); as if I was some sort of a criminal.

What am I transporting in the car?
My clothes and a laptop.

Am I carrying firearms?
No.

Am I carrying ammunition?
No.

Did anyone give me firearms?
No.

Where is my license plate?
Just registered the car; it has a temporary plate.

Why?
It was purchased out of state.

Am I carrying drugs?
What!!!? No.

Where am I going?
Home to CT

Am I driving all the way through?
No planning on finding a place to sleep soon.

Where did I stop tonight?
To take a leak. (I was started getting to get – no pun intended – pissed at this guy)

Where?
Some travel plaza about an hour back

Go ahead! (he hands me back my documents)
Thanks for doing such a thorough job. (I think he wanted to arrest me with that comment)

The whole time I was having flashbacks of when mom was trying to catch me in a lie; or when the boss called me into an office to talk to my work. Okay it's 11:00 at night and a guy with a propeller on his head in a car with a temporary registration is crossing the border. I guess that screams trouble???

But I found it odd how welcoming the Canadian Officer was and how abrasive my fellow American acted towards me. It was like good cop-bad cop or good boss-bad boss.

But then again, maybe his supervisor was watching? Maybe he had a fight with his wife/partner that night? Maybe he had a headache? Maybe he was doing his job? Maybe he was having fun and gets his kicks being abrasive? Maybe this type of stuff shouldn't bother us? Maybe he had other motivations?

Maybe we should all look at the tone we use to communicate with one another?

Did I say I love the Canadians?

No, Ifs, Ands, The Problem Is or Butts

The Nebraska Recreation and Park Association took a Recess the other day – a fun and humorous Recess from the way too many people and organizations think.

The purpose of my Recess: It’s Not Just For Kids presentation was to overcome challenges and identify new programming opportunities for Recreation and Park Services. During our time together there was one rule……….They were not allowed to use the words But, The Problem Is, You Don’t Understand, That Won’t Work, or anything similar.

Based on the feedback I received afterwards they had a heck of a lot of fun and appeared motivated to leave their conference and explore new programming opportunities.

Well that evening the tables were turned when I joined them for the Pub Crawl. I was put in a position where I was not allowed to say But, however they got the opportunity to play with my BUTT!

Things got a little crazy at Wanda’s Bar in Hastings, NE and a game of Butt Darts commenced. Now if you’re not familiar with this game you give yourself a wedgie (in your pants), stick a quarter in the crack, and then tighten that quarter in your crack. Once you have enjoyed that experience, you position yourself over a glass and the goal is to drop the quarter into the glass.

I was watching the fun. It was quite humorous - especially watching the woman who weighed all of forty pounds and had no butt. All I kept thinking about was what a great humorous story this is going to be for a future presentation.

While I was thinking of material, they started chanting my name. Rich. Rich. Rich.

Now I could have made excuses, BUT………………. We’re not allowed to use those words. And since I’m always willing to try something new…………………………….

Two rounds later, I guess you could call it the "elimination" round, guess whose virgin butt was the NeRPA Butt Darts Champion!

Now if this doesn't motivate you to save a life.....

Attention passengers, is there a doctor or nurse on board?

So much for making that connection. Good thing I have music and a book I commented to the woman next to me.

A doctor moved to the back of the plane. Within 10 minutes we were rapidly descending into Buffalo, NY. Ironically, I will be there Tuesday night. Taxiing at the speed of sound it was like a scene out of one of those Airport or Airplane movies of the 70's and 80's. Northwest Airlines Flight 259 now arriving Gate 8, Gate 9, Gate 10, Gate 23, 24, 25,26. RTO, that one was for you!!!!

The paramedics enter the aircraft. Spend about thirty seconds with the woman and walk her off.

We applaud the doctor.

A short while after the flight attendant comes by and offers the doctor a bottle of wine for stepping in and perhaps saving that woman's life.

I found humor in this. A bottle of wine? In this land of opportunity - meaning let's sue the pants off someone - they offer him a bottle of wine? There's a motivational reward waiting for you!

How about a free ticket to Buffalo?

Humor, Fun, and Motivation Courtesy of Thinking Outside the Box!

You've heard it. I've heard it. I'm sick of hearing it. It's a phrase that is so overused it means absolutely nothing anymore................

Think Outside the Box

Unless of course you're these two; then it has a whole new meaning..................

Have a great weekend; I'm in Nebraska; I'm the opening keynote speaker for the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association.

Guess what type of thinking I won't be talking about? But we will be having fun.

I've got a short motivational keynote and a fun idea for the Federal Reserve.

So yesterday the Federal Reserve bailed out AIG to the tune of $85 billion. Looks like Detroit is next in line to the tune of $45 billion (the number I heard on the news last evening).

Hey Federal Reserve, here is a fun idea...................Do you realize you could bail out over 433,000 families instead of just a few corporations? As a motivational speaker for business and corporations, I like to encourage organizations to change their thinking. So today, I am calling on the Federal Reserve to wake up and spread the bailout in a manner that is fair and equitable.

Here is my idea.............

Let's assume the typical family has $300,000 in debt between mortgage, credit cards, car leases/loans and student debt. If you took that $130 billion and cleared the debt of those people you would have helped over 433,000 people. There would be fun and laughter in the streets.

Now for those of you looking at the humor in all this, please don't; I think this could work; and you don't see McCain or Obama offering suggestions? Heck, $300,000 might even be on the high side. The Federal Reserve could probably bail out 600,000 or 700,000 families; even more fun and laughter. I could see block parties with music coming out of speakers on every corner.

This just seems like the right thing to do; after all once the bailout has occurred, in order to control costs, jobs are just going to go overseas anyway, right?

So if anyone reading this has a direct link to someone up the Food Chain at the Federal Reserve please send them this and tell them I have a fifteen minute keynote prepared just for them!

But in the meantime...............Hey Fed, I'm first in line for my bailout. Anyone want to be number 2? Feel free to hit the comments button below.

But that is how this Motivational Speaker does business!

So I get a call yesterday from a credit card processing company; starting to tell me that my current credit card processor is ripping me off. I decided to have some fun with this woman and here is how the conversation went:

Rich: Do you know who my credit card processor is?

Lady: No, but next year all customers of credit card processing companies will see their fees more than double and we can help you.

Rich: (thinking every one's fees?) So everyone is going to double but you? Listen, if you would like to send me information in the mail I would be more than happy to take a look at it.

Lady: We do not mail information.

Rich: Well I don't make decisions based on phone calls, so you can either mail me something or take me off your call list.

And then I nearly blew a gasket!

Lady: That is not how we do business, but tomorrow a representative will be in your neighborhood....

Rich: (I cut her off) That is not how you do business? (I started laughing) Well guess what, that is not how this Motivational Speaker does business either; and if you would like me as your customer it would be in your best interest to listen to how I do business, rather than tell me how you do business. So thank you for the call, but most importantly thank you for giving me something fun to speak about when I address customer service in my next keynote.

Speaking of learning……I think it should be fun and motivational!

A fun learning experience for me is a hands-on learning experience. I like to do, not just be told what to do. Now I do realize that there are different learning styles, but I’m a hands-on interactive type of guy. Please do not ask me to visit the Guggenheim; I’d rather eat dirt. But a visit to the Liberty Science Center, where I get to press buttons and turn dials is the place for me to learn and have fun. As a speaker I recognize that people like me are sitting in the audience and always include a good chunk of fun motivational interactive pieces that get people excited and encourage them to take action; even when it is a 45 minute keynote. Seriously, who really wants to listen to anyone speak for 45 minutes?

Here’s a quick thought, at your next boring tedious staff meeting toss in a quick ten or fifteen minute interactive/creative piece. See how the tone of the meeting can change. If you need a free idea, get in touch with me, I’ll give you one.

Well enough writing for today, I need to go pack my box of interactive fun and ship it to Nebraska. Sunday I am the opening keynote speaker for the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association. I love Recreation and Park Professionals; they get paid to have fun – even though they forget sometimes!

A Life Answer Provided By The Magic Bullet

Several years ago when I awoke in the middle of the night I bought a Magic Bullet off a 3:00AM infomercial. It's a chopper, grater, blender, and juicer all in one. This machine is being pitched to solve all of your kitchen dilemmas!

Well like anything else we get sucked into buying on television, they make it look so easy. You can make the best salsa with just a flick of the wrist. You can make the easiest chicken salad with just the flick of a wrist. My flick of a wrist usually resulted in Salsa Soup and Chicken Salad Puree!

For years I would sit and watch that infomercial trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. Not being much of a TV watcher I tend to surf through the channels; and anytime I saw that Magic Bullet commercial I stopped. This is going to be the time I figure it out.

Want some Puree? There's a vat of it in my kitchen.

So the other night there it is again.........the Magic Bullet. Once again I am analyzing the scenario. I've got the cup. I'm using the right blade. I'm chopping the pieces into the sizes they seem to be using. I'm flicking my wrist like theirs. Why am I getting Salsa Soup?

Now it's time for the Chicken Salad; into the cup, twist on the blade.

WAIT!!! STOP!!!!!

The Cup! The Cup!

I've been using the big cup (must be the bigger is better mentality in my sub-conscious)! They're using the small cup.

I ran downstairs at 11:00 PM. There were leftover chicken drumsticks in the fridge! Rip them apart. Drop them in the small cup. Put in some mayo. Flick. Flick.

CHICKEN SALAD!!!!! (a little mushy, but not puree!)

The answer was right in front of me the whole time; I was just looking in the wrong place; at the wrong pieces.

What answers are you looking for in the wrong place? What answers are right in front of you, but your focus is somewhere else? Maybe the real value of the Magic Bullet is to teach us how to solve life dilemmas by looking for the right pieces?

Northwest: The Crappy Airline

Now before the lawyers start suing me for libel and slander for labeling Northwest a crappy airline (because let's face it, we've all had crappy airline experiences); this has nothing to do with crappy service, it really has to do with crap!

While waiting for a recent Northwest flight there was a couple with their dog in the gate area. It was not a service dog, but small enough to fit in a piece of luggage that fit under the seat-back in front of them. It seems that dogs are allowed on the plane if they fit in a carry-on. I went over to meet the dog. Cute.

While in flight a sudden odor shot through the cabin. That odor came from the seat right behind me. Please refer to the title of this blog post. Yes, the dog took a crap. Well as quick as that odor came, it went. I guess the owners have done this before and were prepared. People were wild. I found it hilarious. I saw two options; get crazed over a situation of which I had no control or laugh at those who were getting crazed.

The other day a cute little baby was in the terminal. We boarded the plane. Guess where the baby was seated? While in flight a sudden odor shot through the cabin. That odor came from the seat right behind me. Please refer to the title of this blog post. Yes, the baby took a crap. Well as quick as that odor came, it went. I guess the "owners" have done this before and were prepared. Three older women seated nearby went wild. I found it hilarious. I saw two options; get crazed over a situation of which I had no control or laugh at those who were getting crazed.

Too often we are bothered with what we cannot change, versus focusing on what we can change - our attitude. So let's all get rid of the crappy attitudes and leave the crapping to babies and dogs.

Vote for me!

My friend Sherry and I are ready to serve our country! Will you help us?

Watch this video and see how you can help:

http://www.inews3.com/topstory.php?id=526963682044694769726f6c616d6f20267c536865727279204b696e67

How To Know You're PowerPoint Obsessed

Disclaimer: I am not a fan of PowerPoint, mainly because I feel my intelligence is being insulted when someone stands up and reads a presentation to me because they are either unprepared or need a crutch. I want to be engaged and involved in a presentation, not bored out of my mind.
---------------------------

So with that disclaimer, today I sat in on a meeting with a woman who has her son's activity schedule on a PowerPoint slide. No really; I'm not fibbing. She showed it to me..............With Pride! She has the next three months all done................color coded and everything. I wonder if there is a slide show throughout the house?

I'm thinking this person is also a Crackberry Addict!

The Best Paperboy in the Whole World

Readers of my newsletter were introduced to a boy named Chris back in July. You will want to take a moment to refresh yourself with his story before continuing. Click here to read Chris' story.

So Sunday morning I pull up to my favorite coffee shop on Cape Cod and there is Chris. He remembers my name, where I was from and says he was hoping he was going to see me.

Seems that the summer was good. He is up to 45 papers per day and was able to buy a laptop with his summer earnings. Seems that offering folks reading with their coffee and telling them what was in the paper paid off handsomely for Chris and The Cape Cod Times.

But here was the best part. I offered to buy him something to drink. He declined; someone inside was buying him something.

A couple comes out of the coffee shop. He buys the newspaper from Chris; she hands him his smoothie.

"Not bad" I said. "They're buying the paper from you and they're buying you drinks."

"He is the best paperboy in the whole world" the woman tells me. "Have you heard his spiel."

I just chuckled and said "Yeah, I'm kinda familiar with it. I was there when he came up with it."

Chris looked at me with a silly red face. It was priceless.

Drill Heads Not Oil!

So now we get to see how smart Americans really are.

Gas prices have come back down over the past month. Now some say it was the government while others say it was demand and consumption went down. Rather than argue over who is right (the government never tells the truth anyway, but one more time let's give them some benefit of the doubt), let's assume it was a combination of both.

So just looking at the consumption piece, here's what it means................... We used less oil to get things done. We filled our cars when needed. We stayed closer to home. We did not make unnecessary trips. Our life did not come to an end.

So as you can see we don't need to drill Alaska, we need to drill the above fact into people's heads.

A phrase heard in the hallways of many companies today is "do more with less." How encouraging! The people who have come up with that line should be shot. The people who are reverberating those words throughout the organization need to have their dirt smudged window offices taken away from them. Do More With Less? What kind of stupidity is that? How about "get creativc and do more with what you have?"

As your resources get cut and taken away, how can you do more with what you have? That's the drilling that is needed!

I'm taking my bike to the beach today, not my car.

So I Paid Double. That's Not Why I Showed Up.

Had dinner with seven colleagues last night; the purpose was to discuss Public Relations and working/partnering with the media.

It was a typical "networking" evening; some people willing to give information and others hoping to get lots of information while not contributing a whole lot. At points, some people were tuning themselves out; some were tuning others out.

Well I never saw such chaos when the bill came. Should we ask for separate checks? Who should pay for what? Should this one pay more? He didn't drink? She drank like a fish! I drank too much, let me pay for more.

Just split the damn thing 8 ways!

We're professionals; business owners. If I pay more than I should, so what. I was not there for dinner, I was there for the advice, friendship, guidance, sharing and idea generation that this dinner event was offering - which I did receive. Thanks Jerry, Bonnie, Ronnie, Robin, Noreen, Juan and Alice! So I probably paid double my meal value; it was my choice not to drink. (I can't stand wine anyway) I walked away with a great idea, an idea that could be a lot of fun, offer a needed solution to my market and most likely earn me a "few" bucks more than dinner cost. Is that worth an extra $10, $20, $50, $100?

But it reminded me of a dinner event years ago with 9 women - it was a salad bar. When the check came the chatter about who drank what (coffee/soda was not included) was getting insane. I was seated next to a woman named Phyllis. Phyllis was a feisty sixty-something who was a no-nonsense type of woman - I loved her. Phyllis turns to me and she says "this is why I don't go to dinner with a group of women." I just laughed as I have seen men do the same thing, but felt it was my obligation to protect the male species. Phyllis takes $20 from me and $20 from Lori, who was seated on her other side. She tosses $60 down the end of the table and tells the group to have a ball fighting over the bill. The three of us got up and left. Twenty minutes later we were in the parking lot talking and laughing - we think the bill was still being discussed inside, or perhaps their disgust with us.

Why do you gather with people? For friendship? networking? information? camaraderie? ideas? Or to fight over a few bucks?

--------------------------------------------
Friend or Colleague's birthday coming up? The Only Self-Help Book You'll Ever Need might be that fun thought provoking gift they need.

An Easy Way To Be Reminded Of Your Past! But A Good Reason You Should Search It Out.

Okay, this is kinda cool............. Last week I finally offered myself to the world on Facebook. I've had a presence on LinkedIn, but after a short time there I realize it is not social networking; business networking yes, but not social networking; and I still do not know of many people who can trace business back to LinkedIn. Do you?

So I post my Facebook page. I allow Facebook to read my personal database to find people already Facebooked. Not many. Or maybe I know the wrong people? Maybe I'm not connected to the "in" crowd; only the LinkedIn crowd?

But it seems that Vinny was Facebooked and he found me. I received a message from Vinny almost immediately after signing up. Now the question becomes does Vinny spend way too much time on Facebook or was it meant to be????

Vinny and I went to high school together; he was one year ahead of me; sat near each other in calculus. He still looks the same. Sucks when some people don't age. Although maybe he is posting a picture from high school like people do on dating sites; not that I would know. That night Vinny sees Kenny at his photography exhibit; (you can check out Vinny's stuff here: http://vrod62.blogspot.com/.) Kenny was a great friend in high school, an usher in my wedding, my FBLA partner; but we all know how things go; people lose touch over time.

So now Kenny contacts me - the bastard still has his hair; although it is graying. Bald or gray? Which would you rather be? Let me know. Two days later Kenny sees a haunting from my past - Dave; or as we used to call him - Guido. Now Dave and I are back in touch.

In the matter of three days I am back in touch with three people who I actually liked; and will hopefully see in the near future.

But what does this have to do with anything? I think at times we forget not only how the past shaped us, but who in our past shaped us.

So today I blame Vinny, Kenny and Dave for being a part of my refreshing sarcasm, playful attitude, and irreverence. Thanks boys. My audiences thank you too.

And for the rest of you............go get a presence on Facebook. I'll be your friend, but it is very cool to see who in your past might come back to haunt you.

-----------------
Planning a meeting or conference? Include Rich. Visit http://richdigirolamo.com/

The View from Third Shift

Third Shift. Most avoid it. Many spend years working their way off of it. Yet there is one person who loves third shift.......................................

The other day I met Steve. Steve is a third shift worker. He works with the handicapped. And has he put it to me the other day, he spends his night changing diapers.

Now while some reading this might think his comment is horrible, let me offer some perspective. I have had the opportunity to speak to Fortune 10 Corporations, small businesses of 20 employees, and everything in between. If you ever need some perspective, live a day in the life of a health care or health and human services provider. Now I am in no way denouncing what employees of Fortune 10 companies do, but I would like to see them roll over a handicapped developmentally disabled person at 2:00 AM and change their diaper - yes literally change the diaper. So many people think they've got it tough. I don't know.

But here was my favorite part of the conversation. I asked Steve to come clean and really tell me why he stays on third shift all these years later when opportunities have been plentiful to work a more traditional workday. He said, "Rich, on third shift I don't have to worry about my handicapped co-workers, and making sure I am not part of the trouble they are forever getting themselves and others into."

Yikes! But perhaps true? Maybe third shift has its benefits?

------------------------
Return to home page

Are your employees looking at all that is right with their job or all that is wrong? Give them a dose of Rich. It's time to laugh at workplace craziness, not get crazier. Get in touch with Rich right now

How Not To Become A Rumor

Ever feel like you're just trying to save your reputation? Ever wonder not what people are saying about you, but why? Ever wish you could stop the rumor mill? Here's how I do it.......

Step 1: Be clear that your actions are always honest, sincere and understood.
Step 2: Never open your mouth in front of the nosiest person you can find. Never ask their thoughts on anything. Just say hello and let them do all the talking. Then tell them to have a nice day. Now this could be tough since I know there is an office or neighborhood gossip within earshot of you right now.
Step 3: Document all your actions for public release. Perhaps buy a billboard.
Step 4: Sit back and watch what happens; because no matter how much you try at some point in your life you will be part of a rumor.

Okay, so that is not exactly what I do. Although I have thought about the billboard. It is fact, at some point in our lives we all have had a negative label attached to us; we have all been a target or victim of a rumor. In my Permission to Speed program I address this issue and toss out the idea of finding out what we did to attain that label and the steps we can take to remove it.

Or you can take the other approach..............plot your revenge!

---------------------------
Could your next conference use a fun humorous presentation keynote presenter? Invite Rich to play with your group. The payback will be ENORMOUS!

How To Start A Rumor

Today I offer you a lesson in how to start a rumor.

Step 1: Observe or question something of which you are not certain.
Step 2: Find the nosiest person you can find and ask their thoughts on what you observed. I know there is an office or neighborhood gossip within earshot of you right now.
Step 3: Do not ask the person you observed what they did or what happened. I mean let's face it; that would be the right thing to do.
Step 4: Sit back and watch what happens

Try it today. Try it in your office. Try it at home. Try it at your next social or professional networking event. Try it with your neighbors.

It's amazing how many people are getting fired, overdosed on drugs, are cheating on their spouse, are alcoholics or gamblers, are not capable of maintaining a relationship, are stealing and not telling the truth. With all these terrible people amongst us, we should consider ourselves fortunate to be in the state that we are in.

The other night I watched a neighbor being loaded into an ambulance. I went over to see if I could do anything, like offer the family member a ride to the hospital. I also found out what was actually going on. You'd be shocked at what people had told me they heard by the next morning.

When asked what happened I suggested they go ask and get the real answer direct from the source; because that's how rumors otherwise get started.

Stay tuned until tomorrow; I'll be writing about how to not become a rumor.

Everyone should carry a mirror

I think at birth we should all be given a mirror; a mirror that we are to carry with us every day until the day I die. The mirror will have two purposes:

1. The first purpose is simple. Every time you are in the vicinity of someone who begins to criticize or critique someone or something it should be your obligation to take out that mirror and hold it up in front of that person's face; reminding him or her that he or she is not perfect and probably guilty of the same thing. Let's face it, you cannot all be Boss, Employee or Parent of the Year.
2. The second purpose is even simpler: To make sure you always look your best.

--------------------------------

Are people in your organization laughing at all that drives them crazy or getting even crazier? Unleash Rich on them for an hour. He'll get them laughing, thinking and working harder for you. Visit http://richdigirolamo.com today.

The Chinese even have restaurant waiting solved!

I've been in NYC the last two days; last night I had dinner with a friend who just happened to be in NY as well. I was craving Chinese food, so we headed to Chinatown. Lots of choices; not really sure which one was best; although it is Chinatown you would think they are all good. So we asked someone on the street which was their favorite. Green Bo.

People were waiting in the street to get in to Green Bo; which to me looked like a Chinese take-out with seats. They asked us how many. We told them two. They didn't want our name. About two minutes later we were summoned from the street and were told to be seated at a table for six. Ellen looked at them puzzled. They motioned with their hands to go sit down. We sat. Four people were seated with us. Two other couples. At first it was odd, but then I thought why not?

So there we were three couples having dinner separately but together and nobody seemed to mind.

Once again the Chinese are showing us how to run a business. I think I'll mention the idea to my friends who own a restaurant in CT. I'm sure the uptight clientele won't find it amusing, fun or acceptable.

Take Your Dog To Work Day

Everyday is Take Your Dogs To Work Day For Me - well every day I am not traveling.

And when I am not traveling I take some time out of my day to go have a bit of fun; to break the monotony; to rejuvenate my brain.

Here is what I did the other day......................



Did you enjoy this video? Tell others about it.


Special thanks to my colleague and friend Gail Hand for her amazing video abilities.