Surrounded by family and friends in a convivial setting, my euphoric emotions were bubbling over. When it was pointed out that I seemed less like my sardonic cantankerous self, but rather at ease in a complete state of happiness, I knew any attempt to squabble such would be dismissed. Instead, I beamed my Cheshire smile and embraced the moment.
However, that was short lived. When I was asked “if they made me happy,” pointing to all at the affair, I answered with a resounding, “Absolutely not!” Silence, pain filled stares and gasps were piercing my direction for what was clearly perceived as an act of draconian nature.
I needed to explain quickly or be prepared to pick up the check for the evening’s festivities. As it turned out, both were in order. There is no one that dictates my emotions; I am responsible for all of them. That’s right, no one makes me happy or conversely sad; I am in charge of energizing each and every one.
Even if you are surrounded by numerous acts of happy occasions and people doing kind and wonderful things, this is not an instant recipe for happiness. A person first must be happy with themselves and willing to accept control of personal emotions in order move effortlessly through life’s topography.
You are in charge of your own feelings AND you are not in control of others. It is not your responsibility to make someone feel something and in truth, no one should have such power. Ever provide numerous acts of kindness only to feel your efforts were left unappreciated, or worse, not situational altering? Those are instances where you held the belief you could control the emotional universe.
Far too many are looking at others to inject a transfer of inspirational happiness in order to make it through life. There are whole industries built on this foundation. However, what is largely ignored is the necessity of self-actualization and personal emotional control. Friends, family, lovers, co-workers, bosses and even the baristas at Starbucks that know your order before you utter it, are not in control of your happiness. Be YOU and acknowledge absolute supremacy of YOU.
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Love bites!
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” - Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)
Romeo is known for his impressive connection to the emotion of love. His soliloquies to Juliet were bountiful, filled with engaging similes in an effort to ensure she recognized the depths of his passion. While Mrs. Browning offered numerous descriptive examples of how her love continued to swell.
Could it be, they were NOT romantics at all, but rather, were simply forced to extend themselves beyond human capacity?
To me, Romeo and Mrs. Browning were just as confused as most of us … early examples of the daunting challenge of defining something abstract.
In the businesses of marketing, a heavy emphasis of late is being placed on measuring all output. Corporation’s budgets are shrinking and scrutinized each penny intensely, and data is often the best defense for spending.
Even über CEO Jack Welch once uttered the famous quote, "I know half my advertising and public relations is crucial and working, I just don't know which half."
2007 and 2008 were the watershed years of the Ad industry. Consumerism was rampant, and so businesses were spending money to drive consumers to their stores and brands. Awareness was king.
Then we hit the skids with the financial meltdown, and the new "normal" is the economy we currently have. Marketer's now strive for tangible results and ROI, having to move towards performance media where there's a direct result and you can say, "we drove people to the store or to an e-commerce site.” Market share is now king.
What do you do when the communication vertical still doesn't have proper analytical tools? Or worse, focus is on the wrong determination?
Last week, we sat with a company that unanimously agreed on incorporating public relations into the mix. The hard to quantify measurable is important for their growth strategy, however, they simply couldn't determine at what degree the importance of “awareness” was. As such, we laid out a plan to tie our output to indicators essential to their business plans.
This simple strategy eliminated the nebulous interpreting of success. We made a "love connection."
So, in business or relationships, no matter if you "love" but are not "in love" or you "like" but don't really "like-like" or, if as Mrs. Browning suggests you will love deeper in death, I say it all works. As long as you and your recipient know what you really feel and agree on the key performance indicators.
Or, maybe Mrs. Browning realized it will take many lifetimes to fix this ...
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
Romeo is known for his impressive connection to the emotion of love. His soliloquies to Juliet were bountiful, filled with engaging similes in an effort to ensure she recognized the depths of his passion. While Mrs. Browning offered numerous descriptive examples of how her love continued to swell.
Could it be, they were NOT romantics at all, but rather, were simply forced to extend themselves beyond human capacity?
To me, Romeo and Mrs. Browning were just as confused as most of us … early examples of the daunting challenge of defining something abstract.
In the businesses of marketing, a heavy emphasis of late is being placed on measuring all output. Corporation’s budgets are shrinking and scrutinized each penny intensely, and data is often the best defense for spending.
Even über CEO Jack Welch once uttered the famous quote, "I know half my advertising and public relations is crucial and working, I just don't know which half."
2007 and 2008 were the watershed years of the Ad industry. Consumerism was rampant, and so businesses were spending money to drive consumers to their stores and brands. Awareness was king.
Then we hit the skids with the financial meltdown, and the new "normal" is the economy we currently have. Marketer's now strive for tangible results and ROI, having to move towards performance media where there's a direct result and you can say, "we drove people to the store or to an e-commerce site.” Market share is now king.
What do you do when the communication vertical still doesn't have proper analytical tools? Or worse, focus is on the wrong determination?
Last week, we sat with a company that unanimously agreed on incorporating public relations into the mix. The hard to quantify measurable is important for their growth strategy, however, they simply couldn't determine at what degree the importance of “awareness” was. As such, we laid out a plan to tie our output to indicators essential to their business plans.
This simple strategy eliminated the nebulous interpreting of success. We made a "love connection."
So, in business or relationships, no matter if you "love" but are not "in love" or you "like" but don't really "like-like" or, if as Mrs. Browning suggests you will love deeper in death, I say it all works. As long as you and your recipient know what you really feel and agree on the key performance indicators.
Or, maybe Mrs. Browning realized it will take many lifetimes to fix this ...
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
Monday, February 28, 2011
Mine all mine ...
Once again I continue my quest to educate and entertain the masses. In the deployment of my weekly written tactics, outside of the usual suspects of stodgy academic vernacular and somniferous lecture, my sole quest is to connect. To connect in such a visceral way that with each offering you will be left knowing a deep sense of me (for better of worse).
Seeing life though others perspectives is a challenge for many, however, to fully connect with another person you must give in equal proportion to your desired reception.
Too many leaders in businesses and families do not exude the maturity to see things from someone else's point of view. Rarely is there an instance when they concern themselves with what's best for others.
As many can relate, part of the parenting process is to help children recognize that they are not the center of the universe, as taking others into consideration is key for life’s advancement. Unfortunately, there is usually no one in business to alert the leaders when they have lost perspective.
Far too often we operate in a child-like manner. Sure, the message below may be an exaggerated view point to your business and life ecosystem, but I also bet you will be able to find similar applications of examples surrounding you daily.
The except focused on “Property law as viewed by a toddler" is from Michael V Hernandez’s book titled, Restating Implied, Prescriptive and Statutory Easements (2005).
1. If I like it, it's mine
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine
7.If it looks like it's mine, it's mine
8. If I saw it first, it's mine
9. If I can see it, it's mine
10. If I think it's mine, it's mine
11. If I want it, it's mine
12. If I need it, it's mine (yes, I know the difference between "want" and "need")
13. If I say it's mine, it's mine
14. If you don't stop me from playing with it, it's mine
15. If you tell me I can play with it, it's mine
16. If it will upset me too much when you take it away from me, it's mine
17. If I (think I) can play with it better than you can, it's mine
18. If I play with it long enough, it's mine
19. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it's mine
20. If it's broken, it's yours! (No, wait, all the pieces are still mine)
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
Seeing life though others perspectives is a challenge for many, however, to fully connect with another person you must give in equal proportion to your desired reception.
Too many leaders in businesses and families do not exude the maturity to see things from someone else's point of view. Rarely is there an instance when they concern themselves with what's best for others.
As many can relate, part of the parenting process is to help children recognize that they are not the center of the universe, as taking others into consideration is key for life’s advancement. Unfortunately, there is usually no one in business to alert the leaders when they have lost perspective.
Far too often we operate in a child-like manner. Sure, the message below may be an exaggerated view point to your business and life ecosystem, but I also bet you will be able to find similar applications of examples surrounding you daily.
The except focused on “Property law as viewed by a toddler" is from Michael V Hernandez’s book titled, Restating Implied, Prescriptive and Statutory Easements (2005).
1. If I like it, it's mine
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine
7.If it looks like it's mine, it's mine
8. If I saw it first, it's mine
9. If I can see it, it's mine
10. If I think it's mine, it's mine
11. If I want it, it's mine
12. If I need it, it's mine (yes, I know the difference between "want" and "need")
13. If I say it's mine, it's mine
14. If you don't stop me from playing with it, it's mine
15. If you tell me I can play with it, it's mine
16. If it will upset me too much when you take it away from me, it's mine
17. If I (think I) can play with it better than you can, it's mine
18. If I play with it long enough, it's mine
19. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it's mine
20. If it's broken, it's yours! (No, wait, all the pieces are still mine)
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Dating is such sweet sorrow ...
"Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match ... "
Over the past couple of months I have spent a great deal of time in the tribal ritual of dating. I have shared risotto with a redhead, reconnected with an ex, coffee with a Cuban, laughter with lefty, a tall drink of water with a "tall drink of water," dinner with a dozen and lunch with a bunch.
From this, I have learned firsthand that first dates are really awkward. Filled with superfluous topics rifled out in a staccato manner in an inane attempt to impress the companion, these meetings can be brutal ... AND, that my friend is just analyzing me. The only saving grace is that it has become painfully obvious the same infliction is enveloping my guest as well.
In truth, I haven't been dating, but rather interviewing numerous individuals to join our company. In addition, I have come out from under my self-imposed exile and am having meetings with any and all who "need" to be met and meet me.
In marketing, focusing on the brand is crucial. Understanding its core value, what it stands for, and its unabashed authenticity, are not some “feel good” phases from a self-help pamphlet but the essence of the company. Many companies have no idea how to engage others or confuse their brand with a logo or catchy slogan.
Unfortunately, I can say the same is true for some people. Meetings are not schmoozing and an interview should not be spent in a didactic diatribe about why you're the one and only. Your past is not always indicative of your future, but your present speaks volumes. (Man, I can write fortune cookies.)
People, like companies, are brands. Knowing who you are and sticking to it no matter the environment is crucial. Remember to be authentic and empathic. Be engaging, but also remember to engage. Don't worry about saying it all, just ensure what you say has it all.
For now, I'm just a SWCEO continuing to seek my soul mate ...
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
Over the past couple of months I have spent a great deal of time in the tribal ritual of dating. I have shared risotto with a redhead, reconnected with an ex, coffee with a Cuban, laughter with lefty, a tall drink of water with a "tall drink of water," dinner with a dozen and lunch with a bunch.
From this, I have learned firsthand that first dates are really awkward. Filled with superfluous topics rifled out in a staccato manner in an inane attempt to impress the companion, these meetings can be brutal ... AND, that my friend is just analyzing me. The only saving grace is that it has become painfully obvious the same infliction is enveloping my guest as well.
In truth, I haven't been dating, but rather interviewing numerous individuals to join our company. In addition, I have come out from under my self-imposed exile and am having meetings with any and all who "need" to be met and meet me.
In marketing, focusing on the brand is crucial. Understanding its core value, what it stands for, and its unabashed authenticity, are not some “feel good” phases from a self-help pamphlet but the essence of the company. Many companies have no idea how to engage others or confuse their brand with a logo or catchy slogan.
Unfortunately, I can say the same is true for some people. Meetings are not schmoozing and an interview should not be spent in a didactic diatribe about why you're the one and only. Your past is not always indicative of your future, but your present speaks volumes. (Man, I can write fortune cookies.)
People, like companies, are brands. Knowing who you are and sticking to it no matter the environment is crucial. Remember to be authentic and empathic. Be engaging, but also remember to engage. Don't worry about saying it all, just ensure what you say has it all.
For now, I'm just a SWCEO continuing to seek my soul mate ...
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
Monday, February 14, 2011
Don't Blow It
I hate whistlers.
If you are a whistler, I hate you.
All that mirth and nonchalant attitude, set to a poor attempt at a melodic tone makes me sick.
To the high whistler, which sounds more like a respiratory issue than tune, I say no more. To the extra loud whistler, who believes indoor settings suit their pathetic talent best, I demand silence. To the morons who have convinced themselves they are actually masters of instrument, I say get a life ... your "skill set" isn't even offered in band camp. Stop this assault on the ear drums of America.
I hate things that can even be confused for this pandemic putrid of pierced punim. Take "Whistler's Mother," hate it!
There are societies and appreciation groups for whistlers on Facebook. Why do we provide credence? I would view Mark Zuckerberg as the greatest leader of our time if his sole accomplishment moving forward is shutting this farce down.
I was in a meeting recently with a CEO of company you all know who was looking to employ my services. (Usually that would give him a leg up.) Turns out he starts his weekly meetings with a whistle in unison of their company theme song with the rest of the lemming-like C-Suites.
Needless to say I pucker for no one. My Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah was not on display this afternoon, but my loud sarcastic laughter was. OK, there are more important things than money ... just can't think of any right now.
So to recap, to all whistlers, stop. No one thinks your talented or interesting.
Do something impressive with your life. How about yodeling?
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
If you are a whistler, I hate you.
All that mirth and nonchalant attitude, set to a poor attempt at a melodic tone makes me sick.
To the high whistler, which sounds more like a respiratory issue than tune, I say no more. To the extra loud whistler, who believes indoor settings suit their pathetic talent best, I demand silence. To the morons who have convinced themselves they are actually masters of instrument, I say get a life ... your "skill set" isn't even offered in band camp. Stop this assault on the ear drums of America.
I hate things that can even be confused for this pandemic putrid of pierced punim. Take "Whistler's Mother," hate it!
There are societies and appreciation groups for whistlers on Facebook. Why do we provide credence? I would view Mark Zuckerberg as the greatest leader of our time if his sole accomplishment moving forward is shutting this farce down.
I was in a meeting recently with a CEO of company you all know who was looking to employ my services. (Usually that would give him a leg up.) Turns out he starts his weekly meetings with a whistle in unison of their company theme song with the rest of the lemming-like C-Suites.
Needless to say I pucker for no one. My Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah was not on display this afternoon, but my loud sarcastic laughter was. OK, there are more important things than money ... just can't think of any right now.
So to recap, to all whistlers, stop. No one thinks your talented or interesting.
Do something impressive with your life. How about yodeling?
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
Monday, February 7, 2011
Tweet this ... not that
The channels of communication have changed. Information once scarce or hoarded by few, is now ubiquitous. The lines of who or where to turn for communication leadership has also blurred. We now live in a world were a Brian Solis can have as much influence as Brian Williams and Tavi Gevinson can replace Anna Wintour as the fashion forward voice of a generation.
For me and our company, the advantages and equal challenges from these new media outlets are plenty and I embrace both sides with great reverence.
However, this past week I was fascinated by the use of Twitter and its usage for malice as well as social change. During a recent NFL playoff game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler left the game with an apparent knee injury and allowed his backup(s) to take over. Cutler remained on the sideline, most of it standing and often appearing ambivalent to his surroundings. While the game was still taking place, current and former players (some now members of the media) Tweeted that Cutler was a quitter, had no heart, should have continued to play, and how they would punched him in the mouth if he was on their team. Turns out, he did try to return to the game on two different occasions, had two pain killing shots injected to his knee and was not the one who made the determination to not continue but the doctors.
Twitter at times is the equivalent to drunk dialing. Just because the thought or urge abounds does not mean it’s prudent to act. Having these tools so readily available has a detrimental side. Trust me, I have littered the relationship highway on that one.
Conversely, I only have to look to recent events in Egypt to know social networks will bring social change. It was Twitter that created mass unison, allowed for voices to be heard immediately, and flow seamless across all geographic and social economic lines. The power is truly with the people. Even though the Egyptian government shut down all lines of communication, the sentiment and strength remained.
Remember, there may be only 140 characters to push out your message, but what you say can be all the difference in the world.
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
For me and our company, the advantages and equal challenges from these new media outlets are plenty and I embrace both sides with great reverence.
However, this past week I was fascinated by the use of Twitter and its usage for malice as well as social change. During a recent NFL playoff game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler left the game with an apparent knee injury and allowed his backup(s) to take over. Cutler remained on the sideline, most of it standing and often appearing ambivalent to his surroundings. While the game was still taking place, current and former players (some now members of the media) Tweeted that Cutler was a quitter, had no heart, should have continued to play, and how they would punched him in the mouth if he was on their team. Turns out, he did try to return to the game on two different occasions, had two pain killing shots injected to his knee and was not the one who made the determination to not continue but the doctors.
Twitter at times is the equivalent to drunk dialing. Just because the thought or urge abounds does not mean it’s prudent to act. Having these tools so readily available has a detrimental side. Trust me, I have littered the relationship highway on that one.
Conversely, I only have to look to recent events in Egypt to know social networks will bring social change. It was Twitter that created mass unison, allowed for voices to be heard immediately, and flow seamless across all geographic and social economic lines. The power is truly with the people. Even though the Egyptian government shut down all lines of communication, the sentiment and strength remained.
Remember, there may be only 140 characters to push out your message, but what you say can be all the difference in the world.
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
e: Greg@STIR-Communications.com
Monday, January 31, 2011
It's baaaaaack
I am sorry I have not written my weekly blog this year. So many have been contacting me with pleads to return. Some wondered aloud if all the notoriety had gone to my head. If the constant glare of the public made me feel personal pressures, to enormous live up to. If the new celebrity hype changed me.
Diddy and I laughed at that last one.
I have been bombarded by minions with simple requests, cries of passion, monetary bribes and some interesting offers that would fall under sexual turpitude. (OK, those were the ones that got me back... )
So, starting next week I will break free from the Kardashian spell and return to my proper place on the intellectual food chain; dispensing wit and wisdom that will be life altering. Or, at least make your Monday a bit brighter and isn't that really why I'm here?
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications.com
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
Diddy and I laughed at that last one.
I have been bombarded by minions with simple requests, cries of passion, monetary bribes and some interesting offers that would fall under sexual turpitude. (OK, those were the ones that got me back... )
So, starting next week I will break free from the Kardashian spell and return to my proper place on the intellectual food chain; dispensing wit and wisdom that will be life altering. Or, at least make your Monday a bit brighter and isn't that really why I'm here?
Greg
Gregory Salsburg
CEO/The Big STIR
STIR-Communications.com
Miami | New York | London
c: (561) 386-8064
o: (305) 407-1723
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