Contrary to Popular Belief…

You are not an expert in every subject.  Of course I suspect we all know someone who thinks just the opposite.  And they are so much fun to be around. In Texas we called people like that graduates of Rice University – a two minute expert.  For my friends that graduated from Rice, this is not a cut at Rice or the quality of the education.  But rather a play on the university’s unique name.

I ran across this article last week and really enjoyed it. It is from the Harvard Business Review blog. The author thinks sometimes people stretch too much. They accept jobs they may not enjoy or not succeed at.  Just because you excel at some skill, it does not mean you are equally qualified for another different type of job, even if it is in the same company.  Also important, even though it is not targeted to small business owners and entrepreneurs, the article is surely applicable. 

The basic idea is that you do not know everything and you are not necessarily good at everything.  These are important points to consider. As you read the article note the two questions. 

http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/10/youre_probably_not_very_good_a.html

Back to the Basics

This is an article that definitely applies to the economic development profession.  It is on the Fortune magazine website.  The authors are Dr. Michael Porter and Jan Rivlin.

I do not always agree with Dr. Porter, but this piece is very helpful.  It offers valuable advice to businesses, education institutions, and communities.  However, the most appropriate section of the article follows the heading “Build the Commons and the Business.”

As you read beyond the heading an economic development professional will find Dr. Porter calling for a renewed commitment to the local area.  He suggests companies seek out partners and work to solve challenges.  The examples he offers are geared to education and churning out qualified employees. As economic developers, we should ask how we can help facilitate this process. What resources can an economic developer bring to assist?

Dr. Porter also points out how innovative companies are diligently working to strengthen suppliers and the supplier network.  Again, economic developers should ask how we can help our existing industries do this faster and more efficiently.  As with the previous example, what resources can an economic developer identify to assist?

In my experience working with my existing industry customers, my best way to help is identification and understanding of key resources.  In addition, it is important for me to know exactly who I can connect my existing industry customers with so they do not spend unnecessary time trying to determine the right person. The purpose is to maximize their time. Consequently I spend considerable time networking and probing.  And it is time well spent.

As you read the rest of the article you will find Dr. Porter’s thoughts on entrepreneurship and community. All are noble. However, my purpose was to focus on helping existing industries. 

Link to the site:  http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/10/15/porter-rivlin-economy-fix/

Hiking in the Shenandoah National Park

Today my family took the afternoon off and went hiking in the Shenandoah National Park.  One of the benefits of living in Prince William County, VA is the access to so many beautiful national, state and local parks. 

The Shenandoah National Park is about a 40 minute drive from our home.  The park is over 200.000 acres and has over 500 miles of hiking trails.  Part of the Blue Ridge Mountain is within the park boundaries. It is best known for the Skyline Drive, a very scenic road within the park.

It was a beautiful crisp day.  My wife packed a picnic.  We hiked 1.2 miles on the Dickey Ridge and Fox Hollow Trails. These are select pictures. 

Workhouse Arts Center

Today I went to the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA.  It is non-profit organization dedicated to the arts and arts education. It is a very unique place with an interesting history. 

Built in the early 1900s, it was originally a work prison formed during the Progressive Era.  The maximum capacity was 600 inmates.  Originally the prison had over 3,200 acres and was designed to be almost entirely self-sufficient. The prison had a working farm, industrial complex that included making furniture and bricks, an orchard, a cannery, and a dairy. The website has an excellent history if you want to learn more.

In the early 2000s Fairfax County purchased the land and buildings.  The Lorton Arts Foundation was formed to administer the activities and the grounds.  Of the entire complex, seven buildings are currently dedicated to the arts.  Over 100 professional and emerging artists are affiliated with the center.

Buildings house artists that share the same passion.  A separate building is for visual (watercolor and oil painting), photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and performing artists. In addition, over 150 classes are offered every quarter.

What makes this unique is visitors are encouraged to interact with the artists.  I talked to Crystal Rodrigue, very talented mixed media artist. She and her husband live in Spotsylvania, VA and own the Rodrique Studios.  When I was at her studio in the Workhouse Arts Center, Crystal was gilding a photograph. One of my favorite pieces of work was a gilded photograph of antique typewriter keys.  She was very friendly and we talked for a while.  No doubt she was passionate about her work and she has been a resident of the center for over 2 years.

I enjoyed it. If you like to see artists of all genres at work, this is a very worthwhile experience.  A link to the center follows.  http://workhousearts.org/

First Look in Your Own Backyard

This is an article I read in Bloomberg BusinessWeek.   Innovation is definitely in, we read, watch, think and try to implement it.  You hear so many talking heads and consultants promise to deliver innovation to you. 

The thrust of this article suggests you look at your front line employees.  In some cases you may find the best ideas to innovate come from these people.  It makes sense. 

As pointed out in the article, so many CEOs say employees are our most valued asset.  Or something to that degree.  If so, trust them.  Ask them.  Solicit them. Nudge them.  Listen to them.   You may find a few great ideas that are innovative and lead to major strides in productivity.  And it may not cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to get the idea.

The examples are excellent. All three of the company executive team certainly trust their employees.  That is a key to the success. And the concept applies across almost every industry.

Link to the article:  http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-10-16/the-untapped-innovation-factory#r=nav-f-blog

You Never Know How Much You Miss Something Until…

If you have been reading my blog (and I thank both of you), you know I recently had a bicycle accident. I went over the bars and had to have seven stitches above my right eyebrow.  I also fractured my right elbow.  No, I did not have a cast, but was in a sling for three and half weeks.  Most of my mobility has returned.  But, for three weeks I had to learn to do a lot with my left hand.  That is another blog.

October 12, 2012 is a very special day for me.  My orthopedic doctor cleared me for physical activity.  I cannot ride a bicycle yet (jolting of the elbow) but I can run.   That was a big relief. I eagerly anticipated running when I got off work.

We are experiencing a cold front on October 12th.  But I did not care. I got home, changed into running clothes and headed to Signal Park in Manassas Park.  It is one of my favorite running places. But my first preference is the Manassas National Battlefield Park, the trails are the best.  So is the Conway Robinson Memorial State Forest. Of course I digress.

After some stretching, I started in my usual place.  It was a gorgeous afternoon, the sun was going down and the air was crisp.  A slight breeze would make the leaves gently rustle.  It was not my best run, but it was not my worst either.  It was exhilarating and energizing.  Breathing in the air and hearing the sound of my shoes on a trail.  Great way to end the weekend.   Much to my surprise, the park still had a number of people enjoying the soccer field and pathways. A cross country team from a local high school was practicing distance and running sprints.

Since October 12th I have run every day in Signal Park. Again, not my best runs. However, I know it is a journey to build up my stamina again.

Most importantly, I could let my mind wander and enjoy the beauty of the park.  No distractions. No interruptions. For me running and bicycling are the down time for my mind and rejuvenation my body.   I do uninhibited thinking and physically feel better.  For over three weeks, I sure missed it.  Best of all, in three to four weeks I will get to start riding my bike again. 

The Enabler

We all know them and we do not like them. They change our life; they interrupt our natural flow of energy and events, they force change.  They make most days far more challenging.  Even worse for me, I am married to one. She is a major enabler of the worst kind.  She is relentless.  Like a bulldog with a big bone.

For those of you who know her, I think I can guess your first two questions. Her? How so?

Well, I am glad you asked.  In a somewhat consistent and continued effort to become healthier, she was and remains a constant challenge. (Please note the word somewhat.)

For example, I decide I need a snack and reach for the cookie jar or chips. What does the enabler do?  She points out the fruit she bought at my request. And ever so sweetly says I should eat it before it spoils. 

I decide I want to start riding my bike; the enabler buys a bike rack.  Of course I complain about attaching it to the car during a breakfast of healthy cereal with a banana. When I go back outside, the bike rack is on the car and my bike is on the rack.  The enabler smiles and reminds me to wear my helmet. 

Or, I come home from work and dither on running. The enabler smiles at me and quietly says but you will feel so much better, you always do after a run.  When I say I may not have anything to wear, the enabler finds running attire.  

Yes, she is an enabler.  My excellent and prepared reasons fall on deaf ears.  The enabler sees them for what they are. The excuses are quickly and cruelly pointed out in a Southern belle/Texan manner.  She allows no quarter and does not tolerate any half-hearted response.  No, I have absolutely no reason not to continue my self-improvement.  I am married to the enabler.

Enjoying the Newspaper

It has been years since I subscribed to a newspaper. Most of the news I consumed was in an electronic format.  When I went to my parents’ home for Christmas, I read the Wall Street Journal paper every day.  When I went back to work I would read the Wall Street Journal early in the morning. 

We subscribe to the Washington Post.  It is not favorite paper. However, I must admit that I enjoy reading it in the morning.  The writers are very good and George Will’s column is always a treat.  Best of all, it is an enjoyable way to start the morning with Morning Joe playing in the background. 

Saturday and Sunday editions are the best.  Long stories, book reviews and special sections.  Great with a cup of steaming hot coffee.

The stories are in depth.  Last week I read an excellent article on how bicyclists and automobile drivers can co-exist.  My wife suggested that I read that article. Most importantly, I learned a new term, “doored”. It means when a car driver opens the door and a bicyclist can hit it and injure himself.

When I read the paper, I wonder if it is a lost form.   My son was the sports editor of the high school paper during his senior paper.  And I think a number of the students read the school paper. But as they go to college, do they read a newspaper?  I suspect not.

Newspapers read different than news on a mobile device.  With a newspaper you can scan the headlines and first paragraph to decide if you want to continue. You can also quickly review the other stories on the pages and see if anything catches your eye.  The pictures can also compel you to read the accompanying article.  You can pass a good story to someone else and continue reading other parts or sections of the paper.  Try doing that with a mobile device.  Perhaps most importantly, I can rattle the pages of the paper when my daughter asks me for anything. Try doing THAT with a mobile device!  So a newspaper has a real utilitarian value for those who have loud and demanding teenagers.

Spy Skills and Economic Development

I read this Forbes blog post with great interest. Essentially the writer claims that females are better spies than men.  He even cites the director of Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency as evidence. 

As you read the post, note the skills listed.  You will see people skills, street smarts vs physical strength, the nurturing instinct and listening.  All his points are valid. 

For economic developers, please pay particular attention to people skills, nurturing and listening sections.  How are you at these when you meet with a client?  Can you immediately establish a connection?  Can you help your client feel like they will be welcome into the community?  Do you really listen or are you immediately thinking about what your response should be?

Of all skills, I think listening is the most critical.  One key for me is I take notes, handwriting, not typing on a tablet. It helps me concentrate on what is being said and I am not thinking of an immediate response.  As an old debater, that habit is a tough one to rein in.  But it is important, we are not in this business to score debate points, we are in the business to listen to our client and help them succeed. By doing so we want to identify wants and needs. Then respond accordingly. 

Give this a read. You might enjoy it.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/crossingborders/2012/09/30/why-the-best-spies-in-mossad-and-the-cia-are-women/