The Green Campaign Part I June 5, 2008

So, before I got into this I want to give you a little background. I am not a green person — I drive a small non-hybrid suv, I leave the windows and doors open with the air on for cross circulation of cool air, and do the same in my car, my recycling is mediocre — if there’s no bin I’m not bringing it home, if I had a pool/lawn I’m sure I would fill it up/water it with every chance. Styrofoam cups don’t make me cringe either. Do you believe it?

I am just being real. Not going to hide behind anything. I had previously posted what is our part as Generation Y in the evolution of going green. I talked about the zap car back in September. I thought then because I was in the process of buying a new car and thought why not try to go green, but again just washed it aside and but the damn Escape anyways.

Now I am here on a one-woman quest to run a green campaign. It was will be small in looking but a large feat for me. My goal is to incorporate something in the green measure into my daily lifestyle, as long as possible.

Here is where I started. BAGS. Yes, sounds dumb, but how many times do you buy two drinks as the convenient store and are given a bag automatically, that you probably throw in the trash when you get home, or into a draw with a bunch of other bags that never all get used. Anyways — this has been my first task.

I have been on it now for about three weeks. (BTW, I am not ashamed giving props to companies that I may be using in my campaign) My bags that I have been using are 1. The ChicoBag ( I got this from an old boss) 2. Trader Joe’s Bag ( I bought this there one day) 3. Brown paper bags.

Both the Trader Joe’s Bag and The Chico Bag are roomy — I use them when buying small items and the Chico bag can fit in my pocket or purse, so it’s good for storage, trader joe’s not as great. I used the brown bags when I went shopping for food and bought a lot.

I am thinking to buy more ChicoBags and keep them in the car for trips such as these. More to come with my next journey — Cutting time off in the car.

-Celeste Johnson, Expresso PR

Marketing Tactics Getting Sneaky April 9, 2008

So everyone gets those emails from saying you won the UK lottery that might look something like this:

What about the marketing phone calls — from Timeshare companies or people looking to give you a survey? Well none of these can possibly add up to what I went through just the other day. I got a very suspiscious phone call that went like this:

Me: Hello

Caller: Is this Frank ___ (can’t remember last name but irrelevant)

Me: No you have the wrong number

Caller: OH I hate when people enter other people’s names into contests, because Frank put your number in as the contact number and this number won a possible prize of $5,000

Me: oh really (sarcastically) not interested.

Caller: You can’t say that there’s nothing to loose when you have a chance to win 5,000, 1,000, 500 a new Apple Touch Ipod or a 3-day vacation.

Me: Wait a second 3-day vacation? Are you a timeshare company?

Caller: No No No never — we are a company looking to get you interested in our services and decided to offer you an incentive to visit us with no obligation to buy. So you can walk away slate free.

Me: OK I’m listening.

Caller: Just come down to our offices in Gilber, Arizona and sit through a presentation for 90 min. about the company and go on your marry way.

Me: Do I need anything?

Caller: A license and creditcard or check

Me: well — if I don’t have to buy anything what do I need that for?

Caller: We want to make sure if you ever did want to make traveling that you had the potential to back it.

Me: OK — send me the info (conversation continues, supervisor has to make sure the appointment is set, I go on questioning and such)

Later that day–I went to check up on the company (Star Vacation Club) to see how legit they were. After looking for about 5 minutes I soon realized I walked myself into a potential scam. They had been sited for their lack of business standards and much more. No prizes get awarded, they take your credit info. It was a huge scam. They have no website with valid info, you can’t even call them back if you wanted to.

However I  redialed the number that called in to set them straight luckily I remembered the rep, it didn’t really matter she picked up the phone.

In any case be weary of companies that come off such as these.

Here are just some of the negative responses I found on Star Vacation Club one:

http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/star-vacation-club-c1945.html

http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/star-vacation-club-c9899.html

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/252/RipOff0252249.htm

Star Vacation Club — Shame on you.

Good Intentions January 21, 2008

Steven Gonzales 1/21/2008 

There is a saying that I have heard a few times over the last month, and have found it very interesting everytime someone says it: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. The reason I find it so interesting is that sadly enough many people in this world fall victim to not fully reaching their desired goal. You have seen it, everyday people say they are going to ‘loose weight’, ‘find a new job’, ‘fix a broken relationship’, etc, and the list goes on. New Years Resolutions, they are set by millions of people as good intentions, but ironically never materialize. It is very sad, but very true. Ironically people who make these claims rarely act to resolve the issue they are so passionate about. Why is this?

It is said that the first step to solving a problem is admiting one exisits. The transitioning point of defining the problem and taking action to solving it is where the trouble lies for most people. Is it because we lack motivation? Maybe because we see other people not follow through with their promises, so we follow their lead. If we are serious about becoming better people in life, why is it so hard for us to make the neccessary changes to correct ourselves?

What keeps you on focus towards reaching your goals? Keeping life in perspective and creating a solid outline of my objectives are what keeps me focused. I once read that overall brain function and health are increased in individuals who mentor others. Please feel free to share some of your strengths with others. Establish yourself as the ‘go-to’ person and you will see a major positive impact in your personal development. This is also a good skill to keep your goals on track.

Take a moment to share your strengths by adding a comment to this message. What keeps you on track? Do you set New Year’s Resolutions? If you do not carry them out, what causes you to stop? Use this time to reflect regarding the type of person you are and where you want to end up. 2008 is still a brand new year and you have time to prepare yourself for it.

Bringing it Back to Life — Mike Relm Opens for Blue Man Group January 14, 2008

Quick synopsis of the Blue Man Group:

Wow. Last night was amazing. Blue Man Group graced us with its presence at the US Airways Center in Downtown Phoenix. With the show, I didn’t even know what to expect, I didn’t read up on it and had only seen commercials prior to seeing the show. I was just blown away by the entire time. From the well-played acting and incredible music that engulfed every inch of the Center to the opening act.

The Blue Man Group opening act my friends was incredible. Think what DJ Supreme had in mind for the turntable revolution and times it by 10. Mr. Mike Relm was intense and casual, turning on songs like the Charlie Brown theme and Pee-wees playhouse. Who does that? Amazing. Would definitely go to see him when he’s on his own out there, because he will be and I think he may have already been.

McDonalds Premium coffee? Is this your cup of tea? January 9, 2008

Steven Gonzales 01/09/2008

 

When we talk about going out for coffee thoughts of an elegant shop filled with business professionals and trendy hipsters comes to the mind of many Americans. Independent shops, Starbucks and the like have helped many people develop this image. Lets face it, coffee is not just a drink, it is a fashion statement. Or is it?

 

 

An article in the January 7th Wall Street Journal shed more light on McDonald’s overall strategy with the revamped coffee, which it started selling in third quarter 2007. McDonald’s instead of Starbucks could become the way of the future some say. The stock of the two companies have moved in opposite directions over the last few months (McDonalds increases, while Starbucks continues to drop).

The two shops have started to encroach on each others turf; Starbucks by offering sandwiches and McDonalds with its new blend of coffee. Is it really just about the coffee anymore? Is it more of the experience that draws us out for this beverage; does it matter where we purchase it?

Can McDonald’s replace Starbucks?  

Please read the above links and voice your opinion (by adding a comment) on this topic.

An Open letter to the Perez Hilton Websites of the World January 3, 2008

Why is it that no matter how far you get in life, there is still this attraction to wanting to know what is up in the lives of our favorite celebrities, or even ones we hate and hate to love. I have ultimately found myself reading the Perez Hilton websites of the world, that are flooded with the days trash on what celebrities are getting themselves into.

If I wrote about celebrities all day like Perez, my server would blow up and we would have tons of people up in this space. I think it doesn’t matter what age you are there will always be a pull in wanting a view into celebrity life, at least now it’s halfway acceptable. But when I become President of Microsoft, maybe it might be different.

Networking: Power 2 the People December 31, 2007

Steven Gonzales 12/31/2007 

 

I was driving down my favorite back road (rather fast) this evening when it hit me like a pass in the back of the end zone; “It’s the People STUPID!” All of you Clinton fans out there will recall that Bill utilized a similar mantra during his push for the White House. The current economic condition might play a vital role in your march to ‘the top’, but it is ultimately the people who are going to determine your true success in life. 

Life is all about networking. Everything you want in life revolves around the people you associate yourself with and the opportunity they can provide you. With this fact in mind, you must run your life like a candidate running for office, which in fact is not a far stretch from the truth. Think of all the success you have enjoyed up until this point in your life; who were all the people that helped you reach it? How did you meet these powerful people? What roles did they play? 

Congratulations, you have now realized a very important fact- You are not a one man team. Someone believed in your message enough to cast a “vote” in your favor. These people empowered your goals because they believed in you! With this realization in mind, you can see the power others have in the attainment of your dreams. Take a minute and reflect on this important point.

You must network like a presidential candidate. You are the representative of your very own personal political party. This party is the PR campaign of your personal and/or business goals. Success will be scored by the people’s approval rating of your message, values and ability to lead. This is war, plan accordingly. Develop your marketing plan, practice your message and dress for success. As you continue to schedule networking events make sure they truly represent your campaign stance. Make sure you know the important issues on the table. Know how to address your audience. Remember, don’t forget to take a picture holding a baby and shake as many hands as possible. 

Network to build contacts who support your message and are willing to represent you. Once you make it into office (meeting your objective) you must still rely on your supporters to gauge the effectiveness of your message delivery. Remember, the extremely popular Bill Clinton considered many of this actions while in Presidential office by analyzing public opinion polls. To become successful you must do the same, train yourself to develop your own opinion polls and let them guide your actions. 

No one makes it to the top alone, no one has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro by themselves. It takes a team and a well executed plan to make the top. You are not alone with planning. Young Professionals Connection (YPC) will be holding a powerful opportunity to strengthen your current and future financial strategy on January 17th. I suggest you attend because a successful campaign must know how to manage its finances effectively. 

Develop your 2008 objectives with these ideas in mind, your New Years Resolutions must give the people strong reason to vote for you. Remember: It is the People, and they are not STUPID!

 

May the Best Candidate win!

Addicted at the Wheel with Nintendo Thumbs to Prove it December 28, 2007

Yes, I do have a downfall, a few more but I’ll save those for later, it’s the “texting while driving” syndrome. You do it too, I know it.

You don’t need to carry on a whole conversation with someone, hi how are you, how was your weekend — The only information I want out of you is who your hair dresser is or where the nearest borders is…The problem with that is–is the fact I think of those things while driving.

I don’t think people understand that people literally will not pick up the phone for a conversation, but will immediately answer a text. Case and point one: yesterday I was supposed to drive up to Northern Phoenix (the I-17 & Carefree highway to those Phoenicians who read) and I called her to tell her I would be late because I was sitting in traffic — well she didn’t answer. Instead of leaving a message I said ok I will get my text on. I let her know via text, and she immediately answered me.

How do I communicate with people without text. Driving is contact time for me. Texting and calling. There are a fee problems with texting and driving. 1. It’s dangerous and can call an accident and 2. It just recently became illegal to do it in Phoenix. ie: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/1025texting1025.html

I am just at a loss for words. So apparently we are the first city to do this. I wonder if others have followed. I have tried to cut down a bit, but it’s hard. The repercussions for some reason aren’t the influence of my slowing down. I think it’s my in my old age that’s gettin’ just too hard to do two things at once. No just kidding. I am realizing I am picking up wisdom and how dangerous it is. I think others should back down on the incessant addiction. Either your finger printers will wear down or you could be looking at a fender bender.

-Celeste

Stay on Track Jack December 6, 2007

Steven Gonzales — 12/06/2007

 

The holiday season is a very tough time to stay in shape. No matter if you are training  to compete in next month’s marathon or are just trying to maintain a healthy life style overall; our ability to stick with our normal eating habits is put to the test. One could argue that they sacrificed all year to enjoy themselves during the holidays, and that is truly fine, but we must realize that our eating habits could help us determine the type of people we truly are inside. It is not so much ‘we are what we eat’, but that ‘our objectives are determined by how we eat’. 

 

You will be enticed with a large selection of great food this season; you can give in to the temptation of over indulgence or you can resist the urge. I believe that when we are put to the test our true strengths and weaknesses emerge; if we really are focused at achieving a goal we will stay committed to it even in testing times. Our eating is only a metaphor for the determination we have toward reaching our goals in life. We could have a solid track record of doing what it takes to reach our dreams, but all it takes is being side tracked for an instant to be tossed off course. Sometimes we give into an overindulgence and we deal with the consequences of our actions later, but think about what that does to our progress towards the goal. If your goal is to be physically fit, would you exercise until you are almost in the shape you want to be in, then stop working out for a while and start eating junk food? Only to start working out again ‘next month’ to get back in shape? If you are truly committed, you would give it 100% no matter what obstacles are put in the way. Being focused is the key, use temptation to strengthen your desire for wanting your intended outcome. You must apply this thinking in your everyday life, your success will be determined by your commitment towards your goals. 

 

With out a question, being tested is a good way of measuring progress. Many young professionals are faced with obstacles and temptations in the quest of reaching our aspirations. Our handling of these challenges determines the achievement of those objectives. When you are thinking about that second serving of cheese cake this holiday, ask yourself the following question ‘if my goal was to stay in shape, would I eat another serving of cheese cake’? Then think about your personal goals in life and ask yourself something like “’If my goal was to get an MBA degree, would I stay out and party every night?’ This is how we must manage our goal achievement; by keeping ourselves on the right path at every challenge we will stay focused on reaching our long term objectives. Its just some food for thought to enjoy during your holiday activities.

The true Gift of the Holiday Season December 4, 2007

^{Steven Gonzales  11/28/2007}

The holidays are once again upon us. After Thanksgiving our lives seem to be thrown for a loop. This season could cause a slowdown to your business, or maybe your revenues could increase dramatically. It is an interesting time of year. No matter your situation, there is no doubt increased opportunity for all of us this time of year. What do I mean? Think of all of the social gatherings you will be attending, with all of the new people you will be meeting. Consider all of the local events, the chance to reconnect with others via Christmas cards and the opportunity to show others how much you care. The Holiday season is a great time to network, with the goal of increasing your ‘sphere of influence’. Most people are in a social attitude, you must be as well. Use this wonderful time of the year to your advantage and you will see a payoff in the months or even years ahead. Start developing a plan for action now; target key people and events with the goal of maximizing your opportunity. Do not let this special time of year slip by without making a new contact. Be proactive or you might end up with a lump of coal in your networking.

If you have been stressed out lately, this is also an excellent time to hit the “reset” button and re-analyze yourself, your goals and even your business. Spend time with family members, attend local events and strengthen your message. Now is a perfect time to make sure you will start 2008 off running. Take some time to write down the goals you set for yourself last year. How successful were you at meeting them? What do you know now that will help you better achieve them? What are some of the new directions you would like to explore? These are some key questions you need to ask yourself right now. Don’t worry if you are not where you want to be, admitting your situation is a huge hurdle at self correction. How did you do at managing your finances this past year? I know your life is busy during the holidays, but ask yourself there questions now. You will love yourself later for it! If you are like most people, you might need a little push in the right direction to make sure you are on track. On January 17^{th YPC will be holding a free Financial Education seminar specifically geared for us, Generation Y. Why you ask? We have time on our side and our entire lives ahead of us, is a good answer. I have learned that one must manage their life as a business to meet goals. Businesses have finance departments, you should as well. Like any good company, you must know how to balance cash flow and income generation. Use now until the day of the event (Jan. 17th) to truly analyze your ‘financials’, we will use that as a starting point to increasing your preparedness for the future. Make sure you sign up and attend this event. Check the YPC website for details.Remember this holiday season; take full advantage of your situation to meet new people and prepare for the New Year. Your future begins today; it is not time to increase your opportunity. Happy Holidays!}