tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287692102024-03-07T01:12:16.503-08:00k.sturm blogRamblings on business, entrepreneurship, consulting, technology, and other topics I'm passionate about.Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-73224173740850924902009-06-05T16:15:00.000-07:002009-06-05T16:20:16.665-07:00k.sturm blog is shutting downFor those of you that actually still check to see if there are posts coming here, there will be no more. I've elected to combine k.sturm blog and <a href="http://hospitalitytechnologymadesimple.blogspot.com/">hospitality technology made simple</a> (htms). Today I completed the process of migrating all the old posts with relevent data to htms.<br /><br />All new posts on business, consulting, and technology will be done on <a href="http://hospitalitytechnologymadesimple.blogspot.com/">htms</a>. For those of you that read this blog to read about my some times humerous personal life should go <a href="http://nextgendads.blogspot.com/">here</a>.Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-12875278872983557372008-06-09T00:18:00.000-07:002008-06-09T00:21:04.789-07:00Father's Day ContestIf you are a dad or have a dad go check out this <a href="http://nextgendads.blogspot.com/2008/06/fathers-day-best-ngd-dad-contest.html">post</a> on <a href="http://nextgendads.blogspot.com/">my other blog</a>. Submit an entry if you are bored or think you have a really good story.Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-37695382572225125242008-06-02T21:38:00.001-07:002008-06-02T22:39:58.354-07:00I Got TaggedHave you ever got one of those email forwards that asks you to answer a bunch of questions and then forward it onto all of your friends who then send it back to you and a bunch of their friends. I'm not sure of the point other than to get an email.<br /><br />Well the trend has hit the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">blogosphere</span>. My friend <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/gigharborundressed">Matt</a> blog tagged me last week and I'm just getting around to doing it. I'm not one that would normally do this but <a href="http://www.chrystalsturm.blogspot.com/">my wife</a> really wants to me to tag her (love you sweetie).<br /><br />But the questions in <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/530046/MeMe-Really-Not-Me">Matt's tag</a> were lame so I'm breaking the tag rules and answering questions that I would actually like to know the answer to. Some of them I stole from <a href="http://rosskingworldtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/number-five.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ross's</span> tag</a>. Sorry Matt, it isn't that you aren't cool, or that Ross is cooler than you, though I think Ross is cool. You are cool, just keep telling yourself "I'm cool."<br /><br />I'm then allowing the option for my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">taggees</span> to answer my questions or to create new ones they find more interesting. See, isn't this just a better game!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">1. If you could change one thing about a major event in your life what would it be?</span></span><br /></span>This one was easy for me (but I made up the question). The funny thing is that it happened on a day that was perfect. Can a day be perfect and want something different? The major life event was the day Chrystal and I got married. It was awesome. The one thing I'd change was paying for a wedding planner. Here's why...<br /><br />There were lots of little things that we didn't think about, but also one big thing. Right as the wedding started my dad asked me if I was going to walk my mom down the isle. I looked at him clueless and said with a shrug, "I guess not?" It hadn't even crossed my mind, which makes me feel like a bad son but we were so engrossed in trying to figure everything out. It is something I wished I could have done. Sorry Mom. But she never once has made me feel bad about it even though I know it was something she really wanted.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">2. What are five things you would do if you were a billionaire? (I stole this one)<br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1. Pay off all my debt and the debt of friends and family.<br />2. Buy a bunch of property in Santa Barbara and offer my family and closest friends free homes so we could live near each other in my favorite place in the world.<br />3. Pay Josh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gustafson</span> to figure out how to invest some portion so we could live very comfortably but not outrageously. I'm not going to lie and say we'd live meagerly, because we would travel often and we'd fly first class.<br />4. Give a huge chunk of change to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Westmont</span> College but specifically allocate a portion to buy the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">freakin</span>' coolest athletic facility you had ever seen and name the track and field stadium after coach Russell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Smelley</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Smelley</span> Track & Field</span>, can you dig it!<br />5. Establish a foundation to figure out all the places the money needs to go and hire a staff to help manage it.<br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />3. What are your three worst habits?<br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1. Not listening. Lord forgive me but I talk too much, day dream too often, and listen too little. Ask my wife.<br />2. Pointlessly surfing the Internet and too often entering "Kevin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sturm</span>" in Google or <a href="http://www.technorati.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Technorati</span></a> just so I can see if someone loves me enough to put my name in a blog.<br />3. Quietly judging someone based on how they talk, how they dress, or what they do. If anyone knew how often I did it no one would be my friend.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">4. What are the three things you have to have within reach at all time (think bedside, car, etc.)?<br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1. My iPhone. This could mean I need to add another worst habit. I freak out if I don't know where my phone is, and having an iPhone only made it worse.<br />2. A book. This is not saying I read all the time. I just always want a book near for when the urge arises. On the night stand, in my laptop bag, near the man throne.<br />3. I don't really have a third. How about Love?<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />5. If you could have any job what would it be and why?<br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Professional athlete. I'm open to almost any sport. Though not gymnastics, or curling, or billiards, or boxing...you get the point.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span><br />There is a sixth question. What five people do you want to tag.<br /><a href="http://www.chrystalsturm.blogspot.com/">Chrystal</a> (My Love) - Will do it because she is waiting for me to tag her.<br /><a href="http://www.opensourcephoto.blogspot.com/">David Jay</a> - Eventually will get around to it if he reads this and lots of girls will find it cute.<br /><a href="http://litamamadrama.blogspot.com/">Tessa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">McCook</span></a> - Stay tuned it will be funny.<br /><a href="http://gabrielryan.blogspot.com/">Gabriel Ryan</a> - Have no idea if he'll do it.<br /><a href="http://blog.halbergphotographers.com/">Tim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Halberg</span></a> - Maybe will do it.Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-17288444152456853562008-06-01T16:10:00.000-07:002008-06-01T16:47:46.347-07:00Two Things I HateI'm generally not a negative person, but yesterday was not a great day for me. I endured two of my most hated things simultaneously.<br /><br />First hated thing...<span style="font-weight: bold;">sickness</span>. I had a sore throat that was ripping me up. I hate being sick, but really hate being sick when I'm trying to get something done. I had planned to clean out the garage yesterday and all the dust and dryness was not helping the throat. Not sure why I was so stubborn to finish it versus wait for another weekend. But the reason I did it was it was clear of all sorts of stuff...leading to the next hated thing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Second hate thing...<span style="font-weight: bold;">garage sale</span>. Having a garage sale is in my top 5 hated things (I'm not sure of the other 4, but I'm sure garage sale is in the top 5). We had a huge multi-family garage sale where a bunch of people, most of whom I didn't know, got to put the stuff they don't want anymore and are too stingy to just give away in my driveway so strangers could loiter around and take something home to store in their garage. And most of the stuff was junk.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SEMxfm5MgyI/AAAAAAAAA8o/TjWTES48NRs/s1600-h/IMG_4009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SEMxfm5MgyI/AAAAAAAAA8o/TjWTES48NRs/s400/IMG_4009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207060013256573730" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Me post garage sale sitting on couch that didn't sell.</span><br /></div><br />I'm a terrible garage sale salesman. My goal isn't to make money, but to just get someone to take the stuff out of my driveway. If someone barters I counter with a lower price then they offered. I'd just as soon put a huge FREE sign on the corner and then enjoy the glorious possibility of a humorous rush of people fighting over junk, versus just touch everything and ponder if they really need a chipped shot glass. A rhubarb between two middle aged women over an ugly plate sounds way more fun. But alas, I married a woman that <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >LOVES</span> garage sales. Going to them, having them, bartering at them...she thinks it's great.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalsturm.blogspot.com/">The wife</a> told me to go wash the car after I complained enough, which I actually enjoyed. I'd have washed every car on the street versus sit at the garage sale.<br /><br />But what I can say for garage sales is the people watching. I believe there are two types of people that d0 garage sales. The first is a deal seeker looking for entertainment, which is the category my wife falls into. They most likely will buy nothing but enjoy the process of looking.<br /><br />The second is the person that can't leave without buying a cart full of crap it doesn't appear they can afford. They hand you somewhere between $5 and $20 and leave with the junk you were sure was going end up in the throw away pile. I want to feel sorry for these people, but at the same time want them to show up just to watch them. I suppose that makes me a bit mean...Lord forgive me.<br /><br />All-in-all we made $124 for about 6 hours of work. That is the other reason I hate garage sales...the return just isn't worth while.Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-57317808744300312352008-05-02T11:29:00.000-07:002008-05-02T12:07:23.204-07:00A New Title for What I AmI just learned what I am...<br /><br />While reading <a href="http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/">Escape From Cubicle Nation</a> I found out about <a href="http://www.anywired.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Anywired</span></a> and read the post <a href="http://www.anywired.com/become-a-lifestyle-entrepreneur-complete-guide-and-40-resources/97/">Become a Lifestyle Entrepreneur: Complete Guide and 40+ Resources</a>.<br /><br />I'm a Lifestyle Entrepreneur! What does that mean you ask? You really should read the post, but here is a great description from <a href="http://www.anywired.com/about/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Skellie</span></a> over at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Anywired</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >"If you are — or would like to be — an entrepreneur, yet you’d be happy to earn enough to live the life you want rather than becoming filthy rich, lifestyle entrepreneurship might be a good fit for you.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Lifestyle entrepreneurs will generally base their ventures around time minimalism, or something they love, even if there are more profitable (but more time-consuming, or less interesting) options available.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />The goal of a lifestyle entrepreneur is not to amass a huge fortune, but instead, to achieve certain definable goals and, beyond that point, </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >to ensure business does not interfere too much with the enjoyment of those goals."</span><br /><br />Now don't get my wrong, I think it would be cool to be filthy rich. But not at the expense of the relationships with my wife, kids, or current freedom. I spent 9 years climbing the corporate ladder and had a good position with a good salary. The next step in my plan was a VP position which would lead to a C-level position. But ultimately what I found is the stress of those positions, the time requirement, and the sacrifices I was going to make just weren't worth it.<br /><br />I quit my job and started my own consulting firm to create freedom in my life. Here is my current daily schedule - which I adjust daily as I need to fit into my lifestyle.<br /><br />7:15 am - Wake up to alarm clock of "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DAAAAADAAAA</span> IT'S <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">LIIIIGHT</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">TIIIIIME</span>!"<br />7:45 am - Get breakfast for the alarm clock and take a shower<br />8:15 am - Make coffee and lunch for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bubba</span><br />8:30 am - Catch up on my favorite blogs or take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bubba</span> to preschool<br />9:15 am - Blog (I have two others <a href="http://nextgendads.blogspot.com">here</a> and <a href="http://www.hospitalitytechnologymadesimple.com">here</a>)<br />10:00 am - Work on client projects (yes I start "work" about 10:00 am)<br />12:00 pm - Lunch or go pick up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Bubba</span> from preschool<br />1:00 pm - Work on client projects<br />4:00 pm - Stop work to alarm clock of "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DAAAADAAAA</span> I HAVE TO GO <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">POOOOTYYYYY</span>"<br />4:05 pm - Play with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Bubba</span>, Chrystal, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Mianna</span> for the rest of the day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I say this not to brag or gloat but to say it's possible. We are not getting rich and sometimes money issues are stressful, but we (my family and I) live a comfortable life and love it. We have more freedom (though not necessarily financial) than we have ever had. Join what <a href="http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/">Tim Ferris</a> calls the NR and break the chain!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SBtkzdYLF5I/AAAAAAAAA7o/mf-unDqT6ns/s1600-h/break+the+chain.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SBtkzdYLF5I/AAAAAAAAA7o/mf-unDqT6ns/s400/break+the+chain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195857430324123538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dazzied/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Dazzie</span> D'</a></span><br /></div>Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-1903644166541489092008-04-30T09:35:00.000-07:002008-04-30T10:08:16.164-07:00Confidence and Humility are NOT Mutually ExclusiveIn the last week of my full-time employment a co-worker (and former consultant) told me she thought I would find consulting harder than I expected. I didn't know her very well but I knew her well enough to know she was referring to the selling side of consulting, and I could tell by the way she said it she didn't think I had the "selling side" in me.<br /><br />I told her I agreed that most consultants struggle with the selling side of the job, mainly because you are selling "you". What you personally bring to the table is all there is to sell, and part of what you bring to the table is confidence. But many consultants struggle with the concept that confidence and humility are not mutually exclusive. The opposite of humility is not confidence but rather cockiness. Cocky consultants are annoying, irritating, and often difficult to do business with.<br /><br />When I talk with any customer I know I bring confidence to the discussion. Confidence that I know what needs to be done or that I don't. <br /><br />Cocky consultants always know the answer, regardless if they really do. Confident consultants are humble enough to know when they don't know the answer, but instill confidence they can find it.<br /><br />She was right that I'm not naturally a sales person. I have friends who are and they could convince you to buy the dirt off your own floor. As a consultant that is not the type of sales person you want to be. <br /><br />If you are selling on the basis that you offer a service you're selling on cockiness: "Buy me because I'm here." You should be selling on the basis of a business problem that you personally can help solve: "Buy me because you have this problem and I can help solve that problem."<br /><br /><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/">Seth Godin</a> had a great post today on <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/04/self-promotion.html">Self Promotion</a> that spurred this thought. Thanks Seth!Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-49543075725429564942008-04-26T16:28:00.000-07:002008-04-26T17:36:42.482-07:00The Most Important Decision as a ConsultantThe number of decisions you have to make when starting your own consulting business are numerous. Decisions like choosing your niche, how much you charge, where you will spend money are all important. But one of the lesser discussed but possibly most important decisions is what business will you <span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</span> take.<br /><br />I have found this to be the most difficult decision because knowing when the next job will be is usually unknown. You are always in need of the money (lets be honest here), but every opportunity that comes your way has the potential to grow or limit your business (read income).<br /><ul><li>Will the contract increase your specific skill or expertise that makes you valuable?</li><li>Will the contract lead to on-going future business with a client?</li><li>How sure are you that the project will end successfully?</li><li>How likely is it that the potential client will provide you with a good reference?</li><li>Is the potential client the type that would recommend your services without request?</li></ul>These are all important questions to ask when deciding what kind of projects you do or do NOT take. But I'm going to focus on one question where many consultants make the wrong decision.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Will the client pay you what you are asking?</span><br /></span></div><br />This is an important question because it brings up two equally important questions. First, how much are you worth? And second, what type of personal life do you want?<br /><br />The temptation to take a contract at a reduced pay is great, especially when the pipeline is small. But one of the most important decisions you will make is sticking to your guns and turning this business away. Consultants are generally willing to take these jobs because they come with a promise of lots of work or because of nervousness that nothing else will come along.<br /><br />But if you take a contract for either of these two reasons you are both decreasing your perceived value to current and future clients and sacrificing your lifestyle. You should be confident that you are worth your rate and your current and potential clients must see that. Taking a contract for a lower fee says that you believe you are not worth your stated rate. <span style="font-weight: bold;">And if you do not believe you are worth your fee then you should not be charging that fee.<br /><br /></span>The second reason you should not accept a reduced fee is based on simple math. Let's say your normal fee is $100 per hour. If you take a 20% fee reduction at $80 per hour then you have to work more hours and harder to make up the difference. <br /><br />Most likely you have a revenue goal for your company (if you don't it's time to get one). The more projects you take at a decreased rate the more you have to work to achieve that rate. <br /><br />If you are still not convinced then look at it this way. Let's say your goal is to bill 30 hours per week at $100 per hour with four weeks of vacation. That means there are 48 billable weeks in the year. This is pretty aggressive goal if you are just starting out.<br /><br />48 weeks x 30 hours x $100 = <span style="font-weight: bold;">$144,000 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">NOTE: $144,000 may look like a lot (or may not), but when you factor in taxes and business expenses your take home quickly begins to fall.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>If you take a 12 week contract at your 20% fee reduction there are only 36 weeks left in your "goal year".<br /><br />12 week x 30 hours x $80 = $28,800<br />36 weeks x 30 hours x $100 = $108,000<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Now your total revenue is <span style="font-weight: bold;">$136,800</span>. In order to make up the difference of $7200 to meet your goal you have to work 72 hours at your $100 rate. That equates to 2.5 weeks of work which leaves you with 1.5 weeks of vacation time.<br /><br />But the better scenario is that you would only need to work 45.5 weeks at your normal rate to achieve the $136,800 revenue number. This means that you either have 2.5 more weeks of vacation time (imagine a job with 6.5 weeks of vacation), 2.5 more weeks to market and build the business, 2.5 weeks to blog and share your knowledge, or 2.5 weeks to try and find a small contract at your $100 per hour rate.<br /><br />Be worth what you say you are worth. It will be better for you in the long run.Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-87362752567689226382008-04-19T10:00:00.000-07:002008-04-19T10:13:28.813-07:00How Far Should I Take ItOut of curiosity to where it would go I responded to the <a href="http://kevinsturm.blogspot.com/2008/04/im-gonna-be-rich.html">French email</a> I received. Here is what I wrote...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Dear Mr. Majeed,</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >It took me a while to understand your message, but I was able to translate it. I think maybe you didn't mean to send this to me since I'm not French, but since I was able to understand the message WOW! $20 million! Lucky you...and now lucky me for maybe accidentally receiving your email. I think you are looking for americans to help you invest the money. If so, I am definitely interested! I mean even if I only get 1% that is a lot of money. How do I go about helping you and me make a bunch of money?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><br /><br />Kevin</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br />This morning I received this message back. (Click on the picture to open a more readable version.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SAomDEoyQnI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/I4XDHneZouQ/s1600-h/Screenshot_4.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 514px; height: 617px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SAomDEoyQnI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/I4XDHneZouQ/s400/Screenshot_4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191003354724188786" border="0" /></a>This kills me because who would honestly believe this?! But now I'm intrigued because I'm curious how far this could actually go. What do you think, how far should I take this?Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-5290093838633251622008-04-17T08:47:00.000-07:002008-04-19T10:12:18.036-07:00I'm Gonna Be RichI received an email today that is going to change my life. There is this guy in Iraq that works as a translator for the US military. He and a few soldiers found this trunk with $20 million US dollars! His share is $5 million and he wants me to help him invest it in the US stock market and I get to keep a portion of the profits! I mean, even if I only get 1% that is $50,000 per year! If you don't believe me, here is the email he sent.<br /><br />Oh...it reads a bit odd because the email was in French and I had to translate it on <a href="http://babelfish.altavista.com/">Babel Fish</a>. Leave a comment if you want me to email Issam Majeed and ask if you can be involved, too! I'll keep you apprised of how it goes down.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Good evening, Jai have your contact and would please share an important business trcs with vous.Si that does not interest you, want mexcuser for the disturbance much. I am Mr Issam Majeed, I work in Iraq with the American Soldiers as translator. Jai of the evidence for you to show it aprcs.Dans one of the our military operations in Iraq, we discovered a strong trunk in a large house dun great man daffaire Iraqi in the town of TIKRIT. This strong trunk contains a great sum dargent, of the American dollars, it be-R-statement USS 20 Million. We immediately kept this strong trunk in a place made safe with three other American soldiers. After long deliberations between us to know if we must give these funds to the American authorities in load of place or not, we decided all to share these funds between us. For the</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> division, each one of us received the sum of USS5 Million For my part R causes problcmes of safety in Iraq, jai decided marranger with the agents of safety measures deprived in Iraq to transfer my share from these funds out of lIraq, precisely R London. Jai put the funds in a parcel as being family affairs and I lay coded what wants to say to quaucune anybody does not know that this parcel contains largent me except. What I tell you is the truth and if we treat together in this business, you will see it. I you contact thus to see whether you can maider has récupcre the parcel R London and to transfer it in your country or I would like to</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> invest these funds in profitable fields. I would give you also a few percentages of these funds to have to accept maider, the percentage we will discuss it when I receive your answer. The Iraqi insurrectionists are against me what makes quils seek me to kill me because I make translations with the American soldiers. I do not leave nimporte how without the American Soldiers to avoid the worst. I nutilise not of telephones nor do not receive calls here. Jutilise only lInternet and walkie-talkies to communicate with soldiers with whom I work. If this transaction is well concluded, I want to resign of this works because to live here in too risky Iraq cest. I thank you and jattendrais your answer. Please, if you agreed to help, I want that you me via this address e-mail (issam.majeed1@yahoo.com Mr Issam Majeed.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SAono0oyQoI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/UMCeE2PAenA/s1600-h/Screenshot_5.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SAono0oyQoI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/UMCeE2PAenA/s400/Screenshot_5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191005102775878274" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Original email in French</span><br /></div>Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-69367309772105418772008-04-13T14:28:00.000-07:002008-04-13T15:26:38.651-07:00Next Gen Dads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nextgendads.blogspot.com"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SAKHibu5LCI/AAAAAAAAA1M/3iCT8qZZbIM/s400/ngd-banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188858746313976866" border="0" /></a><br />I posted about launching <a href="http://www.nextgendads.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Next Gen Dads</span></a> and while back and I've got <span style="font-style: italic;">enough </span>of the layout done that it was time to launch. No sense waiting till it's done or it will never get launched. Next Gen Dads is a Daddy Blog about raising kids as a work-from-home-dad that believes dads and moms should share raising kids as an equal partnership. It will be my thoughts, and hopefully the thoughts of others, on marriage, parenting, and the successes and failures that you experience as a husband and dad. You will need to read the blog to find out exactly what all that means.<br /><br />For those of you that read k.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sturm</span> blog to find out about my family related stuff, the majority of those posts will now appear at <span style="font-style: italic;">Next Gen Dads</span>. This blog will be 99% dedicated to "Ramblings on business, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">entrepreneurship</span>, consulting, technology, and other topics I'm passionate about." I will be migrating all existing family related posts to <span style="font-style: italic;">Next Gen Dads </span>over the next few weeks.<br /><br />If you would be interested in co-authoring on <span style="font-style: italic;">Next Gen Dads</span> leave a comment and we'll chat!Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-67458824581553439182008-04-09T21:54:00.000-07:002008-04-13T16:04:01.155-07:00Ending the Name Game<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nextgendads.blogger.com"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SAKK4Lu5LEI/AAAAAAAAA1c/js43kF54jtw/s400/ngd-banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188862418511014978" border="0" /></a>This post has been moved to Next Gen Dads. Click <a href="http://nextgendads.blogspot.com/2008/04/ending-name-game.html">here</a> to see this post.<br /></div>Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-68177270622200559462008-04-07T22:43:00.000-07:002008-04-13T16:04:43.464-07:00What's In a Name...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nextgendads.blogger.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SAKK4Lu5LEI/AAAAAAAAA1c/js43kF54jtw/s400/ngd-banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188862418511014978" border="0" /></a>This post has been moved to Next Gen Dads. Click <a href="http://nextgendads.blogspot.com/2008/04/whats-in-name.html">here</a> to see this post.<br /></div>Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-61864405325377606812008-04-03T16:37:00.001-07:002008-04-04T07:02:20.891-07:00Somebody Has a Funny Sense of HumorLast Saturday Brody and I went to breakfast together. We walked past a small construction area where the below drawing was on the sidewalk. Somebody has a funny sense of humor...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R_Y0tnLoWmI/AAAAAAAAAzE/5Mir41XoK-Q/s1600-h/IMG_0183.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R_Y0tnLoWmI/AAAAAAAAAzE/5Mir41XoK-Q/s400/IMG_0183.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185389979180227170" border="0" /></a>Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-46156520059818510002008-04-03T14:33:00.000-07:002008-04-03T15:29:12.596-07:00The Marketing Value of Personal RecognitionI recently have been the lucky recipient of personal recognition as a valued customer. For many organizations <span style="font-style: italic;">personal recognition marketing</span> gets regularly overlooked as one of the best and very cheap ways to spend marketing time and money.<br /><br />Have you recently personally recognized a customer for their value? Without them you wouldn't be in business...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Example #1</span><br />I've written before on my transition to using a local bank (or credit union in my case) versus a big-impersonal-conglomerate-that-apparently-does-not-care-if-they-have-my-money-type-bank (aka Wells Fargo). Since switching to <a href="http://www.wescom.org/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wescom</span></a> I have received now at least two (maybe three) personal letters from staff at the bank. I think it is important to note that it is not always from the branch manager but from the bank teller of my last visit. I have never banked at any other bank where the teller sends a "you are valued" letter.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R_VYa3LoWiI/AAAAAAAAAyk/JaQNuCM8SYo/s1600-h/WescomeNote.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R_VYa3LoWiI/AAAAAAAAAyk/JaQNuCM8SYo/s400/WescomeNote.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185147764499569186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">P.S. Despite what <a href="http://www.chrystalsturm.blogspot.com/">Chrystal</a> says it is not because I'm Daddy-Big-Bucks. Not even close!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Example #2</span><br />When I switched from a <a href="http://www.apple.com/getamac/">PC to a Mac</a> I found the need to have an MS Office compatible program with the hope to not pay through my nose for it. On the recommendation of a friend I downloaded <a href="http://www.neooffice.org/neojava/en/index.php"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NeoOffice</span></a> and have been "reviewing it" for about 6 months. This week I came to the final conclusion that "it is awesome". I think it is awesome for two major reasons. First, all the functionality I need is there. Second, it's FREE! That's right, a FREE Office Software Suite that includes compatible versions of MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Access. It also has a very basic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Visio</span> type program. I only use Writer (Word) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Calc</span> (Excel) but I have not yet had a single compatibility problem. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NeoOffice</span> asks for donations to support keeping the software free, so upon deciding how useful it was I made a donation. I immediately received the below automatic email.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R_VZVXLoWjI/AAAAAAAAAys/MsCTZ0Z8Ojs/s1600-h/Screenshot_2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R_VZVXLoWjI/AAAAAAAAAys/MsCTZ0Z8Ojs/s400/Screenshot_2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185148769521916466" border="0" /></a> But then I also received a personal email from Patrick thanking me for my donation.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R_VZZ3LoWkI/AAAAAAAAAy0/zULMGAPlPCU/s1600-h/Screenshot_4.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R_VZZ3LoWkI/AAAAAAAAAy0/zULMGAPlPCU/s400/Screenshot_4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185148846831327810" border="0" /></a>Oh, and for the record my very large donation was $100, which seemed really cheap considering it saved me the $400 expense of buying <a href="http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=DA7C4A79&fnode=home/mac/campaigns/ms_office_2008_landing&nplm=TQ742LL/A">Office for Mac</a>.Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-9337938481614663022008-03-19T22:00:00.000-07:002008-04-13T16:06:47.314-07:00On Feeling Like an Adult<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nextgendads.blogger.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/SAKK4Lu5LEI/AAAAAAAAA1c/js43kF54jtw/s400/ngd-banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188862418511014978" border="0" /></a>This post has been moved to Next Gen Dads. Click <a href="http://nextgendads.blogspot.com/2008/03/on-feeling-like-adult.html">here</a> to see this post.<br /></div>Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-76653592302183193112008-03-18T21:54:00.000-07:002008-03-18T23:15:35.497-07:00Blanchard Block Party!Last Sunday afternoon our <a href="http://www.jesusisreality.com/">REALITY</a> Home Group hosted a block party on Blanchard Street (the street we live on). It was so much fun! The wind picked up and it got cold but people stuck it out. Todd cooked up some absolutely mouth watering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tri</span>-tip. Like I've never had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tri</span>-tip this good...ever. Everyone from our Home Group pitched in and we really had such a wonderful time, and I think everyone that came did as well.<br /><br />We were planning for about 50 people and didn't get quite that many but we got to meet some neighbors and hear some awesome stories. Our neighbor directly across the street has lived there for 32 years and has never seen anyone on the street coordinate a block party! That really amazed me as every neighborhood I've ever lived in has done a block party, and I've never lived at any address longer than 6 years.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R-CtVdvk4EI/AAAAAAAAAsE/LgE904O92F8/s1600-h/block+party1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R-CtVdvk4EI/AAAAAAAAAsE/LgE904O92F8/s400/block+party1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179330155749105730" border="0" /></a>Todd apparently saying something very funny to Georgina.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R-Ctd9vk4FI/AAAAAAAAAsM/0wdmui0RS08/s1600-h/block+party2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R-Ctd9vk4FI/AAAAAAAAAsM/0wdmui0RS08/s400/block+party2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179330301777993810" border="0" /></a>Rich and Charles doing it unplugged style on the wall.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R-CuJNvk4GI/AAAAAAAAAsU/i0PkW_mYLjc/s1600-h/block+party3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R-CuJNvk4GI/AAAAAAAAAsU/i0PkW_mYLjc/s400/block+party3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179331044807336034" border="0" /></a>When it got so cold our neighbor brought out blankets for all the girls.<br />I think a bunch of them wanted to keep the blankets because they were so awesome!<br /></div><br />I'm hoping this will be the first block party of many. I've already got some serious ideas about getting permission to block off the street for Fiesta!<br /><br />The main reason for the block party was to connect with our community but to also invite people to the Easter Service at REALITY. If you normally head to Church on Easter but are not sure where you are going we would all love to see you at REALITY on Sunday morning. The service is held outside at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Carpenteria</span> High this Sunday at 10:00 am. After the service we'll have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">carne</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">asade</span> and the kiddos (if you have them) can jump in the bounce houses and play games.<br /><br />If you do decide to come visit try and and find me as I'd love to meet you. It may be easier to find my gorgeous and <a href="http://chrystalsturm.blogspot.com/2008/03/shower-outfit.html">very pregnant wife</a>. Either way we hope to see you there!Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-225111523497401182008-03-17T11:33:00.001-07:002008-03-17T11:44:03.297-07:00Compelling Rhetoric About Your ResumeA few months back I wrote a post about resume writing called <a href="http://kevinsturm.blogspot.com/2007/10/care-enough-to-be-different.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Care Enough to be Different</span></a>. Today I read a post by <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/">Seth Godin</a> that moves the ability to be unique and remarkable in your resume to a whole new level. His opinion is to be so bold as to not even have a resume.<br /><br />Read his post <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/03/why-bother-havi.html">here</a>. It is worth your time to think about his thoughts.Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-40369477116126114312008-03-16T23:06:00.000-07:002008-03-16T23:26:19.936-07:00Remember The Name(s)<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I'm terrible at it. Absolutely horrible. When I meet someone it is almost for certain that 10 seconds later I can't remember their name. I know it is one of my worst traits and I hate it about myself.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R94N19vk4CI/AAAAAAAAArw/bFADeWdEWFI/s1600-h/Screenshot_5.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R94N19vk4CI/AAAAAAAAArw/bFADeWdEWFI/s400/Screenshot_5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178591842280988706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image provided by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marjosfo/">ArstySF</a></span><br /></div>I'm envious of people that remember names because it comes natural and even more envious of those that have trained themselves to be better at it. I have tried almost all methods: say it 8 times in the next minute, word association, activity association, writing it down...none of it works for me.<br /><br />It is important to remember someone's name for many reasons, but I think the most important is because it shows you care. Note I did not say it shows you listened. Listening is important, but caring is more important.<br /><br />As I was trying to find a parking place at <a href="http://www.jesusisreality.com">Church</a> today I saw my new friend Dave from the <a href="http://kevinsturm.blogspot.com/2008/03/heading-to-mammoth.html">Mammoth Ski Trip</a>. I rolled the window down and yelled, "Hey Dave!" He came over and said, "Hey Kevin," and then looked in the back and said "Hey Brody, gimme five." It is important to note here that Dave had never met my son Brody. He had heard about him during our trip but never met him. He <span style="font-weight: bold;">cared </span>enough to not only remember my name but to remember Brody's name. He knew Brody was really important to me and it showed that he cared about that. I immediately felt like I was important to Dave...which made me feel great.<br /><br />The next time you want to make someone feel like you care, remember the name(s) of people that are important to them...which will always include their own name.<br /><br />And if you have any fail proof method of learning names please tell me...I would love to be better!Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-21280960213287310012008-03-16T22:20:00.001-07:002008-03-16T23:03:35.359-07:00"Blogger Buster" - The Best "How To" Blogger SiteAs I've gone through the process of customizing my blogger blogs and struggling through the html on how to get it setup. I've used lots of different help resources using multiple Google search terms. But last week I found THE site for blogger users on customizing your blog. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.bloggerbuster.com/">Blogger Buster</a> </span>by <a href="http://www.bloggerbuster.com/2007/05/about-author.html">Amanda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fazini</span></a> is now my one-stop-site for anything "how to" on blogger. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bloggerbuster.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R94C3dvk3_I/AAAAAAAAArY/89chgLdc-Z0/s400/Screenshot_3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178579773422886898" border="0" /></a>I even emailed Amanda directly last week on a problem I was having with the line height on <a href="http://www.hospitalitytechnologymadesimple.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">htms</span></a> (for the record I had no idea at the time the problem was with my line height). She emailed me back the next day with the most likely resolution...and she was totally right! I also found out how to <a href="http://www.bloggerbuster.com/2007/10/create-navigation-buttons-for-your-blog.html">implement page links</a> for my <a href="http://www.hospitalitytechnologymadesimple.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">htms</span> blog</a> on Blogger Buster. I was thinking about switching to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WordPress</span> because I could not figure out how to do page links, but now that I've figured it out I'm no way changing.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hospitalitytechnologymadesimple.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 596px; height: 109px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R94Ehtvk4AI/AAAAAAAAArg/lU6aIl-KX7I/s400/Screenshot_4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178581598783987714" border="0" /></a>Amanda also gave me props on my blog layout, which makes me feel great because I think her layout is KILLER!<br /><br />Here is what else I love about Blogger Buster. Blogger Buster offers everything FREE! Amanda even wrote a pdf guide on tips for designing your blog and it's all FREE! The value of FREE cannot be understated! It not only brings people to your site but also breeds loyalty because your hard work supports others success. It is a wonderfully authentic and extremely effective marketing tactic.<br /><br />Thanks Amanda!Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-29889680914199283482008-03-16T16:05:00.000-07:002008-04-04T13:19:34.056-07:00"Ya-ttitude" - A Great New BlogFor those of you that have not found it yet, "<a href="http://www.ya-ttitude.com">Ya-ttitude</a>" by <a href="http://yattitude.wordpress.com/about/">Benny Greenberg</a> is one of the best new blogs on the web. If you are interested in joining the allied forcies against the <a href="http://yattitude.wordpress.com/2008/03/10/ya-ttitude-procrasti-nation/">Procrasti-NATION</a> read his blog and join the fight.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R92sh9vk3-I/AAAAAAAAArQ/Yw1AUoT3oo4/s1600-h/Screenshot_2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R92sh9vk3-I/AAAAAAAAArQ/Yw1AUoT3oo4/s400/Screenshot_2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178484846055710690" border="0" /></a>Thanks Benny for the insightful wisdom and witty rhetoric!Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-76539696171493976032008-03-12T19:35:00.001-07:002008-03-12T19:51:32.381-07:00Effective NetworkingI'm currently in Dallas at the <a href="http://www.lhonline.com/conferences.php">Hospitality Operations & Technology (HOT) Conference</a> and will be speaking tomorrow on Business Intelligence. Tonight we had the welcome reception and I knew no one...literally I had never met a single person in the room. I know they say more people are afraid of public speaking than being burned alive (or something crazy like that). I however have no problem standing in front of a bunch of people (friends or strangers) and talking about almost anything and could probably go on for hours (I can tend to be long winded at times). I think it is great fun. But being in a room full of people I don't know and starting up a conversation is roughly equivalent to being stabbed in eyes with red-hot forks. I have flash backs of being at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">jr</span>. high dance with that deathly fear of being rejected, but knowing I had to ask in order to dance (which is a whole other story for another post). Why is that?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9iWc9vk37I/AAAAAAAAAq4/Me0kr_GHzpc/s1600-h/SixteenCandles10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9iWc9vk37I/AAAAAAAAAq4/Me0kr_GHzpc/s400/SixteenCandles10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177053196017000370" border="0" /></a>I know it is part of being a consultant. You have to network. So here is a question to my small group of readers and smaller group of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">commentors</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"What is the best way to start an interesting conversation in professional setting...like a trade conference?"</span><br /><br />Oh, and "So what do you do?" cannot be an answer. I'm looking for something more interesting and original.Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-53825847960019289042008-03-10T23:07:00.000-07:002008-03-11T09:32:54.843-07:00Apathy = A Problem Technology Cannot Solve<span style="font-size:100%;">Some of you know I have two blogs currently. I wrote a post for <a href="http://www.hospitalitytechnologymadesimple.com/">hospitality technology made simple</a> that I thought was worth while for the readers of k.sturm blog as well. I won't do this often as duplicating blog content is a bit lame, but I thought this post was worth it.<br />_________________<br />I am a big believer that technology can solve many business and operational problems. There is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_of_sale">POS</a> for tracking product mix, streamlining order flow, and revenue reporting; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inventory_control_system">Inventory Management</a> for getting accurate food costs, purchasing cycles, and inventory control; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenTable">Reservations</a> for managing guest reservations, table turn, and wait times; and a slew of other systems depending on the venue. But for hospitality venues there is a problem that technology solutions cannot solve - mainly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apathy">apathy</a> or the trait of "learned helplessness."<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Last night my family and some friends went out to dinner at El Paseo restaurant in Santa Barbara. We were doing an early dinner (we had two toddlers in tow) and were glad to see</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the restaurant was not too busy. We really like El Paseo because of the atmosphere (retractable roof) and good food (our opinion). We LOVE the table-side made guacamole and fresh made warm tortillas, and they usually have a pretty solid margari</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ta. We go enough we know what is good and what is not, so we stick to what is good (like the fajitas). Also an important point is I go there because they are a former customer and I am a firm believer in supporting your customers.<br /><br />But our experience last night ranks in my top 5 worst at any hospitality venue. I point the cause to apathy on the part of the manager and service staff. I will set the stage as it was immediately apparent El Paseo was understaffed for the night. We were all sensitive to this as my wife and friend both waited tables for years and I have spent hours on end helping restaurant staff work through system technology issues (I bused tables in a suit once at a customer site because that was where I could help ensure the guest's experience stayed positive).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> From the moment we walked in the door at El Paseo we were an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annoyance">annoyance</a> versus a guest. I had to find someone to seat us, and once we were seated had to flag down the manager after 15 minutes. We asked the manager if he could bring us water and napkins (</span><span style="font-size:100%;">napkins came half way through the meal...recall we had two toddlers with us)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> and requested a waiter to come over. He declined to get us water and replied, "I will find someone to get your drink order." No apolo</span><span style="font-size:100%;">gy for the wait or a comment that things might be a little slow.<br /><br />When our waiter arrived (visibly annoyed we had him summoned) we ordered our drinks, our food (with a one special request), and asked for silverware and napkins. We got three deep sighs and at least four eye rolls. We had been given a kids menu and ordered two kids meals with a lemonade. When our drinks arrived the waiter set a foot-tall-cone-shaped-three-pound-bar-glass filled to top with lemonade in front of our friends 2 year old (no exaggeration!) We asked for kids cup to which he responded they have none (kids menu, kids meals, no kids cup?). We asked if they had a smaller cup, and he came back to the table with a plastic Budweiser cup and no lid (a Bud cup for </span><span style="font-size:100%;">a toddler?).<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">We arrived at the restaurant before 6:00 pm and received our food at about 7:00 pm. In that one hour we saw our server once to place our order and once to receive our drinks. We called the manager over twice to ask for more water and napkins, and never once got an apology or a comment on better service. I helped implement El Paseo's technology solutions so I know their systems cannot be to blame for what we experienced last night. I also know the ownership group and have eaten at their other restaurants in Santa Barbara, so I do not believe it is part of the ownership group. Our experience last night was 100% caused by apathetic management and wait staff. But our experience could have been 100% different with the same staff and same poor service. Here's how...</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">roll out the welcome mat</span><br />Greet your customer with a smile and welcome them to your venue. Even if the service is going to be below standard you should still make your customer want to be there.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">when required set a low expectation</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />When as a manager or server you know you cannot deliver the best service, be up front with customers and set that expectation. Offer that you will check in as often as possible, but that service may be slower than normal. That way if it is slow the guest expected it, but if it is not you over achieved. Most customers will be accepting of this.<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9W8FiGdgEI/AAAAAAAAAqY/p3Ij7nkVocU/s1600-h/hospitality+technology2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 157px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9W8FiGdgEI/AAAAAAAAAqY/p3Ij7nkVocU/s320/hospitality+technology2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176250149971525698" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Image credit to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/julianfoto/855081461/">Julianfoto</a></span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">cater to your customer</span><br />If you offer a separate kids menu families will come to your restaurant. Parents expect kid cups to be available if you have a kids menu. Not having kids cups is saying you don't want kids in the restaurant.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">apologize when you know you should</span><br />You know when you need to apologize for crummy service, even when it's not your fault. An apology can go a long long way. Everybody has bad days at the office. Apologizing when you flat out do not deliver means you care enough to want to deliver.<br /><br />If only I could invent a technology solution that solved the apathetic employee problem...<br /></span>Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-2902809013093949742008-03-10T22:56:00.000-07:002008-03-10T23:04:38.973-07:00My Celebrity MorphOkay, after the last post this had to come next. I'll get to a business post in a few but <a href="http://chrystalsturm.blogspot.com/">Chrystal</a> and I just laughed so hard. Chrystal was looking at a blog that had a <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/celebrity-morph">Celebrity Morph</a>, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Apparently my celebrity look alike is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclair_Lewis">Sinclair Lewis</a>. I don't think he was known for his looks...<br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="1"><tbody><tr><td height="1"><embed src="http://www.myheritagefiles.com/video/I/28/rg9625_30567899e16d74mfkxi725" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="340" width="340"></embed></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="http://www.myheritage.com/">MyHeritage</a>: <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/">Family tree</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/genealogy">Genealogy</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/celebrities">Celeb</a><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/JnB*PTEyMDUyMTQ5MzEzNDUmcD*xMTA1NzEmZD1tb3JwaCZuPWJsb2dnZXI=.jpg" border="0" height="0" width="0" /></p>Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-54970029125267500282008-03-06T12:13:00.000-08:002008-03-06T12:29:10.607-08:00I'm a Stock Model!I switched to a <a href="http://www.wescom.org/">local bank</a> recently after major frustrations with Wells Fargo. It's pretty awesome because two of the employees know me by name now when I walk in and I don't even have to give them my account number! (As a side note it's <a href="http://www.wescom.org/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wescom</span> Credit Union</a> and I would HIGHLY recommend them for your money.)<br /><br />Yesterday I walked in to make a deposit and Jessie asked me what kind of consulting I did. I told her <a href="http://www.hospitalitytechnologymadesimple.com/">hospitality technology consulting</a> and she says, "I only ask because I was on this site and there was a guy that looked exactly like you." I asked her for <a href="https://www.taxslayer.com/">the site</a> and last night remembered to go look. I don't think there is much similarity other than the hair style, but even Chrystal said the resemblance is pretty close. She is always saying I could be a model which is a load of bologna...but I love her for it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9BSqH1t3ZI/AAAAAAAAAp4/wu4qN9ohqJ8/s1600-h/Screenshot_1.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9BSqH1t3ZI/AAAAAAAAAp4/wu4qN9ohqJ8/s400/Screenshot_1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174726855461035410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9BTq31t3bI/AAAAAAAAAqI/X6MYUU_JGUI/s1600-h/IMG_2487.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9BTq31t3bI/AAAAAAAAAqI/X6MYUU_JGUI/s400/IMG_2487.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174727967857565106" border="0" /></a>Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28769210.post-38801951424771475622008-03-06T08:26:00.001-08:002008-03-06T08:50:20.484-08:00Heading to Mammoth!I'm heading up to Mammoth Mountain this afternoon for the <a href="http://www.jesusisreality.com/">REALITY</a> Men's Ski Trip. Three days of fellowship, skiing, and getting in The Word. It always amazes me how much "stuff" it takes to go skiing. It probably doesn't help that I always bring two pairs of skis.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9AfZH1t3YI/AAAAAAAAApw/8UyETmbmr70/s1600-h/IMG_0149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BRPsITXrwPo/R9AfZH1t3YI/AAAAAAAAApw/8UyETmbmr70/s400/IMG_0149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174670488310242690" border="0" /></a>Mammoth got dumped on last month but it doesn't look like there is any chance of snow this weekend. :-(Kevin Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03847572255483184250noreply@blogger.com3