Revisiting Resolutions: 4 mid-year resolutions to enhance "Brand YOU"

In 2010, I, like many of you made New Year’s resolutions. Often times, it’s really easy to lose track of those resolutions or shift your focus. So I decided it might be a good idea to write down my resolutions so I could reference them and keep on track.

In 2010, I wanted to be more patient and punctual. I also wanted to eat healthier, learn something new every day and exercise more consistently. Now it’s July and I’ve done a pretty good job with many of those goals. However, I’ve also added a few more goals to the list, and I wanted to share them with you. Maybe publishing it on the web will help me remain accountable and maybe they’ll inspire you to do the same.

1.) Give More than You take

We’re only here on this earth for a little while. While it’s important to strive for personal goals and autonomy, it’s equally important to give back. Giving feels good. There’s this internal elation you get that is invaluable. Not only that, the same way that a smile is contagious, giving to others is too. It’ll help make the world a better place. (Special thanks to Seth Godin for the inspiration)

2.) Take the lead

Ari Gold from the hit HBO series, Entourage is one of my heroes. His ambition, passion, assertiveness and sometimes cut-throat approach to his life is downright inspiring. Flaws and all, he’s a great leader. That’s something I want to strive for.

Bill Parcels, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys once said, "Blame no one. Expect nothing. Do something." That’s a bit of advice I want to take with me the rest of this year.

3.) Trust your instincts

More often than not, that gut feeling you get about certain things is the right one. But there are also many blinders and outside influences that may distract you from trusting that feeling. Everyone doesn’t have great instincts about everything, but everyone has great instincts about something. Once you find out what that something is, you can use it to your advantage.

4.) Hone your skills as a Salesman

One of my professors this past year made the claim that there are two ways to make a lot of money in this world. Get really good at marketing or really good at selling. Obviously there are other ways, but the skills you learn as a salesperson will go a long way. You learn to deal with people, conquer objections, understand thought processes of customers and people and build relationships. Regardless of whether or not you want to go into sales as a profession, mastering the art can help you in virtually any career path you choose to take.

Thanks for listening.

How are you striving to be a better person and citizen in 2010?

Lebron's Leaving?: 4 Reasons Lebron Should've Stayed Home

At long last, Lebron James has decided to join forces in Miami with Dywane Wade and Chris Bosh. But was it the right move? Here’s why I think Lebron didn’t necessarily make the storybook move that some fans wanted him to, and why he might have been better off just staying home.

1.) It’s still Wade County

First and foremost, Lebron has always been about the legacy. From his self proclamation as “The Chosen One” to his 1-hr ESPN special to tell everyone where he wants to play. However, it’s still Wade County and he will always be in Wade’s city regardless of his accomplishments.

Secondly, it can be assumed the days of back to back MVP’s are gone with such a balanced trio of talent in South Beach. It’s Kevin Durant’s MVP to win this season. Although, we can throw the Black Mamba’s name back into the running as well.

2. Never-ending PR nightmare

Burning jerseys, nasty letters from owner Dan Gilbert and disappointed fans across the nation isn’t necessarily the best lasting image to leave your hometown team—especially in a city that’s experienced so much heartbreak in times past.

By leaving Cleveland after his less than stellar performance against the Celtics, it’s safe to make the analogy that Captain Lebron boarded the lifeboat on his own sinking ship. I’m not saying it wasn’t a better career move if he really just wants to win, but there were certainly better ways to go about parting ways and still keep the Lebron Brand in relatively good graces.

3.) Premature Championship talk

Contrary to popular belief, while the Miami Heat might be a pain in the ass on NBA 2k11 (Good thing I was already a Miami fan ^_^), they are still a 3-man roster who hasn’t had any time to gel—4-man if the Mike Miller signing has been confirmed.

That’s why they call them Championship “Teams”, not Championship “Trios”. There are still a host of teams to compete with Miami in the eastern conference. There’s Boston, Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, and a ticked off Cleveland who will still be relatively competitive. Oh, and the Lakers are still the champs.

Maybe in a year or so, a few more pieces and Pat Riley steering the reigns we can talk dynasty. Until then, Lebron, Wade and Bosh have to cope with the pressure of championship expectancy in Miami for years to come.

4. “We’re not your friend anymore”

It’s funny how quickly people will turn on you. In the amount of time it took Lebron to say, “Southbeach”, fans went from “We love you Lebron! Come play for [insert team]” to “%^@%# Lebron! I hope you never win a ring”.

Granted he did seemingly string every potential candidate along for weeks, and even years about the prospect of him playing for their team.

In the “Post Decision” NBA, the Miami Heat have become the team to beat, and hence the villain. Everybody will be out to “Beat the Heat”, and won’t be very nice about it.

A Step Back

In the midst of all this basketball drama, as people will rip or revere Lebron for his career decisions, I want to remind everyone of a couple things.

1. Lebron is still human being and nobody but Lebron understands the pressure he was under for the past several months. So be easy on the guy.
2. ATTN: This just in! Lebron has made his decision and life will go on as usual.

P.s. Winning can make people forget--really quickly.

Thanks for reading.

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After School Snack: 8 Memorable TV shows from the 90's

Ah, the 90's. Such a great time to be a kid. Also a great time to be a couch potato. The inspiration for this post came from a freaky and terrible nightmare I had about one of the following shows--but we'll get to that later. However, thinking about them makes me feel great. Hopefully this will do the same for you.

1.) Rugrats

I don't what about these talking, ingenious babies was so fascinating that made their pointless adventures so captivating, but they were. Maybe I just answered my own question.

Rugrats from Matt on Vimeo.

2.) Boy Meets World

To this day, Topanga is still one of the strangest names I've ever heard.

3.) The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

10/10. A+. Will Smith. 'Nuff said.

4.) Doug

Doug was such a loser, but a lovable loser nonetheless. Still don't know why all the characters were such bizarre colors. They looked sickly.

Doug's Theme song from bellbee86 on Vimeo.

5.) Bobby's World

Even though I'm fairly certain Bobby was on LSD all the time during this show, he was frikin' adorable. "Dontcha know".


6.) Gullah Gullah Island

You can front like you didn't watch Gullah Gullah island, but we know you did. As I eluded to earlier, the inspiration for this post came from a nightmare involving that big yellow frog. And if you're wondering, it didn't end well.


7.) The Wonder Years

This is really old school, but I couldn't help but love this show. Such a real show with some depth. So much we didn't comprehend at the time of watching it though. Sucks that Kevin didn't end up with Winnie too.


8.) All That

"Who loves orange soda?" You know? Such a classic.
P.s. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the movie Goodburger?

I'm curious to know what shows from your childhood made your day? Drop a comment and let me know.

Sexy Sales People: 5 Things I Love about Advertising People

At some point in your life, you all stumble upon something you're passionate about. Sometimes it's at 5 years old when you get your first two octave keyboard, take your first dance class or pick up a basketball. Sometimes you figure it out later down the line in college, like me.

I fell in love with advertising sophomore year in Jason Chambers advertising history course when I decided that marketing was one of the most powerful skills to master if you want to actualize change.

Beyond the possibilities and the paycheck (given you're willing to put in the work), I was truly inspired by the people. Here are a few recurring traits I've noticed about them that made me fall in love with advertising.

1.) Motivated

I love how intensely passionate and driven the students are. Watching the Illinois NSAC (National Student Advertising Competition) team spend countless hours in the lab this past semester working on campaigns for the competition was extremely impressive. I wasn't even involved, but I worked with some of them in other group projects and they made me feel guilty going to sleep before midnight.

2.) Vibrant Personalities

I'm sure you could probably say this about a lot of major groups, but each individual I've actually gotten to know is not only bright and ambitious, but has such intense personality. Never short of a witty remark and rarely a dull moment with these guys. I can't recall a group meeting that didn't have at least 20 minutes of goofing off and laughter before getting down to business--which leads me to my next point.

3.) Fun

Everybody I've ever crossed paths with in advertising is down for one hell of a good time. They might be all business in the day time, but you haven't been on a bar crawl until you've been on an AAF bar crawl. Maybe it's the inherent nature of the field that requires a sense of humor, a bit of wit and a knack for dealing with people, but they enjoy a good time as good as anybody--maybe more.

4.) Persistent

Could it be that advertising is essentially a sales job? Could it be that to get a job in this economy, you have to follow-up, and follow-up again? Maybe so. Regardless, people in advertising are persistent. I think it's because they have to be; to win clients, to find jobs, to get survey/experiment participants, and to do great work. I think it's just who they are, and I love it.

5) Attractive

I don't know if it's just my personal opinion or not, but I've come to notice that a good majority of people in advertising are pretty attractive. It could be that good account people are typically well-groomed, charming, suave and/or confident. That could be clouding my judgment but in my undergraduate career, I found it pretty easy to attend class--and not just because the lectures were interesting.

Maybe it's just University of Illinois Ad Folk though. You tell me. =P