Dear Chrysler...Stop Thanking Me!

After the news that the Big 3 automakers will receive financial assistance from the federal government (meaning you and me), I was surprised to see Chrysler take out not one but two full page, color newspaper ads. The ads thanked America for its support. This isn't exactly a sign of thriftiness for a company that is teetering on the brink of extinction. Plus with newspaper readership falling, the message isn't seen by as many eyeballs as in the past.

The automaker could have used social media to more cheaply and effectively spread its message. It could have started up a blog detailing how it plans to reposition itself in the auto industry. Daily or weekly updates could do a lot of boost consumer confidence. It could have used YouTube to bring you the personal stories of the workers who have served the company for years. All of this could have been announced in a press release that could have been sent to the media and would have been reported on (free publicity). Chrysler could have even said that in the past we would have bought these expensive newspaper ads but it's a new time and we're using inexpensive ways to thank the American people.

This May Seem Silly, But....

Recently I had a chance to tour the Columbus Museum of Art. I give the facility high marks for a diverse collection, accessible parking, and amusing exhibits for children.

During my visit, I took some snapshots of some exhibits that impressed me. Later I stopped taking pictures when I was told by a docent that there was no photography allowed. As I view visiting a museum to visiting someone's home, I had no problem with following the "house rules."

Later I realized that no where in the museum did I see any signs or receive any instructions regarding photography. In my travels, I've become well accustomed to looking for a sign of a camera with the international "no" symbol. This got me to thinking that often we don't tell someone not to do something until after they've done it.

Let's take things a bit further because sometimes we tell people not to do something without telling them why they shouldn't. You see a sign that says, "Stay off the grass." While this may accomplish its purpose, it creates a bit of an adversarial situation. Suddenly, stepping on the grass is an act of defiance against rules or "the Man." However our attitudes and understanding of a sign will increase if we understand why we are asked to follow the directions. Instead of "Stay off the grass," perhaps we should say, "Stay off the grass so we all can enjoy this beautiful lawn." This way everyone has a share of ownership in the benefit of following the rules.

Rules + understanding = success.

Big vs. Little Changes & Steve's Law

As we near the end of 2008, it's very easy to start thinking of resolutions for the new year. Often these are focused on very big changes we can make in our lives. While this vision on a grand scale can be a very positive thing, the scale of our ambition may be larger than our ability to execute.

Instead you might want to focus on a small change that can make a big difference in your life. It could be something as simple as putting in half a spoon of sugar in your coffee as opposed to a full one. In itself, it's not a big change but over time it will add up.

The same can apply to business. Using both sides of a piece of paper won't save the rain forest but in theory, it should cut your paper use by 50%.

Still not convinced about the power of little things? Watch this video about how two office supplies combined to make a rather large mess for the army.

If you can't see the video, use this link to take you there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETjh7OMJkWs

Slumdog Millionaire: Go See It!

It may be hard to believe but the best holiday film may be about a poor boy in India. The film is Slumdog Millionaire.

I know what you may be thinking: The film has no stars known in the USA and deals with a central character who is appearing on India's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. I know, it may sound like a stretch but the film is incredibly engaging.

Much of it could be right out of Charles Dickens. The device of the game show's questions allows the audience to follow the main character through various episodes of his life. At an early age, he and his brother must fend for themselves in a society that doesn't care about them. Along the way, he meets the love of his life but is soon separated. Despite having little education, the hero is shown to be very clever. We follow his journey from one challenging situation to another.

The direction, photography, and music are all top notch. Trust me, if you see the film, you'll leave feeling moved by the emotional journey you've been on.

An Attitude Lesson from Mulch

Recently, I was in a park and came across a huge pile of mulch. I briefly had a flashback to the family yard work projects of my youth. Then I realized that the mulch can give a great lesson in how we approach a project.

When you see the pile do you see a lot of work or do you focus on the end result of the work? It's a variation of the classic glass have full/empty question. Everyday we have tasks that we have to do that may not be very fun. But if you focus on the outcome, it can make the mundane a bit more enjoyable.

Just Give Me the Cash...

Today I visited an ATM to make a quick withdrawl. Before I could get my card back, I was surprised to see an advertisement on the screen. It was for an additional bank service. I had the option of pressing a button to say whether I wanted to be contacted with more information. I chose to proceed to the "get your card back" option as quickly as possible and ignored the ad.

There' s few problems I see with ATM advertisements:

1. People aren't in a browsing mood. I go to an ATM for fast service. I'm not looking to linger and think about new services and other ways I can spend my money.
2. ATMs aren't the safest places. Why would I want to hang out any longer at one?
3. By adding as step to the ATM process, the bank has slowed down the line. In today's speed obsessed culture, that's not a good thing.
4. While an on screen ad hardly costs anything I doubt it has a high rate of return. And does the bank gain more of a negative association with its customers by sneaking in a commercial?

Think About Ink

Do you put out pens for your customers to use? Do those pens tend to vanish over time? Whether intentionally or not, it's easy for people to use them and then leave with them.

If the pen is branded then you don't mind seeing it walk out the door as it's an advertisement. You could use those pens that are anchored to a desk with a cord. Yes, the pen doesn't go anywhere but the plastic chain seems to suggest that pen stealing is premeditated. If the loss of office supplies gives you angst, then try taking the cap off the pens. Suddenly it's less desirable to take because there's a chance you might get ink on yourself or your clothes if you put in in your pocket.

You're not changing the basic function of the pen but rather one detail that changes its perception. Think about how you can flip this to your advantage. What little thing can you change about your products and services that suddenly makes them more desirable. Keep in mind that from cars to iPods, people will buy a particular model because of its color, rather than what it does. A small change can have a big impact.