A while back I gave kudos to Avectra for creating the first wiki in the AMS space. Now I’ve recently learned that Avectra is on Twitter. Now, the full extent of my twitter experience is once subscribing to the “tweets” of a friend who was visiting Cuba, and Twitter was the only way to communicate […]
First Wikis, now Twitter Read More »
I work with Renato Cruz Sogueco, CIO of the Society of American Florists, on the ASAE Technology Section Council. At a recent section meeting, Renato alluded to a white paper that SAF has produced for the past couple of years, which highlights technology in the floral industry, and places the technologies into three categories: the
SAF's Technology White Paper Read More »
I have a client who sends an every other week email newsletter, nicely formatted and designed, simply called “Staff News.” And surprise, surprise, it’s news about what’s going on with the staff at the association. The format of the newsletter includes events, reminders, announcements, “out and about,” and birthdays. The entire newsletter takes about two
I recently had need to call Carefirst (my health insurance company) because they had made a billing error. I had paid my premium, the check was cashed (online proof from my bank) yet my account had not been credited. I dutifully called the “Questions about your invoice?” number on my statement, and was on hold
Carefirst Gets it Wrong and Then Gets it Right Read More »
Let’s face it, sometimes there is a mismatch between a person’s abilities or attitude, and the needs of the job. And when that mismatch occurs and can’t be remediated, it’s time to help that person find a new job. But too often, for fear of looking like the bad guy, or just doing something that
Swimming with your clothes on (When it's time for a staff change) Read More »
I came across this in a business magazine. It seems Microsoft (and other companies) are producing children’s books to promote their products. You can even buy this on Amazon!
This gave me a chuckle Read More »
I had the pleasure of speaking with Ann Hamilton of Disney a few weeks ago. During our conversation, I asked her how she liked working for Disney. She immediately replied: "Oh, I love it. It seems everything we do is always on purpose." "Always on purpose." I love that. Her point was that everything Disney
"Always on purpose." Read More »
Let me start by saying I love the guys (and women) in IT. I really do. They are important to our success, and I can tell you many, many stories about how, as my father would put it, they “pulled my bacon out of the fire.” (Here’s just one of those stories.) But too often,
Don't let IT drive your business decisions Read More »
James Michael-Hill, Web/Database Manager for the Utilities Telecom Council, posted a note to the Avectra Users Group, explaining how he has built a utility for allowing Avectra's netForum to communicate with Drupal, an open source content management system. This is very cool for a couple of reasons: Because James is part of the Avectra users group,
The Power of the Users Group (and open source software) Read More »
At the dinner table with my family the other day, I was discussing an issue as my nine-year-old son listened in. The conversation went something like this: My father-in-law: They want to bulid a traffic circle at the intersection of Jacaranda and Venice Avenue. My son: What's a traffic circle? Me: Instead of putting in
The Wisdom of Children Read More »