Ted Farr Media

Podcasting Not As Easy As It Sounds

2012-02-29T17:00:00.002-08:00

I have been listening to many different podcasts on linelately. Some are produced bybroadcasters with access to radio station studio facilities and some areproduced by amateurs with a USB microphone connected to a computer. In all cases, the new sound cloud technologyhas made it simple to distribute their ramblings.

Some good ideas but no so good performances

Podcasts are like mini radio talk shows, but without phone callsfrom the listening audience. They can bea powerful and effective communications tool, adding quality content to yourwebsite while offering your followers another way to stay connected withyou. Done poorly, they are little morethan the uninformed ramblings of yet another self-ordained expert. There are certain unfortunate truths abouttoday’s marketing and content worlds.

A Facebook profile and tweeting what you had for breakfastdoes not make you a social media expert.
A $200 movie camera from Walmart does not make you a professional videographer.
A computer with word processing does not make you a writer.
Ownership of a microphone and the required recording/editing softwaredoes not make you a compelling communicator.
Not everyone with a briefcase is a consultant.

When it’s wrong, it’s still wrong

I think I’ve now heard it all. Let’s begin with technique.

Bad acoustics result in a hollow sound. There are now inexpensive acoustic devicesthat clamp to a microphone stand. Thesound of your podcast will instantly improve.
Invest in a pop screen. It’s one of those round things you see in pictures of singers in arecording studio. They are designed tostop you from “popping” your “p’s”.
Learn proper mike placement. Get closer and don’t talk so loud. Usually if you speak across the surface of the microphone it’s betterthan directly into it. A loud voice isnot natural for conversation.
Take care not to move the microphone cable whilerecording. It can make an awful noise.
If you have the benefit of a recording meter to monitorvolume, be sure you aren’t in the hot zone causing distortion or in the tooquiet zone making it impossible to hear.

Performance

Preparation and research are not negotiable. Know your topic. If facts are vital to the story, then researchthe facts. If you plan on interviewing the author ofa new book on marketing, read the damn book. If you want to tell anecdotes to make a point, write out and edit youranecdote.
Having a plan for each podcast is also essential. Most everything we do in life has abeginning, a middle and an end. It doesn’tmatter if it’s meant to be five minutes, 15 minutes or a half hour. How will you start? What points will you use to develop the story? What opinions and perspective will you offeryour listeners? How will you end it? A plan or show map will help keep you fromwandering into the boring and needlessly long.
When more than one voice is heard in an interview setting orround-table discussion, there is a critical rule to follow. Introduce the participants at the front andthen every two to three minutes until it’s over, quickly re-introduce thevoices so that we as listeners know who is talking.
Avoid stupid sounding platitudes. I call this affliction, the Chip ‘N Dalesyndrome. How are you, I am fine, how’sthe weather, happy to be here….in other words a whole bunch of “who cares”!
Focus on your listener. What do they want to know? Whatwill inform and entertain them?

Three easy podcast styles

It’s easy if you are willing to do the work. Compelling shows or podcasts don’t happen byaccident. Research and preparation, ashow map and attention to technical issues will result in a more interestingproduct. You don’t have to be abroadcast professional. Here are someapproaches that work.

Explain it - Pick atopic from your area of expertise, one of the frequently asked questions fromyour clients or fans. Research it and innon-technical language, tell me what it’s all about.
The interview - Interestingpeople with expertise and experience within your topic zone. Sit them down and record them interactingwith you through a set of questions designed to provide your audience withuseful information.
The round-table discussion - Three people with researched but varied opinions, discussing a common topic.

God bless the internet

There's a whole world of people looking for things to see, hear and read on line. They search by topic and they don't care where you live, only if you are interesting. To get found by potential fans you must also pay attention to tag words, content titles and descriptions. Build it and they will come. Podcasters prove it every day. Only the good ones earn a following.

I Found My Smokey Robinson

2012-02-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

I’m a sing along singer,especially the falsetto parts. I am anatural baritone but love to hit those high sweet notes. I rarely know all the words, just the hooksand maybe the chorus. I often get thewords wrong. Isn’t there a name forthat? You know where the lyric says thisbut you sing that!

The Bee Gees "Morethan a Woman" becomes bald-headed woman.
The Rolling Stones "I'llnever be your beast of burden" becomes I’ll never be your pizza burning.

Driving in the car with the windows up, or dancing aroundthe house with the stereo blasting, those were my studios. That’s when my inner superstar came to life.

Smokey went missing nearly two years ago

Treatments for throat cancer ravaged my body. The damage caused by radiation being shotthrough my throat for 17 minutes a day over 35 days resulted in completelylosing my voice for a while. I couldbarely make a squeak. When it came back,my range was virtually non-existent. Myvoice was raspy and weak. I couldn’tsing, not even a little bit. This hasbeen my recent reality.

Friends and family have never said, I want your CD

In my mind’s ear, I have always been this close to a Motown contract. On the street corners of the Bronx orPhiladelphia back in the 50’s, I’d have been a doo-wop singer. The Beach Boys would’vebeen real superstars had they only found me, and The Beatles could have beenthe Fab Five.

Sam Cooke was right

And so was my oncologist, "achange is gonna come, oh yes it will". Learning to be patient - ha! Me giving me permission to heal has been hard. Even though the doctors have said that myrecovery has been faster than most, I struggled because I want it now. Change has been slow and often subtle. You don’t recognize the improvements butothers do.

Friend - "Ted, you’re sounding great."

Me - "Really!"

Friend - "I can hear it in your voice."

Then it happened! Ooh Baby Baby

My ipod has been out of service due to static issues with myold computer, so, I bought a new computer. Gofigure that the optical drive would fail just as I was loading up our favouritemusic. It took weeks to get it back.

The first new playlist, the ipod parked on the playback unitand hit shuffle. There he was, Smokey Robinson with OohBaby Baby. I started to sing along, my inner Smokey, falsetto and all.

There wasn’t any permanent damage from the radiation, justlike they said. But, the inflammationaround the vocal chords was severe enough that Smokey went bye-bye for most oftwo years.

My voice will get strongerwith use. So "Hold on, I’m coming".

And When My Mind is Wandering

2012-02-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

A successful businessman I know had a ritual. Several times a week he would pick up afavourite cigar, one he could savour for an hour or more. Then with an empty notepad and a pencil, hewould sit in his preferred chair on his sundeck or in his den, and let his mindgo wandering. No phone calls, nomeetings, no interruptions of any kind. Fromthose smoky sessions came ideas. Todayhis business thrives and so does he and his family. He no longersmokes cigars but I’m sure he has an endless supply of empty notepads, sharpenedpencils and preferred chairs.

And it really doesn’t matter if I’m wrong I’m right

Like a good student, he always does his homework. He says admitting you don’t know somethingand seeking advice from those who do, is a sign of strength not a sign ofweakness. His ideas are seeds to be cultivated. He carefully maintains a trusted group of advisersand has no fear about asking others for their perspectives and opinions.

All you need is a little inspiration

There are no lightning bolts from the sky. You have to go looking. You can’t rely on the people around you to make you do it, because they will soon tire of the chase. Experience makes you smarter, sparks ideas and adds chapters to yourstory. So does art, music, literature,travel and scintillating conversation. Myfriend and mentor Roy H.Williams says, “Lives, like money, are spent. What are you buying with yours?”

Dreams are your currency

The Beatles planted seeds in songs like “Fixin’ AHole”. Mostly it was Lennon andMcCartney in their lyrics. What stops you from wandering? Has your life become so monotonous, sostressed that you no longer dream? I'm taking the time for a number of things. How about you?

Build Your Business with New Ways to Slay the Dragon

2012-02-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of restaurants, retail and service providers, there was a business trying to attract morecustomers. The competition was strong and not easily defeated. Their training was old school, tried and true.

First, they canvassed the existing clientelelooking for clues on how to be more appealing. After all, this type of survey was a “best practice” of some of the mostsuccessful companies.

Results wereanalyzed and changes were made but the difference in revenue was hardlynoticeable. The business owner pondered the next move.

Slaying the dragon - part 2

Traditional media advertising was ramped up because it was a tactic that had also worked in the past. Again, a practice often employed by the best companies. The business was confident in their product lines and their staff. New creative was commissioned from an adagency. More ads were purchased in more placesin the belief that a “media mix” was the elixir. Still, the financial needle barelymoved. The ads looked great, or so they thought, but the campaignswere too short and lacked the frequency required to be remembered. The ads got lost in the clutter. The message wasn't relevant nor was it sticky. The business owner had listened to bad advice.

The marketing budget was almost gone

More effort was required in the belief that hard work would overcome adversity. So,they tried dancing bears holding signs at the sides of busy streets, butdancing bears didn’t fit their image.

They tried a contest with a large cash prize, but soon learned that thesame old contest players were the only entrants and their loyalty was fleetingat best. The big contest did nothing togrow the customer base.

After months of using the same old methodsand spending thousands upon thousands of dollars, the business was no furtherahead. Now, the business owner was stumped and didn’t know where to turn.

One day at a staff meeting

The business owner admittedthat they had been copying best practises from people who no longer had aclue. The owner asked for help from the people.

After much debate and the writingdown of ideas on a big whiteboard, a hand was raised in the back of the room. A part-time kid with a Smartphone said “let’sget social”.

When asked what he meant,the kid said that he’d already tweeted his followers about this meeting (hashtags - #mgmtclueless or#mgmtepicfail) and his followers said the business wasn’t cool andhad a bad website.

When asked for themeaning of “cool”, the part-time kid explained that the business was notcommunicating effectively with its current and potential customers using thesocial media connections in the new mobile world without borders, where Smartphones and ipads were carried in pockets and purses. He and his friends also knew that when the business was Googled, the company website was nowhere to be found.

The entire room went “hmmmmm!”

Technology had given the customers in the kingdom of restaurants, retail and service providers, a handhelddevice with a computer, a keyboard, a high-end camera for both still photographyand videos, and the ability to connect to the three biggest social media networks in theworld, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Communication with friends across the land was instant!

If the story being told in words or videowere to go viral, thousands, even millions of socially connected people would know about itand all this without advertising budgets or dancing bears.

The customer experience had moved beyond the brick walls of the business into the virtual world of the internet, never to return. Had they uncovered the magic needed to slay the dragon? The business owner was awakened to the realization that the world had changed.

The End

It's a recurring theme. I would never say that advertising doesn't work, because it does, especially radio, when done right. - (Roy H. Williams).

However, a business without a great website and without a social media strategy is doomed to mediocrity and stagnation. No amount of advertising and promotion will make much difference unless conversations with customers and potential customers are active and satisfying. So, use the money you have, wisely! And, do things with the new order in mind.

Review all aspects of your business.
Get your website and social media strategies in place and tell your story.
Advertise your brand and your core benefits.

The customer experience with the virtual business on line is now as important as the customer experience in the store or office. I'm not the only one delivering the website and social media message. Check out what these Okanagan Valley business advisors have to say.

Hmmmmm!

Your business is a a reflection of you

I leave you with these lyrics from the great Randy Bachman.

Taking care of business every day

Taking care of business every way

I've been taking care of business, it's all mine

Taking care of business and working overtime

My Cancer Journey - January 2012 Update

2012-01-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

I see my oncologist every four months. The routine is okay by me and I like mydoctor. She’s a hard-ass with a sense ofhumour. How she does what she does I’llnever really understand or fully appreciate but she continues to allow glimpses into her personal life the more we getto know her.

I’m good and continue to improve

The check-up began with a nurse and apre-interview.

On the scale to be weighed. - Now nearly two years sincetreatment began, my weight has returned. I was 203 lbs back then. Today I’mabout 198 lbs.
Any pain, soreness that won’t go away or lumps? - The painor tenderness as a result of treatments has all but disappeared. I get the occasional muscle cramp in my neckand a little stiffness every so often, but overall, better than the last visitand no lumps.
How are you handling food? - I eat everything includingspicy dishes. Still have to process withmilk to compensate for the damage to my thin saliva ducts, but even that isbetter. Not the way it was by a longshot, but certainly better. Have to becareful with indigestion though.
So your taste buds have come back? - I never did have aproblem with taste, only processing.
What about your energy? - I have regained so much energy, Iam increasingly bored. I have not yetbeen able to rebuild my career, so am reading continuously, both books andarticles and continue to write.
You’re looking good. - Yes and I’m feeling good, stronger every day. My voice has come back inrecent weeks and I am about to blow the rust off my announcing/voiceover skill. Oh, and check out the new cool burgundycoloured desert boots.

Minutes later, in comes the doctor

OK, she's not blond and I'm not 10

She does a manual examination of my neck and lymph nodes. Her fingers gently probing front and backfrom collar bones to jaw line.
With tongue depressors, she does a visual examination insidemy mouth.
She squirts the topical freezing up my nose and into theback of my throat. Then a littlelubrication in the nostrils.
Time for the scope. Up the nose and down the throat to see where the primarytumour used to be, evaluate any residual damage from radiation treatments, visually verify that there are no new issues and that healing continues.
The final step is fingers in the mouth and poke around the tonsils. She leaves this until lastbecause most of us gag. And yes, Igagged.

Followed by chat time

We talked about the importance of wearing a hat and using a sunblock to guard against further sun damage to my face and bald head, plus theneed to be diligent about watching for any sign of skin cancer.
We talked a little about diet and the problems of controllingINR (the clotting tendency of blood) through the use of blood thinners. She recommended a blood specialist to answerthe question; will I have to take blood thinners for the rest of my life? As you may recall, chemotherapy caused ablood clot for which I required emergency surgery half way through thetreatment schedule.
We talked about the hearing loss I have experienced also asa result of chemotherapy and does it bug me. I do have difficultywith soft spoken people and with room noise from time to time, but I can livewith it for now.
We talked about my volunteer work as a mentor for otherthroat cancer patients.
And then she revealed a little about her day and her life.

Dedicated and determined

My appointment was on a Wednesday afternoon. She told us how she likes Wednesdays becauseof how her patients are scheduled. (Isay us because my wife Terrie has been with me at every appointment since Idiscovered the lump in my neck back in September 2009.)

In the morning she sees the newly diagnosed. She calls them her deer in theheadlights. This is where Dr. Hard-asshas to tell them the truth about their particular cancer and how her radiationplan will work.

How sick she will make them in order to give them the chance to live.
No self pity. Instead of asking "why me", ask "why not me"?
The importance of maintaining a positive attitude, thesupport of family and friends, following directions and keeping schedules.

I get it now. To use battle terminology, she is the generalin charge. She must assert herself to besuccessful. Her job is to save lives andshe doesn’t always win. The emotionalhighs and lows must be dramatic.

On Wednesday afternoon she gets to see her graduates, peoplelike me who have beaten it and are working to remain cancer free with herexpert advice.

She joked about cooking for her mother when she comes tovisit. And, about returning to herhometown of Winnipeg, but only in September when the mosquitoes are finishedand winter has yet to be awakened. I getthat too having lived in Winnipeg twice through my career.

Is there anyone who doesn’t have the highest regard fordoctors and other dedicated, determined caregivers? Or, for how Winnipeg toughens you up?

Women run my life

And, I’m perfectly fine with that. I have four, my wife Terrie, my oncologist, ourfamily doctor and our dentist. I am onelucky man!

Radio News and Social Media

2012-01-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

What is scary for the news business is that traditionalmedia is losing not just the battles for social media territory, but the entirewar. Many are not even in thefight. The focus is wrong and the decisionsrequired are difficult. The fact is that social media is not a revolution, it's an evolution. It will never be over. But, for many content suppliers and advertisers, it has barely begun. “Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter”has become the sell line of choice for everything from TSN to fast food andradio news. But, what’s in it for the news consumer?

The speed of changeis blinding

Social media organically grows with every post, tweet, status updateand video. Devices are faster, smarterand more portable. Even non portabletechnology is in the game.

The new flatscreens connect to the internet giving you choices like never before. The big networks now offer their hit shows on line and new web services like Netflix give you thousands of movies and TV shows for pennies. The new smartphones, tablets,laptops and TV’s hook up to whatever you want, whenever you want it. And then, social media makes it simple toshare insights, feelings and content with friends and contacts in socialnetworks. There are more than 800million Facebook users worldwide. YouTube and Twitter aren't far behind. How many "likes" and followers do you have in your social media communities?

A social media truth

There have always been leaders andfollowers. A social media leader issomeone you like and trust, someone you relate to, someone whose opinions you valueor a name you want to drop in casual conversation. Social media leaders makethings easier for you and often give you a feeling of belonging, a feeling of tribe. Some are like a backstage pass, allowing youmembership in their community.

Followers want to be on the inside. They use social media to stay informed andentertained. They subscribe to RSS feeds of blogs and news sources or follow a celebrity onTwitter. They “like”on Facebook, retweet, email, post to Google+ and the myriad of other sharingsites available in the social world. Thewords “blog” and “tweet” have become verbs. Twitter and the comments sections below most stories and blogs havebecome mini talk shows affording the “audience” yet another method to enter thediscussion.

Here’s the challenge

Traditional news organizations achieved success because of theirpeople. Reporters and anchors are expensive, especially the truly great storytellers. The economy has struggled. Adrevenues have declined. Jobs have been eliminated. Faced with declining markets and fewer dollars to invest, how does a traditional news organization leveragesocial media and build a reliable new business?

With content and a plan

Switch your priorities - This is thecritical decision.

Radionews must make social media and website content the first job followed by radioreporting, not the other way around.
Toomany radio newsrooms post on line only when they have the time.
Radiorefuses to believe that listeners are spending less and less time consumingwhat they offer over the air.
Breaking news was once the exclusive domain of radio, now it's Twitter. Radio still has a role in breaking news but social media has become its rival.
Mostof us check our smartphones whenever the little red light flashes. If a story or blog post grabs our attention, wewill find a way to read it as soon as possible.
SocialMedia is custom made for stations engaged in news and opinion.

Thefirst rule of content is simple - You must be relevant, timely andaccessible. Your stories and blogs muststrike a chord with your audience.

The second rule - Use social media to drive your audience to your website for more.

Think of social media as channels –These are 2-way opportunities for opinion, discussion and storytelling, directconnections to your fans and supporters.

Facebook,Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ among others, can make or break your business andyour reputation instantly.
Respectthem and use them.

Radiois a headline service, online is different - If you as my trusted leaderdon’t give me the choice of more, I will go to another source.

Nostory should be posted without a photo or a graphic.
Importantor highly emotional stories should have video.
Whererelevant, stories should have links for background and perspective.

Thinkof your website as the local portal – local content, local perspective, theplace to go several times a day, from anywhere in the world, to remainconnected to the stories that matter in your neighbourhood.

All onair presentation elements must also direct listeners to the website for more - Youmust work to develop followers. Iflisteners hear about a story while driving, give them reasons to check yourwebsite as soon as they can.

Morepeople or a better system – The answer is a better system.

You may eventually need more people but that’sa cart and horse thing.
Manage existingresources to maximize website usage and revenue.
Time is your currency. The job of management is to establish the time required to create and deliver the content. Do what is required.

Train and retrain your people - Theymust become great multimedia communicators.

Storieswritten and presented to inspire two way conversations.
Youwant your reader/viewer to react.
Youwant them to leave a comment and share with their networks of friends andconnections.
Stories are now presented in audio, video and print. Announcers are also videographers and writers.

Video, video, video - Never forget thatYouTube is the second largest social network in the world, behind onlyFacebook. There are predictions thatwithin the next 5 years, more than 80% of on line content will be video.

Begin now by outfitting your reporting teamwith video capability in addition to audio and insist thatthey use it.
If a listener caneyewitness a breaking news event and send you photos and video from asmartphone, why can’t you?

Share tools - Most news organizationsoffer Facebook, Twitter and email buttons. Many though make sharing complicated with a drop down menu ofconnections most of which you’ve never heard of and don’t use. .

Dosome research
Ifyou have Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email and now Google+, do you need anymore.
Sharebuttons should be large and prominent.

No RSS button means missed opportunity- Be sure your website includes the opportunity to subscribe to an RSS feed so that all stories arrive in your followers in-boxes, if that's what they want.

Set up your social media accounts withattention to detail – Engage your website designer to give you a consistent,attractive style on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ etc.

Encourage your fans to “like” and “follow”you and then give them quality content in return.
Your social media channels are onebig loop, always leading back to your website.

Learn how your website works – including;

Searchengine optimization, keywords and descriptions in order to be found for the contentand services you provide.
Postingof stories, pictures, graphics and videos must be easy.
Connectionsto social media channels must be accomplished with a key stroke.
Makesure you have analytics in place in order to chart user response.
Armed with the data, give your fans more of what they want.

Insist that your website be compatible withmobile devices – It’s one thing to see and experience your content on alaptop and quite another to experience your product on a smartphone or atablet.

Design everything you do and say to resultin eyeballs on your website - And then figure out creative ways to sellit.

Don’t get greedy or impatient.
Roy H. Williams, the Wizard of Ads once said,and I paraphrase, in today’s economy, companies have to get small, accept alower return on investment, in order to grow again.

Invest profit into more relevant andaccessible content – The more you understand what your fans and supporterswant from you, the more relevant your content will become. The more man hours you have at your disposal,the more creative and consistent your solutions will be when you recognizeopportunity.

Design and technology updates – While you don’t have to leadthe pack, you do need to stay close enough to evolve your vision.

The success of community portals suchas Kelowna’s Castanet.net, suggeststhere are followers to be had and there are dollars to be made. Castanet is as an off-shoot of a standaloneSoft Adult Contemporary radio station known as SILK FM. When the decision was made to sell thestation to one of the big corporations, the owner kept the web portal. It now has a content staff and sales team,just like a radio station. Knowing theowner as I do, if it wasn’t making money, he would find a buyer or would closethe doors. In addition to print storieswith photos, graphics and the occasional video, Castanet recently began to offerradio style podcast news updates for its users.

In the landscape of Okanagan Valley media, Castanet.net hasbecome a prime source of local news often outperforming traditional mediaoutlets. Castanet News has nearly 5000followers on Twitter and a Facebook community of nearly 1400. By comparison, the NewsTalk radio station inKelowna has less than half that. Thelocal Global TV station is close but lags behind, as does the dailynewspaper. Every time Castanet tweets or posts a newstory, there are more than 5000 followers who could land on the Castanetwebsite to experience the details from their local reporters and other content providers. Their business is growing and it started with radio news.

I am Sure God Likes Us

2012-01-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

Love is a commitment. It is unconditional. It can be hard work. Love can hurt. Love can make us feel wanted. We love our family. We love our friends. But, who do we like? My mother says you choose your friends butyou don’t choose your relatives. Theimplication is that we can love our family, but we don’t necessarily likethem. In my Mother’s terms, it’s a bonusif you like someone you love.

God is love

Growing up the son of a preacher, I warmed a few pews. Religion taught me many things about life andhow to live it. In a church goingenvironment, you hear the message over and over, “God loves you”. While I believe in a higher being andbelieve that divine love is real, I have often wondered if that same loving Godactually likes us.

A question not worth asking

Millions of people have wondered, especially when tragedy or illnessstrikes. It’s normal to ask "why me"? If every action has a reaction then everyevent in our lives has a reason. So whatis the reason why I got cancer and why did our son die at the age of 32? I could go on. Death and major illnesses invade allof our lives. No one is immune.

Life’s journey

If you live your life in go mode, if you look to the future not the past, the question “why me” will be nothingmore than a speed bump. It is easy tosink below the surface of depression. It’s easy to say it’s too hard. Afterall, it is often difficult to believe that God likes us.

If you meet tragedy or major illness head on, if you accept the supportand love of those you truly like, if you seek knowledge and opportunity, it’samazing what will happen and who will become your inspiration.

Learning is a way of life

To grow is to seek knowledge andunderstanding, to embrace change. Canceris life changing and so is the loss of a loved one, especially a loss thatmakes no sense. Over the past fewmonths, several things have happened that have helped change the way my wife Terrieand I view the recent events in our lives.

A friend and mentor Roy H. Williams, wrote in one of his weekly memos. “It is easy to believe God loves us. It is somewhat harder to believe that He likes us.” I learned that "why me" is anotherway of saying the same thing.
A mutual friend asked me to speak with a former employee who had justlost their only child in a drowning accident. I did and learned that I could.
As a cancer graduate, I took the training required by the CanadianCancer Society to become a mentor to people with head and neck cancers, peopleseeking additional support. I did andlearned that I could.
I read and re-read the many articles written about athletes and postconcussion syndrome. I learned thatbrain injury can trigger suicide and I gained the confidence to write about thedeath of our son. Clickhere to read it.
My stories about our son and about my cancer have now been read by thousandsof people and have resulted in invitations to appear on national radio talk shows. I have learned that not only can I speakopenly about cancer and suicide but can do it with impact. I can make a difference.
Ron is a former boss. He didn’t knowabout the death of our son until he read my blog. Hecontacted me to express his condolences and to catch up. I didn’t know that he and his wife also losta son. It was a car accident. He was19. I learned a new way of handling whathad become a dreaded question. Do youhave family?

Daughters and sons and God

We have not enjoyed meeting new people or even spending time with those we haven't seen in a while. The chit chat of how are you and nice tosee you, often included the inevitable question. “Do you have children, or how are your children?” Not wanting or willing to talk about our son,we would lie. We don’t want to lie. Ron explained what he and his wife do. They say they have two children. “One lives nearby, the other lives in ourhearts.”

Our daughter Natalie and herhusband live nearby and have given us the gift of a grandson. Our son Jonathan lives in our hearts. We are blessed. Not only do we love our children but we likethem. They became our friends. We have made and continue to makememories. We no longer mourn the loss ofour son. We miss him but we have learnedto allow him to continue to make a difference in our lives, to help us grow innew and different ways.

I stopped asking "why me" many months ago, because as hard as it is to believe sometimes, I am sure God likesus. Our journey is long from over.

"If you couldn't play tomorrow, how hard would you play today"

#17

Build Your Business by Hiring the Experienced

2012-01-07T10:26:00.001-08:00

Barely broken in not broken down

3 Dreaded Words

My friend Larry was bemoaning the fact that companies don`t seem to respect grey hair anymore. Too often these days, grey hair equates to budget saving. Find the employees with the grey hair, the years of experience and the bigger pay cheques, lay them off, pension them out or simply cut the job positions and then make the younger employees double their work loads to compensate. Dress it up in fancy duds all you want, but when a company decides to part ways with a mature and experienced employee, the employee hears the three dreaded words and nothing more.

Not comfortable hanging it up or accepting the usual government handouts, the grey hair tries to find another job because retirement isn`t what it`s cracked up to be and besides, 60 is the new 40. Today`s 60 plus-er is barely broken in, not broken down.

Another friend has said, sometimes, maturity and experience intimidates young managers and business owners. They are in ``show me`` mode, unwilling to accept advice from someone with the chops. Ego, whether personal or corporate, can be a dangerous thing. Out of control ego can destroy a business when owners and managers become paralyzed, unable to ask for help. They think that seeking advice is a sign of weakness when in fact it`s a sign of strength.

Feeble reasons to say no

For many prospective employers there seem to be four red flags.

Birth date - late 1940`s or early 1950`s. Too old!
Experience - 35 or more years of success, perhaps as a manager of a business. Over-qualified and too set in his or her ways!
Education - a degree or certificate, maybe certificates (plural) for having attended various workshops and courses over the years. Would not be happy in this job! (whatever that means)
Previous income - income earned through promotions, income earned through training upgrades, income earned through longevity. Regardless, too expensive!

It`s not always about the money

For most of us over the age of 60, a comfortable lifestyle without tapping into retirement resources is motivation. Stock market downturns, life and lifestyle decisions, career path, family considerations and the stresses of an economy dictated by wars and speculation are all reasons why retirement funds aren`t what they used to be. Now out of work and forced into retirement or semi retirement, you hear the following again and again.

``Enjoy yourself, you`ve earned it`` - I for one derive the most enjoyment out of making a contribution, helping others improve themselves, not gardening
``Volunteer, give back to your community`` - I already do
``Get a hobby`` - Thanks, I already have two

Face it, some of us just aren`t ready for retirement, emotionally or financially. There actually are people who like to work, who look forward to the interactions that business offers. The fire still burns. There`s no trouble with motivation, only with opportunity.

Not every company says no to grey hair

In the grocery store the other day and struck up a conversation with a guy stocking shelves. He looked older than me. (Self image is such an important part of success you know) Told him I stocked shelves in a Toronto grocery store nearly 50 years ago. He did the same and now he`s back. After a career as an engineer, he wanted something to do and convinced the store to hire him part-time. He`s happy and apparently so is his manager. A big corporate store too, not just a little neighbourhood outlet.

Just one example and that grocery store isn`t the only company generating profit by reaping the rewards of experience and reliability.

Take a chance and try this

Juggle and Juggle Some More

Owners and managers are often so busy working in the business that they don`t have the time to work on the business. It`s one of the sad results of eliminating the grey hair in some cost cutting exercise. What often suffers is staff training, customer or client services, worthwhile advice and the leadership that comes from knowledge and experience. When next you have a job opening, try a risk and reward approach.

Spend a little more money. Be fair in what you offer but you don`t have to break the bank. Leave a little room for negotiation. Hiring people with experience and motivation takes more than minimum wage
Devise a job description based on those areas of your business where you know you need the most help
Be clear about the skill-set and experience you want to attract and why. Stocking shelves part time is not the answer to the question being posed here
Don`t apologize for trying to attract a very different type of candidate

You might just be surprised by who responds. Grey hair, maturity and experience just might be the catalyst for you to Build Your Business.

Ted Farr Media - The Year in Review

2011-12-30T14:41:00.000-08:00

It's a tradition practiced by media, marketers, bloggers and more. Top 10 lists are everywhere. Most look back at the year that was. Some look forward with predictions for the year that will be.

I choose to look back for now

2011 has been a year of recovery and reflection. My health continues to improve faster than most who have battled throat cancer. My weight is almost back to where it was two years ago. I am eating everything with caution only for acidic food and drink. My energy is so much better. The chemo fog has mostly lifted and my doctors are pleased with the progress.

In business, I have learned not to refer to myself as unemployed. After-all, I am my own company and to the best of my knowledge, the CEO and his partner have not dissolved Ted Farr Media nor have they fired its only employee. Under-contracted or under-hired certainly, if those are words? A few small radio projects aside, I have spent most of the year learning about video production, content marketing and practicing both my writing and editing skills. There have been a few small projects in that world too.

I built this blog back in the spring

It's still not a year old. There are now 71 posts, including the compilation of every communique I wrote while undergoing cancer treatments and the handful of updates posted since treatments ended. There are many more personal stories and the series called Build Your Business.

10,000 page views sounds like a lot

I am proud to report that my story-telling has generated more than 10,000 page views in less than a year. I have no way of knowing how that compares to other bloggers as so many are more prolific and with bigger brands than me. Still with a career in its 43rd year and with friends all over North America and Britain, it is most satisfying to realize that you do have brand equity and there are people interested in what you've got to say. I thank you for taking the time and I appreciate your many comments. I present two Top Five lists rather than one Top 10 in order to separate personal from professional posts. Here we go!

Personal

"If You Couldn't Play Tomorrow, How Hard Would You Play Today" - This story came about as a result of a number of triggers and represents the first time I was able to publicly discuss the death of our son Jonathan.
It's a Story Too Painful to Tell, Until Recently - This is Part Two of the story about our son's passing. The response to the original post was enormous. Jonathan was a scholarship lacrosse player at Limestone College in Gaffney South Carolina. They published a link to the story on their website, as did the on line lacrosse magazine ILindoor.com. I was also invited to be a guest on a national talk show hosted by Roy Greene.
Winnipeg Jets Hockey Pants Return Home to Canada - The news was filled with stories about the imminent return of NHL Hockey to Winnipeg and my team issued Winnipeg Jets hockey pants did indeed get sent back to me after languishing in a couple of Baltimore MD basements for many years. This story is still being found weekly by readers all over the world.
My Cancer Journey - The Next Chapter - Over this past summer, I completed the training required by the Canadian Cancer Society, to become a mentor for others with throat cancer. It's my way of giving back.
1970 Houndstooth Cougar XR7 - My classic car. Spring has sprung when I spring for the insurance and the gas to put my classic back on the road. This one too gets found regularly by Cougar enthusiasts the world over.

Business

Build Your Business by Caring More - Inspired by having experienced fabulous customer service over a period of 4-6 weeks. At the same time, a couple of friends were going through a bad period and they were letting everyone know the details. Not good for the businesses involved.
Build Your Business by Practicing the Golden Rule - The recent experiences of friends and family applying for jobs provided the inspiration. An early boss and mentor of mine once said "I have to be nice to people like you because one day I might need a job". I have never forgotten that advice and have put it to the test throughout my career.
Build Your Business by Actually Talking to Your Customers - Really! What a concept!
Build Your Business with Curiosity, Creativity and Content - Show prep and the art of finding the content that matters most to your customers.
Build Your Business by First Assessing the Past - Do the Yellow Pages and other traditional marketing tools even matter any more?

To 2012....and beyond!

Okay, it's not quite quoting Buzz Lightyear but close enough. Here's what matters. If you think you've had to endure change through recent years, it's only just begun. Ask yourself these questions.

agile or fragile
positive or negative
fluid or stuck
risk or routine
naughty or nice

So the last one doesn't really count but you can see where I'm going. Whether personally or professionally, without the mindset that change must be embraced, the fear of change will only result in failure. And today you can expect failure to be virtually instantaneous.

Build Your Business by Making the Right New Years Resolutions

2011-12-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

We instinctively know that we have to change in order to find new customers and succeed in a world dominated by technology and instant communication. Most of us are never more than a ringtone or an app away from information overload. Anything we want, when we want it. Music, books, pictures and video via YouTube, periodicals, breaking news, TV shows and movies, movie reviews, restaurant reviews, consumer comments and ratings, addresses, phone numbers, instant messages from friends and family, maps with audio directions, even telephone calls with moving pictures.

We make reservations, buy airline tickets, book vacations, goods and services of all kinds at the click of a mouse or the tap of a tiny screen. We have smartphones, the new pad technology, laptops, clouds, GPS, ipods and readers. And, if you want, you can buy one device that does it all.

Hands up, how many of you got one of these devices for Christmas? Or, bought one for your kids?

Now, how many of you truly realize and respect the power you hold in your hands?

How many businesses are not yet ready to compete in this new world?

What changes are vital for your continued success? What will be your 2012 New Years Resolutions?

The trick is to keep them

It's more than diets, better fitness and no more bad habits. It's about survival! Every business could shed needless baggage, become stronger and more agile in competition and create better habits when it comes to sales and customers. You need to assess and make a plan, but not just any plan.

Strategies are vital

That's why I invite you to re-visit the following Ted Farr Media Blog Posts from this past year.

Where to from here

You've made your decision. Change is on its way. You know it's going to be hard. It'll take focus and discipline. You'll have to work with your team. Set new standards. Demand better performance.

Do you have the guts or will your new found resolution become that abandoned treadmill in your basement or that long forgotten gym membership buried deep in your wallet?

More often than not, successful change requires a coach.

To help design the program that best suits you and your business
To guide you and keep you on track
To give you confidence
To help you through the chickening out period when you want to quit and return to your old ways
To remind you that your focus is your customer

Maybe your first resolution should be to find and hire that person, your personal trainer, your business coach. And yes, I am available.

Build Your Business by Practicing the Golden Rule

2011-12-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, that Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It’s a rule that works, every time. But, when you forget to treat others the way youwant to be treated, we have a problem. It’s never about the business owner or the department manager! It’s always about your customers, youremployees, and your prospects, all of the people you interact with every day,including your family and friends.

Business is no different than life

The truly successful business creates memories, positive,happy memories. You’ve no doubt heardthe phrase “the customer experience”. Try this. Substitute the name ofa real person, someone who interacted with you and your business today. Place yourself in their shoes. Now, from beginning to end, what was thatperson’s experience? Describe the memories that person will surely share with others. Be honest and be specific.

Some of you are failing miserably

I am dismayed whenever I hear stories from people looking forwork about how they’ve been treated by prospective employers. You know the drill.

You have a job opening in your company
Advertising generates a flood of applications
You are busy running your business. (After all, you are short staffed)
The stack of applications grows
You blitz through them looking for those gems to interview
The remainder get tossed
You rationalize, if they’re really interested they’llcontact me again
You justify ignoring phone calls and emails by saying “I’mtoo busy”. Or maybe you fear tellingpeople no
And, what do you say when you re-advertize the job because you aren't satisfied with the quality of the applicants

By making it about you, you have made the fatal error.

Sound familiar?

Mary Smith sends you her resume. Maybe she’s new in the job market. Maybe she has a job but it’s not what she wastrained to do. Maybe her job barely paysthe bills. She has applied for positionsover and over but rarely if ever hears back from the prospective employer. She sees herself as a big person, able tohandle rejection. She knows the competitionis tough. She’d just like to know why shewasn’t considered. Where is the hole in herresume? What does she need to do to beconsidered next time? She’d treasurefeedback of any kind. Hell, she’d liketo know that her resume got to you okay. What’s the time line for you to make adecision? Maybe she’s waiting by herphone because you promised to get back to her by Thursday, and you haven’tdelivered on your promise. She wantssome courtesy. She wants you to remember that her time is precious too, not tomention her anxiety and other feelings.

Do you practice the Golden Rule?

If you were applying for a job with your company, how wouldyou be treated? If you ignore peoplethey’ll go away alright, but rest assured that they won’t go quietly. Their friends and families will all knowabout you and how you behave. Your reputationand that of your business will be scarred. Forget about you walking in someone's shoes, answer this question. Would you like your son or daughter to betreated the way you treated Mary Smith?

Michael Jackson got something right

I'm startingwith the Man in the Mirror

I'm asking himto change his ways

And no messagecould have been any clearer

If you wannamake the world a better place

Take a look at yourself, and then make a change

Jackson may have had the hit, but the songwriters Siedah Garrett and GlenBallard made the magic in the music.

The bottom line

Happy customers, happy employees, happy suppliers and happyfamilies make for a more productive and successful life. Relationships matter, no matter howshort. And, it applies to everything youdo.

Build Your Business by First Assessing the Past

2011-12-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

There was a day when you were lost without a phone book. Chances are the Yellow Pages were in the back. In a larger city, you probably had two books, White Pages for regular listings and Yellow Pages for businesses and services.

Bring back memories?

By the end of a year, the books would be all dog eared (withapologies to the dog) and maybe there were some pages missing. But you used the books constantly. Business owners set aside budget to make suretheir Yellow Pages ad was seen. For manyit was a critical part of a simple marketing plan - word of mouth and theYellow Pages, a great combination because it worked.

Red Alert!

Do you know where your phone books are right now? Do you even have a phone book in the house orat the office? If you do, what’s it usedfor?

A booster seat for your friends 3 year old?
A door stop?
Kindling for the fire place?
Support for that cabinet with the broken leg?
A convenient stand for your computer monitor?

The point is that a marketing plan requires planning andmeasurement of success. Most havemultiple components or touch points as you interact with your current and prospectivecustomers. So what’s your plan? And, do the Yellow Pages even matter anymore?

Computers, tablets and smart phones

According to Stats Canada, more than 90% of Canadians usethe internet for email. What does thattell you about ownership of computers, tablets and smart phones? It takes but seconds to look up a businessand print out a Google Map. It takesonly seconds to find a phone number using your smart phone. So the real question for your business andyour 2012 marketing plan is this. Canyou be easily found on line?

It’s too expensive, I don’t have the money

It may be the world’s biggest excuse for having a lousywebsite or no website at all. Yet manyof these same businesses spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars per monthadvertising in the Yellow Pages or in the new online Yellow Pages.

Time to change

Evaluate your return on investment and ask yourself, am I betterto get my on line presence in shape by today’s standards or continue to spendmoney on a product that is no longer relevant for most current and prospectivecustomers?

For many businesses the money is available, what’s missingare the guts to make the decision to take your marketing plan in a newdirection. Old school or new? You must choose to survive in the digitalworld.

Important questions

Use your money wisely (as silly as that sounds). Look back at your marketing history and askyourself what worked and why? Now, askyourself is that tactic relevant in 2012?
Remember that the key to being found on line ismaking sure that your Search Engine Optimization is set up properly so thatyour business ranks among the first few listings in a Google search. When was the last time you got expert help onyour web strategy? Do you even have awebsite?
As you create your 2012 marketing plan, considerthe quality and the user friendliness of your website content. Are you trapped in the ancient ways or isyour website dynamic and built to generate traffic?
Is everything up to date? Is your website content rich? ? Doyou provide the information your current and prospective customers aresearching for? (The percentage of Canadians researching purchases prior toshopping at a store is growing all the time)
Do you tweet? Do you have business profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn? Are your social media connections presentedin a way that makes you proud? Is theinformation provided to your followers relevant and valuable?
Video is the next big thing. Taking still pictures is easy. So is uploading to most websites as well asFacebook and Twitter. Do you have adecent digital camera and do you use it weekly in the promotion of your goodsand services?
The harder part is video. Some predictions suggest that 80 – 90% of webcontent in 5 years will be video. Areyou ready? Do you have a YouTube accountas a part of your social media marketing strategy?
Your 2012 marketing plan must include a thorough assessment of the past. Here’s a big onethat requires thought and discussion. Areyou ready for tomorrow or are you spending marketing dollars on the wrongthings?
If you must list your business in the local YellowPages go minimal. Contract for yourbusiness name and phone number only. Inthe appropriate category of course! Whatdo your competitors do?
Where will you find the budget dollars to dowhat’s critical for the on-going survival of your business? Will they come from breaking old habits?

Business boot camp - 2012

As we approach the New Year, it’s time for resolutions. Out with the old and in with the new. Shed some pounds. Quit smoking. Promise to be a nicer person. Whatabout your business?

Where will you shedpounds?
What bad habits will youquit?
And, how about the relationshipyou have with your customers?
Is yourfuture in the Yellow Pages or is your future on line?

These are not easy questions. That's why it's called Boot Camp.

Build Your Business by Caring More

2011-12-07T19:23:00.001-08:00

There are customers and clients who have given you theirloyalty forever. They come back again and again without concern for price. They believe in you and what you do.

What have you done for me lately

It’s an old cliché but more true today than ever. As businesses focus entirely on growth tosurvive, they often fail to recognize the value of those customers who are thebasis of their very existence. They takeus for granted. They do little ornothing to keep us happy while they do everything to delight a prospectivecustomer or client. What gives?

Apparently nothing or am I in a fog

While so many businesses don’t get it and may never get it,there are signs that the world of customer service is actually changing. These businesses are finding ways todemonstrate that loyalty matters. Therelationship with the customer is the most important mission each and everyday, and there is a method to their madness.

Clues to greatness

A major department store at the brink ofbankruptcy, hires a new CEO. Suddenlythere are new products. Centralizedcashiers disappear. The checkout processreturns to individual departments. Longlines get shorter. There are salesclerks everywhere. They smile and greetyou. They appear to be genuinelyhappy. There is rarely an issue gettingserved. Questions are answered. Your shopping pains have solutions.
Yourfavourite restaurant becomes more popular. You don’t have a reservation. Theparking lot is full but you try anyway because you love the place, the food andits people. The manager sees you at thedoor. He calls you by name and says“we’re full but we always have room for you. Give me a minute.”
You’reat a branch of your bank in a different city. You rarely visit a teller but this time you need a service only a tellercan supply. While your transaction iscompleted, the teller observes that you are paying a considerable servicecharge on your account monthly, a service charge that is no longernecessary. Not only are the optionsexplained on the spot but the fix is made with a smile and a “have a great day”.
Youneed a new computer so you visit several retailers to explore the options. At one major outlet you meet a sales clerkwho is barely 20 years old. He not onlycalls you sir not dude, but introduces himself and shakes your hand. Several questions later, he has anunderstanding of your needs and takes you to see the options. He makes sure that you have the best pricefor hardware and software. Time spent –over an hour. Return on investment –happy customer who will come back for other goods and services.
Shoppingfor a major Christmas gift for one of your children. A clerk at a major retailer quicklyunderstands that none of their products do the trick. So, just like a scene from the movie Miracleon 34^th Street, the clerk recommends that you try a competitor. Not only does the competitor have what youwant but it’s on sale. The clerk at themajor retailer had researched all the flyers.
Youbreak two teeth while on vacation. There’s no emergency, you just need them repaired. Your dentist fixes two but only charges forone. And then, the next day, you get apersonal phone call from your dentist asking if everything is okay and are youhappy with the work.

Amazing things happen when customer service takes on a human face and those employees are trained and empowered to win not only your business but your future loyalty. Ineach of these examples, the employee or the business owner went that extra mileto ensure benefit for your business.

Is it still called value added or is there a new way oflooking at customer service

All your competitors pride themselves in their customerservice so what makes you so special? Roy H. Williams recently wrote an article about marketing tactics for2012. Here is what he said.

“Added value” is the popular name for what’s included at noextra charge. But we are entering a time when it will no longer be sufficientto tell the world what you include and what you stand for. To hold theattention of the public in 2012 and beyond, you must identify what you leaveout and what you stand against.

Huh!!!!

If you stand against grumpy uncaring employees,then fix yours. Find out why they aregrumpy and don’t care by making it worth their while to change
If you stand against the impression that it’sall about you and your profits then find ways to reward the loyalty of yourcustomers. Talk to them. Follow up on your sale. Make sure your customer is happy. Give them reasons to tell their friends andfamily about you
If you stand against the phenomena of “retailbureaucracy” then train your employees and empower them to find solutions foryour customers. Not everything requiresyour permission if you trust the people who work for you and give them thetools to delight and succeed
If you stand against businesses that seem toignore emails or phone calls from their customers, both the compliments and thecomplaints, answer them on the same business day, even if it means completingthe task after business hours. If notyou then a senior member of your staff empowered to graciously accept pats onthe back but also empowered to fix a problem
If you own a plumbing business and you standagainst the greatest fear of your prospective customers, butt crack, then havea dress code for your external employee that includes a uniform and a tucked inshirt. After all, who needs to see buttcrack? And, from a marketing perspectivehow about this? “Al’s Plumbing andHeating – Home Service with No Butt Crack”

The bottom line

Understand your customers. They have expectations but they also have fears. Know what they want and how they want to betreated and do more of that. Talk tothem, listen, communicate with your employees and set the standards. Make promises to both customers and employeesand then, keep them. Your business willthrive once you demonstrate you truly care.

It's a Story Too Painful to Tell, Until Recently

2011-09-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

Our son Jonathan died January 28, 2008. It’s the reason our priorities changed. The grieving process compels you to evaluate everything. Your life balance is completely screwedup. The loss of a child makes nosense. There is no logic, only intenseemotion.

Career change and a major move

We soon realized that we could no longer live in SaskatoonSaskatchewan, so far removed from family. Our daughter Natalie and her husband Rob are in the Okanagan Valley ofBritish Columbia. Terrie’s twin sisteris in Vancouver. Terrie’s younger sisteris also in the Okanagan Valley. Myfamily is in Calgary Alberta and on Vancouver Island.

To accomplish the move meant leaving a great job. I changed my career and opened a consultancywith a home office, a telephone and an internet connection.

The journey

Grief is a long and winding road. The twists are often unexpected. I find Terrie in tears at all hours of theday and night. The answer to my questionis always the same, “just thinking about our baby boy”. I can be deep into a work project or drivingdown the street. Anywhere, anytime, amemory will rush in and take the moment. It’s a rollercoaster! Ourmemories are strong and vivid. The griefcounsellor helped us understand that we are not crazy, that memories areimportant celebrations of a life lived without regret. Jonathan did more and accomplished more inhis 32 years than many people do on this earth for many more.

For most of the past 3 years we simplyreferred to Jonathan’s passing as a tragic accident. If pressed with more questions, our responsehas been that it is too painful to discuss. Over the summer, something changed.

The therapy of giving back

I wrote a blog post titled “Ifyou couldn’t play tomorrow, how hard would you play today”. For the first time I was able to discusspublicly, Jonathan’s accomplishments, his suicide and the questions that remainunanswered. I’m sure the epiphany wasthe result of having battled throat cancer last year. A key component in my determination to defeatthe demon has been the belief that I can help someone else. Those of you who have followed my cancerposts know about my friend Lyle Bauer in Calgary who overcame the samefoe. He said, “Your life has changed andnow there will be many who look to you as the “warrior” for counsel andadvice. This is a team not of our choosing. It however just mightbe the greatest team of our lives. Never alone!” So, I am now officiallya mentor within the cancer community, available to help others.

Another thing happened this summer when contacted by afriend who asked if I would be ok discussing the loss of Jonathan with a guywho used to work for us. Their son died in a drowning accident. He wasn’t yet 25. He and his wife were on the phone call. While I hadn’t seen norspoken to this guy in years, I was able to share Terrie’s and my experienceswith them and hopefully help them in the early days of their griefjourney.

When the time is right, the door always opens to newopportunity

I write to you today in order to let you know that I havebeen asked to be a guest on a national talk show. The host is Roy Green. He is based in Montreal and does a weekendtalk show across the Corus Radio Network. The show is heard from Ontario to BC, on multiple stations. Roy read my blog about Jonathan and wasmoved. He asked me to join him on theradio because he believes that our story could help others. The circumstances surrounding Jonathan’ssuicide are important reminders for parents on so many levels.

My appearance will be at 1:30 PM Pacific Time on SaturdayOctober 1. It’s called The Roy GreenShow, on the Corus Radio Network. Here is a list of affiliate stations.

CKNW Vancouver
AM1150 Kelowna
CHED Edmonton
QR77 Calgary
CKOM Saskatoon
CJME Regina
CJOB Winnipeg
AM980 London
CHML Hamilton
AM640 Toronto

For those of you who would like to listen but aren’t closeto any of these stations, I have provided the links to the various websites above. They all have streamingaudio at the click of a button. If you have the time, please listen. 1:30 PM Pacific Time, Saturday October 1, I’ll be talkingabout Jonathan.

“If you couldn’t playtomorrow, how hard would you play today”

#17

“If You Couldn’t Play Tomorrow, How Hard Would You Play Today”

2011-09-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Our son Jonathan was an athlete. He never caught a break in hockey despite hissize, shot and skating ability. He was adefenseman, left side, left-handed shot and he loved to hit. As a 15 year old, he attracted the attention ofa Junior B team in Vancouver and the University of Alaska. When his hockey dream began to fade, hededicated himself to his other favourite game.

Lacrosse - Canada’s Summer National Sport

He played Junior A Box Lacrosse in Winnipeg at 16,up against men, 20 and 21 year olds. Jonathan scored 55 goals in 14 games during his first year and had morethan 50 goals his second year. He wasrecruited by teams in Ontario because of his stick skill and eye for thenet. But, he wanted to play in BritishColumbia where he learned the game in the New Westminster Salmonbellies organization. He wasn’t yet 18 when hemade the roster of the Junior A Victoria Eagles. The BC Junior Lacrosse League produces some of the best players in the world. Jonathan was a lacrosseleft-hander in a sport where goal scoring lefties are highly valued. The Victoria team found him a job and he wasliving with two teammates when he decided that working in a factory wasn’t forhim. The phone call went something likethis, “Dad, I have to go to school, can you help me”?

Saints, Cerino and the chance to play

Five American colleges expressed interest butit was Limestone College in Gaffney South Carolina that made the bestscholarship offer. The program was justa few years old and Saints Head Coach Mike Cerino took a rider on the Canadiankid he had never seen play. The onlything he knew was that Jonathan had a great stick and could score. All #17 ever wanted was the opportunity to play.

Jonathan had the distinction of being the firstCanadian to play for the Saints. It wasa recruiting door that opened for Coach Cerino and Canadians have beenimportant to the success of the program ever since. Jonathan also led the team in goals for twoof his four seasons. His accomplishmentswill forever be a part of the Limestone Saints Men’s Lacrosse history.

Getting a life

After graduation, Jonathan married his girlfriend,the lovely Anna, moved to Baltimore Maryland and became a mortgage broker. He eventually owned his own business inpartnership with another former Limestone lacrosse player, Rob Jenkins. The kids, and they were just kids, bought themselves a row house in historic Federal Hill. It was originally built in the early 1900's but had recently been renovated. Life was good! The future looked great but then Jonathan died tragically in January2008. He was 32.

Why #17

It started when he was quite young. His friends were enamoured with #99. Wayne Gretzky was everything. For some reason, Jonathan gravitated to theToronto Maple Leafs, not the Edmonton Oilers or his home town VancouverCanucks, it was the Leafs. His favouriteplayer was as tough-as-nails, a power forward named Wendel Clark - #17. So he began asking for #17 on every team hejoined. Over the years, in two sports, there were only one or two times when #17 was not available.

Now that he's gone, #17 is like a lightning rod for me. As our grief counsellor said, everytime you see the number it's just Jonathan saying hello. My gawd there are days when he says hello a lot.

Concussions, anti-depressants and suicide

With all the recent publicity about the lastingimpact of concussions on the victims, my wife and I have wondered. Jonathan had three concussions. The first came at the age of 15, when he wasthe Captain of the New Westminster Royals Bantam AA hockey team. He got hit from behind in a corner. The impact caused him to spin awkwardly. As he fell, he hit the base of his skull onthe edge of the boards, beneath the bottom of his helmet. He was unconscious before he hit the ice.

The second was while playing for the Victoria Eagleslacrosse team. He went down to scoop aloose ball. Jonathan was cross checkedin the face, forcing his helmet to rise up at the back. Almost simultaneously, he was crossed checkedfrom behind, again at the base of his skull. The impact was violent enough that the two opposing players went down,but Jonathan stumbled to the players’ bench. Two weeks later he was back in action,stripped the ball from an opponent and turned to head up the floor onoffense. The opposing player jumped onhis back, ripped off his helmet and began throwing head punches before Jonathancould defend himself in the fight - concussion number three. Atthis point, the team told him they would not allow him to return unless he hadan MRI and was cleared by a doctor. Bythe time that happened, his season was over.

Was the damage done already

To the best of our knowledge, he did not suffer anyother concussions. What really happenedinside his brain from those three bone jarring incidents? Were those concussions part of the reason whyhe suffered panic attacks years later? Adoctor prescribed the anti-depressant Zoloft, a drug we have since learnedcarries the stiffest suicide warning the Federal Drug Administration issues inthe USA. On the weekend Jonathan died,he had decided he did not like how Zoloft made him feel. Being the stubborn self starter that he was,he stopped taking the pills without medical supervision. I talked with him three times on theFriday. He was excited about somepending business deals. He didn't sound depressed. He had found a new deli in his neighbourhood and was ready to play even more rec hockey at a different rink. He spentSaturday with one of his best friends, Brian Bauer and everything seemed fine. On Sunday, he spiralled out of control andwhatever dark place he found, resulted in his tragic and untimely death. We will never know exactly what happened inthose final hours or why. All we have arememories. My wife once said to me thatour job as parents is to make memories. She was so right. Had we not doneso, had we not instilled that same mission in our children, we would have nojoy.

Lifelong friends

Jonathan formed strong friendships. He was a big personality and loyal. He could fill a room all by himself. If you were one of his guys, he always hadyour back and expected nothing less in return. His closest friends were almost all athletes. They shared a common bond. Many are former teammates. One thing is sure, they worked hard and theyplayed hard, high achievers every one. Today, several of thefriends keep in touch with Terrie and me because we have a common bond,Jonathan. As one of his best friend's recently said "#17 in your program, #1 in our hearts". Thanks Brian.

Memories and mementos’

I proudly wear an NCAA Lacrosse, National Championshipring. It commemorates the victorious 2002 Limestone Saints. It was a gift frombrothers Brian and Brad Bauer, teammates and best friends of #17.When Jonathan died in '08, the Bauers wanted me to have the ring. It was Bradwho played on the championship team and wore Jonathan's #17. Brian and Jonathan graduated before theSaints reached the peak of their performance with championships in 2000 and2002.

In an emotional moment at Jonathan's memorial in Baltimore MD, a moment Iwill never forget, Brian Bauer said to me, this is the ring Jonathan shouldhave won. They wanted me to always remember the Saints, the teammates and theiraccomplishments. The Bauer brothers know how important it has been to me. Theinscription on the side of the ring is the motto of the Limestone Saints -"If you couldn't play tomorrow, how hard would you play today?" Itspeaks to attitude and determination, to never giving up, to the fight to win.I read it and live it daily.

Friendships, honours and accolades

On October 8, the 2000 national championship teamwill be inducted into the Limestone Sports Hall of Fame. Congratulations guys! Both the 2000 and 2002 championship rostersinclude many of Jonathan’s friends and/or guys he helped out along the waygiving them jobs at the bar he ran in Gaffney South Carolina so they had pocket money,or, giving them career advice and training, or, they were just lacrosse buddies. The Hall of Fame looks good on all of you asathletes. As for the good friends, youknow who you are. I will close with this- you are already in my Friendship Hall of Fame.

Build Your Business by Actually Talking to Your Customers

2011-09-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Social Media has taken over the world. But, is it a personal convenience, a new wayof marketing, a more expedient way of communicating or is it an obsession? Gadgets and widgets, apps for just abouteverything, QR codes, free wifi is now an advertised come-on, tweet ups, tweetouts, like buttons and communities full of friends most of whom you wouldn’trecognize if you bumped into them on the street. Increasingly, social media is being viewed asa rude and often invasive or unsafe addiction. A recent article in MACLEAN'S Magazine suggested that an amazing number of twenty somethings thought itwas just fine to text while having sex. Really! Can you imagine thatconversation? And, how did the partnerfeel?

Perspective is a wonderful thing

Those who have perspective achieve balance more easily thanthose who don’t. Clearly the proliferationof the internet and the devices to access it has changed our lives. So for your business to compete you must finda way to use social media consistently and well. A communicationstrategy is no longer an option. But balance and perspective both in businessand day to day living are vital.

The art of conversation

What was life like before cell phones, laptops, email, textmessaging and twitter? Wasn’t that longago either! We had to talk to oneanother, face to face. Sure we had thetelephone and snail mail, but more often than not, friend or foe, customer orcompetitor, we talked. The store owner knew regular customers by name. Some still do. Today’s clock crunched, profitstressed business owner may believe there isn’t the time to talk topeople. Oops! Not a great move. Have we lost the ability to be social as weembrace social media? As we tweet aboutour world in no more than 140 characters, have we lost the art of conversation?

Why is this important

You need the feedback and the clarity that comes from beingable to ask the right questions, from observing a person’s body language, fromlooking them in the eyes
Twitter has its place as do Facebook, LinkedIn, email, blogsand websites, but actual conversation is still the best way to show you trulycare
Talk to your customers and they will help you fullyunderstand your brand. After all, brandis reputation. It’s about your customersand how they view your value and what they say about you
It’s their feedback and what you do about it that will improveyour service, your effectiveness and product lines to ultimately, build yourbusiness.

Ohand by the way, conversation will also help you improve your contentmarketing through social media

Build Your Business with Curiosity, Creativity and Content

2011-08-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

The biggest challenge

For the business person committed tocontent marketing, the need to create the next great article never goes away. Consistency is at the top of the list when communicating with customers and prospects. Interesting, relevant and timely stories aren't an option. In my world as a radio talent coach, writerand communications specialist, the questions I hear the most are these:

“How do you come up with the ideas?”

“Where do you get your inspiration?”

“How do you find the time to write?”

“Where did you get thatinteresting article you posted?”

Some thoughts for you.

In radio we call it showprep

Anyone responsible for content must have time, disciplineand a system. Without the discipline toset aside the time and do the work, no system matters. And, without a system, your time will bewasted. Imagine if you were a performerwith a radio show and you had to entertain and inform your audience for severalhours every day. Would you consistentlyhave something to say? Would you beready to turn on the microphone? Or,would you wing it, hoping that something good will fall from the sky? Those who wing it lose listeners. In content marketing for your business, thosewho wing it lose customers.

Time and discipline

Look at your business week. Do you just randomly do some things or do you schedule your work andwork your schedule? Are you proactive orreactive in your business life? Making aplan means organizing the things that must be done and then setting the timeaside to do them. Without a plan, youspend your day reacting to whatever is next. Here’s the problem. If nothinghappens in your day, then you do nothing and achieve nothing. How inefficient! Areyou the kind of person who often runs out of time and doesn’t get around to themust-do items? Developing contentdemands the time and the discipline to do the work.

Establish an editorialcalendar

It’s a simple concept really. Decide how many times per week or per monthyou are going to publish material on your blog or website. Pick your publishing day and have yourarticle researched, written and edited. Decide how much research and writing time you need to create each post,set the time aside and do it. It isimportant to use your editorial calendar to plan your topics. For example, your business may be seasonaland there may be a series of articles you can produce that will help your customersand prospects make their buying decision. There may be new innovations or new products in your field. Perhaps you want to produce a series ofvideos designed to provide answers to frequently asked consumer questions. The editorial calendar will become your guidefor establishing deadlines.

Now you need a system

An important first step is to give yourself permission tonot see or read everything. That’s animpossible task. You must establishfilters focused on your business requirements. What I mean by filter is a way of allowing creativesparks to fly based on the quality and usability of the material you uncover inyour research. The material must betimely, interesting to your customers and clearly related to your business andyour personality.

I call it “Theory ofThree”

Fill your head with ideas and current events and allowyourself to be inspired. A list ofcategories may include the following:

Current events – big stories in the news
New products – from your suppliers
Industry trends – magazines, websites, twitter trends and bloggers in your category. What are they talking about?
Leaders in your business category – do you learn from the best in your business?
Lifestyle events and issues affecting your business – back to school, Christmas, winter, spring, summer, fall, weather etc.
Charity drives, concerts, festivals and community events – can you raise your celebrity status by being associated with and promoting something going on in your trading area?
Recent customer questions – speaks for itself. What are your customers talking about? What questions are you and your staff being asked in person, by phone or on line?

In each category, find what you consider to be the topthree items of interest to your customers and prospects. Keep it to three. More and you’ll be overwhelmed. Now, ask which of these could be articles foryour blog? Are you inspired? A recent example from Current Events may havebeen Hurricane Irene. What, if anything,can your customers learn from the Irene experience? Can you help your customers be prepared for anatural disaster in your location?

Who are these people you call customers andprospects

There is no sense taking the time and devising a system ifyou have no idea what your customers and prospects want? It’s about them not you. You must define your community before you cancreate your service and always remember, you are providing a service. You are the information source. You are the person they turn to when theywant what you have to offer. It cannever be about you, only them. You canapply your personality and style but the content must be customized to yourcustomers needs.

There is no betterresearch than actually talking to a customer

And, there is no better research technique than asking openended questions. You’ll find that mostof the great questions begin with the words what or why and occasionallyhow. Open ended questions are those thatlead to conversation. They cannot beanswered with a simple yes or no.

How can I help?
Why are you here?
What problem are you looking to solve?
What information do you need before you make up your mind?
What is the outcome you want to achieve?
What other solutions are you considering?
Why this one and not that one?
What sort of budget do you have?

The answers to these questions could not only lead to an article ortwo or three, but could result in an actual sale.

The bottom line

Be insanely curious and observant about your life andexperiences. It could be something assimple as the way a waitress greeted you at a restaurant. Is it something you could steal or adapt foryour business? Write it down, make anote, think about it and decide. Is itsomething you can write about?

Creativity and content are not luxuries or diversions to be explored only when you have the time because without ideas and inspiration, how does yourbusiness grow?

My Cancer Journey - The Next Chapter

2011-08-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Cancer is a scary word

There is no denying the fear you feel when told it’s you who has it not someone else. Your mind goes to all the dark places. Your life is threatened. You flirt with bitterness. You have been signed up for a war you hoped you would never have to fight. But why not you? About 40% of Canadians will experience cancer in their lifetimes. Doctors speed you to treatments. It’s information overload. Numbness sets in and you give yourself to the medical cycle of appointments, tests, opinions, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, weight loss, hair loss, pain, fatigue, nausea and more. Some of us battle and win. Some of us don’t.

It may sound weird to say this

I had the good fortune of having two friends who had the same cancer as me. I could talk to Mac and Lyle. They answered my questions and shared their experiences. At no time did they offer medical advice but they did provide practical suggestions on how to deal with the treatment stages and there were many. They both repeated the simple truth that while our cancers may have been similar, our journeys were unique. We are individuals and our bodies respond in distinctive ways. No two journeys are the same.

Teamwork

To survive cancer you need a spectacular team of family, friends and medical professionals for support and care. A positive attitude is not an option. Cancer changes your priorities, alters your lifestyle and pushes you to your limits. For those of us declared cancer free, the mission is to stay that way, whatever it takes.

Survivors are warriors

“Your life has changed and now there will be many who look to you as the “warrior” for counsel and advice. This is a team not of our choosing. It however just might be the greatest team of our lives. Never alone!”

The words of my friend Lyle who is more than five years clear of his cancer treatments. Mac is more than five years clear too. What they did for me was priceless. Now it’s my turn.

CancerConnection

This is a program available through the Canadian Cancer Society. Contact can be made on line or by phone, 1-888-939-3333.

CancerConnection simply matches you with someone who has had a similar cancer experience, a warrior trained and approved by the Canadian Cancer Society. I have completed the interviews, studied the manuals and participated in several conference call training sessions. I have had a criminal record check and signed a volunteer contract. The first “connection” is next.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Build Your Busines by Encouraging Readers to Comment on Blog Posts

2011-07-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

One of my missions when I began to blog was to offer stories and professional advice that you would find compelling and relevant and then, to engage in conversation with you. Some posts are intensely personal such as the stories from my battle with throat cancer. Some are just me sharing a little about my passions. Others are designed to help you with solutions to business problems, especially in the area of content marketing. The Ted Farr Media blog is also there as a vehicle for offering my services as a consultant, talent coach and analyst for both radio stations and business owners.

With each post I had hopes of establishing a dialogue that would result in new articles built around answers to any of your questions, more clarity or the writing of new articles based on your suggestions and requests. There have been many positive responses, but mostly through email. That's okay and I thank you. A few readers have figured out how to use the comments box. I emphasize, only a few! This reality has prompted me to ask, how come? Off to Google Search in pursuit of solutions. Here’s what I found.

The 3 big reasons why readers don’t comment on blog posts

The blog content sucks
Don’t have the time or don`t care
The comment procedure is too complicated

The blog content sucks

Well, there’s a sticking point! How do you know if your content sucks? Here is an article worth reading, 20 Warning Signs that your Content Sucks. Simply put, the number one reason why readers don’t comment is you and your writing. If your readership declines with every post, chances are that fewer and fewer people are interested in what you have to say. If the problem is your writing, there are many bloggers offering tips on line.

Don’t have the time or don`t care

This one I get. Years ago I learned that great radio talk shows generate calls from less than 5% of the audience. The other 95% may be entertained and informed but for a variety of reasons don’t ever use the phone to get involved in the show. Yet they may form an opinion, learn something new, or be delighted enough by your content to tell a friend what they heard. Time is indeed precious. But mostly readers don’t care if your content doesn’t speak directly to them, solving a problem or creating a shared experience. Your parents or your mate may read everything you write because it’s their job, but the rest of the world has choices.

The comment procedure is too complicated

Guilty! This one's important. If you don’t make it easy for readers to react, they won’t. Investigate your settings. The comment box on my blog posts has been too hard. As I learn about Blogger software, I hadn’t fully understood the permissions and settings. Now that I do, anyone can comment, at any time, from any computer. And, you can be anonymous, although I would prefer to know who you are.

My invitation to you

Please comment, anytime. Thank you!

Build Your Business with Great Stories on Your Website

2011-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

There are two kinds of stories important to content marketing success on your website. Both must be relevant and compelling.

The story about you and your business

Tell the world what makes you different from everyone else.

You are unique! Your passion is second to none! Your story is intriguing!

But other than your family and your closest friends, who else knows the real you, the authentic you?

Stories that matter to your customers and prospects

Customers buy goods and services in order to solve problems. With Google Search only a click away, will you offer what they want? On line research is the new consumer black, to borrow a fashion phrase. Will your website answer their questions? Will their experience help them decide that you have the goods or services they seek?

Since most businesses have direct competition offering similar products and services, the icing on your content strategy cake is the story of the people behind the business.

Keys to success

Hire help

It may be possible to develop your story on your own, but it’s easier and more efficient when you engage the services of a trusted pro, a content expert skilled in the art of the interview. The pro will help you overcome any objections you may have to finding the truth and help you relax. To be authentic and real means revealing yourself as comfortable, human and unguarded. You have hopes and dreams for your family and your business just like your customers. It’s not about empty promises and hackneyed descriptions of business goals. It’s not about profit and loss. That’s for your accountant and you. This is about connecting to your customers and your prospects in a genuine, open, honest and believable way.

Decisions and commitment

If you or one of your staff members has the necessary skill, then set the time aside to create and maintain content. If not, then along with a commitment of time, you'll need a budget to hire professional help (see above).

Finding your essence and the true nature of your business can’t be done in a 15 minute meeting. In fact, it may take several hours and may require more than one meeting
Determine how you want your story told on your website
We recommend both video and written. A video to portray the real you on your website and written elements of your story for use in everything from website content to blog posts and conventional advertising copy
Determine a budget. How much are you willing to invest in the growth of your business
Research and hire a company offering

Video production services
Content marketing and writing

You don’t have to get naked

Always relate to your business and be honest and authentic.

What happened in your life to inspire you to become a business owner
What do you do to maintain balance between family, self and business career
What is your passion
Three other things you are passionate about
When you have spare time, what do you do
The most important thing your business does every day
Three other reason why customers should spend their money with you
Anything else you’d like to say

Providing solutions to your customers’ problems

To be an expert you don’t have to be #1 in the world. That's a daunting task no doubt requiring years of study and several university degrees, or not! Become the best in your world. You are talking to your customers in your community. You have to have the confidence to "think you can".

Your advice must be well researched. Use the bigger experts as mentors and sources of information. Learn from them and adapt your new found knowledge to your community. Always give your mentors/sources credit with links to their relevant web content. It’s the right thing to do. Here's one of my inspirations. Your objective is not world domination, it is to be the best in the place where your customers live. The New Neighbourhood Store is on the Internet. Customers are still looking for that person they can trust when seeking advice. They want to know you by name and like you before they trust you.

Do it for the right reason

Help your clients and prospects with information and hopefully some entertainment. Always remember, it’s not about you. It’s about your audience, the visitors to your website.

Take something hard about your products or services and make it easy. Simplify it
Explain something you offer in local context. Bring your product or service home to your community
Find related stories and publish those
How do men view your product or service
How do women view your product or service
What makes your product or service relevant in the context of today’s news
How does your product or service solve a customer problem (could be several articles)
What are the new trends in your area of expertise
Follow up on questions whether received as a comment on a blog post, an email or face to face in your place of business
Don’t lie
Be gracious and transparent when things don’t work out

Ask for the sale

And there it is in bold letters! That thing you fear most! If you can't or won't Ask for the Sale, or if you're not very good at it, you are not in business.

Russian Names and Vroom-Vrooms

2011-07-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Put me in coach

Our grandson calls me Jeda. His grandmother is Baba. It’s what my wife Terrie called her Russian grandparents. My grandparents were English, Irish and Scottish with a little Pennsylvania Dutch thrown in there somewhere. To me they were Bompie and Gramma. When baby Jonathan was born in 2010, we decided that Baba and Bompie were confusing so we adopted Baba and Jeda.

Jonathan is fascinated by machines, especially those with loud engines. Two things happened in his little life recently. He heard my classic car as I drove into the garage and he watched me mow the lawn.

Vroom-vroom Jeda, vroom-vroom!

He raced to the garage door to meet me. Not the first words he has spoken, but significant in our ever growing relationship. Vroom-vroom Jeda, vroom-vroom, now means pick me up and show me your car.

I'll soon have to hide the keys

If not my car, then the lawn mower!

Or, it means take me for a walk, show me cars, trucks, motorcycles, diggers, busses, anything with wheels. Let me touch them. Any of his toys with wheels are now things to ride. Large or small, he climbs aboard as best he can and tries to propel himself across the floor.

It’s in the genes

I too am fascinated by motors, machines and things with wheels. By age 3, I could identify airplanes as they flew overhead and I could name every car on the road. It’s why I own a classic car today.

I’ve always said, if I had more money and a bigger garage I’d be dangerous.

Build Your Business with Testimonials for your Website

2011-07-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

By definition, a testimonial is an endorsement from a happy customer. They speak to the quality of your business and the value of your products or services. Happy customers tell their friends but they may not be willing to tell you or be quoted or seen on your website. So, you need a plan.

Don’t be shy

Start by having a data base of names and contact information of happy customers
Keep letters and emails on file
If positive feedback comes in person or by phone, ask if the customer would take the time to write a letter or an email
Have a place or places to display testimonials
If your website does not have a tab for testimonials, get an update from your website designer
Some businesses have a bulletin board for the posting of letters and emails, often for staff only, but sometimes in a more visible location so customers can read your positive feedback while they wait
Decide the presentation style you prefer on your website - print, video or how about both
Always show written testimonials, edited and include name etc.
Now, from your data base, solicit happy customers willing to provide their endorsement on camera
The video testimonial will add interest and power to your endorsements

· Watch for positive feedback from well known members of the community or from a company. Both could have strategic value as you grow your business

The video testimonial

Truth is that the higher the profile of the person providing the endorsement on video, the more likely it’ll be viewed. Feedback from average customers is terrific and should always be quoted, but if you are to invest marketing dollars in a short video, make sure the person has star power or strategic value. Not every candidate is suitable.

Is their name known by your customers and prospects

athlete
community leader
politician
business person
media

If a business person

Can they speak on behalf of their company

Can they be identified by their position and title

Can their company logo be used in your video

Is there an opportunity for you to endorse their business

How about an exchange of website links

Maybe there’s a joint promotion in future with benefits for both

Does the person have any restrictions from employment conditions or industry association rules

Six essential questions

What was the barrier you had to overcome before

a. Buying this (name the product or products)

b. Becoming a client of (name of service company)

c. Hiring (name of contractor) for the service you provide (photography, landscaping etc.)

What was the result for you after buying this (product or service)
What specific feature did you like most about this (product, service or person)
What would be three other benefits about this (product, service or person)
Would you recommend this (product, service or person)? If so, why
Anything you’d like to add

The value of hiring a professional videographer and video producer

Cameras bring out the worst in people. Normally out-going and animated individuals often become self conscious and at a loss for words. Nerves can kill performance. Professional videographers and video producers will provide the following.

Coaching for your testimonial person, get them to relax, put them at ease
Professional cameras, microphones, lighting, editing and final production
Set selection and staging
Time management
The interview including asking the questions more than one way in order to produce the best answers to be edited into the final product
Final format for website posting (HD, server based, YouTube or CD)

Here are two examples of video testimonials produced by the team at Floodlight Business Solutions Group.

Build Your Business with Brilliant Execution - the 90/10 Rule

2011-07-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Every business struggles with execution

Nothing is perfect. There’s always something to improve. The market changes and so do your customers. The needs of your clients evolve. Your products and services must grow along with your business systems and staffing.

Wizard or demon

Roy H. Williams is known as the Wizard of Ads. He’s one of my favourite people, an inspiration since I first met him and heard him speak. Among his many accomplishments, Roy is a New York Times Best Selling Author. His books are worth reading over and over. He is living his dream having created the Wizard Academy, a center for business excellence in Austin Texas. Every week, he writes what he calls the Monday Morning Memo in which Roy offers advice on becoming a better, more successful business. And it's free! All you have to do is sign up.

Recently Roy wrote Differentiate or Conform. Here’s what stood out for me.

"Systematize the 90 percent of your company’s activities that are recurrent so that your employees have the freedom to humanize and customize the 10 percent of your activities that are ever-changing and unusual. A company without freedoms is a sweatshop. A company without policies, procedures, methods and systems is a country club for unproductive employees."

Are you the demon in your business, procrastinating, letting things slide, refusing to change with your customers and clients? Demons can also be micro managers, robbing the business of any staff empowerment? Are you the demon so busy working in the business that you are unable to spend the time to work on the business? Are you just another employee taking home a pay cheque or are you the business owner managing your company’s activities and investing in your success? Time and energy are two of your most valuable assets. Use them wisely. Become a wizard.

Behind the scenes – systematize

If 90% of your business is not seen or directly experienced by your customers and clients, then it had better be a well oiled machine. Brilliant execution of your business basics is essential. You need efficient systems and procedures for inventory, supplies and sales as well as key business services such as accounting, janitorial and human resources.

Inventory

Can you think of anything more frustrating for customers and staff than not having the inventory required to maximize sales.

How often do you review your inventory
What is selling and what is taking up valuable shelf space
Are you up to date on seasonal and industry trends
Are you ahead of the ordering cycle
Are you turning over your inventory at a rate that produces reliable profit or is your stockroom filled with items you may as well donate to charity

Supplies

Do you have everything you need to keep the business running smoothly? Paper products, letterhead, envelopes, invoices, printed materials, price tags, pens, markers, paper clips, cleaning products, washroom products. The list varies according to the type of business.

Are you the person in charge or have you delegated a well defined procedure to one of your staff
Is there a review process in place to ensure that you are taking advantage of price breaks and asking does your supplier provide the service your business requires
Do you have a process for reviewing and proofing all of your printing needs

Accounting

It may surprise you to know that there are business owners who view accounting as a foreign language.

Are the books in order
How often do you meet with your accountant
Do you have a monthly review process
Are your expenses being paid in a timely manner
Are billings being processed efficiently
Would you know if you are being ripped off in any way

Human Resources

Unhappy workers don’t quit companies, they quit bad managers.

Have you developed your standards and practises
Are you legal under appropriate labour law
Do you have a hiring policy
Do you communicate with your employees
Is there a review process in place
Do you take responsibility for staff morale

Sales (Applies to both inside and outside sales teams)

How do they learn details about daily specials, new products or services
How are they trained to meet your customers and clients
What other responsibilities does each staff member have
How are they held accountable

What the public sees and experiences - humanize

The public sees and experiences your staff, your service technicians, your logo on vehicles etc., your website and newsletter, your store or office decor and its cleanliness, your products and services, your telephone manners, your advertising, signage and promotions, your window display, your store or office layout. In each one of these items, there is the opportunity to humanize.

Create your own list applicable to your business, website and your customers

Empower your staff to delight your customers

You want to create a brand that is not only an inviting and pleasing experience, but also a stage for you and your staff to build customer trust and loyalty resulting in reliable and consistent business growth. Find ways to delight your customers and prospects in your store or office and through your website and newsletter. Give them reasons to tell their friends about you. Acts of delight don't have to cost money except maybe coffee and doughnuts for those regular staff meetings where you brainstorm delight.

Knowledge and advice
Articles and links
Do something extra, something special
Cookies for their kids
Put the laces in those new shoes
Neatly fold their clothes purchase before you bag it
Help them load their purchase in their vehicle
Make a promise of performance and keep it
If you don't have what they want send them to the place that does

The bottom line

Why would you pay attention to these details in the 90/10 Rule? Why would you strive to execute brilliantly? Why would you empower your staff to do their best in the pursuit of customer satisfaction? Because you deserve it and so does your family.

Build Your Business with a Brand Update Strategy

2011-07-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Summer, finally!

For many businesses, summer is the ideal time to get ready for fall. September is too late. Back to school is back to normal for so many of your customers. Holidays are over. Routine replaces freewheeling. Unless your business is seasonal, then your sales cycle should be swinging to the high point of your year as fall becomes Christmas.

Brand

What is brand? Great question! Brand is reputation. It develops at those crucial moments in the relationship between you and your customers where they judge your worth or your value in the transaction. It’s the customer experience that builds or destroys customer loyalty. How you touch your customers will determine if they walk away satisfied? Will they recommend your business or service to their friends? Will they help you build your business?

Risk or reward

Are your products or services the best they can be? No amount of marketing, no amount of staff training will mean a thing if you don’t have what the customer wants in your category. Always remember, in the internet world, an unhappy customer can damage your brand reputation with the click of a mouse by sending an email to a friend or by posting negative comments to their Twitter and Facebook communities.

What now

The business has had success in the past but now you want to grow for the future. The responsibility falls on the business owner to invest in the time required to work on the business. Are you focused? Are you ready to do what’s necessary to grow your business?

In a previous post, we discussed your 10 Point Communications Strategy. Your updated or new website will soon launch. You have learned to blog. Your newsletter strategy is in place and your business profiles on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are polished. So take the time now to update the rest of your Brand strategy.

The in-store experience - a check list

Does the paint on the walls appear tired, discoloured, chipped, faded or out of date? Does the colour compliment the display of your products
Inspect the door frames, baseboards and window sills for signs of wear, excessive dirt or mould
Inspect all counter tops, shelving and display cases for chips, cracks, glue or sticker residue
What about your washroom or washrooms? Whether for staff only or available to the public, have you made all necessary repairs
Is your furniture in good shape or need to be replaced
What about your lay-out? Is there logic and flow to the placement of furniture and the efficient use of space?
Remove clutter
How good is your lighting
Is your window display inviting? Does it represent the essence of your business
Is your place of business pleasing to the senses, visual, smell and don’t forget the ear
If you play music or have some sort of digital display with TV capability, who controls what the customer hears or sees, you or your staff? Be sure the customer experience is the first consideration in every audio or video decision
Are all signs and point of sale items up to date
Is your technology reliable and in good working order

Staff training – a check list

Have you identified and addressed any personnel issues? In other words, do your staff members take care of your business the way you want it done? When was the last time you reviewed your sales system with staff? Do they know what to do and when to do it? Are they good at problem solving? How are their sales closing skills?
How good is their product knowledge, are they able to easily answer questions, discuss key properties of each product
Are required documents and forms up to date, are supplies ordered and does staff know how and why they are important
Are all staff members comfortable with your technology
Dress code, do you demand a certain look from each employee? Do you have compliance? Does your dress code include shoes, their cleanliness and state of repair
Do those who require business cards have a supply
How do you want your phone answered? Does each staff member know the drill
How do you want your customers greeted? Does each staff member know the routine or does that part time kid on the weekend still call your customers dude
When customers have questions, in person or by phone, how do you ensure the proper follow up
Is there a smile in every transaction

Every one of the items on the above check lists can be adapted to any business setting. As a business owner it is vital to pay attention to every detail because your customers do. The old adage speaks to the impossible task of pleasing all of the people all of the time. Can’t be done! However, you can reduce the risk of losing a customer with a focused Brand Strategy.

Build Your Business with a 10 Point Communications Strategy

2011-06-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

As you build your business, consider the paths to category dominance available to an “expert”. Today’s consumer is less about the Yellow Pages and phoning Directory Assistance and more about Google. Technology has made it easy to research a product or service before darkening the door of a store or an office. Today’s consumer has the tools to be better informed, to share experiences and most importantly, to find the businesses that pay attention to their customers wants and desires.

The successful business has a “Communications Strategy”

When the consumer wants to know more about what you have to offer, are you their #1 source? Will they spend their money with you? Will you achieve category dominance in your trading area? Here are 10 considerations when devising your Communications Strategy.

1. A website with a blog

Use internal links to connect content already in your website inventory
Have outbound links to associates and other experts
Produce videos, vodcasts, podcasts, interviews with guests of your choosing and more
Respect your followers’ time
One substantial blogpost or other relevant experience from you per week plus one relevant article or experience from another source per week ought to be your minimum
Take care to maintain Search Engine Optimization

2. Social Media – What’s Your Strategy?

The big 3, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
Learn to use these tools to drive eyeballs to your website and its rich content
Provide your followers with the social media buttons encouraging them to share your content with their personal networks

3. Top of mind goes far beyond SEO (search engine optimization)

Once they find you, your job is to keep them coming back for more
Reach = the number of people in your overall network
Frequency = the number of times per week that they hear from you in an interesting and relevant way
To be constantly adding to your network, you must make it easy for your followers to share you with their personal network
The secret to frequency is never be boring, always have a point
Be confident that you understand your customers’ and potential customers’ needs and give it to them over and over in a compelling array of written word, vodcast, podcast, interviews and links to still more information should they want to dig deeper into whatever subject you are on today
As to how frequent, some communicate daily, some do it weekly but whatever your chosen number, be consistent

4. Published articles and the art of repetition

Place your content in multiple locations
Can your weekly blogpost be converted into a column for a weekly newspaper
Is it potential content for a local web portal
Write every blog post as if a chapter in a book and then publish an ebook and have copies printed to be given away at speaking engagements or to valued clients
Never fear repetition
Just because your audience has read your post once, doesn’t mean they won’t read it again as long as the article has been updated with new information or a new angle of approach
In every year there is the need to have a special time for the “best of” your writings or productions, those articles that received the most views or the most reaction
Always present your “best of” series in context

5. A newsletter

Create a consistent cycle, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly
Use permission marketing by having a sign-up available on your website

6. Become a “go-to” expert for the traditional media

What are your areas of expertise
Could you be quoted in a story as having an opinion or being the source of a solution
Cultivate key members of the traditional media
Mine the news daily for relevant story ideas you can pitch, ideas where you are the natural interview
Offer up ideas when the key interview is one of your clients or an associate
Always be sure to re-post the articles on your website including TV stories through video posts and radio interviews through podcasts
Have key members of the traditional media on your circulation list for blog updates and news letters
Can you become a regular guest/expert on a local radio talk show or cable TV show

7. News releases

Whenever you wish to alert the media to your availability for a story, write a news release
For effective results, update your distribution list quarterly
Research your contacts to be sure that the right people within the news media are on your list and to be sure they are still working

8. Public speaking and presentations

Trade shows
Business groups such as Chambers of Commerce and networking clubs
Volunteer to speak to students at Trade Schools, Universities, Community Colleges and other post secondary institutions

9. Service Clubs, charities and other community groups or organizations

Join an organization such as Rotary or Kinsmen
Or, develop your own community charity strategy to help raise your profile at times when your business naturally slows
Coach and/or sponsor a local sports team

10. Business networking groups

Every community has groups that meet on a regular basis for breakfast or after hours

Communicate internally with your staff. Communicate externally with your current and potential customers. Be consistent, relevant and entertaining and this will help you Build Your Business.

My Cancer Journey - Two Is Not a Row

2011-06-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

The winning streak began with a PET scan

It was end of August, 2010, four and a half months past the date of my last radiation treatment for throat cancer. Now, it's the regular check-ups with the oncologist. Three month intervals have grown to four month intervals. The most recent check-up was Monday June 6, 2011. That's three with great results. Three is a row.

Here is the status update

Inflamation around the vocal chords - mostly gone
Soreness in the jaw - gone
Soreness in the neck muscles - still there. Solution, neck exercises
Evidence of tumours - nothing
Teeth damaged by age combined with chemo side-effects - being repaired two at a time
Stamina - much improved but still more to be had
Energy - mostly good
Walking and exercise - better by the month
Breathing through the nose not the mouth - that's hard. Working on it
Eating - acidic foods and tastes now possible more often than not, including spicy and pickled
Regeneration of thin saliva - not happening yet. Still hopeful
Impatience with myself and the recovery process - needs constant attention and reminders that it's only been a year

Remember how far you've come

A year ago, I was still sick, trying to work, learning to eat solid food again, napping every afternoon, pushing as hard as I could. A year later, the new normal has not yet fully emerged, but it's clearer. Combined with having to re-invent my career, being dedicated to change is required.

The long and winding road

Who knew? Life certainly has twists and turns. The expected is in fact the unexpected. Recovery from cancer is hard work. Looking for new opportunities is hard work. I can tell you this, it's all better than the alternative.

“When I hear somebody sigh that life is hard, I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’” - Sydney J. Harris (via Roy H. Williams)

Never alone!

Build Your Business with the Brave New World of Content Marketing

2011-05-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

Content marketing is not a new concept

Since the dawn of the search engine, internet users have been on a quest for information. The idea is simple really. Consumers want to know more before they buy. They want answers to their questions, solutions to their problems. They want to be engaged, informed and entertained.

Back in the day, if I can use that well worn phrase, the on line sources of the information were often in other cities, even other countries. They were the corporations and institutions with the money to spend developing an on line presence. Thank them because they made all the mistakes as they evolved so you can begin where they left off. The critical difference in today’s internet world is that consumers are searching for retail businesses and services that live where they live, shop where they shop. Local is once again key to success.

Just having a website is no longer enough. It is now vital for businesses to have a content strategy where the goals are:

1. “to be found” by both current and potential customers

2. to build a relationship with users

In addition to content strategy, the website design must include the carefully managed process of search engine optimization. Of course, the most desirable result is face to face conversation. The customer who found you on line comes to your office or store to buy what you have to sell. Because of content marketing and purposeful website design, the user already knows you, your reputation, the quality of your work, the reliability of your products, your phone number, email address and a map showing where to find your office or your store. They know you because of the stories you tell and the information you share. Content marketing is a magical world.

To emphasize the obvious, one of the best and most efficient marketing investments a business can make is a website and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s not as daunting as many business owners believe. Old, tired or out of date websites damage the reputations of any retail outlet or service. Not having a website at all guarantees limited or no growth. A website must be dynamic and useful. It must be properly designed and robust enough to achieve the goals. The clincher is that the business owner must commit the time personally or have the budget set aside specifically to create and maintain the required content. Make your website valuable to your customers by offering reasons to come back again and again and it will become the heartbeat of your marketing.

Are you ready to explore content marketing? Here are five common questions.

How do I get started?

Seek advice
There are many companies in the business of providing solutions for the problems of businesses
Find the people you trust and engage their services. Use a search engine just like your customers
Discover for yourself why content marketing and search engine optimization are so important
An expert will understand your needs, work with you to describe your goals, assess an existing website if you already have one, work with you on the development of a new web presence, provide ideas and solutions and help you devise your content strategy along with the systems required to achieve desired results
You must have a realistic goal, a defined strategy and a workable routine in order for content marketing to be the critical weapon in your business building arsenal

Who is my audience and why my business?

Discover what your customers want to know and develop that as your content
Be entertaining and educational. For example, if your category is natural foods, how can you provide recipes and or content around making healthy choices?
Learn how best to educate your users. Identify their problems and provide solutions
Bring your brand to life with content and personality
Use the on line tools that suit your budget and your time
Look for topicality in current events every day. How can you capitalize on the Canucks run to the Stanley Cup or the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg or a new product or innovation in your particular content category? How can these events inspire your content?
Content must be engaging, sticky, relevant, useable, entertaining, educational

What content tools do I require?

A blog with photos and/or video whenever possible
A forum for the presentation of related content through re-purposing in-the-news items, related articles, research studies and papers from other bloggers, re-post relevant YouTube videos
Video may include interviews with experts, staff talking about their expertise, visual examples of your products in action, vodcasting how-to tutorials
The creation of video content is determined by your personal ability to shoot and edit or your ability to hire someone to do it for you
Create an online community for your customers to share their knowledge and experiences
Create an interactive module for users to ask questions and get expert answers
Make it easy to share your content. You want your users to re-post, re-tweet, email to their networks

What integrated social media links do I need?

It is important to understand and employ the big three, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin
Use permission marketing by having users register to receive a weekly or monthly newsletter via email

Should I use a call to action? – A tip worth every penny!!!

Users have to know, like and trust you before they will tolerate a sales pitch
Your call to action is vital as you convince readers, viewers, visitors to take the next step in your marketing process
Afterall, when you users need what you have to offer, you want them to buy

For help and advice on Content Marketing to Build Your Business contact Floodlight Business Solutions Group.

He Collected Stuff, Really Cool Stuff

2011-05-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Bruce died this week.

A sad time for sure! But there is no question the man left his mark on life and those who knew him well. He loved his toys and he loved dessert. Bruce could keep you fed, occupied and entertained for hours. I'm sure he remembered absolutely everything and if he didn't, he probably knew a guy who did. Now, just for a moment, imagine being a kid and having a Grandfather like this. Here's the story of Uncle Bruce as told by his son Bob to a reporter from the Brantford Expositor.

He had a passion for collecting

Bruce Essery dead at 89

Bruce Essery had a passion for collecting. He spent a lifetime gathering things that he loved - cars, farm equipment, memorabilia from gas stations, antique radios, cash registers, milk jars, pottery, signs, licence plates, engine parts. Some of it beautiful, like his 1950 Studebaker Starlight coupe, and some of it quirky, like the old clown bike with the upside-down frame that his son, Bob, used to ride when he was a kid.
But as he neared 90, Mr. Essery thought it was time to part with some of his prized possessions, which by now packed several buildings.

He planned a giant auction for June 18. Bob said the auctioneers took a look at the cache and declared it a sale of a lifetime. "The auction will go ahead but he won't be there," said Bob of his father, who died on Monday at age 89. "Those were his wishes and that's what we're going to do."

Bruce Albert Essery was born on Sept. 14, 1921, in Brantford. He grew up on Paris Hill Avenue where he was neighbours with a young James Hillier. When he finished school, he took a job with Coca-Cola as a special salesman. One of his duties was to travel to the homes of prize winners to ask them skill-testing questions. "I don't think anybody ever lost with him," said Bob. In 1944, Mr. Essery married Doris, calling her his first collection. The couple had two children: Bob, and a daughter, Lynda. "He was a great father and one of the best men you'd ever want to meet."

Mr. Essery served in the Second World War, teaching other soldiers how to drive Bren Gun Carriers, and then returned to his job with Coke, where he worked for 28 years. When he retired, Mr. Essery earned his real estate licence. For years, he was a successful agent with Iezzi and Iezzi Real Estate.

Mr. Essery began collecting in his mid-20s, gathering, over 65 years, things he loved but couldn't afford earlier in his life. Among the dozen cars he owned when he died is a Bricklin SV-1, a gull-wing door sports car manufactured for just two years in New Brunswick in the 1970s. Only 2,800 were built. Mr. Essery travelled to the factory and bought two of them off the line. There is also a 1948 Pontiac Silver Streak, a bright red 1961 Rambler convertible, and a 1953 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith.

Then there is the 1939 Packard convertible that Mr. Essery bought from a fellow in Chicago. Somehow, Col. Harland Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame was familiar with that particular car. He looked up Mr. Essery some time in the mid-1970s to see if he'd be interested in driving him around when the colonel, acting as a goodwill ambassador for KFC, came calling on his local chicken franchises. For several years, Mr. Essery, at the wheel of the Packard, was the colonel's local driver.

And, over the decades, his collections continued to grow. He gathered blacksmith tools, antique buggies, sleighs and tractors, pinball machines, old gas pumps and advertising signs, steam train whistles, old airplane propellors, Victrolas, antique barber's chairs and dentist equipment, and a vast collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia. He especially loved items that were Brantford-built or had another local connection. He accumulated hundreds of thousands of pieces.

"He always loved to restore and fix things up," said Bob. "Everything meant something to him."
Just a few weeks ago, Bob said he father was out in the garage tinkering with the Rambler.
Bob often accompanied his dad on his treasure hunts. "He could tell you where he bought everything, how much he paid, and what it was worth. "He and I did a lot of stuff together. We had a good time." The sale will be handled by Sackrider Auctions and Shackelton Auctions.

Mr. Essery was one of the founding members of the Long Point Region of the Historic Automobile Society of Canada, and long-standing member of the Iroquonic region and many other car club committees. He loved participating in community events, parades, car meets and sales.

Mr. Essery is survived by Doris, his wife of 67 years, son Bob and his wife, Sharon, daughter Lynda and her husband Wynn McDonald, grandchildren Sheryl, Lisa, Stephen, David and Lindsay and great-granddaughter Kyleigh.

Uncle Bruce inspired me to become a classic car owner and a collector of my own cool stuff.

I have always said if I had more money and a bigger garage like my Uncle, I'd be dangerous. His passion for old cars became a business. I'm sure he bought and sold hundreds and hundreds of vehicles over the years and boy did he have some beauts. A '57 Cadillac convertible once owned by Elvis Presley, a '59 Cadillac convertible once owned by Marilyn Monroe, everything Ford ever made from the dawn of time through the 60's, Packards, Ramblers, Studebakers, Cockshutt Motors tractors, Chevy's, Rolls Royces and even a modern-day replica of an Auburn Speedster. My favourite though he still owned and is to be auctioned in the big sale as referenced in the newspaper story above, a bright red, 1948 Pontiac convertible in original condition.

Like I said, if only I had more money and a bigger garage.

My Cancer Journey - the Complete Story

2011-05-05T18:28:00.001-07:00

February 23, 2010, I began treatments for throat cancer

Earlier that month, I sent an email to several close friends to tell them about the diagnosis and the treatment plan. As the first week passed, I began to publish weekly updates, sending them by email to an ever widening circle of family, friends and associates. Several of you suggested that I compile the updates into an easily readable form, even a book.

Step one

All of the updates from February, 2010 through to the most recent along with any future updates or blog posts will be found here. They are in chronological order under the label My Cancer Journey. Please feel free to share my writing and experiences with anyone you think would benefit from reading.

The next phase of the journey has begun

In addition to the appointments with doctors as my recovery continues, I have made a formal application to the Canadian Cancer Society to become a mentor for other throat cancer patients and their families. The program is called Cancer Connection. I will update you on progress as there are several interviews and training sessions to go before the final decision is made about my involvement. That's a personal question, is the program a fit for me? It is also a question for the Cancer Society, am I a suitable candidate?

Never Alone

Ted

Build Your Business by Becoming the New Neighbourhood Store on the Internet

2011-05-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

What was it like when you were growing up?

Even if you lived in a big city, your neighbourhood was your village. Did you know the nearby shop owners by name? Was it exciting to go to the hardware store or the shoe store and wonder about all the cool stuff, the new gadgets and the new styles? Did the owner talk to you and did you ask him or her questions? The answers were knowledge for sure. These old time neighbourhood store owners knew what they were doing. And, how about the shop with the radios, TV's and the section with all the latest records? You do remember records, LP's and 45's (maybe you are old enough to remember 78's). They could fix things too. They had tubes, a do it yourself tube tester and if needed, they had a repair shop. As you became an adult, there was the cafe or the bar where they knew you so well that your favourite beverage was poured as soon as you walked through the door. Mom and Pop shops were often customer service personified. They actually understood their customers needs and desires and fully understood what customer service actually meant.

What they all had were the right products plus knowledge and approachability. They weren't afraid to share what they knew because they wanted to make the sale and they wanted you to come back again and again. They worked to be sure you were satisfied. They treated you like a neighbour and friend. There aren't many bricks and mortar businesses like those any more. Sometimes it's even hard to find a sales clerk and when you do, their knowledge of products and services is limited. Oh, and God help them if they call you "dude"!

In the "new normal", the neighbourhood stores and services are virtual.

They live on the internet long before you see them in person, there for you to Google and do your research. The good websites are built around one key word, communication:

Strive for excellence in communication through an easily navigated site
Content is king
Your design must feature wide virtual aisles and an attractive lay-out where your products and services are on display for your potential customers to research
You must be approachable with answers to all the questions you anticipate from those customers
In other words, make sure you understand the problems your customers are trying to solve and offer solutions, provide the possibility of positive results
You must maintain regular contact with updates

Unless you find new ways to talk to your current and potential customers on the internet, your brand will not evolve. The risks are that your marketing will stall and your sales will decline. You won't become that neighbourhood store and you won't experience the growth that results from the best advertising you can possibly have, word of mouth. Loyal and satisfied customers tell their friends. The "new normal" is virtual. It's on the worldwide web. Those who win use the tools called Social Media strategically and effectively.

Remember the power of radio advertising.

Some tips to establish your business "top of mind" through the use of traditional media:

You must first own a good business. No amount of advertising or marketing will save a bad business
Your message must be sticky, memorable, relevant
Your campaign must be consistent
Always include your website address
The best use of your advertising money is to have three commercials a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks per year
Depending on the size of your market and your negotiated rate, this tactic will cost you between $25,000 and $50,000 per year in most cases, and in the big cities it'll be more
Not every business can afford all of this at once but consider where to get started and where you want to be, as you establish your long term goals

Help is available and affordable, from the team at Floodlight Business Solutions Group.

Build Your Business by Giving Them What They Want and Surprising Them With More

2011-04-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

People today want benefits in return for their time and money

Give them what they want, surprise them with more and you will win. If you build the relationship with your customers, their loyalty will be given freely. They'll become ambassadors for your brand and the result will be increased sales.

We are all like pro athletes or should be. It matters not what you do, just do it well. If you're a brain surgeon, be the best. If you sweep floors for a living, be the best broom handler anyone has ever seen. If you build retaining walls, use the best products, have the cleanest work site and finish the job in the time frame you promised at the price you quoted. Here are the keys to branding and marketing success:

Understand your customer
Drill deep into their expectations
What do they want, no, what do they really want
Be honest with your promises
Do the work
And then, surprise them with something more

When customers are looking to buy what you have to sell, will they choose you? More to the point, will they find you?

A coach and early mentor of mine once said, "you can't play if you don't show up and we won't win if you aren't ready to perform". Today, you need to show up on the internet. Your stories and your knowledge are your marketing. Your brand is developed with relevant content. You have surely done this before but now do it with a critical eye:

Google a service, or look for knowledge on a particular subject
See who shows up on the first page of your search
Be sure to include the area in which you live, something like "retaining walls Kelowna" or "tax accountants Saskatoon"
Do you get a simple listing in a directory with address and phone number, or, do you get the answer to your question or the story of a company or individual who is obviously working hard in order to form a relationship with you

The brands with the content rich internet presence are the ones looking to solidify and expand their business. They aren't afraid to share what they know. They have invested in marketing and relationship building in order to drive sales.

A shameless plug for my traditional media of choice, radio

Radio is still the most efficient and economical advertizing medium to achieve frequency. So, companies with marketing budgets should always buy some radio spots to tell the world about their websites. You're welcome!

BC Country Music Association Hall of Fame 2011

2011-04-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

What a feeling and what an honour!

A night of emotion, pride, family and old friends at the Red Robinson Theater in Vancouver. I am now officially a member of the BC Country Music Association Hall of Fame.

The official plaque

The High Bar Gang at the BCCMA Hall of Fame show

And I got to be a part of the show.

The producer was Angela Harris, singer, songwriter and member of the High Bar Gang. Angela called to explain their concept was in many ways like the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, a live radio show staged with music from many different performers. But they needed a radio guy to do the intro and extro. They thought, "Ted's a radio guy, maybe he'd like to do it." You can guess what my answer was. So I intro'd the show, introduced the High Bar Gang, was inducted last, 10th out of 10 and then extro'd the show and said good night.

Let me tell you about the band.

The High Bar Gang not only entertained and backed up other artists, but also acted as hosts for the evening. They are a bluegrass band. As their website says "classic bluegrass for modern times". And are they good! In addition to Angela, members include Barney Bentall, Shari Ulrich, Wendy Bird, Colin Nairne, Eric Reed and Rob Becker. Barney describes them as four rockers, a hippie and two roots singers. If you go to their website you can hear what they sound like and see their schedule of appearances.

With Claude after the show

The induction.

It was done by old friend Claude Lelievre, the man responsible for the Merritt Mountain Music Festival. I was Vice President of the BCCMA when he was President back in the 80's. We played old-timers hockey together. He had many kind words. Thanks Claude!

What made the night even more special was the number of other inductees who were also on the "old friends" list, Jess Lee, Kenny Shaw, Cheryl Homan, Larry Wayne Clark and Dee Lippingwell. Wonderful to see Ron and Sue Irving, Gary Taylor, Elmer and Alice Tippe, Rick Tippe, Ray Ramsay, Bob Saye and many more. British Columbia is rich with talented people who are dedicated and unafraid to share what they know. The BCCMA has truly become a community and country music in Canada is all the better for it.

Songwriter, coach and mentor Ralph Murphy of ASCAP Nashville told me some time ago that Canadian music had always had the talented singers and musicians, what was missing was consistently great songwriting. Not just a once in a while thing, but over and over, hit after hit. Canadians and British Columbians have written big national and international songs and that's no accident. To create more and improve the craft, songwriters need an atmosphere of support, nurturing, mentoring and collaboration. They also need the contacts in the music industry to be heard. That's what we tried to do more than 20 years ago with the BC Country Music Association, create a community for songwriters and musicians. Judging by the many success stories, we did a pretty darn good job.

Many thanks!

I am proud to be one of the 2011 inductees into the BCCMA Hall of Fame and proud to have played a small role in BC country music. Thank you, and my wife Terrie thanks you too. We had a great time!

Terrie and Ted

Winnipeg Jets Hockey Pants Return Home to Canada

2011-04-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

After an absence of more than a decade, my Winnipeg Jets hockey pants came back to Canada today


Official, team issued, Winnipeg Jets pants from the mid-90`s.

They have been languishing in the USA, unappreciated, hardly worn but kept in a warm place. There`s no damage from harsh prairie winters. No rips or tears from extra long seasons. In fact they`re like new. Could see game action in minutes if there was a game.

I have been a Jets fan since the 1991 season when I became Program Director of the Jets radio station in Winnipeg CJOB. One of my greatest thrills as a fan was to witness the incredible rookie season of Teemu Selanne. 76 goals! He broke the record held by Hall of Famer Mike Bossy and it survives to this day. It`s one that may never be broken. The Finnish Flash is a shoe-in for the Hockey Hall of Fame.

My greatest thrill as a hacker hockey player

At least there is a picture

I skated with the Winnipeg Jets Alumni for five years. I was the team pilon! During the NHL players strike in `94, we had several of the big league Jets play exhibition games with us. I was left wing on a line with one of the toughest Europeans ever, Thomas Steen. On the right side was one of the original members of the Alberta Oilers of the World Hockey Association, Jim Benzelock. I scored more goals, assist Thomas Steen, by simply keeping my stick on the ice and going to the net. Thomas banked them in off my stick, butt and skates. I began to think I`d missed my calling but then reality struck and I remembered I wasn't that good.

Signed by Bobby Hull and Laurie Boschman

Still, when my wife and I left Winnipeg for Calgary in 1997, a career move, many of my Alumni friends gethered at our home to say goodbye. They retired my Alumni jersey, even had the name bar added on the back. I proudly display the jersey in my sports memorabilia collection.

So, if my Winnipeg Jets pants made it home to Canada, the team must be next

I can see it now. They revive the Jets name and logo on those great red, white and blue sweaters. Then, they announce that Teemu will play at least one more year in the NHL, returning to where it all began, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Apparently he still owns a home there.

Go Jets!

Build Your Business when Preparation + Opportunity = Happy Accidents

2011-04-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

Believe in "happy accidents".

We've all had them. They feel like spontaneous explosions, the stuff of memories, those moments when everything comes together. You start your day with a plan and then pow, another happy accident out of nowhere. But here's the thing. Happy accidents only happen when preparation meets opportunity. If you don't do the work, you won't even recognize the opportunity, let alone be in a position to take advantage of it.

In life and in your career, your job is to make memories. How prepared are you?

Kelowna Courier Story about Me Being Inducted into the BC Country Music Association Hall of Fame

2011-04-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

From www.eventpub.com
Local
Walking down the hall of fame
By Chris Stanford
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

It may come as a surprise that a radio guy might be at a loss for words – especially one with the experience Ted Farr has. But that‘s exactly what happened when the former program director of Vancouver country music radio station CKWX found out he was to be honoured with entry into the B.C. Country Music Association‘s Hall of Fame. “I was totally shocked,” said Farr, who now works in talk radio as a consultant and calls West Kelowna home. “I had no inkling that was going to happen.”

Farr, who was also vice president of the BCCMA for a time, left country radio 20 years ago after a decade at CKWX. One of the things he‘s most proud of, and in large part the reason for his selection to the hall of fame, is his role in helping B.C.-grown artists get their careers off the ground. He saw the rise of singers like Lisa Brokop, Ron Irving, Larry Wayne Clark and Patricia Conroy, all of whom went on to have careers in a notoriously tough business.

As he gets set to join fellow inductees at a gala show Saturday at the Red Robinson Theatre in Coquitlam, Farr had a chance to look back at his career. “What was radio like in those days?” said Farr. “Well, it was huge. I mean, you had the emergence of albums, some of the biggest names that are still working today, like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.”

Although he was initially recruited to be the news director at CKWX back in 1981, within months Farr was promoted to program director. For the next 10 years, he had a major hand in deciding what artists and songs got air play on the station. A champion of local talent, Farr also saw an opportunity to foster the best country songwriters in the province. In the late ‘80s, he helped create the CKWX songwriters competition, creating ties between the songwriting talent in B.C. and Nashville, the home of country music. The contest ran for five successful years. While it‘s common for British Columbia-based songwriters to spend time there now, it was a rarity back then for someone from north of the border to break into that market. Farr had a hand in changing that for the better. “I became friends with many songwriters,” he said. “The stories that they tell, there was a great connection there for me. (Country music) always had an audience in British Columbia . . . and there was always something going on.”

According to Farr, who incidentally stands several inches past six feet in height, his radio career started almost by accident. A physical education major in school, he also played basketball in Texas and in British Columbia,
“My best friend‘s brother was in the radio business at (Vancouver station) CKLG, he was the news director,” said Farr. “He phoned me up one day and we had a conversation. “He phoned me back the next day and said he had recorded it and played it for the program director and would I be interested in doing reports on the B.C. high school boys basketball tournaments. “Because I know the game I said sure . . . I never did finish my degree and I‘ve been in radio ever since.”

A move to Winnipeg in 1973 to station CKY saw him move up to the position of news director, a position he assumed after he returned to LG73 four years later. In 1991, Farr returned to Winnipeg where he moved into the talk radio arena with station CJOB as program director from 1991 to 1997. He later was based in Calgary, where he moved up the food chain to become the operations manager and national program coordinator for a group of talk radio stations, before finishing his full-time career as vice president of news talk programming at a pair of stations in Saskatchewan in 2008.

Although he fully enjoys the talk radio format, Farr still fondly recalls his start on the air four decades ago.
“It was extremely exciting in those days,” said Farr. “Most stations were on AM – FM hadn‘t yet caught on and CKLG was the biggest station in Vancouver. “Some of the things that happened back then, like the birth of Greenpeace. I remember reporting on Woodstock and the death of Jim Morrison. I talked to John Lennon from the bed-in in Montreal.”

In late 2009, Farr was diagnosed with throat cancer after discovering a small lump in a lymph node on the side of his neck. With a primary tumour at the base of his tongue, he began radiation and chemotherapy treatment at the Cancer Centre of the Southern Interior here in Kelowna. After nearly 40 treatments, he was declared cancer-free in August, 2010.

These days, Farr works as a radio talent coach and programming analyst, but said he plans to become a mentor to others facing the same battle against the type of cancer he had. Just like he helped out many B.C country music artists when they needed a hand getting their careers going back in the ‘80s, Farr is ready to help out where he can today. And if there were a hall of fame for that, he‘d probably be a member there, too.

Copyright © Tuesday, April 19, 2011 All material contained herein is copyrighted by
The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers, a division of Continental Newspapers Canada Ltd.
All Rights Reserved.

BC Country Music Association Hall of Fame

2011-04-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Speechless, imagine that! Me the radio guy. Talk for a living and nothing to say.
It was one of those moments this past week when contacted by the Executive Director of the BC Country Music Association. Her email said "I'd love to be able to give you a quick call to discuss something quite important". I sent her my number.

Twenty years ago, I left country radio. I was Program Director of CKWX, Vancouver's country music station, from 1981 to 1991. I was also Vice President of the BCCMA at a time when the organization was struggling. Together we found the keys to what made it relevant again. A community emerged around the songwriters and performers of the day. We celebrated their successes by revamping the annual awards show and by creating a yearly convention.

We had a lot of fun. We connected the Nashville songwriting community with the West Coast, a connection that has endured. We witnessed the blossoming of several careers. I think of Patricia Conroy, Lisa Brokop, Ron Irving and Larry Wayne Clark. And, the radio was wonderful. CKWX was blessed with some amazing talent, on air and off.

It was the late 1980's, at a bar in Whistler, where a partnership was struck between CKWX, Ralph Murphy of ASCAP Nashville, and Gary Taylor. The result was the crafting of the CKWX Songwriters Competition, one of the true highlights of my career. The original idea was literally written on a napkin. In each year of its existence, the competition created collaboration opportunities for BC songwriters to work with and learn from some of Nashville's top songwriters. All had written or co-written multiple #1 hits.

After CKWX, we moved our family to the Prairies. First it was Winnipeg, then Calgary and finally Saskatoon. Nearly 20 years. I returned to my roots in radio by building or rebuilding stations in the News Talk format. The early years of my career were spent in news and sports as a news and sports anchor and News Director. A little more than two years ago, we decided to return to BC. I became a consultant. You know, that self described "expert" with a briefcase who comes from more than 100 miles away. I specialize in the coaching of on air talent and the analysis of radio programming.

So, here's the speechless part. The phone rings. It's the call from the BCCMA Executive Director with word that they will induct me into the BCCMA Hall of Fame on April 23, 2011, Saturday night on the Easter weekend. The ceremony will take place at the Red Robinson Theatre in Vancouver. I am deeply honoured.

At a stage in my radio career when I am once again a free agent, perhaps this is an omen. Maybe I'm suppose to return to country radio. That would be a good thing. Stay tuned!

My Cancer Journey - the First Anniversary of the Last Treatment

2011-04-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

April 15, 2010

A significant date in my life. One year ago today was the final radiation treatment in my war against throat cancer. It is personal, very personal. It was and is my war against what has become one of our greatest fears. My cancer journey began with words you never want to hear from your doctor yet one in three Canadians do:

"You have cancer"
"You have a 50/50 chance of survival"
"You are in good health otherwise so we are going to take our most aggressive approach"
"We are going to make you very sick in the hope of making you well again"
"There are side effects, but only a small percentage of patients get them"
"35 radiation treatments over an 8 week period, one per day with regular weekends and long weekends off"
"3 chemotherapy treatments at three week intervals, at the beginning, middle and end of the radiation cycle"
"You'll be hospitalized for the chemo as it is one of the most toxic our lab techs can mix."

FYC

The Y stands for you, the C stands for Cancer. You can figure out the F word on your own. Now, one year later, I am back. I was declared cancer free with a PET scan at the end of last August. I have since had two check-ups with the oncologist. The report card has been good both times, but two positive results is not yet a row. The next appointment is in June. I am most pleased to say the process of recovery continues ahead of schedule.

I feel great
The 25 pounds lost while on a liquid diet for 4.5 months are mostly back
I have learned to process food in new ways to compensate for the loss of thin saliva
Food tastes great and my appetite is bigger than ever
Energy has returned
My throat is healing, my voice is stronger and I can eat pickles again
I am able to walk longer distances without pain in my leg (chemo caused a blood clot that required emergency surgery half way through treatments)
Tenderness in the jaw and neck area, while not gone altogether, is no longer a factor

You can`t do it alone

I would not be at this point in the journey without the care and support of my wife and life partner Terrie. All cancer patients require a team of doctors, nurses, technicians, care-givers, family and friends to have any chance of winning. Terrie walked with me hand in hand. She fed me, stroked me, kept me warm, remembered what I didn't even hear, organized everything, protected me when I needed protecting and kicked what was left of my butt when it needed kicking. Family helped when needed. Our daughter Natalie and her husband Rob, Terrie's sister Sandy, my sisters Shirley and Cathy all answered the bell. We had friends visit when they could and all came to help. None got in the way.

Two old friends were key for me

Lyle Bauer in Calgary and Mac Tyler in Vancouver had both been through the same cancer. They served as mentors, answering questions honestly by phone and email. Their support and advice was invaluable.

I know I had the prayers and support of hundreds of people across North America. Some I have never met. Others stayed in touch mostly by email letting me know they had spoken to God and have been sending positive energy my way every day. My team was and continues to be unbelievable.

It was Lyle Bauer who said

“Your life has changed and now there will be many who look to you as the “warrior” for counsel and advice. This is a team not of our choosing. It however just might be the greatest team of our lives. Never alone!” It is for this reason that I am applying to the Canadian Cancer Society to become a mentor for other throat cancer patients and their families.

Our son Jonathan, may he rest in peace, used to quote the legendary football coach Lou Holtz: "Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Describes my team perfectly:

capable
motivated
outstanding attitude

You are all champions. Thankyou.

Never alone!

Other People’s Driving - Top 10 Things I Hate

2011-04-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

10. Driving with dog on lap: Really! How dumb is this? Most often an older woman, the little yappy dog between her and the steering wheel. The dog usually has its head out the open window in summer and hot dog breath steaming up the driver’s side window in winter.

9. Tailgating: There’s nothing more calming than looking in your rear view mirror at the hood ornament or the grill of the vehicle behind you. Even more calming when the tailgater is a cop. On the other end of your vehicle, remember the old days when you could leave at least three car lengths between you and the vehicle in front for safety reasons. If you had to stop in a hurry you could. If you needed to quickly manoeuvre around a problem, you had enough time. Now a car length is an invitation for some idiot to squeeze in. Oh, and then the idiot puts on the brakes.

8. Merging without looking: Accelerator to the floor, not even a shoulder glance, forcing the traffic with the right of way to slam on the brakes as they butt into the lane. Then there’s the guy in the pick-up truck who drives across two lanes as quickly as possible.

7. No turn signal: How often do you see this? All of a sudden they just turn, down a street or into the lane right in front of you.

6. Semi truck drivers on the highway: Aggressive, speeding, passing other semis going up hill on a four lane or even a six lane, tailgating, cutting people off. Time is money I guess, but what about fuel economy and road safety? Illinois got it right, mandating trucks to the outside lane at 10 MPH slower than all other traffic.

5. Driving with ear buds or headphones listening to something, likely loud: Not only illegal but so dangerous. How do they hear the traffic or the emergency vehicles?

4. Talking on a cell phone, checking email or texting: Even though now illegal in many provinces and states, so many drivers don’t seem to care. It’s more important to chat with a friend than it is to concentrate on what they are doing behind the wheel.

3. California stops or no stopping at all: Don’t you love drivers who race up to an intersection, stop a half a car length or more past the stop sign or don’t stop at all? Since when does a stop sign mean slow down? And what is that white line for that crosses the lane next to the stop sign?

2. Failure to yield: Seems it’s no longer a sign that the vehicle on your right has the right of way. Today it means hurry up and get into the intersection or the round-about first so you don’t have to slow down. Safety and courtesy be damned!

1. Speeding: The speed limit is now just a guideline? The worst offenders, in no particular order:

Pickup trucks, most often the Ford 150 4x4
Young women talking on their cell phones·
Soccer Mom’s in mini vans or SUV’s, kids in the back, racing to get somewhere·
Business vehicles, delivery vans, logo’d pickups with tool boxes, pickups pulling trailers of all kinds, anything with signage, semis, dump trucks, they all seem to think the faster they drive the sooner they’ll get to the next stop or appointment

1970 Houndstooth Cougar XR7

2011-04-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

It's springtime in the Okanagan Valley. Muscle cars will soon be on the road, including mine. Unfortunately, this one isn't mine, but oh so sweet!

My 1970 Cougar XR7 has wintered in the garage under a dust cover. My wife sees the long, protected hood and thinks its a place to store food when her extra fridge is full. We call it the "smorgas-Ford". At Christmas it was the place to find round tin boxes full of baking, cookies and other goodies. Today we are only weeks away from wash, wax, polish and shine, 2011.

The old Cougar is 41 years old, soon to be 42 and she looks outstanding......

1970 Cougar XR7, known as the "houndstooth" Cougar because of the black and gold houndstooth pattern vinyl roof and matching interior. Only made 389 XR7's with that trim combination.

She has a 351 Cleveland with an automatic transmission. Loaded too! Power windows, tinted glass, even has variable speed wipers. About the only options not included were air, tilt wheel and a better than AM only radio. Every year we upgrade something. Last year it was the differential, distributor and a couple of the links in the steering mechanism. This year it'll be the cooling system. The 351 runs hot and that's not good in the Kelowna area.

Nothing like the throaty growl of an old school V8. Can't wait!

Ted Farr to Speak at Shell Busey's HouseSmart Home Referral Network Annual Meeting

2011-03-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

Doesn't happen often. Most of the public speaking I've done over my career has been at company meetings, company sponsored events or to broadcast students. So when Shell Busey's people called, yes he has people, I had to first check with my people. Here's the way the conversation went.

Me, "Would I be in Vancouver on the day of Shell's meeting?"
Me, "Check."
Me, "Do I know anything about the topic, branding?"
Me, "Yes I do. Check."
Me, "Would I like to spend a morning with Shell and his team to get an inside view of Shell's business?"
Me, "Check."

I've used Shell Busey's HouseSmart Home Services Referral Network and was happy for his endorsement. I'm a fan! Needed a plumber to recommend and install new water-saver toilets. Also decided to upgrade to a more energy efficient furnace and hot water tank in the home we bought in the Okanagan Valley. It took the worry out of hiring someone. The advice of a trusted person is important and I've learned to trust Shell over the years. Significantly, Shell's people followed up asking what I thought of the companies doing the work.

I first met Shell soon after beginning to program News Talk Radio in the early 90's. The research suggested that a weekend show aimed at the do-it-yourselfer would be a smart and profitable addition. Shell was already an accomplished host and recognized spokesman for various clients in the home improvement category. Wasn't hard to bring his show into Manitoba, Alberta and then Saskatchewan. The audience loved him and more importantly, so did the advertisers. His ability to market himself through appearances at trade shows, appearances on other radio shows and in other media solidified his brand. Whether it's his radio show, TV show, newspaper column, one of his books or his website, they all speak to the Shell Busey brand...quality advice and choices. Those are my words not his. Shell's followers can instantly recall two phrases, "good, better, best" and "it's just that easy". Shell-isms! Always positive, always with a ready explanation. Ask Shell a question and he will take the time to answer personally. His people don't do it for him. He won't leave the radio studio until every question from every caller has been answered, often long after the show ends. When he becomes the spokesman for a product or service such as BC Hydro, Bath Fitter, Windsor Plywood, he believes in what they do and knows their business because his word is paramount. What you hear, see and read is what you get. Shell Busey is afterall, Shell Busey. He carefully cultivated the brand and works diligently to make sure there is nothing but "top drawer" value in what he says and does.

And his people asked me to speak about branding.

Me and My PVR - A Modern Day Love Story

2011-03-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

What a concept! What a convenience!

You see, I stopped being an "early adopter" of new technology years ago. The speed of change is so fast that the big dollars for new and improved today will be affordable dollars in a matter of months, maybe a year. Paid $950 dollars for the first front loading Sony Betamax back in the day and that was wholesale. By the time it finally broke down, the latest VHS machine was around $200. Today the DVD player has become disposable. Under $100 dollars for better than decent. It breaks, throw it away and buy another.

The PVR begs answers to several questions.

Is PVR a verb? PVR-ing. Are you PVR-ing my favourite show?
How effective are TV commercials anymore?
If I were a commercial writer/producer, what would I be thinking about?

PVR-ing is a verb. Language adapts and yes I am PVR-ing a favourite show unless trying to capture more than two at a time.

TV commercials might be even more effective.

In the pre PVR days, commercial breaks provided that 3-4 minutes to check another channel, hit the fridge, get another cookie, chat about the last segment, play with the dog, anything but pay attention to the commercials. But they got me. Dammit! Fast forward means I have to pay attention in order to hit the play button at just the right time. Fast forward is actually fast. 30 second commercials fly by, no sound, no advertising claims, no bad jingles, no stupid story lines. But hold on! I am remembering words on screen that are there just long enough to be an impression, a logo that is sharp and colourful and well defined.

Got me to thinking.

Not an original thought I hope. If I were to produce a 30 second tv commercial right now, I would want to make sure the message is strong in fast forward. How many more of these quick messages do you see because you are watching more episodes of more shows.

So much for skipping the commercials.....

My Cancer Journey - I Don't See Anything, I Don't Feel Anything. You're Good!

2011-02-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Sweeter words were never spoken. The doctor continues. You have some swelling around your vocal chords but it's better than last time. Are you using a humidifier at night? You're not? Get a humidifier. Keep it on your side of the bed and only turn it on when you're sleeping. Continue eating well. You're gaining weight, now up to 196 pounds. Start getting some exercise and don't smoke. Anything. And, whatever you do, don't get a tattoo. When you've had cancer, it doesn't matter how good you feel or how positive you are. Until you hear the right words from your oncologist, the apprenhension builds. You worry. I don't see anything. I don't feel anything. You're good! Thank you. A tough-ass doctor with a sense of humour. I like her. Don't get a tattoo. The thought has never crossed my mind.

She then told the story of a former patient. Once the cancer was gone, he wanted to celebrate with a tattoo of the symbol for radiation. After all, radiation saved his life. The tattoo artist screwed up and instead gave him the symbol for hazardous waste. Not exactly what he had in mind.

A year ago February 23rd, I had my first of 35 brutal radiation treatments. The next day, was the first installment of one of the most toxic chemotherapy cocktails the lab techs can mix. Three in all. It was the beginning of a four month journey through hell. Today, Valentine's Day 2011, I have regained 14 of the 20+ pounds I lost. My energy and stamina improve by the week and I'm sleeping well. As I write this, I am sipping a scotch in celebration. It's an 18 year Glenmorangie Rare Malt.

I am asked constantly about eating. Let me say this, 14 pounds. Processing food is not the same as it was before the radiation destroyed my thin saliva ducts. But, you work at it. You don't push food away, you keep trying. You learn new ways to process and you learn to enjoy food all over again. There is prescious little I can't eat and nothing from my pre-cancer diet that I won't try.

There is a new normal emerging and there is once again change I wasn't seeking. I must now focus all of my energy on the pursuit of business. I have been associated with my most recent client for the past 18 months. Vista Radio supported me through my cancer journey and God bless them. Over the past six months I have been coaching talent in their various markets, morning shows and news people. For now, the contract will not be renewed as Vista cuts expenses in their battle for reliable revenue. Not only do I thank them for their support, but wish them well.

My career goal has always been to be an active player in the broadcasting industry as I celebrate my 50th year . I have 8 more to go. I am a coach. I help people get better. I build and rebuild product. I am a format mechanic. I am also a winner! What do I do that others don't? First I work on perfecting the stage on which to perform. Then, I get inside the head of the talent. We work on basics, daily disciplines and work ehtic. I build the trust bridge, find the magic and fuel the passion. It's what I love about radio. Passionate people doing extraordinary things brilliantly. I look for new doors to open soon.

Or, maybe I should think about getting that tattoo.

Never alone.
Ted

Another AHA Moment in the Life of a Boomer

2011-02-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

February 9, 1964, an astounding 47 years ago, a Sunday night in Toronto. A bunch of us went to church as was our thing back then. One of the friends brought his twelve inch, portable, black and white TV. We skipped the service and gathered in the basement watching as he searched for the best reception. Inside the men's washroom was it. Must have been the pipes. Girls and boys huddled together trying not to make too much noise. Then it was 8PM.

It wasn't long after the Ed Sullivan Show appearances that I bought my first Beatles album at Sam the Record Man on Yonge Street. Buy the album, get a free 45. I grabbed "I Want to Hold Your Hand". Still have them both in a box somewhere in the furnace room.

In September of '64, I remember heading downtown with my friend Larry. He owned a 1957 Plymouth two door sedan, red with a white top. We went downtown because the Beatles were playing Maple Leaf Gardens. You could hear the screaming outside on the street.

The world changed in 1964. Never did get the Beatle boots. It was another year or two before the hair grew long. Now even hair is a memory.

My Cancer Journey - Week Whatever

2010-11-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Shut-up and Don't breathe through your mouth.

Not exactly what the Doctor said but you catch the meaning. My second visit to the oncologist since treatments ended was a winner. One issue. I have inflamation around my voice box. Transalation - talking too much and mouth breathing. Solution - rest the voice and breathe through the nose. Explains why certain things irritate my throat, vinegar, pickles, mustard, beer, tomatoes sometimes, spicy spices. It's yet another example of what I have reported many times, how the throat changes as the radiation and chemo continue to work.

Gained weight again.

Now up to 191, another two pounds since the end of August. A testament to determination. I get why so many people quit their treatments. It'd be easy to push the food away. Hard to chew. Turned to glue in your mouth and couldn't swallow. And for some people there are taste issues. Fortunately not me. Everything I have tried has familiar to delicious taste. It's the processing. Learning to eat without thin saliva ducts. Finish what is on your plate. Get enough to feed your bodies needs. It's hard work! Continue to gain weight by the ounce, literally, because the calories are being channelled to recovery. Cancer patients less determined, without the support and the will, have an even more difficult journey.

I proudly wear an NCAA Lacrosse, national championship ring. It commemorates the victorious 2002 Limestone College Saints. It was a gift from Brian and Brad Bauer, teammates and best friends of our son Jonathan who played four years of NCAA Lacrosse. When Jonathan died in '08, the Bauers wanted me to have the ring. It was Brad who played on the championship team. Brian and Jonathan graduated before the Saints reached the peak of their performance. In an emotional moment at Jonathan's memorial, a moment I will never forget, Brian Bauer said to me, this is the ring Jonathan should have won. They wanted me to always remember the Saints, the teammates and their accomplishments. The Bauers will now know how important the ring has been to me in this year of life threatening adversity. The inscription on the side of the ring is the motto of the Limestone Saints - "If you couldn't play tomorrow, how hard would you play today?" It speaks to attitude and determination, to never giving up, to the fight to win. I read it and live it daily.

The surprise news from the oncologist.

There is a very real chance that I will see some return of thin saliva as long as I don't smoke. She said even 50% return will seem like normal when compared to what I am dealing with today. No problem there. I'm going to be that guy.

Couple of weeks ago I had a complete physical with our family doctor. All tests were good including cholesterol and prostate. My iron level is lower than normal, likely a result of being on a liquid diet for 4.5 months. Presciption - eat more meat. Apparently meat based iron is easier for the body to absorb than plant based.

My next checkup is scheduled for Valentine's Day. I am feeling terrific and improving all the time. Dental work is the immediate challenge. I'll be setting up appointments right away.

It's Christmas and the Farr family is getting ready. Lights on the house are up and on. Terrie has started the decorating on the inside. Our daughter Natalie, her husband Rob and baby Jonathan will be with us for a week. Our daughter in law Anna will arrive from Baltimore MD on Christmas Eve. Relatives from Calgary and Vancouver will be here weather permitting. It'll be nuts! We will enjoy every crazy minute.

Never Alone

Remember Our Veterans

2010-11-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

I'm a lucky man. My father is alive and well at age 86. He is a veteran of the second world war. Holder of the Burma Star and proud member of the Burma Star Club, one of the last active post-war veterans organizations. My Dad joined the RCAF in Brantford Ontario. He became a bomber pilot. Got his wings in Manitoba. He was posted overseas to RAF Squadron 159 to co-pilot a B24 Liberator based in India. The Liberator was called the Lady X. His plane was shot up but never shot down. In addition to his memories and a box or two filled with photographs, he still has a few pieces of memorabilia worth seeing. Like a silk map of Burma carried by flight crews so that if downed, they could hopefully find their way to safety. My father has regularily shared his stories, photos and items with school children around Remembrance Day.

A couple of years ago we were visiting my Dad and Mom. It was just after Remembrance Day. He still had his display board sitting beside his favourite chair. There was one photo of a blown up bridge. I had no recollection of seeing it before. My father has many photos of bombing runs taken from the air by his Liberator crew. I asked him about the bridge. "Oh", he says. "That's the bridge over the River Kwai". The bridge over the River Kwai! He proceeds to tell me that his plane dropped their bombs and missed. That it was the Liberator flying behind him in the run that made the hit and took out the famous bridge. "Nothing like the movie", he told me,"nothing like the movie". I'm sure it wasn't. Rarely is anything like the movies.

If you know a veteran or see a veteran on or near November 11, please take the time to say thanks. They deserve it for their service to our country. And one thing more. There was WWI, WWII and the Korean War, but let's not forget what has happened since the 1950's. Canada has many more veterans of many more international actions and not just the army, air force and navy. Many members of the RCMP and other police forces have also served in war zones and during disasters worldwide.

Message on a Windshield

2010-11-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Found a note stuck under the wiperblade of my car. It was written on a business card, ripped in half. "Call me please (phone number). Thankyou." So I did.

Took several tries. No name on the voice mail. When he finally answered he was nervous. Sounded older than me. Said he was backing his pick-up into a parking spot at a mall and hit something. I had parked beside a light post. He didn't know if he had brushed the post or my car. Wanted to make sure he hadn't caused any damage. I was shocked!

How many times over the years has my car been dinged in a parking lot and not one person has said a word. I assured him that the car is fine and thanked him for his honesty. He told me he is just an old man who needs to pay more attention when driving.

There ought to be a medal for people like him. Bet he'd be a terrific neighbour.

My Cancer Journey - Weeks 33 and 34

2010-10-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Drew Remenda is a friend from Saskatoon. He is the colour commentator for the San Jose Sharks TV broadcasts in the NHL. He is also one of the best radio talents I have had the pleasure of coaching. He is an entertaining and compelling talk show host, never shy with his opinions on just about everything. Today he wrote a blog post on the Sharks website in reaction to my most recent Ted update. Thought I’d share it with you.

Never Alone

I have always had the good fortune in life to be around good people. People that have been mentors, who have tried to show me the right way to live. Growing up I looked up to my parents, who did the best job raising three very different rambunctious boys. My two older brothers often beat the tar out of me when I got mouthy,(apparently even when I was a kid I was opinionated)! But I learned from the fights and from the way they lived. I had great hockey coaches. Men who taught me about the game but demonstrated the ethics and morals that helped all of the kids on the team see the right way to do things. Even now at 48 I still look up to people. Kevin Compton and Todd McLellan are two men that are successful both professionally and personally and whose moral compasses are always pointed in the right direction. I treasure the relationships and the lessons I have learned from all my mentors and coaches in life, but recently a friend and former boss has inspired me.

During the Lockout a man named Ted Farr hired me at Rawlco Radio in Saskatchewan to host a Sports talk show. Ted is a lifelong radio man with a background in sports. In fact he covered the 72 Summit Series when he was a young sports guy in Vancouver.

Even though I had zero experience in hosting a radio show he saw potential in me and launched the Drew Remenda Sports Show. Throughout the infancy of the show Ted gave me the best coaching I ever had in my life. Thanks to Ted's mentorship the show had a strong foundation and has been on the air for over 5 years now.

Unfortunately Ted did not remain with the company. Tragedy hit Ted and his wonderful wife when their son died. It was unexpected and brutally unfair. Like any parents it hit Ted and Terri very hard. But they struggled, coped and eventually got through and back to normal, if you can ever get back to normal when you lose a child. But Ted and Terri decided to make a life change and get closer to family in British Columbia. So he left the company to slow down a bit and enjoy life.

As we all know life doesn't care about your plans and about a year ago Ted was diagnosed with throat cancer. Adversity and misfortune seemed to be following my friend. Instead of sulking and crying "poor me", Ted started to fight for his life.

What is unique about Ted’s fight is how he involved all of his friends in his struggle. Now I'm not much of a social butterfly or social networker, but Ted is. So every week we, his friends would get an email. It was simply titled, Ted-Week 1. The emails told us all that was happening with his illness and his fight to stay alive. At times they were depressing and sad. Other emails gave a sense of hope. But every email for 33 weeks connected us in his life and I think he drew strength and support by keeping us in the know. I think he looked at us as his "team".

The latest email is very profound. Ted received an email from a friend who suffered and survived the same cancer. His name is Lyle Bauer. Lyle wrote to Ted, "your life has changed and now there will be many who look to you as a warrior for counsel and advice. This is a team not of our choosing. It however just might be the greatest team of our lives. Never alone!"

Ted added that we are all "Warriors". “Each one of us has life experience to share with others. We have all gone to war in one way or another. As survivors of those wars we are all stronger. When you have the chance to mentor someone with your unique viewpoint, please take it.”

In this day and age all we ever seem to talk about is controversy and bad behaviour. Many of us struggle to point out mentors and role models for our children. We often look for sports heroes or celebrities when maybe we should be looking closer to home.

For the Broadcaster Blog, I'm Drew Remenda

I don’t share this because he wrote about me and our family journey over the past two and a half years. I share because of what Drew has to say. He talks about his parents, his hockey coaches, his friends and mentors, about role models for our children and the search for personal inspiration. Instead of enduring bad behaviour and engaging in the negatives of the world, perhaps we should celebrate the struggles and accomplishments of the people who are closest to us. Thanks Drew.

I am feeling terrific. This weekend we celebrate Terrie’s 60^th birthday. She inspires me every day.

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Weeks 30, 31 and 32

2010-09-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

It’s been a few weeks since my last update. Why? Changes are more subtle. All are positive. I am feeling stronger by the day. Food intake is up. There are many days when I don’t require one of Terrie’s calorie cocktails and when I do, it’s often because I’ve eaten too much salad and not enough fat. It’s hard to keep the calorie intake up around the 3000 mark. The interesting thing is that while I have gained a few pounds, it isn’t much. The calories are being absorbed by the ongoing fight. I have to keep feeding the radiation and chemo as they continue to work. My next appointment with the oncologist isn’t until end of November. I will have many questions.

Still have tenderness in my neck but not as much. Same with my lower jaw. My leg still cramps but not as quickly. The other day I actually sprinted across a street and up a flight of stairs. Sure was awkward. Made me realize I haven’t had a run since who knows when. At least six or seven months ago. You almost forget how.

Recently I got a note from a friend, Lyle Bauer. He is a survivor of the same cancer. He wrote in response to my thoughts on “team” and how I don’t know how anyone beats the big C without a team of family and friends for support and care. Lyle’s words. “Your life has changed and now there will be many who look to you as the “warrior” for counsel and advice. This is a team not of our choosing. It however just might be the greatest team of our lives. Never alone!”

Lyle caused me to think that we are all warriors. Each one of us has life experience to share with others. We have all gone to war in one way or another. As survivors of those wars we are all stronger. When you have the opportunity to mentor someone with your unique viewpoint, please take it. I know I will be offering my services as a volunteer through the cancer clinic. I don’t know what role I might play but I do know that one day I will endeavour to help someone else through their cancer journey, just as Lyle and another friend Mac helped me through mine.

We are all warriors and never alone.

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Week 29

2010-09-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

Have had several days to reflect on all that has happened in the past 12 months. It was the second week of September ’09 when I discovered the small lump in my neck. It was late December when the diagnosis was confirmed. The realities and the emotions of learning you have cancer can be summed up in the words of Yoda: “Named must your fear be before banish it you can.” In order to stay in a positive mindset, the support of family and friends is essential. The brutality of the treatment regime can easily rob you of will. Giving up would be easy. Quitting becomes an option for some people but not me. Loved ones push you, care for you, and focus the fight. Friends and long distance family offer prayers and positive thoughts. They visit when they can but always call and email with their encouragement. They celebrate each success with you. The support team is as important as the medical team.

So here’s to my team! You’ve been incredible. Thank you. With the PET scan showing clear, the good guys are winning. Full recovery is still months away as the radiation and the chemo continue to work. Diligence and healthy habits will keep the demon from making a comeback.

Want to share a message from my friend Dr. John because this is how I feel. “I think you're well beyond Round One against a very tough opponent and judging by your recent e-mails, you're well ahead on points late into the bout. Bravo Zulu” I am stronger every week and believe me, I have a new appreciation for living. Cue Yoda for another quote: “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Week 28

2010-08-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

The oncologist called this afternoon. My PET scan was totally clear. No sign of cancer anywhere in my body. The fight certainly isn’t over but round one goes to the good guys. Thanks for all your prayers and support. Now we have to keep it that way.

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Week 27

2010-08-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

Road trip over. PET scan done. An interesting albeit tedious experience. I was under the impression that I would be on an IV drip for an hour prior to the scan to pump me full of sugar water. Cancer cells apparently love the sugar making them easier to see. I did get the IV but the injection took maybe two minutes. It was a medical isotope and sugar water. Cold and kinda weird going into your arm. The isotope is a nuclear substance which explains why the pre-scan questionnaire asked if I was planning a plane trip in the next 24 to 48 hours. When you are radioactive I guess you light up the security systems at the airport. After resting for 45 minutes to allow the concoction to circulate, it was into the scanner. Literally, into the scanner. You start on one side of the machine, slowly travel through a tunnel to emerge on the other side. Takes about 20 minutes for the full body. Then they motor you back through the tube and start again. This time a shorter time span as they concentrate on the head and neck area. We were at the clinic for about 3 hours in total. It was uneventful. Now the wait for the results. The oncologist told me if I haven’t heard from him within a week that I should call. Hopefully we know the outcome before the long weekend.

Parking rates in Vancouver are certainly a shocker. In Kelowna, you pay 3 dollars at the Cancer Clinic for a pass good for a month. In Vancouver, the three hour visit cost $11.25. It was $3.00 to park on the street in front of a Starbucks prior to going to the clinic and another $5.00 to park on the street outside a restaurant so I could eat after the scan. $19.50 plus $1.17.9 for regular gas. You need to make some pretty big money to own and drive a car there.

Not sure what’s going on with my saliva ducts. On the drive back to Kelowna, for a couple of hours, I was producing enough saliva that I had to swallow many times. It wasn’t thick and gooey. Didn’t need to drink water. The salvia comes and goes. I am being cautiously optimistic.

I am now convinced that the RCMP along with municipal police forces around the Lower Mainland have abandoned traffic law enforcement. Did not see one police car on the streets of Vancouver or on the highway between here and there. Speeders and crazy people have taken over. Not that I am slow. I drive 10 over but was passed by virtually every other vehicle on the freeway, cut off three times and tailgated constantly. The streets of Vancouver weren’t much different.

Overall, the journey to recovery continues to have highlights. The latest was spaghetti. Earlier experiments with pasta have been total failures but this past week I not only ate spaghetti with ease but went back for seconds. Terrie has promised to make my favourite pastas soon. Can’t wait for spaghetti carbonarra, also mac and cheese.

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Week 26

2010-08-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

Golf was wonderful! It was a par 32, longer than a par 3, but not a full size course. I carded a 39 with 4 pars. Only flubbed a couple of chip shots and had a few putts you know you`d make if you had do-overs. I`ll be back for more. Rode a golf cart and probably won`t attempt to walk 9 holes for another month. My leg did not bother me at all going back and forth from cart to ball. No problem swinging the clubs although I sure felt the muscle inactivity the next day.

Prepping mentally for the road trip to Vancouver on Thursday. PET scan at the Vancouver Cancer Clinic on Friday. We`ll be back home on Sunday.

Overall I`m feeling pretty good. Energy has been better than expected. One or two naps required, but that`s all. Intake of solid food is increasing. This means a corresponding decrease in the number of calorie cocktails required. Fabulous steak, baked potato and salad last night. Didn`t know if I`d be able to handle the potato but flavoured with butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits and a little milk for processing, the taste was exactly what I remember and I ate the whole thing. Don`t know that I will gain much of the weight loss back. Can`t say that I`ve noticed an ounce of change. Mind you the beer consumption is low and there`s no junk food in my diet. Desserts and sweets are rare. Can`t eat chips and dip or tacos and salsa. No peanuts, hickory sticks or popcorn. No pop, chocolate bars or candy of any kind. It is truly a new normal.

Conditions continue to change in my neck. Swelling comes and goes, although it remains constant around my Adam’s apple. There are times when I have enough saliva in my mouth that I have to swallow. That`s actually a new thing. It`s not thick and gooey but I doubt that it`s a return of thin saliva. The doctor said if I have any repair to those glands it wouldn`t happen for about a year. Still it is nice to not be drinking quite so much water. Fewer trips to the can during the night means more consistent sleep. My neck and jaw remain tender to the touch. As per doctor`s instructions, I massage my neck several times per day and work my jaw.

My voice is stronger most days. I was able to do voice some ID`s for one of the Vista stations. That was satisfying. My range is still less than what it used to be. Can`t sing along with Smokey Robinson yet but working on it. I`m sure the dogs are not impressed.

Immune system is obviously still low. Experiencing fairly regular cold sores for example. Thanks to Abreva for helping to heal them quickly. I continue to avoid crowds and head the other way whenever I hear someone sneeze or cough. Touch wood, I`ve successfully stayed away from other people`s germs to date.

People who don`t see me often certainly notice the improvements that I feel. Had a blood test on Thursday, the monthly check of ``rat poison`` level I take as a precaution against another blood clot. You will recall the chemo related side effects I`ve had. The lab tech I get more than not said to me ``wow, you look like you`ve crossed all the way back to our side``, meaning the healthy people versus the sickly. I thanked her.

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Week 25

2010-08-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

PET scan has now been set for Friday August 27^th in Vancouver. Road trip! Quite the procedure if you’ve never had one, far more involved than a cat scan. Have to be on an IV drip for an hour before they proceed. In the machine for a half hour rather than a quick snapshot. The whole experience takes 2 and a half to 3 hours including questionnaires and forms to fill out. I am told by my oncologist that they’ll give me the results about a week later.

The timing couldn’t be better because I am stepping up my work intensity heading into September. I will be concentrating on talent coaching and product analysis as I begin a second year with Vista. This means no more GM duties, a situation that works better for me and more importantly, works better for the radio station. The staff and the business need a full time leader not a part time. I will also be pursuing other clients preferably long term but will consider project work. The mission is to re-connect with the industry at various levels. I have to say again how terrific the Vista owners and Executive Committee have been through my illness. They could easily have walked from the contract but chose instead to support me.

I’ve been working with a couple of young people this past week on their writing and presentation, something I have had no opportunity to do for months. It is most satisfying to offer an eager learner advice and then watch as their lights come on.

Physically this past week, it has felt like spinning tires. Lots going on but no progress. I am feeling good. Energy level is consistent. Going to try golfing this weekend. 9 holes on a short, flat course. We’ll see how the leg responds. Itching to swing the clubs. The doctor told me if you want to golf then golf. If you tire yourself out then rest up the next day. If your leg hurts too much from walking then next time rent a cart. By the way, the whistling in my ears has not subsided. At times it can be irritating. One of the side effects of the chemo I was given. Good thing I’m not shy about asking people to speak up. When your hearing is impaired, amazing how many people mumble. I never noticed before.

Told you about the amazing dinner with the BBQ’d pork loin and roasted vegetables. Well, had another one Wednesday night. Terrie’s homemade chicken pot pie. Tons of vegetables, phyllo pastry, gravy, chicken moist and easily chewed. Delicious! For desert, pound cake, layer of whipped cream, nectarine slices, another piece of pound cake, more whipped cream and more nectarine. A little nectarine on the side, glass of milk to help process the cake. Great taste. Ate the whole thing. Oh and before dinner, a Guinness.

Until next time.

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Week 24

2010-08-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

Imagine being thrilled to cut the lawn. It was only the backyard. Only had to stop three times to rest. But I did it and without a leg cramp. That night I felt like I had just gone through the dreaded first basketball practice of the season. Was I stiff and sore! Those were the days when you didn’t get into shape until the pre-season got underway. Gives you an idea of how much muscle mass and muscle tone I lost when sick. It’s successes like this that serve to make me remember how sick I actually was mere weeks ago. As I feel better and stronger, I remember the effort it took to make it from morning to night. As I finish a piece of steak or a new food makes the Ted Menu, the memory of it taking two plus hours to drink a 12 ounce calorie cocktail comes to the front.

A good friend called this week to check in as he has been doing every 2-3 weeks since the journey began. He was cleaning out his email and reread the update from Week 12. He then read last week’s, then Week 12 again, then last week’s. His words, incredible how far you’ve come. He can’t believe the difference. He gladly hit delete on Week 12.

Food adventures continue. How’s this one. BBQ’d pork tenderloin, roasted patty pan squash, baby peas in pods with walla walla onions, beets, fresh cut peaches and apricots on ice cream, oh and I snuck some of the fruit to eat with the pork. Went down easy and so delicious. This week I’m looking forward to Natalie’s borscht. She does her Mom’s Russian heritage proud.

Neck changes continue. Had considerable swelling for a couple of days, especially around the Adam’s Apple and lower jaw. It’s not often that neck issues are visible to others but this was. Feels weird, kinda stiff and tender to the touch but doesn’t hurt.

The screaming hot summer in the Okanagan is filled with the smoke of distant forest fires. Smoke advisories issued. At least we haven’t had to smell the smoke every day. Just screws up the view. Hope your first week of August has been good to you.

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Week 23

2010-07-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

With recovery and feeling better comes the reality of the new normal. Radiation is both a miracle and a curse. It destroys cancer cells, thank you God, but can leave a path of destruction. I’m certainly not alone. Radiation as administered for neck cancer, can damage your jaw bone and kills small saliva glands. There’s no evidence yet that bone damage has occurred. My jaw is tender to the touch. I have some restriction in movement as my mouth does not easily open wide. Exercises may help long term.

You have recently read about experiments with solid food and the success stories. Now the reality of dental issues. I had a saliva test yesterday and produced virtually nothing over a ten minute period. Dry mouth. A tooth by tooth review found three cavities beginning to develop in the few weeks since the last dental appointment. There is apparently the need for at least one crown if not two or three. More investigation to come. Without the cavity fighting enzymes of thin saliva, tooth decay is the curse of radiation. The dentist will become my best friend it seems and my bank account the funding for her next grand vacation. Don’t get me wrong, she is a caring professional. She is thorough. However, dental work is not cheap and the burden is on us. The new normal is check-ups every 3-4 months and the need for some extensive work fairly soon. It also means daily fluoride treatments using custom trays along with fluoride mouth wash and toothpaste. I can no longer be lazy about flossing and brushing the tongue.

Ate steak this week for the first time in five and a half months. Didn’t know how it would go, but the answer is easily chewed, easily swallowed, tasted great. Small bites chewed well with a little milk as chaser and another item makes Ted’s nourishment menu.

It is week 23 since my journey began. Feeling good with more go. Energized is the right word. Enjoying work and the Okanagan heat. Stamina is better and according to the scales at the clinic, gained ONE POUND. Now to keep that pound and find it a few friends.

The BC Day long weekend is here. We are taking Terrie’s twin and her husband to a few of the local wineries this afternoon. For date night, it’s back to the golf course restaurant of last week. Same table on the patio, facing the lake and the mountains, same great weather, live jazz and my honey.

We are actually alone for the day on Sunday. Road trip to Penticton to see Natalie, Rob and baby Jonathan. The little guy is six months old next week. He is 17 pounds, in the 50^th percentile for his age and 27.5 inches long, in the 80^th percentile. He’s long and lanky like his grandfather, he said beaming. Got his first two teeth over the last few days. He is strong, healthy and happy. He blew a few raspberries when I mentioned the Orioles trading Miguel Tajada to the Padres. Thinks he’s over the hill, done. The kid does like to express himself.

Til next time.

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Week 22

2010-07-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

It was the first Friday night date night since mid February. It was also the first restaurant meal since a week or so before I began treatments. A beautiful summer night in the Okanagan, on the patio at the golf course with Terrie, not a cloud in the sky, live Jazz, view of the golf course, the lake and the mountains, real food, a Guinness. What a treat! Then we came home, sat on the deck looking at our view, watching an almost full moon rise over the mountains, another Guinness. Made me realize how far I’ve come. Learning to eat all over again, learning to deal with the changes and the new normal. Finding the new normal has been a journey itself. A slow return of energy and stamina.

Had a satisfying week at work and didn’t nap even one afternoon. Never felt like it was necessary. Looking forward to next week at the station as we continue to analyze the product and our marketing to get ready for the fall ratings.

It’s an exciting time in the lives of Ted and Terrie. We’ve had a house full in addition to old friends passing through Kelowna stopping for a visit. Dr. John Blatherwick and his wife Carol were with us for a couple of days from Vancouver, Terrie’s twin sister Mona and husband Vern arrive today for a week, my sister Frances and her family from the Island arrive the following week for a couple of days. Spent a couple of hours with Jack Brodsky from Saskatoon yesterday. He was here for the BC Hockey Hall of Fame induction dinner. Another good friend from Saskatoon will be in town in a week or so. Dave Chartier and his wife Joanne will be picking up their daughter who has been attending a dance school here.

Have not yet heard from the Cancer Clinic in Vancouver regarding a date for the PET scan. I do have the next appointment with the oncologist booked for late November and a follow up appointment with the clinic dentists next week. My neck continues to change as the radiation continues to work. A couple of days last week the difference in the heat level between my neck and the rest of my body was evident. I’ve also had some minor swelling and tenderness. Nothing that gets in the way of doing what I want or have to do. A good portion of my beard is back. I’m having to shave daily unlike 5-6 weeks ago when I could go a week. Still no whiskers on my neck but we knew that would happen. There are a few though. If I don’t shave them they grow long and I look rather pathetic.

I said I wouldn’t send an update until after the PET scan but I couldn’t resist. Last night was so terrific, I had to share and will continue to do so as new benchmarks emerge.

Til next time.

Ted

My Cancer Journey - Week 21

2010-07-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

The oncologist is very pleased with the results of the cat scan. The primary tumour on my tongue has been eradicated. The two lymph nodes affected are dramatically reduced in size. Everything about my recovery is way ahead of the norm. There’s the good news. The one concern he has is that the lymph nodes are larger than he would like them to be following treatment. As a result, he has ordered another scan to make sure that no cancer remains. It is a special machine called a pet scan. I will have to travel to Vancouver to get it at the Vancouver Cancer Clinic.

The oncologist emphasized how positive he is about everything. He scoped my throat again and observed no evidence of cancer. With his hands and fingers he felt all through my mouth and down both sides of my neck. He said he could not feel anything that would cause him to question. Still he wants to be sure and for that I have to be grateful. So once the appointment is set, road trip to the coast. After the results of the pet scan are known, I will have a follow up with the oncologist within the next three months. In the shorter term, my next appointment is dental, at the end of July. The pet scan is a deeper look at the tissue than either a cat scan or an MRI. It doesn’t replace them, but provides more information.

With my recovery, I have waited months for warm weather. It arrives and knocks me on my butt. What little energy I have was drained quickly. The simplest of outdoor tasks sent me to my water bottle in minutes. I wasn’t a happy camper for a few days. Spent most of it inside in the air conditioning.

I have discovered that not only is it the selection of foods I am able to process but how I take them in. Smaller bites, chew slowly, use water as a saliva substitute. Amazing what you can accomplish when you follow those simple directions. I am still having two of Terrie’s calorie cocktails per day, no matter what solids I eat. I must be getting what I need because my weight has been exactly the same for 7+ weeks. I am down about 18 pounds from the weight I was prior to treatments. When you consider what other patients with the same treatment regime have lost, I’ve done extremely well.

The end of this stage of my journey is that I am doing great. I won’t be sending out updates until after the results of the pet scan are known. The oncologist thought it may take up top six weeks to get an appointment. Have a great summer. I will be reporting in around the beginning of September. As always your prayers and positive thoughts are most appreciated.

Ted