#585 Likeable Me

I watched both of the Despicable Me movies again over the weekend, and by seeing them in such close proximity it was easier to notice the differences between them.  

Two key distinctions:
1) The Minions have a much more prominent role in DM2, and are even the solo stars of three mini-movies that are included as bonus features.  They have a fairly minor role in the original film, and it seems to have been a surprise to the producers that they would be so popular. 

2) In the second film, there really is nothing despicable about Gru.  The title implies that the villainous nature of the main character is the central theme, but in addition to his role as a doting dad, Gru actually works for the Anti-Villain League in the second feature.

The producers showed great flexibility and adaptability as they prepared the sequel.  Had they insisted on leaving Gru as the only star or focusing on his despicable ways, they may not have had such a mega hit in Round 2.  They also seemed to have learned more about merchandising -- as DM2 was featured in many point-of-purchase displays and had prominent advertising for the holiday push.

Whatever your venture -- be in Hollywood films or something more down to earth, you'll come out ahead if you remain open to new ideas and modified strategies.  There's nothing despicable about grossing $961 million (just in the theatre!) on a $76 million production!!

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  the-numbers.com

#584 Ion

Our campus is closed today so that employees may take shelter from the Arctic blast of air that it is delivering to the Midwest.  It's a first in anyone's memory that we closed due to temperature instead of snowfall (that just happened a few weeks ago.)

It's not just a cold spell; this is Winter Storm Ion -- so named by The Weather Channel as part of their new strategy to name "strong winter storms".  The naming began last year as a way to "efficiently and systematically convey storm information" -- specifically in the social media realm.  The use of #Ion allows for a quick way to share information.  As if we needed a name to say #-50windchill!  But last year's Winter Storm Nemo received a billion-plus Twitter impressions, so people seem to like to share about these things.

Most of the names for the 2013-14 winter season are from Greek mythology or ancient Rome -- which makes sense since the list was developed with the help of a Latin class at Bozeman High School in Bozeman, MT.  What a fun assignment -- I'll bet the kid that came up with Ion is enjoying the day off even more!

Two takeaways for you to think about as you try to stay warm today:

> How can you modify your practices to meet the demands of social media or other communication channels?

> In what ways can you partner with unlikely suspects and allow others to help you in ways that also benefit them?

Hopefully the names of Janus, Kronos, Leon, Maximus, Nika, Orion, Pax, Quintus, Rex, Seneca, Titan, Ulysses, Vulcan, Wiley, Xenia, Yona and Zephyr will go unused!

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  Weather.com  Winter Storm Names 2013-14:  What They Are and What They Mean, published October 2, 2013

#583 radiant

Marketers and retailers are often steering you in directions so subtly that you don't even notice it.  This happens through packaging and displays, and is also influenced by color.

Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has been naming a Color of the Year.  Officially, this means that Pantone's color experts have "combed the world looking for the color influences which best define the global zeitgeist."  In reality, it means the color that you'll be seeing much more of in the coming year!

The 2014 Color of the Year is Radiant Orchid*.  The official description:  "Radiant Orchid blooms with confident and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination.  It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple -- one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.  A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health."

For previous colors and color influences on branding, see www.pantone.com/pages/pantone.aspx?pg=21111

Pantone has established themselves as the expert on all matters relating to color.  It is a brilliant marketing move to identify one color each year -- there is no right or wrong choice, but it lends more credibility and credence to their role as THE authority.

What is your organization an expert in?  Can you position yourself as a leader in a certain area and develop the equivalent "pronouncement" to Color of the Year?  While there may be nothing scientific about it, it does add to the value of the brand and generate awareness.  Who doesn't want that radiance?

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

*Officially PMS 18-3224

If you want a flash drive in the shape of the Color of the Year color chip, see www.pantone.com!

#582 a good match

In a previous blog*, I wrote about how I didn't think it fit with Disney's mission for them to offer a line of paint at Walmart.  Another player has entered the residential paint market, but this time I think it makes perfect sense.

Lowe's now offers a full palette of paint by Pantone.  Those in the graphic design world know that Pantone is a leader in the color matching system.  "Millions of design professionals worldwide use Pantone's language of color every day," reads their brochure.  "Now Pantone Universe brings 100 of its very best colors right to your home."

Pantone bills itself as the "world's color experts", so it makes perfect sense that they branch into paint colors.  They utilize existing Valspar brand paint, but Pantone provides tips on color combinations and knows the latest in color trends.  (In fact, they are the ones who designate the Color of the Year -- more on that tomorrow.)  This is who you want selecting the options for paint in your home.

Pantone even preserved their branding with their paint display by presenting their color choices in little square samples with their signature formatting, just as they do for professional design purposes.

Take some lessons from this product extension.  Pantone expanded its expertise into a new market, but still only delivers color naming and matching systems, not a new product.  The look, feel and purpose of what they do is still very similar, but the slight variation creates many new opportunities for them.  Color this outlook rosy!

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

*Blog #534, November 19, 2013

#581 the weakest link

Earlier this week, we had a rare day when the temperature rose above freezing.  I took advantage of the opportunity to have my car washed without fear of the doors icing shut.  I was not the only one with this brilliant plan!

The car wash was packed, with lines snaking halfway around the building.  The owners had obviously anticipated such a rush, and they had extra staff to help the line move quickly.  Even though the number in line was doubled, I don't think I waited much more than I usually do…

…until I went inside to pay.  They were literally cleaning and drying the cars faster than the cashier could ring up the bills.  This caused a big problem as cars were ready before the owners were and it created a subsequent backlog for other cars to come in.

I am sure in the planning, all the attention was placed on having the staff to clean the cars, and no one thought through the implications for the cashier.  The clerk did not have a direct impact on the car wash process, but clearly her role was essential to the overall operation.

Take a lesson from the car wash.  Don't overlook the "minor" players whose work has the ability to put a kink in your whole system.  Those who provide infrastructure and support are just as vital to success as those who are front line in service delivery.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

#580 wisdom of Zen

How you do anything is how you do everything.   Zen

I thought about this saying a lot over the holidays. 

> If I started the morning by hitting the snooze, would I also "cheat" on my eating choices that day?
> If I threw something into a gift bag instead of taking the time to beautifully wrap it, would I cut corners on other projects?
> If I braved the snow to go to the gym would I also fulfill other commitments in the same way?
> If I listened to what others wanted for gifts, would I also be open to hearing ideas for projects at work?

How you do anything is how you do everything.  Keep this powerful little saying in mind the next time you have a decision to make.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  as quoted in Real Simple, January 2014 in Balance or Bust by Marjorie Ingall, p. 110

#579 triangle

A strategy for your new year:

Draw a triangle on a notepad.  Go from corner to corner, thinking of three things to be happy about that day, three things to be grateful for, and three things to pray for.  

It can become your daily centering activity as you realize that you have much to be thankful for as you welcome in 2014.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  Redbook magazine, February, 2002