Blogging @ The ELC Recognition Dinner

I arrived at the ELC Dinner event - not sure what to expect. I attended this event last year - but that was in DC and the nation wasn't yet on the verge of electing it's first Black President. The atmosphere at the event was great - of course, it helped that Barack was in New-York at the time attending the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner.

Council Chair - CT Tomlin has been my mentor for just over a year & I remain grateful for all that I've learnt from him, thus far. The event was a memorable one for several reasons. I was fortunate to meet one man I've long admired - Ken Chenault of American Express.

This year, the ELC honored one of the original members of the "Little Rock 9" - a man by the name of Ernest Green. I sat at C.T's table, next to Ernest Green and managed to speak with him for a few minutes, after he received the Alvaro Martin's Heritage Award, (I even got his autograph). I'll always remember is the man's humility, his smile - and his easy going demeanor.

I'm generally not big on award ceremonies - I believe our greatest reward comes in the form of blessings from God. That said, I'm always very keen to hear what important/accomplished people say - when they receive awards. During his acceptance speech, Ernest Green spoke about the experience - back in '57, about attending Little Rock Central High School and going on to graduate. He mentioned some of the people who had influenced his life - like Dr. Bernard Harris, Jesse Tyson and Andrew Young and then proceeded to accept the award on behalf of the other members of the "Little Rock 9". His delivery was contemplative, relaxed and filled with humility - it was truly a great speech.

As the event ended, I was struck by how far the ELC has come - with over 400 members, most of whom are officers in the largest corporations in America.

The comment which most resonated with me - was made by one notable corporate executive, in speaking about Barack Obama's candidacy and the fact that we may soon elect our first black President.

"This is the era of No More Excuses" - I couldn't agree more...

Peace

Heading To The ELC - Mid Level Managers Symposium

A year has passed since I attended my first Mid Level Managers Symposium - in DC. I'm grateful for the opportunity to attend this year's event - in New York City.

I head to this conference with great expectations. I'm optimistic that we'll receive great insight from some of America's great leaders.

Should be a great event...

You Better Be Running

Here's an interesting African Adage - which encapsulates one of my key learning's about Corporate America, 10 years into my career.

"Every morning in Africa, a gazette awakens knowing that it must outrun the fastest lion if it wants to stay alive. The lion also wakes up knowing it must run faster than the slowest gazette, or it will starve to death. It makes no difference, whether you are a lion or gazette, when the sun comes up, you better be running"

So Run Hard if you can, - Run Smart if you mush, - whatever you do,

You Better Be Running.

World Changer

You Better Be Running

Here's an interesting analogy - which typifies my principles about work ethic

Every morning in Africa, a gazette awakens knowing that it must outrun the fastest lion if it wants to stay alive. The lion also wakes up knowing it must run faster than the slowest gazette, or it will starve to death. It makes no difference, whether you are a lion or gazette, when the sun comes up, you better be running" – African Adage which encapsulates my biggest learning about MS

I'm a PC Breaks New Ground In TV/Internet Advertising

The "I'm a PC" campaign, which launched earlier on today, is one of the smartest examples of cross channel advertising that I've seen. First, it cleverly flips the Apple campaign, ultimately leveraging the success of the Mac vs. PC ads, by embracing the "I'm a PC theme.

So, viewers instantly recognize the punchline.

Second - it has such a wide variety of characters that it's sure to appeal to a wide audience. I've always believed it's smart marketing to identify a your brand with different types of people from all works of life. That's something that most Globally successful brands, do effortlessly.

Third and probably most important - the viral element of the campaign. Ton's of Internet "experts" have raved about the popularity of social networking forums and the impact that facebook, youtube and myspace are having on our online habits.

There's no question that thousands of people will upload "I'm a PC" video's to the windows.com site, thousands more will share those videos with others. So, there's no question in my mind that this campaign will get plenty of attention.

It remains to be seen whether or not Microsoft will follow-up with more ads or whether Apple will retaliate with a flip of their own. Either way, Microsoft and Crispin - deserve some credit for coming up with a creative campaign......

Now I'm off to watch "I'm a PC", make it's way up the Google Trends. Last I checked, it jumped from #87 to #72 on Google Trends

Peace.
09/18: 11.55pm PST.

I'm a PC & I'm doing Just Fine

I've just watched - the I'm a PC ad - windows ad, and I like it. Even those who love to hate Microsoft will have to admit that this is a creative, viral advertisement which will resonate with PC users all around the world.

Only one software company can rightfully claim that it connects billions of people everyday. The fact of the matter is that millions of real, everyday people use Windows, on PCs - everyday. Many rely on it's features and functionality - for their livelyhood.

I think the smartest thing about this ad is that it takes the core message of Mac vs. PC ads and uses it against Apple.

It will be interesting to see what Apple come up with next. Somehow, I doubt that those Mac vs. PC ads will be quite as effective as they were.

Oh, by the way - I'm a PC too .......

Is that item a want or a need?

The age old dilemmhttp://www.blogger.com/upload-image.doa – is that item a want or a need? No doubt, one’s financial health plays a key role in making that determination. Apparently – geographical location plays more of a factor than you may think. The NY Times site has a great interactive tool, which shows how people across various countries spend their discretionary income – i.e. the cash that goes to clothing, electronics, recreation, household goods, and alcohol – on a per capita basis. You can access the tool through this link : http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/09/04/business/20080907-metrics-graphic.html

Apparently, people in Greece spend almost 13 times more money on clothing as they do on electronics. People living in Japan spend more on recreation than they do on clothing, electronics and household goods combined. Americans spend a lot of money on everything, but then – this is the land of opportunity and instant gratification, so that’s no surprise….

Gates & Seinfeld - II

So, the ads are beginning to roll out - and naturally, everyone has an opinion. Most people think this campaign is Microsoft's response to the famous Mac & PC ads. You've all seen the first - Shoe Shop commercial - the latest ad was released yesterday.

I’ve started an informal poll, asking friends their impressions about the ad. For the most part – people are trying to figure out the core message of these ads – is it about Windows vs. Apple? What’s the deal with the leather shoes? Why Seinfeld, where's the punch line? I'm actively looking for a consistent them between the different ads - I haven't found one yet, but I'm sure it's there .....

It's a little surprising how cynical some folks are about these ads. I’ve read a number of pretty negative posts – on Mary Jo’s blog and a few others. It’s easy to criticize these campaigns, Microsoft is the company that so many people love to hate, and most consumers still trying to understand the core message. However, the ads are getting peoples attention, that's probably a good sign for Microsoft.