Brazen move

Photo credit: www.zaffiro.com

This is a $100,000 razor.

I am not kidding. One of the (many) concepts from the folks over at Bright Light Ventures. The razor is made from iridium, the strongest metal found on the earth, derived from meteorites and more rare than platinum, but never fear platinum lovers, the screws of the razor are made of pure platinum, it has blades made of solid white sapphire, and the razor comes with free sharpening and servicing for 10 years. So sell the family home and maybe a couple kidneys and you too can own this razor to pass on for generations!

Seriously though, I personally am not rubbing elbows with the kinds of folks that will purchase this. to tell you the truth I don't think they live in Portland. All 99 of these limited edition razors will probably be sold to those residing in the skyscrapers of Dubai and overseeing their oil fields by helicopter. But that is not the point of this post, the theme is, isn't this just so damn brazen? When I learned about it a few weeks back, I took a figurative step back and said to myself, " what kind of person makes a 100,000 razor with sapphire blades? I've got to meet them." And so I did.

This product is brazen, a bit outlandish (for us), but when you think about it, not totally far fetched. There are probably 100 people in the world who will buy this. It's those with brazen ideas that do something about them that see big things happening. The more risk-averse you are, the bigger payoff you can have, the bigger losses you can have to. So the trick is to hedge your bets. What can you afford to loose and how much of it can you afford to loose? When was the last time you had a brazen idea like this? What did you do about it?

Business travel apps for savvy jetsetters

We're all pretty familiar with the ins and outs of an airport, but that doesn't make traveling much less of a hassle. Getting onto a flight in itself is inherently hassle filled, no matter how many frequent flier miles you have. Not to mention what is entailed once you actually land. I know I'm always hankering for the same thing as soon as my flight lands, it's usually something like this (in this order):

1) "Get me off this plane asap" (Something about landing at your destination exacerbates the smells like old coffee and BO in the cabin.)
2) "I need a bathroom/ATM/coffee/cab/drink/all of the above."
3) What is there to do in this town anyway?
Or if you're connecting:
4) "What am I going to do with myself for a 3 hour layover? I wonder if I can get out earlier/get a better flight/get a later flight/I better not get stuck with a middle seat again..."

Well luckily there are apps that can actually help you with all these things, and maybe even iron your suit for you after it got wrinkly on the flight (ok not so much...)

They could have named it something better, but if you're an Amex card holder then you should check out the American Express Travel App. The downside is it doesn't work on Android yet, but it solves many of your post-deplaning airport needs. As soon as you land and everybody immediately fires up their smartphones, the app will tell you where amenities are near your gate, give you access to connect directly to things like hotels, shuttles, cabs and rental cars, or find a better seat on your connecting flight. You can also manage your itineraries, and if you have a platinum card (look at you high roller!) then the app will alert you when there's changes to a flight in your itinerary, direct you to VIP lounges, and help plan alternate itineraries for yourself. I think it's pretty cool, unfortunately it's only available if you have an Amex card.

TripIt takes all confirmations and travel plans in your email and sends them to iPhone/iPad, Android or Blackberry, and it'll do it without you asking it to! Talk about a no brainer. So no more searching your archives on a tiny version of Safari or IE to get your flight confirmation code, or calling your travel coordinator while she's on her lunch break lest you use the wrong rental car company and get in trouble again.

I'm not super into Foursquare or GoWalla, I just don't see a lot of incentive to check in aside from determining whether there's a deal going on there, and if there is, it's usually not that great. But Foursquare is good when you're on the road. Fire it up and find out all the insider tips on the restaurant or hotel you're at. Read the tips on the best item to order on the happy hour menu, the cocktail the locals love, and the best time to hit up the bar. Foodspotting is also a great app for finding savvy local-approved places to eat.

Google Translate has an app that allows you to translate words and phrases into 57 different languages using voice recognition software. Speak (or type) the phrase and the translation will appear on the screen, or depending on the language, on audio playback. So when that hotel concierge in Paris is blowing you off by pretending he doesn't understand you, this app probably won't curry their favor, but it means they don't have an excuse to evade your questions.

Are you with a group of coworkers or friends and need to split the bill evenly? Maybe Sally is the kind who had to pick up an extra 5 cents in the tip and won't ever let you live it down, or she only ever carries inconvenient denominations of cash, whatever it is Share a Bill Lite (the free version) is your solution to bill splitting fairness, or people like Sally. It keeps track of who owes what portion of the bill, and who owes you (or whom you owe) money to settle up. The paid version can track and help you budget based on certain trips or events. So if your company allocates a certain per diem, you can make sure not to exceed it.

Travel managers should rejoice at this one. If your company arranges travel and has tons of employees on the road, then the mobileXtend app from American Express is American Express Travel App on steroids, it's the ultimate travel hand-holding experience. It syncs with calenders and reminds travelers of what to do every step of the way, and it keeps them compliant and within company travel policies.

They are yet to develop an app to iron your suit, make your presentation, attend a meeting, or dispense a much needed drink when it's all over, but these apps can definitely help make your traveling a lot easier. Happy Jetsetting!

Connect your digital persona to real life and differentiate yourself!

This is a quick and simple glimpse of the future. I can't even tell you how excited I am about augmented reality. I cannot wait to have an augmented reality business card. In fact, if there's anybody out there who can help me out with how to start working on one like this, let me know. Check out these awesome augmented reality cards.

In the meantime, are you looking for a way to differentiate your personal brand, be more memorable, and help your personal business card or resume get noticed? A QR code is a great way to link your online persona to your real life persona, and make those paper business cards piling up on your desk of actual use.
First, download a (should be free) tag reader for your smart phone. Here's Microsoft Tag.

Next, decide what info you'd like to share. Do you want to point people to your personal or company website or blog? Maybe you just want to share your contact information? Whatever you want to do, this pixelated little graphic will contain this information.

You can sign in to Microsoft tag manager and create your own tags. This is available through Microsoft and Nokia. You can also create QR codes on Qurify, or Kaywa.

Once you've got your code, share it! Print it up on business cards, company brochures or trade show materials, whatever you can think of. I've even seen these on a t-shirt with the caption "add to friends." So that might be a little too far there...

I think you'll see QR codes utilized during this year's general elections, and more and more on the packaging of your favorite products directing you to become a Facebook fan or Twitter follower.

Aston Martin Cygnet, brand defining or brand diluting?

photo credit: Autobloggreen

In response to government regulation and pressure regarding emissions, Aston Martin has come out with the Cygnet, a Smart Car-esq spin off of their revered and coveted current line up of droolworthy super cars. The interior appears to be luxurious and well-equipped, but is Aston diluting their James Bond worthy brand with this new move?

Bloomberg: Aston Martin Departs from Tradition with Cygnet

I'm all for sustainability, after all I live in Portland, in a LEED building, I eat organic, and I work with a solar energy start-up. At the end of the day, I love brands, and I eat market strategy for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I also love Aston Martin, it's the stuff of dreams, sleek, high-end and impressive without being audacious or obnoxious. They've never needed to boast, because they just do it better. Like the guys on Top Gear say (the British version), Aston Martin is the guy at the bar sipping his scotch and quietly working on the crossword while Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati and the other super car brands duke it out for superiority. Then Aston quietly puts down his drink and takes them outside for a (refined and thorough) ass whooping.

I don't see the Cygnet taking any names, I see it quietly waiting in line at stoplights, with a hipster behind the wheel. I think Aston Martin would have been better suited to a more Tesla-type line. Nobody can get their hands on a Tesla, and everybody wants one, just like Aston Martins. Now that is cool people.

Get real, get a job, then get a life.

I can't even tell you how many times I've heard it this:

A brand new talented employee, full of smarts and potential is hired and her managers are stoked to have her. It all goes smoothly at first, when suddenly she's asking to leave early 3 days a week, then she wants to work from home. Next she wants a company laptop and cell phone, and wants to flex in 2 days a week. Then she needs to take 2 hour lunches to get acupuncture. After 4 months on the job, and mediocre performance, she puts in for vacation time.

I've heard them myself too. From the normal things like having to pick up sick kids from daycare, to needing to leave early to attend a sorority alumni event 2 hours away (yes). Once I was told that somebody was late because that morning they had to chase, corral and muzzle their parents small dogs and put them in carriers for the groomers. And "family obligations take precedence over work." Um, ok.

So here's my dirty secret, I've been there, I get it. I remember back when I was searching for my first job. Having minimal career guidance in the reality check department, I honestly thought I was qualified for a director level position, when I was barely qualified for entry level work. Here's a particularly painful (and stupid) recount. Once I turned down a fantastic opportunity to work in the headquarters of a well-known global coffee company because they wanted me to start as a barista to learn the business. I refused because I thought I was better than that. Karma would have it that a few months later, that's exactly what I was doing, except with no real advancement opportunities in sight. And guess what, I loved being a barista.

I remember thinking to myself when I was in college that there wasn't much else that I could learn. I thought I was pretty much at my prime. That's so embarrassing because it's absolutely ridiculous.
Anyhow girls and guys about town, get real with yourself while you're getting out there. Whether you're searching, or working your way up the ladder. Never look a gift opportunity (horse) in the mouth like I did. Learn, learn, and learn some more. But most importantly remember this, you've got to earn your stripes in a company. And many of the people you work with think differently and approach things differently than you, so take that into account, before you try to cash in your chips. Because if you try too early, it'll be that much harder to earn then back.

If there are some factors that are a deal breaker for you, like absolutely needing to take long lunches so you can go to the gym, or telecommuting a few times a week to be home for kids. You've got to prioritize when you're job searching. How badly do you need the job vs. how important is this to you? Is it something that can hold off for a while until you forge relationships, learn the ropes and establish yourself as a top performer? If so, then it probably should. Just know that if you have to have these things up front, it could potentially make you less easy to hire than somebody who doesn't.

A lot of people get this backwards, they get the job, they want the life, and then they need to get real. This is a pretty harsh sequence to put yourself through.

What's your kickstarter?

I often find myself dwelling in what is sadly still an old boys club, it's true, management is still a mostly male dominated world. When you're out there on a mission day after day, especially when faced with adversity (large or small) it's easy to feel like you're fighting a constant uphill battle. This is why you need a kick starter. When you're feeling like the world is happening to you, and you've been chugging along on idle for a while, what's the thing that makes you flip this back around? Everybody needs their special secret thing that reminds them to keep plugging away, and do it with smarts, style and sass.

Girl Power is so blase, but the thing is, sometimes you need some to "get 'er done" if you will. Girls about town are smart, intelligent, savvy, resourceful, and are pretty much amazing on their own, but when you need that extra kick of somethin' somethin' where do you get it?


Ok, this is truly embarrassing... I think of Elle Woods. Yep. The bubbly, pink silly sorority girl. Elle Woods is always herself, always authentic, and usually kicking ass in some way shape or form. I'm not saying you should wear more pink and carry a small dog in your bag, but when I need to remind myself to be myself, I think of Elle Woods and suddenly I am vivacious, smart, fun and authentic, ready to fight the good fight once again, and kick some ass while doing it.

So what's your kickstarter? And how do you keep it near?

Five not so painful steps to your mojo back and get a great job

It's Sunday morning and I know many of you are dreading tomorrow. Not because you have to go to a high pressure/high stress job, but because you're not going to one. Which is arguably even more high pressure and high stress. There's training to teach you how to be successful in your position, but nobody taught you how to be successful in searching for a position. These days since we switch jobs so often, these skill may arguably be more important!

So I'm going to level with you, just because you happen to not have an official job title at the moment doesn't mean you're any less fabulous, smart, hip, savvy and in-demand as you were when you were commanding your ship. You've just put down the reigns for the moment. It's time to get your mojo back!

I personally am searching for my next opportunity, and I'll give it to you straight, I'm really good at integrated marketing, I'm also an exec MBA at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. I absolutely love business, I eat it up for 3 meals a day. Seriously. Fast Company is bedtime reading for me. So I've got a pretty good handle on what I like and what I'm good at. I am also luck enough to have a fantastic career coach. You may not be in a position to get one yourself, but I'm going to help you get on track. There are 5 steps, and they're not for rookies, or lazy people. Which is why they work!

Here's how to start:

Step 1

Define exactly what you are good at. This is the self discovery and realization, and it's not going to happen if you're making a dent in the couch watching daytime TV. Get out and live your life again. Start a workout plan, eat healthy and create an active routine for yourself. Your blood will pump to your head, and you'll get energized and motivated. You'll start exuding positive energy, and good things happen to those kinds of people. You'll also look dang good.

Some resources for Step 1:
The Strengths Finder 2.0 Buy this book for 10.00 and take the quiz online. You'll receive some great insights into your top 5 strengths and how best to utilize them.
Myer's Briggs Type Indicator Myer's Briggs is widely regarded as an accurate and well-represented personality type. It will give you great insights into how you like to work, and how you relate to the world and others.
LiveStrong.com Great resources to kick start a well-rounded lifestyle, health eating and a fitness routine. There's also an app to help track your nutrition while you're on the go.

Step 2

A very inspirational and smart gal about town gave me a really simple bit of advice. The simple stuff is often overlooked and it's usually the best. She told me to get really specific with myself about the type of job I wanted, the industries I wanted to work in. Essentially to imagine a dream job that I could actually obtain if all the stars aligned perfectly. Then keep this in mind and broaden my search to include all the various ways you could work in or with those industries to make it easier to step into the position I want. Think of all the different possible roads that lead into the position/industry that you want, and make sure your game plan covers them.
Resources for step 2:
The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search I cannot emphasize enough how helpful this book is. Most business and success books are absolutely garbage, some have 1 or 2 good chapters and the rest of it is garbage. I can honestly tell you I read 3/4 of this book. Get the book and read it. It will help you plan and organize your search, and execute it efficiently and effectively.

Step 3

Get out and tell people. Leveraging the powerful effects of networking is the best way to open doors and uncover new paths. If you haven't told everybody in your circle what you are looking for, then tell them. Now. Ask them if they know of any great companies where you might be a good fit. Ask them to keep you in mind. When you're out networking, tell people what you do, be genuine and enthusiastic. Ask them about themselves, listen to what they say. Easy huh? It's not too scary.
Resources for Step 3:
Highly Effective Networking: Meet the Right People, Get a Great Job
Girl About Town talks about Networking with Local Entrepreneur Sean Patrick

Step 4

You're meeting a lot of people, you're telling your story a lot. Your resume is probably flying from desk to desk of key people and decision makers in organizations. (Trust me, it probably it) You've got a lot of people on your team now, but you're still the driving force. It's not out of your hands, so keep things moving. Make a spreadsheet to track who you talked to and schedule follow ups. Ways to do this is outlined in the Highly Effective Job Search book.
Resources for Step 4:
Progress measurement chart

Step 5

Put your nose to the grindstone and get 'er done. But be good to yourself! If you are searching full time, you can put in about 4-5 hours of really good work per day. Then you've got to step away from the computer, put down your cell phone, and go have a life. Find other people who are searching to help motivate you. Find an accountability buddy. If it's a slow week and you feel like you're not making progress, look at your tracking sheet and you can visibly see what you've done.


Before long you'll score not only a job, but a great job for you. One that pays well and has you on track for the career you want. This will be you:

What's next in social media marketing + tech? It's all about augmented reality!

I took the Strength's Finder 2.0 a while back and was not surprised to discover one of my strongest traits (#2 right after Input) is Futurist. I was delighted to read this because it means my manic fascination with discussing and talking about the future and what could and will be is not actually strange! The fact that I can't help but think 10 steps ahead on any process or project I am working on, is apparently a strength too, although I beg to differ on that one.

Below is a delightful little futurist nugget I happened across on SlideShare. If you're like me and like to eat this stuff for breakfast, you'll love this one because it illustrates what the social media driven world will look like post 2012. Get ready for apps galore, and if you don't have a smartphone yet. You might want to jump on that bandwagon now folks.

Social Media 2012 Master

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