The title of this post probably sounds a little strange, but hopefully after a bit of explanation you will understand.
First, I deliberately mispelled my title so that it would be easier to read and pronounce. It is supposed be spelled, "Why-ne and Cheese Management".
The first part is so simple that even a two year old would understand it. If you have ever been around a two year old, you know that their favorite word is "Why". Why is the sky blue? Why are we going to school? Why do I have to wear these pants? (Some two year olds have some clothing issues, but that is a story for another post.)
From a business management perspective, Motivation is tied directly to WHY and if you give a compelling "why", your team will figure out a way to get it done. If you don't give a "Why", (and depend on "just do it because I said so"), you are limiting yourself to a solution that is not necessarily the best it could be. Think about it.... if you give workers the "why", they will use their own experience, dedication and creativity to come up with the solution. They may even ask for your suggestions (and learn from you by combining it with their own ideas), but in almost every case the result will be a better job in a shorter amount of time with improved moral and dedication for the next job.
The second part of the Wine & Cheese management approach is "The Cheese".
You might think that this part would be pulled directly from the popular business book, "Who moved my Cheese", but you would be wrong. The Cheese is about recognition and appreciation.
The Cheese comes in when you snap photographs of people doing things RIGHT. ("Say Cheese"... I'm about to take your picture.) These pictures should then be posted in public places with a brief explanation of why* this person is being honored.
* notice the use of "why" here also.
This educates, encourages and reinforces the key principles and practices that you want in your organization. It is also a great way to use your web site to extend "the face of your company" beyond your own four walls.
So, now, go out and have yourself a Why-ne and Cheese party !
It will make life more fun for you and your whole organization !
Dave Wheeler
Founder, Notewordy.com
Friday, December 23, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Seth Godin Seminar .... January 26th, 2006 !
Seth Godin, one of the world's greatest marketing minds and the author of The Idea Virus, Purple Cow, The Big Moo and a fabulous blog is offering a one day seminar / workshop where you can learn and interact both with him as well as fellow attendees!
(He is also offering a $100 referral fee, so if you sign up please tell him that you heard it from Dave Wheeler's blog, Write On! at www.theshot92.blogspot.com . Thanks.)
Click here to learn more !
Dave
(He is also offering a $100 referral fee, so if you sign up please tell him that you heard it from Dave Wheeler's blog, Write On! at www.theshot92.blogspot.com . Thanks.)
Click here to learn more !
Dave
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Free E-Book ! ! ...
Click below for a free ebook from Scott Ginsberg (the nametag /approachability guy)...
http://hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/2005/12/free-ebook-66-priceless-pieces-of.html
Happy Holidays !
Dave Wheeler
Founder, www.notewordy.com
http://hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/2005/12/free-ebook-66-priceless-pieces-of.html
Happy Holidays !
Dave Wheeler
Founder, www.notewordy.com
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Why Notecards as a business.....????
I was showing my newest notecards to a longtime friend (and a strong supporter of my efforts) and I thought his comment was interesting.
He said, "You sure are bucking the trend [with handwritten notecards]." I asked him what he meant and he replied, "You know, with email, cell phones with unlimited long distance calling and all the new ways to communicate, there doesn't seem like there would be alot of people who would be handwriting a note card."
I was a bit taken aback by the comment since I figured he knew the benefits of handwritten notes, but I reiterated them anyways. "Do you send greeting cards? Of course you do, and a handwritten note is much more effective way of making someone feel special. A handwritten card is an expression of who you are and when compared to a mass-produced cartoon the winner is obvious."
However, his question got me thinking about notecards as a business. Why would someone want to get into a business where ... ?
1) the general population does not care about it.
2) it is perceived as old fashioned or something your grandmother might do
3) alternative products can be purchased (in bulk) for 2-3 times less.
The more that I thought about, the more I liked the idea of a notecard business. I know that sounds strange or at least "counterintuitive" (which is a nice way of saying "stupid"), but there are a number of good reasons to like notecards and the associated business.
a) The greeting card business is worth billions.
b) There are many ways to offer something much better than a greeting card (in particular, notecards).
c) Notecards are definitely a niche (small) market. The market for art-based notecards is smaller still. The market for high-end, limited-edition notecards might be really small too, but I really like the product. Plus if it is only 0.1% of the billion dollar greeting card market, then it could be worth $1million dollars. The problem with that logic is the same as someone trying to sell soda in China.... there are BILLIONS of people there (all potential customers) and if we only get a small percentage, we will be rich! Everyone with even a little experience knows that it is not as simple as that. All people are different. A niche of one.
I should also add that my friend's other question was "Who would I send it to?" And the associated, unspoken question, of course, is, "Why would I send it?".
I will save those questions for my next blog entry.
He said, "You sure are bucking the trend [with handwritten notecards]." I asked him what he meant and he replied, "You know, with email, cell phones with unlimited long distance calling and all the new ways to communicate, there doesn't seem like there would be alot of people who would be handwriting a note card."
I was a bit taken aback by the comment since I figured he knew the benefits of handwritten notes, but I reiterated them anyways. "Do you send greeting cards? Of course you do, and a handwritten note is much more effective way of making someone feel special. A handwritten card is an expression of who you are and when compared to a mass-produced cartoon the winner is obvious."
However, his question got me thinking about notecards as a business. Why would someone want to get into a business where ... ?
1) the general population does not care about it.
2) it is perceived as old fashioned or something your grandmother might do
3) alternative products can be purchased (in bulk) for 2-3 times less.
The more that I thought about, the more I liked the idea of a notecard business. I know that sounds strange or at least "counterintuitive" (which is a nice way of saying "stupid"), but there are a number of good reasons to like notecards and the associated business.
a) The greeting card business is worth billions.
b) There are many ways to offer something much better than a greeting card (in particular, notecards).
c) Notecards are definitely a niche (small) market. The market for art-based notecards is smaller still. The market for high-end, limited-edition notecards might be really small too, but I really like the product. Plus if it is only 0.1% of the billion dollar greeting card market, then it could be worth $1million dollars. The problem with that logic is the same as someone trying to sell soda in China.... there are BILLIONS of people there (all potential customers) and if we only get a small percentage, we will be rich! Everyone with even a little experience knows that it is not as simple as that. All people are different. A niche of one.
I should also add that my friend's other question was "Who would I send it to?" And the associated, unspoken question, of course, is, "Why would I send it?".
I will save those questions for my next blog entry.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Coming Soon .... Free Christmas Card !
I'm working on a FREE Christmas Card that you can download and print out on your own printer. My travel plans will keep me busy for this week, but check back here early next week for more information!
Write On!
Dave Wheeler !
Write On!
Dave Wheeler !
Thursday, November 10, 2005
The GapingVoid/Stormhoek design challenge ....
Hugh put out the challenge for a new label / packaging design for Stormhoek (his blogsphere marketing "project") .... and this is what I came up with:
"Hugh,I think you are on the right track. The existing bottle/label design looks like every other bottle of wine (and if you didn't tell me the picture was Stormhoek, I couldn't tell from the linked pictures because the type was too small to see).
My recommendations (for what they are worth) are:
Stormhoek Idea Napkin
"Hugh,I think you are on the right track. The existing bottle/label design looks like every other bottle of wine (and if you didn't tell me the picture was Stormhoek, I couldn't tell from the linked pictures because the type was too small to see).
My recommendations (for what they are worth) are:
- Larger Stormhoek name on the label. The great part about the name is that it has two parts, Storm and hoek so the visual could actually wrap around the bottle and people could identify it by glimpsing only part of the name.
- Stormhoek is a WIRED brand. I would suggest a recessed part of the label area with actual (shiny) metal wires and dots (sort of like Hugh's art doodles). This would stand out in a wine shop and represent the electronic heritage of the brand. Alternatively, a flexible PCB could be wrapped around the middle of the bottle (and ideally it would be FUNCTIONAL... lighting LED's? Tracking shelf life?).
- There are a couple more bottle ideas that could be pursued... emphasis on the "Hook" with a bottle that can be hung in it's own unique "rack". This would serve two purposes... it would be a unique feature and it would also encourage consumers to DISPLAY their bottles in unique places. The other bottle idea is related to Brock's cork idea...a light in the top of the bottle which, when twisted to "on" position, would project on the ceiling of the shop. It could also be a great way to find your way home in the dark of night with your bottle of Stormhoek!
What do you think?
Dave Wheeler
Nov.10, 2005
Stormhoek Idea Napkin
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
When will you make that first impression???
It may seem strange to link to a newsletter from a Men's clothing store, but I thought their latest effort was worth passing along:
11 Observations That Reveal More About You Than Your Sign
http://www.menswearhouse.com/home_page/guys_guide/gg381_guidelines_template.jsp?dis=1408474395264107&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395264107
Write On !
Dave Wheeler
Founder, NoteWordy Art & Cards
www.NoteWordy.com
11 Observations That Reveal More About You Than Your Sign
http://www.menswearhouse.com/home_page/guys_guide/gg381_guidelines_template.jsp?dis=1408474395264107&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395264107
Write On !
Dave Wheeler
Founder, NoteWordy Art & Cards
www.NoteWordy.com
Thursday, October 27, 2005
NoteWordy Thought for the Day ....
"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. " - Mother Teresa
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Importance of Location on Global Micro Brands (GMB)
This entry was created as a comment on Hugh Macleod's blog, www.gapingvoid.com. ....
"This is actually a comment on Avin's post, but he brings up an aspect of GMB's that might be of interest to you (and your readers).
How much does location matter?
In Avin's post he talks about Luigi the olive oil producer. If Luigi was based in Florida (USA) instead of Italy, would the brand have the same impact globally? I don't think so. Or perhaps it would create a different type of brand in Florida.
My point is that .... Location matters.
We all have preconceptions based on location (or as Seth Godin says in "All Marketers are Liars", our own "worldview") and these preconceptions influence how we value certain products.
Having said that, as marketers we need to recognize what preconceptions exist in our location and which ones, perhaps, might hold us back.
For example, I have a note card company that makes limited-edition, high-priced note cards based on contemporary art. The high-priced part could leverage the fact that they are made in Connecticut USA (near Greenwich). The contemporary art could leverage New York City.
Of course both of these statements are "in theory", since I still need to take my own advice and revamp my web site, www.notewordy.com, that is another story for another day.
Hope this adds to the conversation about Global Micro Brands !
Dave Wheeler
Founder, NoteWordy Cards
WriteOn! blog: www.theshot92.blogspot.com
"This is actually a comment on Avin's post, but he brings up an aspect of GMB's that might be of interest to you (and your readers).
How much does location matter?
In Avin's post he talks about Luigi the olive oil producer. If Luigi was based in Florida (USA) instead of Italy, would the brand have the same impact globally? I don't think so. Or perhaps it would create a different type of brand in Florida.
My point is that .... Location matters.
We all have preconceptions based on location (or as Seth Godin says in "All Marketers are Liars", our own "worldview") and these preconceptions influence how we value certain products.
Having said that, as marketers we need to recognize what preconceptions exist in our location and which ones, perhaps, might hold us back.
For example, I have a note card company that makes limited-edition, high-priced note cards based on contemporary art. The high-priced part could leverage the fact that they are made in Connecticut USA (near Greenwich). The contemporary art could leverage New York City.
Of course both of these statements are "in theory", since I still need to take my own advice and revamp my web site, www.notewordy.com, that is another story for another day.
Hope this adds to the conversation about Global Micro Brands !
Dave Wheeler
Founder, NoteWordy Cards
WriteOn! blog: www.theshot92.blogspot.com
Monday, October 17, 2005
Nominations open for NoteWordy Bloggers of 2005
The nominations are now open for the NoteWordy Bloggers of 2005 !
NoteWordy.com is sponsoring a contest to recognize the top, most noteworthy bloggers of 2005 based on their impact on the web and the world in general. The categories include:
More detailed descriptions will follow in later posts. Selections will be made in December 2005 for release to the media in late December.
How does it work?
The selection process is semi-democratic. The democratic part is that you can submit comments on this blog (please keep them under 100 words) telling why a particular blog deserves to be one of the most NoteWordy blogs of 2005. The "semi-" part of the selection process is that these suggestions will be reviewed as part of the final decision, but the selection by NoteWordy.com will be final.
So comment often and with passion ! Tell who had great posts this year (preferably with links to great examples).
Winners will receive a complete set of NoteWordy.com limited-edition note cards and the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with winning !
Vote now! Vote often!
Write On!
Dave Wheeler
If it's noteworthy, send NoteWordy.com!
NoteWordy.com is sponsoring a contest to recognize the top, most noteworthy bloggers of 2005 based on their impact on the web and the world in general. The categories include:
- Blogosphere - specific blogs related primarily to blogging
- Marketing blogs
- News blogs
- Specialty blogs - unique subjects, covered exceptionally well
- Personal blogs - entertaining, insightful ....
More detailed descriptions will follow in later posts. Selections will be made in December 2005 for release to the media in late December.
How does it work?
The selection process is semi-democratic. The democratic part is that you can submit comments on this blog (please keep them under 100 words) telling why a particular blog deserves to be one of the most NoteWordy blogs of 2005. The "semi-" part of the selection process is that these suggestions will be reviewed as part of the final decision, but the selection by NoteWordy.com will be final.
So comment often and with passion ! Tell who had great posts this year (preferably with links to great examples).
Winners will receive a complete set of NoteWordy.com limited-edition note cards and the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with winning !
Vote now! Vote often!
Write On!
Dave Wheeler
If it's noteworthy, send NoteWordy.com!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
This just made me smile .....
Check out http://www.whatwouldmacgyverdo.com/./about_the_book.html
This is the web site for a book being developed for Penguin books called, "What Would MacGyver do?". It is going to be a series of 75 to 100 original stories by and about people who have exercised MacGyver-like ingenuity in solving their everyday problems.
Maybe this is just my engineering background showing through . . .
This is the web site for a book being developed for Penguin books called, "What Would MacGyver do?". It is going to be a series of 75 to 100 original stories by and about people who have exercised MacGyver-like ingenuity in solving their everyday problems.
Maybe this is just my engineering background showing through . . .
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
What to write on ... a company sympathy card?
Another sympathy card "from everyone at the company" came across my desk today and I found the following link helpful.
Check it out !
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:EM3WNhMwpb0J:www.submitmemories.com/Sympathy/what-to-write-on-a-sympathy-card.htm+%22what+to+write+on+a+sympathy+card%22&hl=en
Here's another one....
http://hallofflowers.co.uk/florists/what-to-write-on-a-sympathy-card.html
Write On!
Dave Wheeler
Check it out !
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:EM3WNhMwpb0J:www.submitmemories.com/Sympathy/what-to-write-on-a-sympathy-card.htm+%22what+to+write+on+a+sympathy+card%22&hl=en
Here's another one....
http://hallofflowers.co.uk/florists/what-to-write-on-a-sympathy-card.html
Write On!
Dave Wheeler
Monday, October 10, 2005
Insights into your personality, intellect and ....
Check out:
http://www.tickle.com
There's lots of free tests that can give you insights into your personality, intellect and more. I especially like the Corporate Culture test (in the Career & Money section).
They give free tests and some results but if you want more detailed results there is a cost (most I've seen are around $5). Interesting stuff ...
Write On!
Dave Wheeler
NoteWordy.com Founder
http://www.tickle.com
There's lots of free tests that can give you insights into your personality, intellect and more. I especially like the Corporate Culture test (in the Career & Money section).
They give free tests and some results but if you want more detailed results there is a cost (most I've seen are around $5). Interesting stuff ...
Write On!
Dave Wheeler
NoteWordy.com Founder
Friday, October 07, 2005
What is your Lens on the World????
As I'm sure you know, I read Seth Godin's blog on a regular basis and have "borrowed" many of his best ideas for use in my business. Now, Papa [Seth] has a brand new bag [sorry, couldn't resist a 60's music reference].
Seth is starting to introduce "Squidoo". He has posted various cryptic messages on his blog over the past few months (like, "I'm working on something big", or "It will be out soon.") and the cat is starting to come out of the bag !
Today, Oct. 7, 2005, he posted "Everyone is An Expert", a PDF document, that explains the idea of a "Lens" for the Internet. Check it out.
I read through his PDF ebook and it appears that Seth has hit on a key value that certain sites provide... the value of "meaning", or a quick way to get "the big picture" so you can make sense of all the data and marketing and garbage on the web (without meaning it is sometimes hard to distinguish good data from garbage or hype).
I am hoping that I will be able to participate in Seth's new endeavor. It is an interesting idea and, like most of his previous idea, it is sure to spread quickly !
Write ON!
Dave Wheeler
Founder, NoteWordy.com
PS If you want to check out the blog for Squidoo it is here. The whole site is not up yet, so we will have to wait and see when it appears!
Seth is starting to introduce "Squidoo". He has posted various cryptic messages on his blog over the past few months (like, "I'm working on something big", or "It will be out soon.") and the cat is starting to come out of the bag !
Today, Oct. 7, 2005, he posted "Everyone is An Expert", a PDF document, that explains the idea of a "Lens" for the Internet. Check it out.
I read through his PDF ebook and it appears that Seth has hit on a key value that certain sites provide... the value of "meaning", or a quick way to get "the big picture" so you can make sense of all the data and marketing and garbage on the web (without meaning it is sometimes hard to distinguish good data from garbage or hype).
I am hoping that I will be able to participate in Seth's new endeavor. It is an interesting idea and, like most of his previous idea, it is sure to spread quickly !
Write ON!
Dave Wheeler
Founder, NoteWordy.com
PS If you want to check out the blog for Squidoo it is here. The whole site is not up yet, so we will have to wait and see when it appears!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Expanding your worldview.... by checking out people from the library
I heard about the link below indirectly through Metacool blog which referred me to Bruce Nussbaum's blog (at BusinessWeek Online):
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/08/25/wdutch25.xml
The article proposes an interesting idea... "borrowing" people from the library for 45 minutes to learn more about them.
How often do you interact with any of these types of people in your life? How about other types of people? The blind? The elderly? Kids? Priests? Marketing Managers? Bloggers? The list could go on and on.
But what would you find out? Perhaps you would learn about some of the unique challenges associated with the personal choices or circumstances but I would expect that you would also learn that these people are alot like you. Surprisingly like you.
How would you give this idea a try in your life? Leave a comment and let us know.
Write on!
Dave Wheeler
Founder, www.NoteWordy.com
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/08/25/wdutch25.xml
The article proposes an interesting idea... "borrowing" people from the library for 45 minutes to learn more about them.
"A public library in Holland has been swamped with queries after unveiling plans
to "lend out" living people, including homosexuals, drug addicts, asylum
seekers, gipsies and the physically handicapped."
How often do you interact with any of these types of people in your life? How about other types of people? The blind? The elderly? Kids? Priests? Marketing Managers? Bloggers? The list could go on and on.
But what would you find out? Perhaps you would learn about some of the unique challenges associated with the personal choices or circumstances but I would expect that you would also learn that these people are alot like you. Surprisingly like you.
How would you give this idea a try in your life? Leave a comment and let us know.
Write on!
Dave Wheeler
Founder, www.NoteWordy.com
Friday, September 30, 2005
Stretching Your Mind
Ni hao ! (Hello in Chinese),
I have just started learning Mandarin Chinese (through a course at a local community college) and am enjoying the feeling of stretching my mind !
I am also very aware of the saying, "You get out of it what you put into it!". The last language I learned was Latin back in high school and, as you can imagine, there hasn't been much use for it in conversations. Chinese characters are also an interesting challenge. They are so different from English characters or words that it is almost like learning a secret language of pictographs (almost like that ... but different).
What have you done recently to stretch your mind? Tell me about it in the comments !
Write On !
Dave Wheeler
NoteWordy.com
I have just started learning Mandarin Chinese (through a course at a local community college) and am enjoying the feeling of stretching my mind !
I am also very aware of the saying, "You get out of it what you put into it!". The last language I learned was Latin back in high school and, as you can imagine, there hasn't been much use for it in conversations. Chinese characters are also an interesting challenge. They are so different from English characters or words that it is almost like learning a secret language of pictographs (almost like that ... but different).
What have you done recently to stretch your mind? Tell me about it in the comments !
Write On !
Dave Wheeler
NoteWordy.com
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Holiday Card Time is here ....
We are planning holiday (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanza) cards at our company, as I'm sure many other people are as well, and it won't be long before NoteWordy.com comes out with a limited-edition notecard for the holidays (stay tuned to this blog and the web site for more info).
On a semi-related note, the link below shows that even lawyers are catching the "holiday" spirit !
http://www.legalmarketingblog.com/marketing-tips-233-donat-wait-any-longer-to-plan-for-holiday-cards-.html
Also some good points about how to deal with holiday cards !
On a semi-related note, the link below shows that even lawyers are catching the "holiday" spirit !
http://www.legalmarketingblog.com/marketing-tips-233-donat-wait-any-longer-to-plan-for-holiday-cards-.html
Also some good points about how to deal with holiday cards !
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
BIG MOO .... is growing !
I just read on Seth Godin's blog about a new web site built around the BIG MOO .... called remarkabalize*
Check it out ... http://67.129.221.33/Custom/custom.asp?cmid=4110&id=839
Moo On!
Check it out ... http://67.129.221.33/Custom/custom.asp?cmid=4110&id=839
Moo On!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Vision => Emotional Resonance
How often have you worked for a company and their vision was as bland as dry, white toast?
From my years as a mechanical engineer, I learned that resonance is created when certain things happen. First there is a source of the vibration [the vision in our analogy here]. Second, the vibration must be transmitted in some form to the subject [the individuals in the organization]. Finally, there must be a "natural frequency" within the subject such that it responds to the vibration and begins to vibrate at the same frequency. To cross over from our analogy to business, this means that people must be receptive and have values and personal goals that support (and hopefully reinforces) the vision.
Natural Frequency = The Individual's Values
Back to the analogy... Vibration can also grow. In certain cases, the subject receiving the vibration adds to the vibration and the amplitude (or energy) of the vibration increases! It gains power. In an organization, this is seen when the individual increases their motivation and accomplishes more, which motivates others to support the vision, which accomplishes more, which motivates others .... I think you see how this can grow !
A good vision ignites emotions and passion for the mission ahead. A dry, boring vision is simply noise!
What is your vision? Share it with someone and see if it resonates !
Write On!
"We will sell widgets to the tall, short and sideways markets and [insert
motherhood and apple pie statement here]."
Sample motherhood and apple pie statements:
"be a world leader"
"provide top quality"
"be the preferred supplier"
A vision must resonate with the organization and, more importantly, with every person within the organization if it going to be truly effective.
From my years as a mechanical engineer, I learned that resonance is created when certain things happen. First there is a source of the vibration [the vision in our analogy here]. Second, the vibration must be transmitted in some form to the subject [the individuals in the organization]. Finally, there must be a "natural frequency" within the subject such that it responds to the vibration and begins to vibrate at the same frequency. To cross over from our analogy to business, this means that people must be receptive and have values and personal goals that support (and hopefully reinforces) the vision.
Natural Frequency = The Individual's Values
Back to the analogy... Vibration can also grow. In certain cases, the subject receiving the vibration adds to the vibration and the amplitude (or energy) of the vibration increases! It gains power. In an organization, this is seen when the individual increases their motivation and accomplishes more, which motivates others to support the vision, which accomplishes more, which motivates others .... I think you see how this can grow !
A good vision ignites emotions and passion for the mission ahead. A dry, boring vision is simply noise!
What is your vision? Share it with someone and see if it resonates !
Write On!
Good white paper on Blogs....
James Torio has his thesis on blogs posted at:
http://www.everyhuman.com/pages/2005/08/thesis.php
Check it out !
DW
http://www.everyhuman.com/pages/2005/08/thesis.php
Check it out !
DW
