Huge facebook misstep

Facebook to drop "connect" protocol One of the more recent movements among web sites that understand SocMedia has been allowing users to connect and even create a profile on their web site by allowing the user to "log in" via facebook or twitter (to name the two most popular choices). In fact, we were in the process of adding FB connect to RhinoGATOR when I got the news. But I digress... Now, facebook has decided to drop their proprietary protocol that makes this possible, according to Michael Calore over on webmonkey. Big mistake. Huge. Calore quotes an engineer. Seems to me that someone should have called the marketing department in on this task. Do you realize how often otherwise smart organizations make dumb mistakes? In 1992 I learned a valuable lesson and to paraphrase W. Edwards Deming, "Success is 94% the result of the system." Never have business owners been required to think systemically, or holistically, like in these economic times. Why does virtually every home in America (and most businesses) have a can of WD-40 on site? Because the late John Barry knew the company was all about marketing first, and manufacturing second. That systems thinking required involving marketing in decision-making exercises where other organizations might try to limit "outside" involvement. So, from my limited vantage point, facebook zigged ...they made a left turn. Why was this a misstep of epic proportions? Look at your key ring. For those of that drive every day, we have a number of retail store "bonus cards" or frequent-shopper cards hanging on the ring. Why? So the company can give away free products? Hardly. One reason stands out: So they can track your habits. Which allows them to measure ROI on their various and numerous sales and marketing campaigns. Facebook is throwing away the ability to capture some of the most valuable data ever. Do I as a consumer like the audit trail I leave in my wake? Of course not. But I also do not carry customer "loyalty cards" from vendors I do not trust. When you see this decision reversed as Paul Harvey oft remarked, "You will know the rest of the story." Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey Throughput.us (843) 564-4754 P.S. Having trouble with your throughput? Listen to my podcast, SKI on Marketing, then give me a call. (cc) 2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Unlimited Wealth?

Great use of the word "theory" Unlimited Wealth by Paul Zane Pilzer In the world of business, nothing can derail comprehension faster than mentioning the word "theory" to describe a process or methodology. Take Eli Goldratt's Theory of Constraints (TOC) for example. Basically a collection of silver bullets as well as a philosophy that leverages what some have called "uncommon common sense" to solve business challenges, TOC drops the "T" word and the street-smart and thoroughly savvy business owners go weak in the knees. But I digress... I bought Pilzer's book back in 1993 and skimmed it ever so lightly (it is not for the faint of heart IMNSHO). I heard Pilzer wax poetic live on at least one occasion, but just could not get my mind past the "other" word: Alchemy. Reminder: I had read Goldratt's "The Goal" (explaining the first major application of TOC, DBR — Drum-Buffer-Rope in 1992). And yes, the "T" word bothered me at first glance. Alchemy sounds like, well, snake oil. And in some regards it was (mostly for the focus on trying to turn base metals into gold). But like other concepts that have a bad rep, it really does deserve further study. Pilzer explains alchemy in terms that separates the snake oil salesmen from the lessons to be learned from studying the core concept. In fact, he explains it in terms of the Six Laws of Alchemy. What took me by surprise as I started re-reading Unlimited Wealth was it's dependency on technology. Valid technology. In some regards as part and parcel of the framework for modern Alchemy. If you have not read it (or not in the last two or three years), may I suggest you pick it back up, dust it off, and dig in. Then, let me know what it says to you about our future... But more importantly, what it says about your future! -ski ©2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Salesforce to acquire Jigsaw

Announcement brought a tear to my eye... Why? I use SugarCRM and have some concerns what might happen to a great tool. If you are in the sales profession and don't use Jigsaw, then maybe you are not REALLY in the sales profession? Here is a short podcast on my thoughts today (having slept on the ramifications): MP3 (4.8mbytes) or via iTunes -ski ©2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Cabin Feverless

Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Economy shows signs of Spring Most everyone knows that feeling commonly referred to as "cabin fever." When we are counting the days to that break in the weather that defines spring (more so than a date on a calendar). In the "Sunshine" state, existing home sales in March rose 37% over February 2010 and 24% higher than March 2009. Spring? Methinks so. And so do folk in the Motown state where according to news sources, "so many more [people] were seeking work that it skewed jobless rates higher." Hope is in the air. Consider, too, that I am spending more time at the car lots in the area. A truer sign of spring I cannot imagine. And a fact that the recovery is imminent! How so? Well, the way my mind works is pretty basic (discounting quantum physics for the moment, which is more about how the universe works, rather than my mind): what goals have I set that require me to get off my backside and make something happen in order to produce the revenue to achieve the goal(s)? Recently, I rediscovered the Chevy SSR... Remember this Michael Bay TV commercial, featuring the yellow one? -ski ©2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Resume: Did you actually read it?

Not getting callbacks on your Resume? Great. How is that great? I call it testing. Tell me that you remember Purple Curve Insight #9 from my book:

"Testing is common sense. All companies on the Purple Curve test." —Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey

Therefore, lack of a callback tells you a lot. If you take the time to understand the dynamics at work. Not sure, let's talk. -ski ski@throughput.us

I dug it. Big time.

the zen of social media marketing a review by Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey

"An Easier Way to build credibility, generate buzz, and increase revenue." —Shama Hyder Kabani

This is a most amazing book. Delightful in fact. How appropriate that Shama and I met on twitter? I have had the privilege of watching her career evolve over the last few years and I can assure that purchase of her book is a sound investment in your future. At retail of $16.95USD I can also assure you that she will not get rich from royalties! A "must own" for the small business owner or entrepreneur that alone must fashion their SocMedia efforts. There is a lot of material and yet Shama covers it quickly and thoroughly. Much I already knew. However, there is some great insight into facebook that I simply had not considered. That chapter alone would be worth the cover price. Or the one on twitter. Or the chapter on LinkedIn. Or the Case Studies. Get the idea? I expect this book alone to double my SocMedia effectiveness in the next 90 days. How many other books can make that claim? Too few (of course, my own Purple Curve Effect does come to mind). {grin} The AHA Zen Moments are a nice touch. And the mnemonics like ACT and BOD help drive home critical components of the framework that have elevated Shama into that rarefied atmosphere where she was named, "One of BusinessWeek's 25 Under 25 Entrepreneurs for 2009." Having trouble making sense of SocMedia? You are not alone The answer is close as the nearest bookstore. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Founder RhinoGATOR™ (843) 564-4754 (cc) 2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Can't wait to dig in

the zen of social media marketing by Shama Hyder Kabani Not sure when it got to the post office box, but I made a trip today and there it was, my copy of Shama's book. I can't wait to dig in and for the healing to begin! I have followed Shama's efforts for some time (more than a year), and had the privilege of helping her resolve a Skype issue way back when. Don't you just hate big companies that are too big to really truly care? Me too. Guess that is one of the things that puts the "social" in social media. People helping people Few of us "westerners" fully appreciate Zen. It just sounds, well, foreign, I guess. We need to be more open. I love the (now canceled) TV show simply called, "Life" featuring a great cast and amazing dialog. The series featured Zen on a level that I did not appreciate before watching the series (both seasons are still on hulu dot com until September). Yes, they took liberties (it is TV after all!). But it was a catalyst to re-examine Zen. One of my heroes, Geoffrey Moore touched on it in "Crossing the Chasm" and I have blogged lightly about an application or two in my business life. But I digress... I look forward to digging into Shama's book first thing in the morning. Over coffee. -ski ©2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

In search of more perfect Job Searches (aka RESULTS!)

Use the desired Zip Code for best job search results Also, use the "Advanced Search" link to fine-tune the job search parameters. For example, to eliminate job openings that show up in your search that are not a good fit. In this example, I eliminated over 30 not-good-for-me jobs by excluding the word "java" (a computer language that I do not enjoy). Note, too, the five digit zip code number. If I can help tune your search, let me know. Less is almost always more... -ski RhinoGATOR™ ©2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Monday, Monday

Another day... Another Job Search What can I do to help you find suitable work? The premise is simple enough, help enough others get what they want, and I will achieve my dreams. If your dreams are not coming true, then maybe you aren't helping enough? Consider volunteering to help job seekers with their searches on RhinoGATOR™. Give me a shout to learn more. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Founder RhinoGATOR™ (843) 564-4754 ski@rhinogator.com ©2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

I could just cry

CC Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license

It made me want to cry...

I'll be honest, I never gave your RhinoGATOR much thought as there are so many similar sites that all seem to do the same thing. Collect a ton of resumes and flood hiring managers or HR managers email in boxes to the point where it's difficult to be seen, especially in this economy. —Anonymous

I felt energy actually drain from my body as I read these words from a colleague. Someone searching for suitable employment. Like so many today, a person with great credentials, but making very little progress in the job market. Let me first say, RhinoGATOR™ is different! Yes, other "job boards" have made this claim. And as many of you know, they lie! The team of entrepreneurs I personally assembled to create this game-changing application all bought into my simple premise:

Let's help get America Back to Work!

There are no strings attached. None. Zero. Zilch. You can search our site until the cows come home (or you find suitable employment!) without ever telling us who you are! Honest. I am sick and tired of finding job openings hidden behind "firewalls" that require registration. And that does happen with some of our searches. Remember that we are less than four months old! And already, we beat Monster dot com in at least 80% of the job searches performed on RhinoGATOR™ once you remove the "spam" from the other guy's listings. But I digress... Yes, you can store your resume on our app. But it is not a requirement. And we NEVER send your resume anywhere! Not now, not ever! You alone decide if and when to forward your resume. Plus, when the time comes, you can send a resume stored on your local computer. We simply do not require you to give us that much information. And if you do entrust us with your CV, we NEVER let anyone, recruiters or HR manager—no one, ever search through RhinoGATOR™ looking for employees. Is that clear? Once people understand that we truly are different, and that job searches are free and confidential, they ask, "So how do you make money?" Great question. However, I will not openly share the answer. We are working on 27 possible income streams for our baby, but each must pass a few tests, including the axiom, "First, do no harm." And do not betray any sacred trusts. Is RhinoGATOR™ perfect? Hardly. We went live on December 17, 2009. Do you know any four month old babies that can take care of themselves? Most cannot walk. And yet, in most searches, we make traditional job boards look like the out-dated jalopies they are! Consider Indeed. A "job aggregator" that has been at it for five years... they should pound us into the sand, right? Wrong.

But again, I digress... In conclusion, to get the most out of RhinoGATOR™ today, we do ask for your name and email address in order to create an Account on our server. Why? First, that is the least amount of data required to email you alerts should we find suitable job openings. Without your name, many email spam filters would block any correspondence from us. With an account, you can quickly convert any search into an "email alert" and that is powerful. Why? Once you save a query as an alert, we can "charge" through the internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (366 on leap years) searching everywhere for suitable employment aggregating the results for your review. All, without you ever giving us your resume. So, now can you understand why I just wanted to cry? I honestly believe that I and my team are the only job search tool builders that understand all of the ramifications of the disconnect in today's job market. I awake every morning, seven days a week, asking myself one primary question: "What can I do today, to help get America back to work?" Once I solve this challenge, I hope to have enough energy left to tackle the same issue around the globe. But it has to start here and it has to start with a different approach. A systems (or holistic) approach that defines my unique contribution to planet Earth. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Founder RhinoGATOR™ (843) 564-4754 P.S. Yes, I actually post my phone number. Just in case you need help. That is how serious this matter is to me. What other vendors take your challenge as a personal call to action? ©2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

SKI breaks 500 on LinkedIn

Thanks to each of you... for making a dream come true. http://www.linkedin.com/in/consultski Now, on to dream bigger dreams! -ski P.S. Remember, if I can help you achieve your goals, give me a shout. ©2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

#771: Deletion Sunday

Easter Sunrise. Photo by Miamitom (CC Attribution 2.5 Generic).

A Glorious New Day When I think resurrection, one thought that comes to mind is that of "deletion" of my past mistakes. A fresh start. In honor of such new beginnings, I deleted a number of posts from this blog that contained references that I now consider no longer valid. Today is really the only day we have. So make it a good one. --ski ©2010 Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.