And You Were Worried When the Government Could See What Books You Checked Out at the Library

When the Patriot Act was signed over a decade ago, a significant number of people cautioned about the loss of privacy. We had to balance security vs. loss of privacy. The law enforcement agencies could see what books you checked out at the library. 

Now, the era of big data analysis is upon us.  This will be a controversial issue.  The following article highlights this. In a nutshell, companies are developing a real expertise to know why we purchase what we do.  An example, Target executives say they can tell if a young lady is pregnant by what she purchases. So offers and coupons for baby products stream into the home.  Unfortunately, the young lady may not have told her parents that she is pregnant.  What a way for a parent to find out.

We do not realize how much we do is based on habit or needs.  Several decades ago CBS 60 Minutes ran a story on what a private detective could tell about you by reviewing the checks you write.  The subject was a middle aged man. The segment did cutaways of the private detective commenting  on the checks written and the activities and interests of the control subject. It was amazing and right on target. Without ever meeting the man, the private detective gave a very detailed description. Even down to the man’s concern for his hair.

Now think about this.  The private detective had some level of training that allowed him to develop an impressive profile of the man, down to some amazing miniscule details.  This is not easily taught or replicated. 

Today, we have systems that can analyze our purchases, draw conclusions and send us relevant coupons.  All within a matter of minutes and able to do this analysis on millions of citizens.  When I read a story like this my immediate thought is what is next?  What will private corporations know about me that I may not know about myself?  My only suggestion? Pay cash for every thing.

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

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.