Saturday, September 17, 2011
“So, I know theres no I in team, but there ain’t no we either.” Lol! Love that commercial. I know we preach that there’s no individual in a team. This is a very agreeable statement, but “there ain’t no we either” is also a very true statement. Not in a negative way in any way, shape, or form. There’s nothing wrong with an “I CAN” attitude. I believe without it, there is no team. At some point someone on your team is going to say I can’t. You need to be the one to step up and say I CAN! If no one says I CAN then WE CAN'T do anything.
I have a problem with the word can’t. Not only the fact that it’s a negative word, but to get deep on ya, it shouldn’t even exist. Technically can’t can be done, but someone or thing chooses not to. It’s a choice. Now don’t get me wrong I understand that can’t has to exist in the world. I know I can’t create gold bars out out my own saliva. So, yes can’t has to exist. I don’t see a need for it in the business world. It’s a cancerous word. Especially when it comes to customers. You think when a customer asks you to do something and you say you can’t; there thinking “Well they can’t physically do this” or “Jerks! They choose not to do it." Ill go with B for 500 Trabek. You find a way to make it happen or get someone who “CAN”!
So, next time you say you can’t, it better pertain to waving your arms and flying to the moon. Because in business if you can’t give me a call I CAN!
FootNote: This doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own.
Get others involved. As long as you make it happen and the
Customers happy, your #winning.
The Hangover
Business owners here’s a word of advice. TAKE CARE OF YOUR EMPLOYEES. Something I’ve learned in business is that if you’re not nice to your employees they won’t be nice to your customers. They are your investment. So why would you beat them down to where they can’t mentally and physicallyperform. If you have any questions in your head whether or not you’re treating your employees right or not…. YOUR NOT! They’re people too. I used to be that guy that “brow beats” people, but I’m smart enough to know that when something isn’t working you change it. It’s not going to make you work any better by getting treated in a negative way. So, why do you think it’s going to work on them? Your business is guaranteed to fail. Now I’m not saying don’t put the hammer down when it’s necessary by any means. If you do it everyday people become numb to it. It’s not effective at all. It’s like giving you wife flowers everyday. Eventually it not a sweet gesture anymore. It’s routine
. So, next time you tell someone your worthless, lazy, dumb, etc, look in a mirror. You’re the one keeping them employed at your business. Therefore you’re all of the above.
On another note if anyone would like to drop by my business with a bloody mary in hand. I would be forever in your debt. This hangover is killing me…. But I’m still gonna kick this days keister.
When's the last time you downloaded an old track of Sinatra on Itunes? Any chance your ipod or giant stash of burned cds in your car have any Elvis jams on them? If you're anything like the majority of our generation, you probably couldn't be bothered to listen to anything that wasn't created by a computer. In a world where hip hop, techno and teeny bopper-pop rules the radio, I find it impossible to forget where all this music started; where it all began. Do you really think Eminem would even exist if it weren't for the revolutionary visions of icons like Bobby Darin or Johnny Cash?
Albert Einstein was convinced that in so many words, music was the key to the universe. I seriously doubt he was bangin' out to The Black Eyed Peas when he shared this wonderful thought. Fortunately though, there are still old school guys out there keeping our society grounded. Michael Buble put a spell on our planet's ears with his mesmerizing voice. But we all know he didn't become famous singing his originals right? Absolutely not. He was discovered on Star Search singing "Mack The Knife" by Bobby Darin. And now, all of his 'hit' albums are strictly remakes of 50 year old tunes made famous by the likes of, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy, Bobby, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. Don't get me wrong, he's got a couple decent originals like "Home", "Lost" and "Everything".
So many people ask me, "why are you so dead-set on singing old Jazz standards?" My response: "That kind of music requires talent." No synthesizers or computers were altering any vocal techniques back then. Those were just pure, beautiful, well-trained, voices. Now, T-Pain, Chris Brown and Timbaland have got people fooled. We're obsessed with these 'fake voices'. I can appreciate that our tastes change and our cultures evolve. But how far can music continue to evolve until no human beings are required at all? Not even a guitar or a drummer would be needed if we only chose to listen to Trance, House, Dubstep or Techno. I love playing The House Of Blues because every band is made up of raw talent with bloody fingers and sweaty brows. Hoarse vocals and shaky knees. Am I looking to get famous? Not at all. My vision of success is simply being able to work steadily and travel, doing what I love; performing live. Performing music where people can hear and understand every lyric I'm swoonin' their way.
I am embarrassed to admit this; but I did watch the final (and ONLY the final) episode of America's Got Talent. (I'm extremely anti-reality TV). The four finalists included three large groups and one solo guy. This one guy against a bunch of large groups and teams. What was his talent, you ask? He was a crooner! He sings old tunes in the old style of Frank and the Rat Pack. The winner ended up being that gentleman from West Virginia. At one point he was homeless and washing cars, now he's a million dollars richer and will have a show in Vegas. At first, I can't lie, I was totally jealous. I hate reality TV and for this guy to make it big singing the stuff I sing, off of a whim on a TV show, when I've been at this for years made me a tad sour. But then I realized something. There's still hope. Hope for our generation. This lone, homely, humble, shy, man was able to capture the entire audience of America singing the exact same tunes I belt out every week. Do I want to be rich and famous? No. Truthfully, I would settle for having my bills paid, paycheck to paycheck and traveling the world playing lounges til I'm dead. I'll never retire. But I'll tell you one thing: you think it's easier to get work as a musician singing the same poppy crap the radio's over-play every day? Or to go after a piece of the Buble pie? Not a lot of competition there; and I like those odds. Now get off your damn computer and go listen to some real music. I know you've got a favorite Elvis Presley song...everybody does.
Cheers,
Cheers,
BR
Thursday, September 15, 2011
"The making of a new American"
As of tomorrow, besides every child that’s born, we will have another American to add to our numbers. Im headed up to KC to watch my brother/best-friend Faisal take his oath to become a citizen. I super stoked not only for him, but to see how the whole process goes. I’m sure Ill have a great blog to put together when I get back, but in the meantime I will fishing through my emails of submissions to post to the blog. Please email me your videos, ideas, motivational rants, funny stories, etc to reynoldswrapping@mail.com
In the meantime here’s a video of my Boston Terrier/Pot Belly Pig saying hello!
The very first pure American Dog
Around the office we love to share our Chuck Norris lines and even make a few up ourselves. Enjoy!! Feel free to add you liners in the comments.
Around the office Chuck Norris Liners
Chuck Norris can’t have a heart attack. Nothing dares to attack Chuck Norris!
The boogie man checks under his bed for Chuck Norris!
Chuck Norris is 1/8th Indian. Nothing to do with his geneology. He ate an Indian!
Chuck Norris doesn’t go hunting. He goes killing!
There is no theory of evolution. Just creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Wake and Hate
So, I come into work this morning to see a writer for MSN hating on Car Salesman. This is exactly one of the reasons that I started this blog. It’s seems there are more haters in this world writing articles than educated. For some reason they feel when they report the negative on something they are “Educating the Public.” Here’s the link. Read it and then Ill educate you on each of her hate rants. http://money.msn.com/saving-money/5-things-car-salesmen-will-not-say-weston.aspx?gt1=33026
First of all here’s a disclaimer, unlike her I will admit I do have somewhat of a buyess opinion being in the car business. With that said Im an honest man and will deffinatley tell you the negative and the positive on the subject.
Laughable. I wasn’t aware that the general public wasn't educated enough to know that car businesses make a profit. Consider yourself informed. Kinda the purpose for being in business. If there is a certain vehicle that is not moving as well as others, manufacturers do pay dealerships an incentive to help move that unit. Anyone knows in sales that money motivates and if you tell me im going to make more by selling this rather than that; What do you think I m going to try to sell. Also we don’t necessarily have to keep that “incentive as profit.” A lot of times we use that money to sell the car at a cheaper price as an “incentive” to the customer.
2.) Sticker shock is built into this deal.
First of all, I would have no problem with telling a customer this statement. Buying a car is a beautiful thing. Negotiating is not something you can do on everything you buy. Try it at Wal-Mart. Not gonna happen. So yes we do have to make room for negotiation. I know folks! This is really some mind boggling stuff. Kinda seems as if the lady ,that wrote this article, pretty much assumes the general public are imbeciles.
3.) You’ll get a better deal through the internet.
Is this true? Well on this one I can say she’s right. We do price our vehicles at a very slim profit margin on the internet to get your business in here. You think were going to overprice our vehicle at huge profit margins online just so you can go to our competitors site and see that its cheaper. Not Likely. Another brain buster lady!
4.) Knock yourself out of negotiating price; I’ve got plenty of other ways to skin you.
SKIN YOU? Is this lady for real. With the use of the internet now a days, price is not what sells products anymore. It’s service. You can get a good price anywhere. So, the term SKIN is not a term used in the office unless my co-workers are speaking of their fresh kill on opening day of deer season. Here’s some info. Will we take a loss on a vehicle to gain a customer? Yes! Studies have shown that an average customer value over their life period is $350,000. So, if I can retain that customer for life eventually I will make a profit from their business. Another factor is that by selling them a car there’s a 90% chance they will be servicing it here. Oil changes, tire, etc. Sorry to disappoint ya folks, but we profit here also. As far as the financing of a vehicle goes, yes we make money there also. Banks will pay us flat fees to do business with them. A lot of times we will make some money off the interest rate, but in this case most of the time we get for you a better rate than what your bank is giving you. You save money and we make a little more money. What’s wrong with that?
5.)The great deal we advertised; you won’t get it.
Now this statement is totally false and illegal. Has this lady ever hear of the BBB or the Attorney General. If we advertise it and it’s still available, you will get that deal bottom line.
In closing before you share your opinion you might want to educate yourself a little more on that subject. As for this lady; well I love the fact that she has to wake up every morning, be miserable, and think of a hate article to write that day to save the world. If ignorance is bliss… this lady has it on tap!
Please put your opinions in the comments and please share this blog on your twitter and facebook.
Social Spaghetti
Twitter, facebook, foursquare, ustream, and the list goes on. So many to choose from and update. Just to make people like myself ,that work 13 hours a day, feel as if they have friends. I’ve personally liked this blogging kick I’ve been on. It’s an outlet that lets your own personality come out and not only be judged by the witty one-liner that popped into your head. On twitter this morning I follow @epictweets. She has some classic one liners. This morning she tweeted “facebooks kinda like jail. You sit around and waste time, write on walls, and get poked by people you don’t know.” Great stuff!! A lot of truth in humor there. Honestly, I don’t have a personal relationship with a quarter of the people on my twitter, facebook, etc. Its just an outlet and a tool for me to network and get to meet people from all walks of life. Its amazing what people will share on their social network. You get to meet their kids, parents, pets, etc. Hell, you’ve seen the power of social spagehetti help over throw a country. (EGYPT). Airing your laundry and pics are great, but social networking has become a very powerful advertising tool. People are starting to view their social networks more than they watch television, live events, etc. How many times have you been to a movie, game, etc. and have seen a person a row ahead of you updating their social network. If you don’t see that this is a great opportunity for advertising put the crack pipe down, take the blinders off, and adapt. Business will always be constantly be changing due to the fact people have the attention span of a nat. So, if you don’t adapt someone else will and take your business. So have fun with it, make new friends, but make sure when you’re eating that social spaghetti you leave some room for dessert... BUSINESS
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Should be illegal to be this dumb
“Should be illegal to be this dumb”
Just received a great submission from a police officer out of Arkansas. First of all I want to thank him for the submission and secondly thank him for his service. On that not he was kind enough to take time out of his day to share a great story with me and I want to share it with the Reynolds Wrapping Viewers.
I was on the way to the county jail doing my normal routine. I noticed a vehicle in front of me almost side swipe a car. Being a police officer I kind of have to take notice of these infractions. So, I continued to follow the vehicle that was driving erratically. I don’t think she realized she was in the good ol USA, because she utilized both sides of the road. Mainly the left. In my mind I though hey I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she just maybe had moved over from Japan, Europe, or any other country that drives on the opposite side as we do. I contacted dispatch and advised the situation and location of the infraction. Waiting for another unit to arrive and assist me, I kept her in my line of sites. I would have pulled her over right then, but I already had a perpetrator in the back of the squad car. (Thing about being a cop is that no matter how bad the economy is, my jobs secure.)
As I continue to follow her I take notice that she’s going right towards the jail and eventually pulls into the P.D. parking lot. Which actually is going to make my job a hell of a lot easier. I step out of my squad car, secure the perpetrator in the back, and ask to see her drivers license. She hands me her license and tells me she’s there to see a friend. I thought in my mind, “Oh you’ll be seeing her real soon alright.” I took notice that she was wound up like Richard Simmons sweating to the oldies. Little problem here in the Midwest we like to call Meth.(It's a drug like speed made from everything under the kitchen sink.)
I walked nicely over to her and informed her that I would personally be taking her directly to see her friend. I asked her kindly to slip on these high-fashioned silver bracelets and Ill lead the way. The happy ending to this story is that she got to see her friend. Probably a little closer and longer than to her liking though. This is one for the record books. Another criminal we can add to the list of Americas Dumbest Criminals.
Submission by Wes Hart
Thanks again Wes for your service and your submission. I’m sure well be seeing a lot more submissions from this patriot. There's never a shortage of dumb criminals. Wes Is one of the best officers out there. So I’m sure he'll be arresting a ton of them!
Zombies in the Workplace (Revised)
In business terms, the ZombieEmployees are ones that are just out there to grab a sale and not make a customer for life. They latch on for just that one bite. Never looking back after the sale is made for future or referral business. Your business can not survive with these types of employees. With no repeat business, there is no business.
On the surface, it seems to be a “no brainer, Grab that shotgun, aim, and pull the trigger. Hitting the Zombie right between the eyes and dropping them where they stand. Not leaving any chance for them to infect your other employees with this disease. You as a manager should take a tally every month on how many Zombies you eradicate. If not, you’ll have a full staff of these freaks. The only thing on the horizon for your business is failure.
The ideal situation would be not to even hire these ZombieEmployees. It’s not always that easy. They’re very crafty. They speak and present themselves very well. Once they make it past your HR Manger it all changes. They’re out for blood. You need to train your HR department on how to spot these Zombies. Here’s the best tip on finding a ZombieEmployee. They talk a great game, but when you look at their actual performance on paper; it’s all “lip service.”
So be careful. Keep an eye out. ZombieEmployee will always be filling out applications and sneaking through your H.R. department. Just make sure they’re winding up on your competitors mouse pad and not yours.
Quitting Not in this Mans Vocab
Lately it seems like every time I log in to Facebook, someone is either pregnant or getting married. Having kids or getting divorced. I always thought, growing up, that having a big family was for the birds and that I would be happiest as a bachelor for life. But as I get closer to thirty, I feel that little part of my 'grinch-green' heart begin to tug at me. It says, "Hey man, you're not getting any younger! It's time to stop being selfish and settle down for once!" Is it selfish to follow your dreams? To pursue your passion? At what point is one suppose to give up and settle down?
By my 26th birthday I had lived in 7 states and several major cities, including New York City and recently Los Angeles. When I was 12 years old my mom convinced me to audition for a local theater company in Columbia, Missouri by the name Columbia Entertainment Company. I considered myself an athlete because I played pee-wee football every year....but who was I kidding. Walking on to that stage, I was instantly in love. I was enamored with the attention and the ability to transform yourself or pretend to be someone else. Not only that but people would stand up and clap for you when you were finished?! Amazing! I have pursued music and acting ever since. I've been out west for almost two years now and I have to admit, it doesn't get easier. Unfortunately, I was hit with a harsh reality that the cliche, "it's not what you know, it's who you know" is very, very true. The hardest part about being a 'performing artist' is the constant fear of rejection; living with a never-ending insecurity that you're not good enough or that you never know where your next meal is coming from. Being from the mid west, the media and society makes life in Hollywood look so, totally glamorous. Guess what? It's quite the opposite. Between the cost of living, the politics and the fake personalities you deal with on a daily basis, it is far from a beautiful lifestyle. It's a daily networking battle, marketing every second, trying to get your name out there.
I attended a performing arts school in NYC after high school, thinking it would catapult me into success. While it does look good on a resume, the "Hollywood types" in LA could really care a less. It's such a reality TV world out there now. And again, if your last name doesn't ring a bell like Jake or Maggie Gyllenhaal's parents or Scott Caan's dad, you’re at the bottom of a very long waiting list. The question is: do you have the patience to wait? To be honest, I was afraid for the longest time of ever venturing out west. People told me for years that I should just drop everything and do it or that I wasn't getting any younger. They were right. I am considered to be in my 'older years' in the modeling world for sure.
On one hand, I do have the urge to settle for a steady paycheck and start a family. Mow the yard and pay a mortgage. But the biggest part of me still refuses to leave any rock unturned. I don't want to be laying on my 'death bed' wondering "what if". A lot of folks squirm at the idea of such instability but the truth is: I like my life. I like not punching a clock. I like being my own boss and making my own schedule. And although this sounds crazy, it's kind of exciting not knowing when my next paycheck is coming. It makes the battle so much more fulfilling when you finally land a gig and head to the bank, knowing that you're a survivor in the craziest city on the planet.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thankyou Japan!!
I want to personally thank all of the support for the blog I'm getting out of Japan. I loved living in Tokyo and would love to make it back there someday.
The Proposal
The Proposal
If your one of my face book friends then you already know I’m a cheese ball when it comes to loving my Miss Brittany. Found my best-friend and life partner in crime. On that note, I want to share my proposal story with ya.
Brittany and I were planning a trip to Paris. Now knowing that Brittany loves romance and fairytales ,and honestly I'm probably not the most romantic guy, but I figured proposing in Paris should at least get me to our 10th anniversary. Now we were off to the airport. The whole time im sweating bullets knowing that one of these amateur agents are going to search my bag and blow my cover by showing the ring. As my bag went through the x-ray machine the gentleman looked at me and I politely scoured back with the you blow my cover you die look. So, he kindly smiled and I moved on my way. We get to Paris and started enjoying the sites and history. This whole time Brittany has no clue the bomb I'm going to drop on her. Long story short, the third day of vacation we are taking in the sites and I mention that we should hang out by the Eiffel tower that night and drink some wine. So, we walked everywhere to find a bottle of wine to consume. Finally we found a small convenient store and made the purchase. The ring was in my suit coat pocket. As Brittany walked out of the store, I pulled out the ring and showed it to the clerk.. He said something to me in French, which I hope was nice, and winked at me. Understand we had been walking all day. So Brittany says why we don’t just call it a night. I look at her and try not to blow my top from the tension of holding in this secret for the three days on the trip. I told her we were drinking wine by the Eiffel tower and that's all there is to it. We head to the Eiffel tower to find a spot to sit and drink. Well I’m thinking of a strategy of how I’m going to pull this off. I made a decision in my mind that I was going to find an English speaking person to take our picture by the tower. At that time I would pop the question. Finally I spotted some Brits sitting and enjoying a game of cards while drinking wine. I walk over to them and whisper that I’m about to propose to my girlfriend and if they would be so kind to take a picture when I do it. I walk back to Brittany and tell her that were going to get our pic taken in front of the tower and these kind Brits were going to take it. So stand up for the pic and I look at Miss Brittany and start giving my schpeal. She's not paying attention to me and says quit talking they're trying to take a pic. I look at her like she’s nuts and state that honey you need to listen to me. She continues how we need to hurry so they can take the pic. Finally I just dropped to my knee so she could get a clue of what I was attempting to do. She finally realized. She was stunned. She didn't even look at the ring. I had to shove the ring in her face. She said yes, fortunately. It was perfect timing. From 10pm until midnight at the strike of the hour the Eifel Tower lights up like a million flashing stars. It started flashing during the proposal. The lawn was full of people clapping and the moment will always be treasured by us both.
If you have a great proposal story please feel free to submit it. If you like the story please share it on your facebook/twitter/etc. Thanks for viewing!
No,Never,Cant, = Failure
Today’s America is driven by money, power, and freedom. All of these desires run in conjunction with the other. Money gives you power, power allows you the freedom to live your life as you wish. Between 2004 and 2010 it has been shown that nearly 40% of the population between ages 18-24 expressed desire to start their own business. Amongst the thousands of young Americans that pursue this every year, few truly succeed. Those that do succeed have a drive that is unmatched, and will power that just won’t quit. Farrah Gray is a self made millionaire, who grew up in inner city Chicago in the late 1980’s. “The only thing in our refrigerator was the light that came on when you opened the door,” says Gray, which can only give you an inkling of the circumstances that faced him. He wasn’t born within a lavished lifestyle, nor was he provided the education some may think you need to be a successful individual; let alone a self-made millionaire by the age of 14. Farrah started his empire at the age of 6. What can a 6 year old do to possibly be driving revenue while only being in the 1st grade? He sold rocks, painted ones at that. However, these were not your ordinary painted rocks that you may see your local girl scouts selling. Gray evolved his painted friends into things such as bookends, and doorstops all while only being just over a half of a decade in age. At age seven, he was carrying business cards reading "21st Century CEO." At eight, Gray became co-founder of Urban Neighborhood Enterprise Economic Club on Chicago's South side. By the time he was a pre-teen he had over 12 million listeners tuning into to “Backstage Live”, a syndicated television and radio simulcast in Las Vegas. By the age of 15, his talent and inspiration could no longer be denied and he was made the youngest member of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas. His accomplishments, foundations, and business ventures could fill a book, but I simply wanted to scrape the service. Farrah Gray changed his stars against unprecedented odds during modern America. The unfortunate reality of it all is that the majority of today’s youth and young adults lack the work ethic, character, and patience to walk in Gray’s footsteps. However, it is nice to know that it is still possible. When they say “you can do anything you can set your mind to”, believe it, and follow through with it. It definitely will not be easy, nor will it always be lucrative, or enjoyable. Wouldn’t you want to come out on the other side as Gray did? I know I would.
Special Thanks to Jessica Jenkins for this stellar submission
Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday Morning Rundown
First of all I want to thank everyone for all the attention www.reynoldswrapping.blogspot.com
Now it’s time to get organized! I want to start implementing weekly polls, blogs, events, etc. Starting next Monday, for my viewers that like to run, were going to start the Monday Morning Rundown. Using your favorite app on your Smartphone, capture a picture of the routes you’re running.
For those without an app feel free just to tell us your route, but for future notice its 2011 getcha a Smartphone!!
Share this with your running friends!! Lets get this big enough that we might be able to put a run together someday. Ill make it happen if there is enough interest!
Look to the Top for a pic of one of my routes. Thanks for viewing and please share on your facebook, twitter, and friends.
iMapMyRun
About to head out on my lunch. Today Brit and I are going to do a run at the nature center. Here’s a great app for runners. It actually lets you route out a run before you go. Say you want to do a seven miler…. You can just route one out by your house or anywhere you’re at. Great app. Share this link with your friends on twitter and facebook. If you have any great apps to submit email them to nmreyno@hotmail.com!! Thanks for reading!
Tragedy Creates Unity
Tragedy Creates Unity:
To all our enemies around the world. Yesterday made me realize that causing chaos to the
This Friday were going to get to add another American Citizen to our roster. My brother, best-man, and best friend Faisal will become a
Please excuse the un-edited video. I just wanted to share what I got.
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=WsG1tkq-iB8
Sunday, September 11, 2011
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