Worked late tonight. On my way home now and listened to a podcast which reminded me it has been 4+ years since our absolutely criminal administration lied to enter our country into war with Iraq.
How dare they!
Seriously, think about it: Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Rice flat out lied to put üs in this war.
How can that not anger?
Nothing brings my perspective on life more in focus than being touched by a tragic story: OU soccer player dies in fall from hotel balcony. I work with this young lady’s mother. I just can’t imagine the difference waking up yesterday morning and waking up this morning must have for her family. Yesterday a daughter in the prime of her life was having a good time on Spring Break; today is a whole different story.
This touched me because before I knew she was related to a co-worker my thoughts were somewhat irreverent; thoughts I’m now not proud to know I thought about a co-worker’s daughter and I wouldn’t share here. The reality it brings back to my perspective on life is one of respect, no matter whose life it is. I wish I had a better way to maintain that perspective.
We went hiking through the woods today around sunset; the sun came out this morning and warmed the air up to a cool crispness that was perfect for a short hike. Unfortunately we didn’t know the way so we had a bit of drama on the way home: “right or left”, “hmm… I can’t see the inn either way, what do you think?”
Sarita is beautiful sitting in the Adirondack chairs near the fire pit:
Away this weekend at Murphin Ridge. The first night has been really relaxing; a comfortable room, good meal, and a nice bottle of wine. Oh yeah, and wireless Internet (but I’m committed to no work this weekend — I even left my SecureID necessary to connect to work email at home).
Tomorrow we’ll do some exploring on the trails and maybe browse the Amish furniture and grocery stores. I’m hoping to get some cool pictures.
I rarely write about work, but today I got one of those emails that made me wonder what someone is thinking.
In this I got a recap of a meeting focused on defining “Relationship Marketing” best practices. What I think most people totally miss is that they think a consumer wants a relationship with a brand. In rare cases I think that can be true. However, in most consumer packaged goods I think that it is highly unlikely that a consumer wants a relationship with a brand; rather I think a person forms a relationship with a cherished other and the role of a brand is to enhance that relationship.
Take for example a branded broom. I don’t have a relationship with that branded broom or even the brand that made the broom. I have a relationship with my home; it keeps me warm, it gives me a place to entertain my friends, it gives me a place to relax. That branded broom enhances my relationship with my home by helping me keep it clean better than any other branded broom. When the broom wears out, I’ll probably buy another one made by that brand since it’s taken good care of my house; but the focus is entirely on my home and what takes the best care of my home. If the floors don’t get clean I’m not going to drop the home, I’m going to drop the branded broom and get another.
You could say the same for pet food: the relationship is between the owner and the pet, the food enhances the relationship by improving the pet’s life. Diapers: the relationship is between mother/father and baby, the diaper enhances the relationship by keeping the baby dry and allowing more mobility. Detergent: relationship between a person and herself/her family, a good detergent makes the clothes look better making the wearer look better; my mom uses Tide because she loves me and wants me to look my best.
So to me, if you’re going to try to do “Relationship Marketing” you have to focus on the relationship that your brand is enhancing. Focus on making the product perform the best to enhance that relationship. Focus the “Relationship Marketing” on how the person’s relationship with the cherished other is better with your brand in it.
I’d welcome other opinions on this one.
Well, it’s finally time to head home. It’s about 10:45AM Sat. morning. I board my plan in ~20 minutes. Just wanted to get one last post from Sydney in.
Went to Manly beach yesterday with some of the people on my project and did some shopping. I found the funniest gift for Tom:
I hope he enjoys it. 
After the tour of the beach, we took a trip on the ferry back to Circular Quay. The ride was excellent and had some great views. Next time I’m here I definitely have to do the bridge climb because it is a magnificent bridge.
I think I’m finally used to ygr left side being the forward side now; even for pasing someone on the street or riding an escalator. I’m not sure I’d know where I was going, but that is a challenge in any city really. At 50-60AUD a ride though I’m willing to give driving a shot if only to save my travel budget.
Sydney overall is a fairly expensive city, a bottle of water is 2AUD ($1.6) and a can of coke is $1. I’m sure ill need to do some explaining on my expense report .
I’ve found a few new places for breakfast by walking around a bit and I took a tour through the botanical gardens though they are so large I barely scratched the surface. The coolest part has been wandering around on the area called the Rocks which is around the opera house; there are just so many people to watch there.
Today’s my last full day here so hopefully it won’t be too long and I can get out to are more of the city while it is still light.
Yesterday there was a lot of traffic “because it was raining.” Today the skies are clear, it’s about 65 degrees and there is traffic. Some things are the same anywhere you go.
The coffee that is; ordered one with breakfast right now and it wasn’t the stuff I’m used to in the US. Even the eggs tasted stronger, perhaps more “eggy” if such a thing is possible. Anyone not from the US reading this is probably thinking “that’s the way eggs and coffee are supposed to taste.”
The flight over was pretty good, though really exhausting and by the end I had no appetite for the lovely dinner they served and almost tossed my cookies when we landed. Taking a shower and laying down to sleep was all I wanted to do. Now I’m getting ready to head into the office but had to stop for a bite to eat at the Museum of Sydney cafe right across the street from my hotel. Good stuff!
Sitting in the plane right now in Cincinnati headed to LA. Have a couple hours their and then on to Sydney. My stomach is in a knot which might be my nerves or it could be something I ate, wish I could tell because I’m avoiding breakfast in case it’s a food thing.
Sarit and I went to Jean-Robert at Pigalls last night for a great dinner to celebrate her birthday which I’m going to miss while in Sydney next week. This trip, awesome as it should be, isn’t coming at the best time. 
I know, I know… I don’t expect any sympathy.
On the bright side, the plane is nice and I’m flying business clas to Sydney so I should be able to get some sleep. I’m staying near the water in Sydney, just a stones throw from the Opera House. There are supposed to be a lot of people at the meeting I’m headed to; folks from Manilla, Singapore, Guangzhou, and more…
Time to go, we’re taxi-ing.
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