Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The Younger Generation Is Stirring Things Up
Lots of news of late around the "Occupy Wall Street Protest Movement". This has now spread around the world, created on social media. Most members are either Generation Y or Generation X - they have learned how to spread the word of their causes in a very efficient matter with little or no effort. This whole process is going to be interesting to watch as it evolves and extends into other areas of our life, whatever that is. Status Quo (the way things were) is no longer the norm,
Another generation driven focus is in the social aspects of sports, in games we played as children. Kick ball, dodge ball, bowling etc. Teams are formed (guys and gals) and afterwards they hang out at a bar who sponsors them.
It's all about change, being open to change, embracing change and enjoying new ways of looking at things; getting better at understanding why these new generations create a totally different way of dealing with challenges they don't agree with and creating new forms of entertainment.
Another generation driven focus is in the social aspects of sports, in games we played as children. Kick ball, dodge ball, bowling etc. Teams are formed (guys and gals) and afterwards they hang out at a bar who sponsors them.
It's all about change, being open to change, embracing change and enjoying new ways of looking at things; getting better at understanding why these new generations create a totally different way of dealing with challenges they don't agree with and creating new forms of entertainment.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
What You Can Do To Minimize Identity Theft
I read in the Sun Sentinel today about the prevalence of identity theft in Florida (not really a surprise as we are the gateway to America for many different cultures). Here are a few tips to practice in protecting yourself (supplied by the Sun Sentinel). I think you need to protect yourself regardless of where you live. Our identity is very personal and sacred:
1. Don' carry your social security card or write your SSN on a check. Give it out ONLY if absolutely necessary or ask to use another form of ID.
2. Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the internet unless you know who you are dealing with. Most secure internet sites have "https" vs. "http" - watch for this.
3. Never click on links in unsolicited e-mails and use firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect both your home computer and your smart phone.
4. Avoid using obvious passwords like your birth day, mother's maiden name or the last four digits of your SSN.
5. Look for suspicious activity such as bills that do not arrive as expected; statements for unfamiliar credit cards or accounts, and calls or letters about purchases you did not make.
6. Review your credit report for unusual activity or errors. You're entitled to a free copy every 12-months. To order one, go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228.
IF you are a victim of identity theft:
1. Place a "fraud alert" on your credit report through one of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies - Experian 888-397-3742; Transunion - 800-680-7289; or Equifax 800-525-6285.
2. Contact the security or fraud departments of each company where a fraudulent account was opened or charged. Follow up in writing, and ask for verification that the disputed accounts or charges have been resolved.
3. Keep a file on the theft with copies of documents and notes on conversations.
4. File reports with your local police agency and the FTC. at ftc.gov/idtheft or 800-438-4338.
1. Don' carry your social security card or write your SSN on a check. Give it out ONLY if absolutely necessary or ask to use another form of ID.
2. Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the internet unless you know who you are dealing with. Most secure internet sites have "https" vs. "http" - watch for this.
3. Never click on links in unsolicited e-mails and use firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect both your home computer and your smart phone.
4. Avoid using obvious passwords like your birth day, mother's maiden name or the last four digits of your SSN.
5. Look for suspicious activity such as bills that do not arrive as expected; statements for unfamiliar credit cards or accounts, and calls or letters about purchases you did not make.
6. Review your credit report for unusual activity or errors. You're entitled to a free copy every 12-months. To order one, go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228.
IF you are a victim of identity theft:
1. Place a "fraud alert" on your credit report through one of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies - Experian 888-397-3742; Transunion - 800-680-7289; or Equifax 800-525-6285.
2. Contact the security or fraud departments of each company where a fraudulent account was opened or charged. Follow up in writing, and ask for verification that the disputed accounts or charges have been resolved.
3. Keep a file on the theft with copies of documents and notes on conversations.
4. File reports with your local police agency and the FTC. at ftc.gov/idtheft or 800-438-4338.
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Focus Should Include the People
I am currently reading Howard Schultz's book "Onward". One of his friends is Bono, the fabulous entertainer, philanthropist and producer of a Broadway play. Bono was a surprise speaker at Starbucks annual leadership conference held in New Orleans. He said "great companies will be the ones that find a way to have and hold on to their values while chasing their profits, and brand value will converge to create a new business model that unites commerce and compassion. The heart and the wallet....The great companies of this century will be sharp to success and at the same time sensitive to the idea that you can't measure the true success of a company on a spreadsheet." Well said but what does that mean?
For me, it's never just about just business - the hows and whats of what a company is doing that separates good companies from great companies. Great companies include the core values of Caring, Trust, Compassion, Being in the Service of others in their mission statement and strategy. They understand that even though they are in business to make money and be successful, they also are focused on a higher meaning to help and serve others and this message is spread throughout the company as a living and breathing entity.
Not many companies see value in this focus but it only takes one led by a strong leader who wants to make a difference and create a legacy of creating a great company. Richard Branson, Howard Schultz, Herb Kelkner, Bill Gates, the leaders of Google, Tom's Shoes and Tony Hsieh are some, how about you?
For me, it's never just about just business - the hows and whats of what a company is doing that separates good companies from great companies. Great companies include the core values of Caring, Trust, Compassion, Being in the Service of others in their mission statement and strategy. They understand that even though they are in business to make money and be successful, they also are focused on a higher meaning to help and serve others and this message is spread throughout the company as a living and breathing entity.
Not many companies see value in this focus but it only takes one led by a strong leader who wants to make a difference and create a legacy of creating a great company. Richard Branson, Howard Schultz, Herb Kelkner, Bill Gates, the leaders of Google, Tom's Shoes and Tony Hsieh are some, how about you?
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