Additional comments by Michael P. Zucchi

“[W]e see no evidence of fraud or bad faith in a corporation destroying records if it is no longer required by law to keep and which are destroyed in accord with its regular practices.  As we have previously observed, storage of records for big or small businesses is a costly item and destruction of records no longer required is not in and of itself evidence of spoliation.” 

Moore v. General Motors Corp.

Now more than ever is the aforementioned court comment applicable to small and large businesses as it pertains to digital data retention.  There are no expectations to keep every piece of digital information for an undetermined period of time unless specified by law.  Heed this very well business owners because retaining all of your business emails and files forever represents a costly investment in resources and an elevated risk.

What do you mean risk?  For example, Business A (Acme) is a professional services firm that does not have a data retention policy.  Each individual is responsible for managing the digital information he/she creates, therefore there are no standards.  The default policy actually becomes whichever employee keeps the information or records the longest period of time.  Acme receives notice of an impending lawsuit in which all records from x to y must be provided if they exist as of the date of notice.  Can you identify the risk?

If there was a policy in place that all information must be discarded after it reaches an age of, let’s say z, then the business could dramatically lower the cost to recover files for the impending lawsuit, limit exposure, reduce time to review documents by legal teams, and save money. 

What do you mean more resources? Let’s assume the aforementioned is true, there is no data retention policy.  Data is created and saved at an exponential rate, thus requiring more storage, more servers, more to manage, more to backup, more technical difficulties, longer and harder to find applicable information, on and on it goes.  I have actually witnessed users that never delete emails and to what end?  The business ultimately pays a high price to keep the information available 24/7, 7 days a week.  Again, you must ask yourself, what purpose does this serve?  Can the important information be captured and the rest discarded?

Mind you this is regardless whether you have servers in-house or on the cloud because ultimately your business is paying for the resources utilized to store, protect, and recover data. 

6 Reasons Not to Keep Everything Forever   

1. The law does not require it.
2. Increases risk of outdated documents being exposed that can damage the company’s legal position.
3. Data storage grows exponentially and it becomes much harder to find pertinent information. 
4. Costs associated with discovery in litigation increase with the volume of data that must be reviewed.
5. Management, storage, and resources to handle the ever increasing data are extremely  expensive.
6. Computer systems respond much slower when they are bogged down with useless information.  Think of how your email system works today?

Take Action

1. Assess how your business is storing information by asking questions. 
2. Create a policy template, review the ramifications with legal team, accounting, and the technology management team.
3. Execute
4. Set for review in 3 months    

**One important note here – the conversation is pertinent to all medium: paper, digital, backups, etc.**

[Source for post: Information Nation – Seven Keys to Information Management Compliance, Randolph A. Kahn, Esq. and Barclay T. Blair, p23-24]

A new year is here and there is an abundance of opportunity.  The question is, what are you doing to take advantage of that opportunity?  What will your 2011 sales look like?  How will you get there?  Some say that the only difference between today and one year from now will be the people you meet, the books you read, and the goals you achieve. 

The discussion begins with several specific and important questions: Have you written down your goals?  Are they in plain sight?  Do you have a deadline?  What are the obstacles?  My guess would be that 97% of the people reading have not written down their goals for the year.  If you don’t know where you are going, how in the world are you going to get there?  I can hear some of you saying, “… but Michael, the goals are in my head and I know them implicitly.”  Not good enough, because until your goals are written down for all to see, they are not real.  If they are not real then you cannot fully commit and hold yourself accountable. 

Being an entrepreneur, you understand that your personal goals drive your business goals, and your business goals give direction and meaning to the organization.  The business is a tangible representation of your values, goals and dreams.  Therefore, if you cannot write down your goals in a clear and concise manner, you will not be able to clearly and consistently communicate the objectives to others. 

If you want more sales, start thinking how to align personal and professional goals around activities that will support your sales goals.  Here is a good example: to achieve my sales goal this year I need to become a better communicator.  Therefore, one of my personal goals is to read 12 books and give 12 presentations.  I have written down the 12 book titles and posted in a very visible place.  I am reminded everyday of what I want to achieve.  The activities of reading and speaking are personal goals that I enjoy but they will also support my communication skills in regards to ZBRELLA and increase sales.   

Goals

The classic definition of a goal: “A dream, with a plan and a deadline”.  For a goal or a plan to be effective, the following must be completed:

• Write it down
• Be a specific as possible
• Start date, completion date
• List obstacles
• Activities to help achieve
• Posted in plain sight!    

Your challenge for today:

• Define your sales goals for 2011
• Define personal and professional goals that will support the sales goals
• Post in plain sight
• Take a picture of your posted goals and email it info at zbrella.com

Are you up to the challenge?

Hot Doug’s in Chicago is a poster child for success, business, and life. By Michael Zucchi

What draws me to unique restaurants hiding among the thousands of eating establishments around the world? Great food for one, great experience, service and a chance to explore the world around me. But the food, service and experience are only the results; the end product of what is something more. I love seeing people creating tangible representations of their passion in business and executing it flawlessly. Those individuals that do what they say and serve as a reminder to the rest of us that you can achieve your goals and dreams.

Over the past several years I have come to ponder why I am willing to travel and seek out these culinary magicians and I have discovered an insight. I am willing to travel and experience a product or a service if I can easily identify why an individual or a business does what it does and it aligns with what I value in life. In this particular case, I love food, being unique, exploring and great service (service can take many forms from great people, to engaging and stimulating conversations, to the flawless execution of high-end dinning). So I started thinking, why not take the insight and apply it to business. What would be the results?

Idea in short: Create a business that represented why I do what I do. The business would come to represent who I am and attract others who can I identify with my passion and value what I have to offer. I would be able to live through my business. Words like genuine, in balance, and inspiring come to mind.

Hot Doug’s in Chicago delivers on that idea. Doug’s establishment radiates his love for encased meats and culinary ingenuity. It even says so on the wall in words, colors, and in the hour wait to get hot dogs. There a hundreds of other establishments that people could frequent to procure sausages, but the people on the line feel there is something of value here. People can identify with Doug’s passion and value his contribution to the world of meats. People are willing to wait for his product and service for over an hour. Can you say the same about your customers?

After my hour wait I faced a barrage of signage:

• “Please wait to order then take a seat. Believe us it works and everyone has a seat” the sign says. I looked around and there were only 40 seats and over 100 people on line. My initial thought was no way. But it did!
• “Everything means” and then spelled out what everything on a hot dog means.

There were many more signs but the picture is clear: Dough went through great efforts to create processes that deliver a consistent excellent result. Did it work? Astounding YES.

Then I was greeted by Doug himself with a pleasant 60 second conversation and order (he does this over 1000 times a day – but look at it this way: 1) He love it 2) How did I feel by getting the attention of the owner? Priceless). Doug and 7 member staff were extremely calm for having 100 people online and 40 people in the restaurant, and all of them having fun. Doug gave so much thought to the experience he wanted his employees and his customers to have and it was evident in the business design. There was one man at each food station ready to serve fries, hot sausage, hot dogs, seat people and the service was great (all with a smile). Doug even gets to socialize for a minute or two with thousands of people a day! If that was not enough and he wasn’t your business hero already, he gives service to quality of life for the restaurant staff where others only give lip service. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. That’s it!

What makes the difference in my opinion: passion, the great lengths to create the experience through process, dedication to employees, attention to quality of life, motivation of love instead of motivation for money. What I mean by motivation for money is that it would be easy to open 15 stores like this, and have the store service customers 24 hours a day with limited staff. Much like the Pizza shops of NY City. But Dough holds true to his values and I applauded it.

Personal Assessment:

Does your business broadcast the same about you and your values? Can your business attract like minded customers that value what you deliver? Are the customers drawn to you by like minded goals the customers you want? Does your business act as the stage on which you create tangible representations of what you hold true and dear to yourself? More specifically, do your people, processes and actions represent how you see the world? Do you customers line up around the block and wait an hour for your product of service?

If you are in the Chicago area any time soon stop by to sample the deliciousness and to observe the shining example of what your business could be like if you followed your Why. http://www.hotdougs.com

More pictures and reviews

More

Designing for a desired result- By Michael Zucchi

In the short post we are looking to document a process that you currently have in place but would like to improve. We are designing with a three goals in mind: 1) develop a process that will deliver a consistently repeatable excellent result, 2) creating business documentation, 3) implementing it quickly not perfectly (iterative software development cycle). Your challenge is to do this in 15 minutes or less.

Step 1: Identify a process currently in place that is not documented and that you would like to improve. Example: how your customer service reps answer the phone, how customers are surveyed once a month, how you ask for referrals on an ongoing basis, cold call process, etc.

Step 2: Quickly record how the current process works on a piece of paper. The really important part here is not to waste too much time worrying about the specifics of recording a process. Just get it down on paper quickly without going off on a tangent.

Step 3: Put a cone on your desk (I use this method) or any other means by which to tell the world that you are not to be interrupted for the next 5 to 10 minutes. Get a clean piece of paper and perform the flowing:

· What is your desired result? Choose 1 and be specific.

· Spend the next 5 minutes brainstorming on how to accomplish this based on the process you recorded.

· After 5 minutes – choose the best candidate to improve the process

· Update the written process on a new clean sheet of paper

Step 4: Communicate to the staff and implement immediately.

Step 5: Several days later get feedback from your staff how the improvements are working or not working. Take copious notes. Remember that your most valuable asset is your staff because that is where your ideas hit the pavement.

Other suggestions – reach out to your customers or look to any other results that you can measure the success of your changes.

Congratulations, you have taken a proactive step towards designing the business of your dreams. Your next challenge is to do this at least 5 more times before next week. Good luck and feel free to post questions.

Follow up post: I love Visio: Using Microsoft Visio for capturing process, just one of many ways.

More resources:

Create a process documentation guide

How to create a process map

How to create a Business Process Map in Three Easy Steps

The phone system confirms that JetBlue flight 6222 (fictitious) is on-time. I arrive at the air port early, receive a seat number, check the bags and walk on over to the gate. Boarding is about to begin. Then the PA system crackles to life. “Aaaaaaaa, ladies and gentlemen. flight 6222 is being delayed while we investigate a small issue. During the previous landing a bird entered the engine and possibly caused some damage. At this time we are assessing the situation and will update everyone shortly.”

Suffice to say an hour later the flight was cancelled and total chaos ensued when a total of 6 JetBlue employees collectively had no idea what to do. The 167 customers had no way of leaving Costa Rica. The circus began or as the JetBlue shirts stated eloquently, “All You Can Jet Starts Today 2010.” And I am thinking not for you buddy, not for you.

The particulars about the situation that are noteworthy are: a number system was employed to assist the customers based on the sequence number of check-in (accomplished by a JetBlue passenger who happened to work for corporate). Once the JetBlue employee found a flight for himself and provided the crowd with an update, he abruptly left with this in closing – “Good Luck”. At that point the staff had absolutely no process to follow, therefore the number system broke down, people were cutting, customer service over the phone was booking flights for the following day, passengers that were promised the next day’s flight were bumped, and so on and so on.

7 hours later there were 167 passengers that were very sorry to have booked with JetBlue. There was also one loyal customer that had jumped ship.

I began to wonder if there was a process or a plan in place to deal with what must be a normal disruption of service. The answer was apparently no. Furthermore, if JetBlue cannot plan for every day type disruptions, what else is JetBlue not planning for? There are larger questions to ponder: How did the situation change the way customers feel about their JetBlue experience? Remove the name JetBlue and insert your own company in there? Could the same situation happen to your business? Has it happened already?

There was a real opportunity for JetBlue or any company in that situation to shine in the face of adversity and prove to its loyalty to customers and service. By doing what JetBlue said it would do in all of its marketing and advertising (promise to customers) would position JetBlue as a premiere customer oriented company commanding any customers hard earned dollar. JetBlue failed to deliver and now there is no trust. There is no trust because JetBlue did do what it said it would. Fellow readers, it is that simple for you to lose a customer. I learned a valuable lesson at their expense, they lost a loyal customer, and 167 opportunities were squandered. Could your business suffer the same fate?

Is this situation applicable in your business? I would be hard pressed to find a company or industry that normal disruptions do not happen on a consistent basis. Therefore I would suggest a quick assessment of your business.

Quick Tip: after you assess your business, focus on one particular situation to design and implement a process immediately. If you hesitate the likelihood that you will ever start will dramatically diminish. The process can be as quick as 15 minutes (See short example at the end of the post). I challenge you to create one and share it up on the blog!

What I can remember from the entire JetBlue experience was that just I wanted an open line of communication, to know that we were making progress, and a regular status update. Most fellow passengers felt the same. I was willing to stay and wait for a flight for 3 or 4 days if necessary, patients is a virtue. But because of the escalating frustration of the situation, lack of communication, no process, and my lack of personal strength to stay calm I wanted the next available flight out of the country. Why? Because I felt like JetBlue wasn’t looking out for my best interests. Again replace JetBlue with your company name for the purposes of your thought experiment and try to see the world how your customers see the world. There is always multiple ways of perceiving the same situation and an opportunity to learn. If you are going to command loyalty, then you will have to gain trust. To gain trust you are going to have to do what you say and look out for the best interests of the people in your care – your customers.

The situation can be avoided by proactively engaging in thought experiments like this one. Challenge al your assumptions, ask what if, and why? You know already know what areas to focus on. Then take the hardest step and create a process. It can consist in its smallest form of a couple of steps jotted down on a piece of paper or be a fully documented system.

Quick Tip: Use the iterative software design cycle – rapid successive releases of incomplete products, building and improving by each new release.

Call a meeting and gather your staff. Communicate why you are creating the process, what you hope to achieve and plan how to continuously educate your staff in the coming months to keep the idea fresh in their minds. Let a week or two go by and test it yourself. Call another meeting; share the results and how you felt as a customer. Then take their feedback (this step is important because your staff is where your ideas hit the pavement) and incorporate into the design. That’s it. Make the engagement as long or as short as you deem necessary.

You are now in a better position than you were ten minutes ago. Improvement towards your goal on a daily basis is all you can ask for. Remember there are many sides of the same coin, you just have to look. Good luck and please do join the conversation on the comments section.

Process Example:

Identify area for improvement

Situation: Server/network stops functioning

End result: I would like my customers to know what is going on, is there someone working on it, and when can I expect a resolution.

Current process

1. Server/network alert is generated

2. Service Ticket is created

3. E-mail is sent to customer

4. Work scheduled for engineer

5. Resolution

a. Estimated time to completion: average time of 27 minutes

Improved process

1. Server/network alert is generated

2. Service Ticket is created

3. E-mail is sent to customer

4. Engineer is scheduled & starts work on the ticket

5. Task assigned to service desk – “Call customer immediately and review the situation”

Phone script:

Good [morning |afternoon | evening] [Mr. | Mrs.]

My name is {name] and I am calling from ZBRELLA. We received an alert that the network is possibly down and not functioning properly at [site name]. We have [technicians name] working on the issue as we speak, and the issue should be resolved shortly. I will contact you as soon as there is an update.

Do you have any questions? Would you like me to reach out to anyone else to inform them of the disruption in service? Ok, thank you for your time and I will speak to you shortly.

6. As the engineer updates the ticket, emails are sent to all people requested to be notified.

7. Service desk requests status updates from engineer every 15 minutes

8. Service desk calls the customer when necessary

9. Resolution – customer called to ensure all services are functioning

10. Ticket complete

11. Service desk calls contact to inform and close the ticket

12. Service desk calls back later in the day to ensure everything is still functioning so the business can perform its core tasks.

· Process average time 33 minutes

· Increase because of phone calls and constant communication

· Desired result achieved and worth the added time

Ideas

This section is a short list of ideas that came to mind. Why I put this section in my writings is because I feel to criticize an action, say no to an option, or discredit a thought that I must then offer an alternative solution or idea to keep the process moving forward in a positive direction. I tend to focus on the opportunity at hand and see the glass as half full. I know it will be a lifelong challenge, but I am excited about it.

• Magnetic strip cards (like a metro card or even your credit card) for boarding passes that would allow fast processing. In the event of a situation like a cancelled flight, the cards can automatically be assigned hotel & taxi vouchers without much effort from a central computer, different departing flights can be assigned to a card with a swipe. From the airlines perspective, they could store your preferences and your flyer rating to improve the customer service.

How would you like to be sitting in the waiting area after checking in and one of the attendants brings you a cup of your favorite coffee and a paper from your home time. Mr. Jones, we just wanted to say thank you for flying with us today. Memorable.

• Process manuals – the manual would simply define who the decision maker/team leader for a particular situation is and their backup, define a numbering system in which to service customers in an orderly fashion, rules for exceptions and verifying exceptions, notifying the central booking office that there is an issue and don’t allow any future bookings for certain flights so they accommodate the extra passengers, etc.

 Build Expo 2010 Pictures

From the doors and all over the floor, ZBRELLA has been there to see the best and worst of Build Expo 2010. It was quite the experience to see everyone come out and give it their all, and it can’t be denied that this year’s expo packed a punch and came with a big heart. So if you’re looking for all of the coolest tools, hottest toys, and newest tech candy to gorge yourself sick on from Build Expo 2010, look no further. Check out ZBRELLA’S top list of best booths at the show to get the scoop on what really stood out.   

Most Personable

G&G

Angel Roberto from G&G greeted ZBRELLA with a smile and was ready to show us what his company was made of. Informative and friendly, Angel knew how to be not only a good salesperson, but a person who is likeable and genuine.

Overhead Door

A nice change of pace from what typically went down on the floor, Richard and Yasminda were more than happy to talk with us. Welcoming us with a smile, Richard and Yasminda were two personalities we truly felt were easy to connect with and get along with effortlessly.

 Ready Header

Dave from Ready Header was easily the most endearing while remaining entirely professional and clear and concise spokesperson for his company. As somebody who initially thought he would be terrible at being interviewed, we were happy to prove him wrong as he was thoroughly a great person to have met at the expo.

Best Gadgets

SWI

SWI had some of the most impressive gadgets for the tech-lovers in us all. You don’t have to be a part of their security Intel to appreciate the cool and exciting things they had to offer. Their example of focusing in on a single person during a jail break was enough to get our gears turning and wondering what other interesting tech services they had to offer.  

IPRO Blue

This booth was very visually appealing with all of its sleek screens and crystal clear video. Getting to see what IPRO Blue actually does on such a large screen was pretty cool too, and by far they had one of the most stand-out pieces of the expo with such streamline technology.

Allegiance Technology Partners

At this booth we found heavy-duty gadgets that aren’t for the weak of heart. With nifty, small sized computers to knock around, bang up, and pretty much tear apart, who couldn’t love something so durable? We thought the idea of a portable, non-fragile computer definitely had to make our list of Best Gadgets.

Best Sales Person  

Rush & Parker Inc.

Crystal from Rush & Parker not only knew how to handle the ropes of the camera, but she really knew her product and got down to the point. Hats off to Crystal for doing an excellent job and showing ZBRELLA around the booth.

ZBRELLA

When push comes to shove, who says your own booth can’t win? Our very own Georgia from ZBRELLA knew how to work the floor and treat potential customers the way they should be treated. Georgia showed customers what ZBRELLA was all about, being a family first, and a client second.

Best Giveaway

Overhead Door

While some booths skimped on prizes, Overhead Door rose to the challenge…literally. True to their product, one lucky winner walked away with a brand new automatic garage door opener.

Verizon

At the conference Verizon connected a few lucky winners to their brand new phone lines. Although the cell phones that were given away were nothing to gawk at, it was the thought that counted. Plus, they threw in a few TV’s as a giveaway too.

Door Stop

Door Stop came to the rescue with a brand new iPad up for grabs.

ZBRELLA

Also rising to the occasion, ZBRELLA served up a hot game of blackjack with a chance to win cigars and an iPad.

Best Booth

Global Stone Source

This booth was built from dawn till dusk. Built from the ground up, we had the chance to watch the booth come to life ourselves the day before up until the few last moments before the doors opened at Build Expo. This booth had a handful of men working on it and we can assure you that blood, sweat, and tears went into this one.

ZBRELLA

Built to mimic a sleek, modern club, ZBRELLA lit up the show with its design appeal. With comfy couches, a blackjack table, a hot photo spot, and free cigars, we brought the show like no one else did on the entire floor.

See the Video

2.) King Architectural Metals
While this company may not be the big thing you are looking for, all the small details do count! King Architectural Metals is a leading competitor and award winning with beautiful custom hand forged metals for all types of purposes. Be sure to check them out at www.kingmetals.com

See the Video

3.) Ready Header
Ready Header is easily one of our favorite booths of the expo, not only because of design, but because of how personable Dave was. Engaging, informative, and downright fun, you don’t need an excuse to check out this next video, or to visit them at www.readyheader.net

See the Video

4.) ServPro
If you’re wondering why ServPro gets another go, it is because this company has many components. This section deals with water, mold, and fire damage cleanup, so if you have a problem that fits these credentials, check it out and visit them at www.servprooffreehold.com

See the Video

5.) Allegiance Technology Partners
Allegiance stands as one of the most helpful booths at the expo. For heavy duty lifting, building, or all around dangerous/heavy construction environments, Allegiance delivers literally durable promises you can count on with their durable, easy to handle computers. Check out how it works below and visit them at www.ALLTP.com

See the Video

6.) Conserv
This next booth deals with Building and Architectural, Civil and Structural, and Building and Facilities maintenance. For further information on Conserv visit www.conservconstruction.com

See the Video

7.) Instatel
For the latest technology in vibration monitors, Instatel is a great place to start. Learn more at www.igs-inc.com

See the Video

8.) Rush and Parker, Inc.
We didn’t only find a great service in this booth, but great clarity and personality. For new and used construction equipment and to learn what else they can offer, visit them at www.rushandparkerinc.com

See the Video

9.) HB Communications
Providing some of the best custom solutions for Audio visual since 1946, HB Communications Inc. provides some of the best equipment around. There video is worth a view. For more information, check out www.hbcommunications.com

See the Video

10.) Global Stone Source
With one of the most visually genius booths, Global Stone Source knew how to market themselves to the public, as the company name was still on our lips long after we left. Their product wasn’t bad either. In fact, it was just as fantastic as their display. To learn more about their stones, give them a try at www.holyland-stone.com

See the Video

11.) Doorstop
In addition to having one of the coolest displays- a life sized superhero action figure- what they have to offer is just as great. Find out what they do below and check out their site at www.doorstopny.com

See the Video

See the Video

ServPro
This next booth we visited knew how to draw a crowd with goodies and giveaways that make expos so great. Specializing in fire and water cleanup restoration, you can learn more about them if you want by contacting either Dan Fedan at info@servproofportjefferson.com or going onto www.servpromorrissex.com

See the Video

Permit Expediting Services (PES)This booth offered various services in permit expediting like environmental assessments, zoning reviews, and other helpful things of the same vein. If you’re interested in permits and the like or simply want to learn more, you can visit their site at www.PermitExpediting.com

See the Video

Ecology Roof SystemOur next stop took us to Ecology Roof system, a roof manufacturer company that claims longevity and durability. Put them to the test at www.ecology.com

See the Video

G&GThis next booth was packed full of energy with the all too helpful and upbeat Angel Roberto. He took us through G&G Electric and gave us a run down on what they are about. Check out the video and if you’re interested you can contact him at ar@ggelectric.com

See the Video

SWI
Short for Service Works, Inc., SWI is an integrated security company that boasts access control and video surveillance, just to name a few. Winners of Honeywell’s Platinum Dealer status, you can decide for yourself at www.serviceworksinc.com if SWI is what you’re looking for. Don’t forget to check out the short video clip to get a better feel.

See the Video

William ScotsmanAmong the expo was William Scotsman, a service that calls themselves “the mobile office solution leader.” You can learn more about them and what they do at www.willscot.com

See the Video

Overhead DoorAt the top of our list for nicest presentation/pamphlets, the sleek appearance of Overhead Door was smart and appealing. With doors for the MTA, Yankee’s and Met’s stadium, and Port Authority under their belt, Overhead Door piqued our interest. If that hasn’t drawn you in, maybe our video will. So if you’re interested, you can visit them at www.dockndoor.com

See the Video

Pilkington
Imagine a window frame with no glass. Now imagine there really is glass. This is what our next stop, Pilkington, promises, and because we love sleek solutions like streamline glass, we thought you would too. Pilkington melts their sand to make glass and ships it down river for manufacturing. If this interests you, check out their website www.pilkington.com/na

See the Video

IPRO Blue
If you’re looking for something new and exciting, IPRO Blue is the booth for you. With its tech savvy approach, you’ll want to learn more. So here’s our video. Don’t forget to swing by their website www.IPROBLUE.com if you’re interested.

See the Video

TNT EquipmentNeed construction equipment? This vendor told us all about it. Selling more than 100 new and reconstructed vehicles and trailers, this company may just be what you were looking for. If you are interested, check them out at www.tntequipme.com

See the Video

To kick off our first conference ever, we wanted to commemorate each and every thing that happened at the event for those of you unable to attend, or for those who did but didn’t have a chance to look around.

Follow the ZBRELLA CAM as we navigate our way through the twists and turns of the Build Expo. Come see what is really behind the booths and meet some of the people who make it happen.

Vote

As a CEO, I know quite a lot about the P&L and what affects the bottom line, or so I thought. Information about sales, how efficient processes are, changes in pricing, time to delivery, employee happiness, and response times are critical early indicators about what the quarterly P&L is going to look like. But, it never dawned on me to monitor the political environment. I just assumed for business purposes that the political environment was the realm of large multinational conglomerates who communicate their concerns as “constituents” through cash to elected officials. Needless to say, my assumption made a fool out of me.

I have always taken an avid interest in finding out who my local elected officials are and what the officials stood for, but it was from the perspective of an individual citizen not a business. So I started to think:

As a business operator, I am ultimately responsible for the well being of my employees, customers, and partners. Our well being is in the best interests of the communities we contribute to whether it’s in the form of community service, taxes, or income. Therefore, I should be more cognoscente of the external political factors affecting the P&L and the entire ecosystem. If I don’t, who will? I think I should not just be informed but vocal as well. If I do not communicate what is important to me, how will anyone ever know?

The thought led me to scour the Internet on the lookout for resources to easily keep track of politicians, political decisions, upcoming legislation and vehicles I could use to communicate my position to politicians. I want to know what my elected officials are doing to support my small business and indirectly my entire network. By sharing, I hope to make your search easier.

Who are my elected officials?

Federal Government

• Senators http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
• House Reps http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml

Local / State

• State Government http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem

What are my elected officials voting records?

Phone Applications

Political GPS

Political GPS’s Congress Tracker gives you detailed information for each member of the US Congress. From biographical information and links to each member’s website to in-depth voting information and the ability to easily contact each member by phone, email, or twitter, Political GPS helps you to learn more about your congress.

http://thomashuntington.com/iPhone/Political_GPS.html

Visible Vote

Visible Vote lets you advise congress on how to vote on the major upcoming legislation, follow current events, understand your legislators’ voting records and compare your voting preference to your legislators’ voting history.

http://visiblevote.us/iphoneinfo.php

Congress

For the civically minded amongst us, keeping track of our elected officials and their affiliations, committees, voting records and other essential information can be a challenging task. The information is out there for sure, but wouldn’t it be great if all of that information was brought down into one place for quick and easy reference while on the go?

http://www.precentral.net/quick-app-congress

Web sites

The Washington Time

Votes database – washingtonpost.com’s U.S. Congress Votes Database, is a deep database of every vote in the United States Congress since the 102nd Congress (1991). It lets you browse votes in a variety of ways — both in aggregate and for individual members of Congress.

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/about/

Who are the candidates?

This is a great source of information on candidates, elected officials, voting records, relationships, and information on money trails. They even have a 1-800 line that you can call to talk to someone. http://www.votesmart.org

What legislation is coming that might affect my business?

Create an RSS feed that will alert you when legislation is coming up the pike.

• http://www.sba.gov/news/sbanewsalerts/index.html
• http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/law_regalerts.html

When sifting through the information, I used the following criteria to make sure I would be able to incorporate the tools into normal business operations.

• Simple
• Mobile
• Flexible
• Fast
• Redistributable

Be informed, receive alerts, communicate your priorities and protect your business. One vote makes not only a difference, but it solidifies your commitment to self, company, community, and country. Good luck in finding what you need.

Memorial Day weekend holds a special place in my heart and I am grateful for those who have sacrificed their lives so that I may take part in this wonderful country. I also see my participation in voting as the least I can do to let those fallen heroes know I did not waste their gift to me.

To all of you who sacrificed so much for me.

Thank you