Concentrate - Blog

Post 3: Getting on the Tour Bus

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you think just sitting back and recording music and selling albums is good enough, you might be right. But, that robs your fans of the opportunity to see you in real life.

A lot of people sit at their desks and tweet and Facebook and blog, or whatever. They do it for personal reasons, and some of them do it for business. And those people may very well be carrying on meaningful conversations and are racking up followers and fans and comments. But, the magic doesn't always happen until you've met those friends or fans in person; the ones you've really connected with in some way.

First stop: Authenticity.

There are a few issues at play for ensuring your road show is successful, whether your goal is personal or professional. First, it's authenticity. If you are going to put yourself out there online, then you had better do it honestly and authentically. If you claim to be something you are not, or act completely differently online because you are hiding behind an avatar or fake persona, then you probably never intend to meet others with whom you've connected online. Or at least you shouldn't plan on it. That goes the same for a business.

The point is to make meaningful connections online, so what people perceive you to be online is something they may very well likely tap you for in the future. If Zingerman's is entertaining online, they better have that same feel and personality when I walk in the door or I may very well be disappointed.

Personality

The second issue is acknowledging and embracing your personality. I like to say I have multiple personalities online because I am passionate about several things. But I can tell you that what you see of me online is what you get in person.

I love salsa dancing and the people who are a part of that scene, so I am frequently promoting or chatting with others about that and I guarantee all the friends or followers I have in my "salsa peeps" friends category I've met at least once in person.

I've hooked strangers up with instructors and gotten others interested in salsa dancing because they see all the stuff I post, including photos, videos and events. They love it.

I love gardening and post albums of my gardens each year so that I can keep track of what I've done and share with others. Not only have I learned tips and tricks from others who have engaged me online about my garden, I've also shared my food with people who have asked and gotten others interested in gardening too.

And then there's my professional passion, which is writing and how social media can help me meet my work goals and my professional goals. That happens to be why I'm writing this series in the first place.

Be sure people can tell who you are.

This is definitely related to authenticity and personality. And it's a great exercise in evaluating yourself in terms of how others out there might perceive you.

If you want to be active in social media, for business especially, it's critical you have accurate and robust online profiles and use real photos of yourself or something you are closely associated with for your avatars.

If you do nothing else, be sure to fill out a profile on LinkedIn and Google (you can do this if you have a gmail account. If you don't have one, I suggest you get one).

Observe.

I sometimes chuckle at the term "social networking" because it seems crazy to me that people need online tools to learn how to connect with people. But, it�s really the modern version of the old fashioned, old school term called "networking" and the tools make it insanely easy to do so.

In this vein, who you know is very important. This does not mean that you conduct yourself with the goal of friending everyone you think is important or that you plow through the online party drinking a cup of burned coffee to be polite and handing out business cards to everyone who says hello to you. It also doesn't mean schmoozing up to the big wig just because you think it will get you somewhere. There is an art to it. People may be annoyed that you've tried to connect with them or ask them to do something for you and they don't know who the heck you are or why they could possibly want to connect with you, a stranger (this is where online profiles come in handy. If they look at it, they may be able to tell if you are worth friending).

In the beginning, you really need to sit back and observe. Pay attention to who is following you and who you are following. Look at what people are saying and how they're saying it. Learn the geeky lingo, acclimate yourself to the tools. Look at who your friends' friends are and slowly make connections based on a common interest. Then engage in discussions. Ask questions. Learn and teach.

The value isn't in the number of friends or fans you accumulate necessarily. It's in how meaningful those connections are. You need to prove to others you have value as much as they need to show that to you. This brings me to my final point, which is to get out and meet people!

Move and shake.

Now is the time you are ready to go on tour. You've made connections online, so start meeting those connections offline. Use these tools to host promotional events or parties. Host a Tweetup for your business. Go to events. One awesome and affordable event coming up is Future Midwest in April where you'll find some of the area's most interesting social media-minded folk who are actively engaged and who you can learn from.

Whatever you can think of, the tools are great for getting people to come together for whatever the reason; community pillow fights, auditions for our burgeoning film industry, health screenings, '80s roller skating parties, electing the first black president, all of it.

If your friends or followers care about and believe in you, because you are authentic and true to your personality, you understand the value of creating meaningful connections and mastered the art of it, they'll come.

Connect:

Post 2: Connecting With the Rockstar in You, and Your Community

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you are a beginner and read my first post and think you are ready to test your skills in social media, or have begun but are just treading water, think about what you care about most. There are ways to get past the competition and carve a space for yourself, but you should know what your goal is first.

Is it maintaining contact with family?

Do you want to promote your business/industry/product/self?

Do you want to unite members of the community around a common cause?

Most of all, whatever it is, it needs to move you. It should be something you are passionate about that will keep you coming back as much as you�ll want your friends, followers, family or customers to.

As I mentioned before, there are a number of social media rock stars and cool ways to use social media that you should take a look at, join and watch or interact with. Regardless of your situation, I want you to observe the following examples and find others like them, before moving any further:

Zingerman's Deli on Facebook:

I chose Zingerman's Facebook page as a good example for how to use Facebook because I think they do a good job of varying their content and allowing the maximum amount of interactions on their page with their customers, from comments to uploading images. They also maintain an interesting and consistent personality. They do a great job of sharing photos of events and also sharing stories that may be of interest to visitors, while not always being strictly promotional in nature. There is a balance that should be struck between images, video and text and I think they do a good job of it.

The personal takeaway: I specifically appreciated their "edible landscape" photos because I too am an avid gardener and enjoyed learning about what they planted, the soil they used, and watched it grow, comparing my seedlings to the size of theirs.

Biggby Bob (founder of BIGGBY COFFEE) on Twitter:

Biggby Bob, CEO and co-founder of BIGGBY COFFEE (original shop opened in Lansing) is a fantastic personality online, and in person. He�s full to bursting with personality while promoting the chain of franchises, from free drinks of the day, to his various locations during business travel and responding to customer service-related inquiries.

The personal takeaway: I once tweeted that I wondered if BIGGBY COFFEE had Wi-Fi and he tweeted back the response himself!

Phil Dokas' photostream on Flickr:

While there are many ways you can use Flickr, from sharing your art portfolio for professional purposes to housing your family photo albums, it's also a great way to promote yourself personally and to be discovered randomly. I searched "Ann Arbor" on Flickr and came across this guy's photostream and was captured by his sense of humor and the random assortment of Ann Arbor images he has taken.

The personal takeaway: He's very intriguing and likely an amateur photographer I'll follow for some time to see if his work warrants further pursuit.

ArborWiki:

ArborWiki, as all wikis are, is a publicly editable Web site,
specifically about Ann Arbor-related information, as it states on its
Welcome page. Basically, anyone can visit any page within ArborWiki and
add information to it or create a topic, write about it and share
information or their personal stories about it. Where the most popular
wiki is Wikipedia, ArborWiki is unique in that it�s specific to Ann
Arbor and has the personality more of a family scrapbook and trip down
memory lane than a typical encyclopedia, depending on the pages you
visit. Best of all, it was actually created by a group of students from
Community High School. Rock on alternative brothers and sisters! At any
rate, it�s an opportunity for you to post a page about an Ann
Arbor-specific topic, your business, and your project, whatever you
like.

Personal takeaway: See the University of Michigan Health System wiki page here. I have some work to do. Looks like someone created a UMHS page, but there�s nothing interesting on it! And here's Date Night. I'll be adding "Take a late-night walk through the Arboretum and watch the stars on a clear and warm summer night."

Kitchen Gardeners on Ning:

Ning.com is actually a platform upon which anyone can create a
social network for or about anything. For free. My personal favorite,
which I would have started on my own had I been born a few years earlier
or had been involved in gardening, is kitchengardeners.org. It's
a wealth of information for gardeners, has the ability for its members
to create their own sub-groups to share regional and state-specific
gardening tips, events, interfaces with personal Flickr accounts and the
like. And, it just so happened that the founder of this network and its
members can claim responsibility for the movement that resulted in the
Obamas installing a kitchen garden on the White House lawn. Talk
about activism at a grass roots level.

Personal takeaway: Ning.com is in my back pocket for when the moment is
ripe to launch a social network for one of my clients. It's terribly
easy and cost effective. You just have to have the time and manpower to
manage it.

Vince Chmielewski on LinkedIn:

I�ve known and worked with Vince on and off over the last year or so. He's solid, intelligent and clearly talented. Just look at his LinkedIn profile. If there's one way to promote yourself professionally, it's through LinkedIn. Vince's profile is a perfect example of how to manage a profile well, from referrals, clear explanations of his experience, well managed list of events, and more.

Personal takeaway: I have even more work to do! Managing online profiles can be a bit of a bear if you aren�t doing it well.

For all its buzz and glory, your social media presence � whether personal or professional � should never be taken for granted. It�s important to pick only what�s necessary and useful to you and not just do it for the sake of doing it. To build strong connections and be able to harness the power of social networking and build communities online and off, you�ll need to go about it methodically and with purpose. You�ll be overwhelmed quickly trying to keep up with it all if you do not. Again, it comes back to knowing what you are trying to do and what tools work best for that goal.

Connect:

Next topic: Getting on the Tour Bus

Post 1: Rising Stars vs. Rock Stars

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The event was scheduled; the room reserved. The Facebook page was created and the invitations were out. The live stream was rolling.

I introduced the speaker to faces from my past, my present and my future: An old high school classmate who was a realtor now in Ann Arbor, a close friend and colleague who is a marketing ace at the University of Michigan, the community manager from AnnArbor.com, a current team co-lead whom I hadn't met yet, and a handful of others.

As the presentation unfolded I looked around the room for signs of comprehension. Confusion, excitement, curiosity and boredom replied.

It was the moment when I took the plunge and launched the first official speaking event for the Social Media Club Ann Arbor. Without knowing what success lay ahead, I felt totally vulnerable professionally, yet confident that it was something that needed to be done.

I chose the Ann Arbor area because I felt that while it had forward thinking, tech savvy and intellectual citizens, there are numerous small business owners and individuals in the city and surrounding areas who could benefit from free education on harnessing the power of social media. It's the kind of experience many folks likely feel as they begin to wade out into the wide world of social media, new media, Web 2.0, social networking, social media marketing and a long list of related terms around communications and marketing on the social Web.

How the heck do I do this?

What am I supposed to say?

How do I know it is going to work? What if I make a mistake or nobody cares?

Exposed and unsure; that's how it feels.

Now there is a new concept emerging called personal branding which posits that individuals who embrace their personalities, talents and strengths can use social media to bring value to the social Web, and to their company/work, even their community. You can become an extension of your company's brand. You can be the customer's experience. Say what?

I spoke to my realtor friend, Nick Lacy, the one who I hadn't seen since high school about this. He has a history degree and is a former high school history teacher, but works at his father's Ann Arbor realty firm, Edward Surovell, as the residential sales manager and I was curious about what made him show up at the first SMCA2 meeting.

He explained to me that as a realtor, one of the best things to do is stay in touch with people, but not be in their face about it all the time.

Yes, I agreed, not being in my face all the time seems like a great idea. But somehow, there are a few personalities that always seem to be; always one-upping the next guy, waxing philosophical about some trend or other, those personal branding rock stars. People who you know by name, who are always out there sharing information and building their reputations online.

As Nick and I chatted, it occurred to me that social media seems like the perfect fit for realtors, because you can maintain contact with past clients in a friendly sort of way, and get referrals, and get as many contacts as possible. You can be who you are and still further your business goals.

But when he began the transition from dabbling on Facebook with friends and family to using it for business, lending his face and name to his company's brand, there is an enormous amount of pressure to craft that perfect post or message because you can see just how careful, "quippy" and particular some people are with them.

As if for the beginner, the concept of personal branding isn't already difficult enough to comprehend, it seems as though who you are on the social Web has taken on an air of competitiveness where none had existed before.

I�ve observed this and find myself thinking, That's so high school. I feel like this is some kind of popularity contest. But is it?

What I know is that there is a core of extraordinarily passionate souls who believe in the power of social media and that meaningful connections can be made in new and exciting ways using these new tools. It's not necessarily in the perfect post, or the craftiest message, but in sharing who you are as an individual, supporting your values, and connecting with others like you.

I've found this to be true both professionally and personally. I've connected a domestic violence program, Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment in Detroit, with the Ginsberg Center at U-M through Facebook, hoping a long-term internship program will ensue.

I've rekindled my former love affair with Zingerman's Deli by keeping tabs on their Facebook page (extra points for planting the organic garden last spring) which reminds me I need to make occasional stops in there when I am out and about for lunch and I'll be back to follow their 2010 garden as well!

It allows me to promote local businesses which I like through hosting SMCA2 events around town, such as Conor O'Neill's, Dominick's, Ann Arbor SPARK, Jolly Pumpkin, Sweetwaters, and more.

In a community such as Ann Arbor, where the person behind the business is the brand, and where communities are built on relationships with individuals and problems are solved by engaged, creative and innovative citizens, embracing who you are, and sharing it by making those connections can only help strengthen community ties.

Don't be afraid. Jump in and become a well-connected rock star too.

Connect:

Next Post: Connecting With the Rockstar in You, and Your Community

Mel Drumm - Post 3: Innovation � I�ll Choose Door Number�

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:20:22 GMT

With apologies to a long defunct television game show, it doesn�t matter whether you choose door number 1, 2, or 3 � you�ll find innovation at work in the businesses and labs located behind each of those doors and behind hundreds more within the greater Ann Arbor area. If this is ever in question, just peruse each issue of Concentrate. You�ll be amazed at the depth and breadth of the tech, medical, engineering, IT and yet to be categorized industries and products. It IS happening right here!

Think about it for a moment. Try to count the number of incubators, start-up companies, academic endeavors and related firms at work around us. Lose track? Me, too! Now, start thinking about all of the people involved in supporting and/or promoting new ventures through loose-knot or highly organized ventures. The number of people involved in innovative efforts in our community multiplies quickly.

Once again, the notion of people, or community, surfaces as the heartbeat of innovation. It doesn�t matter which door you open, each door will reveal a plethora of people working together to solve some impossible problem, or creating some new widget, contraption, software app or other miracle device.

Yes, I think there is magic occurring all over town. One of the rewarding aspects of my job is being given the opportunity to peek behind closed doors and to see the magic long before the miracle widget or gizmo sees the light of day. These glimpses behind the wizard�s curtain excite me and I�m convinced they would excite you and the budding scientists, engineers, physicians, artisans and skilled trade aficionados of tomorrow. Our innovators are an eclectic group and more often than not, they are willing to open their doors, pull back the curtain, and share some of their magic with us � well, (insert disclaimer here) at least the concepts and products that are protected by copyright!

As you look around the region, I invite you to ask yourself how often you see innovation in our community. While you�re at it, think beyond the obvious wonders occurring in the tech, engineering and sciences communities and innovation will be revealed at every turn � in mom-and-pop shops, in artists� boutiques, in our cultural organizations, or in our schools and far, far beyond.

As an innovator, would you consider sharing your insights? I encourage you to do so � and to join with me in the quest to inspire the workforce of tomorrow. Let�s open the doors and make the idea of innovation inspiration a team effort. Join me and a community of friends as we celebrate innovation at the Hands-On Local Tech Event at the Museum on May 22. Whether you are an innovator or an innovator in training, we welcome you, and wholeheartedly invite you to open our door and to jump right in � the sea of change is upon us and the water is fine!

Mel Drumm - Post 2: Teamwork - Through the Eyes of a Cartoon Character

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An incredibly strong community commitment has led the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum to nearly 30 years of providing informal science experiences to nearly 4 million people. Expanding that thought beyond our doors, I'm convinced that Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County are perfect examples of where community ownership and engagement has propelled a community to succeed at an unprecedented level.

We've all heard the multitude of definitions of teamwork and we see numerous examples of teamwork daily in our work and personal lives. As one that has spent a lifetime providing demonstrations to eager audiences, I would like to share, or demonstrate, an example of teamwork, as observed through our unique "Hands-On" way of interaction.

Imagine a cartoon character and how such a character may inspire teamwork in children. Over the last several months, Ann Arbor has been the adopted home of Bob the Builderä, a popular television character tailored to inspire teamwork and eco-friendly construction ideas to preschoolers and their families. It is amazing to watch people working together to solve a series of tasks in Bob's Project: Build It "exhibit" neighborhood. It is not uncommon to find families working together to repair a sink trap, building a wall or using make-believe power tools. Even better, it is amazing to see teamwork in dozens of children playing together for the first time, and in doing so, solving a series of age-related tasks with kids they have never met before.

The collaborative spirit of our community contributes to teamwork throughout the community and at the Museum. In our case, hundreds of volunteers provide thousands of hours of support each year. Countless collaborators from the academic, engineering, science, medical, cultural, civic and tech worlds have provided the resources, expertise, passion and collaborative spirit to allow the creation of over 250 unique-to-Ann Arbor hands-on exhibits and an unending variety of educational programs. Hundreds of generous donors continue to support the Museum through their unwavering financial generosity. Over 100 community leaders have served as trustees on our Board since our founding.

Teamwork, whether though children interacting with a cartoon character's exhibit, or in work, school, community or other social interactions equates to enhanced productivity and community engagement. Teamwork is reflected in myriad ways in individual organizations and throughout Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. I believe that this teamwork positions our part of Michigan as an incubator of innovation, lifelong learning and creativity galore. It doesn't matter if you are two, twenty-two or one hundred and two, community-based teamwork is for kids of all ages.

Mel Drumm - Post 1: The Magic Of It All

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As the Director of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, I find myself involved in a non-profit that has been part-and-parcel of the greater Ann Arbor community for nearly thirty years. Like you, I often hear about the demise of Michigan as a viable place to live or work. While I know it is tough (and trust me, I've experienced the highs and lows), I am convinced that we are on the edge of a great, and positive, transformation. That transformation may not yet be visible to many, but in my position, I often sense that I am getting a glimpse of the future each and every time I step out into our community. In my opinion, the continued vibrancy of Ann Arbor, and the renewal of our regional economy, distills down to community ownership and engagement.

The very existence and continued sustainability of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is based upon community, and the idea of community ownership and engagement. Yes, this may appear to be a story about the Museum, but it is really about you.

While you probably consider us the "children's museum" or the "children's science museum", the Museum is a burgeoning community gathering space where kids of all ages explore, become inspired, or learn that learning is a lifelong adventure. Those that have ventured near the Museum on a busy day know that the adventure is one of excitement, curiosity, teamwork and social interaction. The best part of it all is that regardless of age, ethnicity or socio-economic background, this grand community gathering space is welcoming to everyone. In our environment, science, technology, math, engineering and culture are celebrated by all.

You've probably noticed the multitude of yellow school buses or the scores of people walking with families to the Museum each year. They, like most of the guests to the Museum, arrive from points near and far, with over 60% of them arriving from outside the county. Even with the economic crisis in Michigan, we see school groups from Detroit, Flint, Jackson and all destinations in between. The same is true on weekends, holidays and at other times where families routinely arrive from more than nineteen counties in southeastern Michigan and northern Ohio. They are not just visiting our Museum, they are visiting and participating in everything we call community.

So, where is the magic? The magic is in seeing how our community cares and embracing education, culture, innovation and creativity. Just as science often appears to be magic to many, I believe the science of success is firmly rooted in the magic generated in our community. My challenge to you is to think of how you represent community in your life, and, in turn, how community represents what you want for your life.

I'm convinced that our community partners are leading the charge in the transformation of Michigan into a knowledge-based, innovation-based and creative-based economy that also remains true to our roots of manufacturing and engineering. The stage for tomorrow is set and YOU have a front row seat.

Chad Wiebesick - Post No 4: Ann Arbor Advertising Awards Show Honors the Best in Creative Excellence

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Each year Ann Arbor hosts the area�s most revered and anticipated advertising awards show � the Ann Arbor ADDY Awards. With hundreds of local entries and the chance to compete nationally amongst 50,000 entries, the stakes are high and the competition tough.

Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the local Ann Arbor ADDY Awards is the first of a three-tier, national competition. Local winners from Ann Arbor continue to the regional level, competing against winners from Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. Regional winners then compete nationally. Entry in the local ADDY competition is the first step toward winning a national ADDY. The ADDY Awards is the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition, attracting over 50,000 entries every year across the nation.

The Ann Arbor ADDY Awards recognizes exceptional advertising created in Washtenaw County and throughout Southeastern Michigan. The awards honor advertising excellence in all media including print, broadcast, online, out-of-home and public service advertising.

This is Ann Arbor�s 14^th year in hosting the ADDY awards competition. In the past, Ann Arbor firms have won at the national level. Can Ann Arbor repeat history? It�s an incredible opportunity for national recognition. Last year�s national winners included work from BBDO, Deutsch, Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, and a host of smaller shops.

A panel of outside judges will gather in Ann Arbor in late January to select the local winners out of over one-hundred anticipated submissions. Last year, work was entered for the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation, Detroit Institute of Arts, Saleen Automotive, Walsh College, and many other companies. Only the most creative advertising campaigns win in their respective categories.

The ADDY�s is the Academy Awards of Ann Arbor advertising. The awards are prestigious and the ceremony is exquisite. You�ll feel at home wearing a tuxedo or gown, drinking a cocktail, and mingling with the city�s best and brightest advertising and creative executives. The Ann Arbor Ad Club ADDY awards winners will be honored during a gala on February 19^th at the University of Michigan�s Rackham Graduate School. Proceeds from the ADDY awards help support the Ann Arbor Ad Club�s educational programs, public service projects and proactive government relations efforts.

To be eligible for consideration of an ADDY, all work must have been published or aired between January 1^st, 2009 and December 31^st, 2009. Entries are welcome from members and non-members and must be received by 5 p.m. before January 18^th, 2010 at either University Litho, 4150 Varsity Drive in Ann Arbor or at Print Tech, 6800 Jackson Road in Ann Arbor. For more information, contact Blaine Aldrich at (313) 660-4122 or email judging@a2ac.org. Or, just drop me a line.

Chad Wiebesick - Post No 3: Michigan�s Growing Film Industry � How Ann Arbor Marketers Can Get a Sli

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:03:49 GMT

Hilary Swank. Minnie Driver. Clive Owen. Drew Barrymore. Michael Cera (�Superbad� and �Juno�). What do these actors have in common? They all starred in films shot here in Washtenaw County this year.

The state of Michigan is building a burgeoning new film industry to rival Hollywood. Michigan offers the biggest film incentives in the nation, up to an incredible 42% tax break for films produced in the state. It�s a gamble that�s paying off.

Before the film incentives were passed, two movies were made in Michigan in 2007. In 2008, that number grew to 35, generating approximately $120 million in revenue for the state. Nearly $60 million went directly to Michigan residents who worked on those films. And this year - that number of movies has so far skyrocketed to 85. The film industry has created 3,000 new jobs for Michiganders, according to the Michigan Film Office. The trailblazing film incentives are clearly working.

And it is working to bring business to Ann Arbor. The 4-day shooting of �Youth in Revolt� (starring Michael Cera) generated nearly $250,000 in revenue for local Ann Arbor businesses, from restaurants, hotels, beauty salons, and marketing services / printing firms. Conor O�Neill�s served food to cast and crew. Downtown Home and Garden sold sun hats and patio umbrellas. Sign-o-Rama printed signs for parking and set operations.

How does the growing Michigan film industry directly impact local marketing communication professionals? In many ways marketers can expect to benefit from movies made here. Films need public relation specialists, graphic designers, artists, illustrators, photographers, and copywriters. By way of example, Jim Burnstein, Director of University of Michigan�s Film and Video Studies Program, was an advertising copywriter before he began his film career as a screenwriter.

Like the marketing industry, breaking into the film business is all about networking and getting to know the right people. To that end, the Ann Arbor Ad Club recently hosted a panel discussion about the Michigan film industry and how local marketers can profit from Michigan�s money-making movie industry. The event was well-attended by the public and members of the press. An illustrious panel of speakers suggested three places to start:

First, read Michigan Movie Magazine, a bi-monthly publication devoted exclusively to the growing Michigan film making industry. The magazine sells on the newsstand (and at Borders) for $4.95 and this month�s issue reviews the Red Dawn remake filmed in Michigan.The magazine is a good way to get up to speed on current developments with the Michigan film industry. Chris Aliapoulios launched the magazine after serving as a Ford Motor Company executive for twenty years, testament that outsiders can break into the field with hard work.

Second, visit the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.This organization has an initiative to bring Hollywood filmmaking to Ann Arbor. In-state and out-of-state film producers turn to them in choosing filming locations, finding places to stay, selecting places to eat, purchasing set props, etc. Make sure you introduce your marketing company to their office and get on their referral list.

Third, attend a film industry training workshop to network and mingle with like-minded people and potential clients. The Michigan Film Office has a list of workshops and seminars: Dozens of training programs are quickly springing up to fill demand

Drop me a note if you�ve picked up business from the film industry. I�d love to hear from you.

Chad Wiebesick - Post No 2: How Would You Rebrand Detroit?

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:57:09 GMT

If there were ever a city in recent American history with as much discussion about its dramatic demise, it would be Detroit. The news is sobering: A staggering three out of ten Detroit residents are unemployed � the worst in the nation among big-city populations. Three out of four freshmen do not graduate high school. And since 2007, houses have been cheaper than cars.

Fortunately, a number of organizations are improving the situation. The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and the Downtown Detroit Partnership, for instance, are two non-profit organizations whose mission is to make Detroit a better place.

One unexpected organization making a difference, in particular, is the largest magazine publisher in the U.S. � Time, Inc.

Time Inc. purchased a 95-year old, 3-story, 5-bedroom house in Detroit this summer for $99,000, four times the median price of a Detroit house. The magazine sent several reporters on special assignment for one year to live in and report on Detroit. The journalism is intentionally positive, chronicling the hope and opportunities along the city�s road to recovery.

But Time magazine sought out yet another way to make a difference. Detroit has an image problem. In support of Detroit�s efforts to reinvent itself, Time magazine turned to one profession whose livelihood is influencing behavior, shaping perceptions, and understanding human psychology � advertising and marketing.

Time invited several Detroit-area advertising agencies to a competition. The challenge? Develop an ad campaign to promote the city as a desirable place to live, work, and play. Five ad agencies participated, including Campbell-Ewald, McCann Erickson, Leo Burnett, Doner, and GlobalHue. Strategies and campaigns varied widely. One featured Kid Rock. Another, a help-wanted ad. So, what did some of the brightest advertising minds come up with? You can get a glimpse of the inspiring campaigns on Time�s Detroit blog.

Time donated nearly a half million dollars of free media exposure to promote the campaigns in Time magazine, Fortune.com, CNNMoney.com and elsewhere. The public voted for their favorite campaign and the winner was announced at the prestigious �D Show� advertising award ceremony earlier this month (VIP tickets cost $200).

The public voted Campbell-Ewald the winner. The campaign stars Ro Spit, a local hip-hop artist and owner of Burn Rubber, a sneaker boutique whose shoes are worn by national artists like Mos Def. Ro Spit talks about what makes Detroit a great place for art, creative, music, and fashion. Campbell-Ewald�s magazine print ad incorporates a cutting-edge QR code that takes people to www.makeyourmarkdetroit.com. A QR code is essentially a high tech bar code that when photographed by a smart phone, takes people to a mobile website. The mobile site features a testimonial video of Ro Spit discussing why he loves Detroit.

If you missed the D Show and would like to see these campaigns in person (free of charge), the Ann Arbor Ad Club was given permission by Time to share them with the public. The inspiring campaigns will be on display at Conor O�Neill�s (318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor) on Thursday, December 17th from 4 pm to 7 pm. Come see their work and comment, criticize, and praise.

Chad Wiebesick - Post No 1: Advertising & Marketing In A2

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ashlynn McGill of Steve�s Custom Signs is new to the Ann Arbor marketing community. Like many of us, she wants to grow her business and her career. In addition to being socially adept, Ashlynn is also smart � she accelerated from zero to one-hundred by getting involved in local networking groups. Only a few months into Ann Arbor, she quickly landed a client while networking at a professional organization, the Ann Arbor Ad Club. She is one of hundreds of local marketers accelerating their career by joining professional marketing groups.

In this regular series, we will reflect upon the trials and triumphs of the local marketing industry as we weather the economic storm. We�ll dive into what it means to be a marketing communications professional in our area, reveling in the glitz and glamour of Mad Men themed advertising award shows, to caving under the crushing blow of hearing widely-known ad agency BBDO closing its Detroit office and laying off hundreds of employees. We won�t focus on sob stories. We�ll feature success stories. We�ll celebrate the unsung heroes in our marketing community that are growing their business, prospering in pessimistic times, and making a difference. We believe the darkest nights are when the stars shine brightest.

In spite of these tumultuous times, the Ann Arbor marketing community is surviving. Perhaps tepidly thriving. For someone new to the field looking to break in, or a seasoned professional looking to network, Ann Arbor offers nearly a half-dozen marketing professional organizations dedicated to helping marketing communication professionals grow their career and their business.

Derek Mehraban, CEO of Ingenex, launched the networking group LA2M just two years ago. LA2M, which stands for Lunch Ann Arbor Marketing, has grown from a few dozen attendees to attracting well-over 60 people � each week. AnnArbor.com heralded LA2M as a �Rising� organization in their �Rise and Fall� barometer.

Ann Arbor SPARK � a non-profit business incubator � hosts a monthly marketing series titled Marketing Roundtable. Run by leaders of some of the best local marketing agencies in town, Marketing Roundtable is a staple resource for Ann Arbor�s growing start-up business scene. Spearheaded by Sean Hickey of PWB Marketing Communications, monthly programs consists of a moderator and panelists who make brief presentations about various marketing topics, such as how to build an effective marketing plan, naming your company or product, marketing strategies for start-ups, etc.

If anyone has any doubt on the popularity of social networking � Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. � consider the following facts: Three-quarters of all Americans use social technology. Visiting social sites is now the 4th most popular online activity, ahead of personal email. And if Facebook were a country, it�d be the 8th most populated in the world (ahead of Japan). Jessica Soulliere, Social Media Communications Coordinator for University of Michigan�s Health System, is keenly aware of the prolific growth of social media usage amongst individuals and businesses. Earlier this year she started a professional organization for social media marketers � the Social Media Club of Ann Arbor. The organization is off with astonishing success with over 200 Facebook Fans.

The Ann Arbor Ad Club is the longest-running marketing organization in the county � soon celebrating two decades of dedicated service and hosting the city�s perennial favorite awards show for the best in advertising and marketing. Called the ADDY Awards show, it�s affectionately referred to as the Academy Awards of Ann Arbor advertising. Winners from Ann Arbor�s local competition go on to compete at the national level. Event attendance to monthly events has doubled this year.

Feel free to contact me at wiebesickc@perich.com if you�d like to get introduced to any of these networking groups and professional associations. These are just a handful of the many resources available for local marketing professionals. If you found this article informative or have additional thoughts to share, please drop me a line. I welcome your feedback.

Rob Cleveland - Post No. 3: Supporting Health Care Reform: The Small Business Perspective

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:43:23 GMT

The great debate over health care reform occasionally drags in small business owners propped up as good reasons not to pass legislation. The implication is that mandating health care for small businesses would put them out of business because of the added costs that requirement would bring.

That argument, of course, assumes that the small business provides no health care, or very little health care at the moment. And that assumption is both incorrect and a slight to those small concerns that have taken body blows to their ledgers over the last decade suffering egregious and seemingly arbitrary hikes in heath care costs.

For the last 15 years, ICON has not only provided excellent health care coverage for its employees, but there has never been any �pay in� from the employees� salaries. Two years ago, when Humana announced our health care costs were going up 18 percent, we held the line on this policy, even though it had a significant impact on company resources.

Now, just 24 months later, Humana is back with another 15 percent health care increase, and now we might have to face the reality of asking employees to contribute, taking money out of their pockets, and putting it into the hands of a health care company.

Anyone who insists that the plans working through Congress are going to hurt small business doesn�t get it: small businesses all around the country are already feeling the pain from cost increases due to health care. Here are a few basic facts:

Health care costs have risen 30 percent compared to the cost of our own services provided to customers over the last two years and 10 percent faster than to company-wide salary increases.
Switching health care companies isn�t an option. All of them have dramatically increased their prices since the health care debate has taken root, and no one is offering lower health care costs.
Health care remains one of the chief recruiting tools for small businesses competing with larger companies who are given better rates from the major health care companies.

The Obama plan offers this: �many small businesses that provide health insurance for their employees would receive a small business tax credit to alleviate their disproportionately higher costs and encourage coverage.�

For those small businesses already providing health care coverage, the prospect of a tax credit for doing what amounts to the right thing by employees is a major improvement. Beyond this, the prospect of a �government alternative� that actually provides a lower cost option would be another welcome option.

But it doesn�t mean that we would choose the government alternative; this is a major flaw in the health care debate. Small businesses can choose a government alternative to try and save money. It doesn�t mean that employees � current and future � will accept it.

In nearly every interview we have conducted with a potential employee, health care and the specific provider we carry, always is discussed. As ICON competes for good talent, our health care program is key. If the government-run health care option is considered a discount alternative, talent will go elsewhere. So the fact that a lower-cost option is available does not mean businesses will unilaterally make that selection.

The U.S. is one of the few countries providing health care on the back of business. And as those costs have gone up disproportionately, our competitive capacity has been reduced. At the small business level, health care costs have a very direct, dampening effect. Some alternative needs to manifest, or what at one point was a benefit for employees, may become an incentive for small businesses to find labor alternatives that do not carry such a burden.

Rob Cleveland - Post No. 2: Film Industry Credits Take Time To Take Root

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When the State of Michigan began issuing credits to the film industry for bringing their work here, projections on the number of jobs and the impact on the Michigan economy were lofty and, perhaps, even exaggerated.

Now, some special interest groups are roiling up against the credit system, insisting that the money spent has done little for the Michigan economy since the bill was signed in April, 2008.

And there is precisely the problem � a lack of patience. Here in Ann Arbor, the film industry descended on the town quickly and in full force. Almost overnight, well known stars and their extensive crews are blocking off streets, taking over restaurants and cutting deals on everything from office space to haircuts.

The problem: Ann Arbor area businesses haven�t figured out how to capitalize on the film business yet, because it is still relatively new. Back in Los Angeles, (or Toronto or New York), businesses understand their place in the film business, and know how to structure themselves to provide added value that can come at a premium, can be sustained and can be profitable.

Back here in Ann Arbor, Hollywood producers and local businesses are just figuring each other out, with one-off deals and single arrangements being made for facilities, locations and services � no long-term commitments and no investment in the future.

But that will change over time. If the state government sustains the momentum by continuing the credits, dollars will move in and local businesses will begin to make investments that provide greater value to Hollywood, and drive up revenue. As those businesses ramp up, they will need to hire people to manage that new business, and the hiring will begin.

Take the local area fitness center and spa. In Hollywood, staying trim and working out is a religion all on its own. Stars also like privacy and seclusion � especially when they are sweating and gasping for air just like everyday people. A local fitness center can�t afford to lock out repeat local customers for just one VIP, and conversely they can�t really charge that VIP a premium if the place isn�t private.

But that business could decide to make the investment to expand, create a private space and then charge higher dollars for it. And from there it stands to reason that they would need to hire a manager to handle the VIP room, lining up customers and handling them when they came in. The same scenario plays out for caterers, transportation companies, equipment leasing, restaurants, creative agencies, office and studio space � the list could go on.

Of course these investments becomes a bad idea the moment Michigan repeals the credit, and Hollywood takes its caravan on the road. The jobs are lost, the investment is a bust and the area business would have been better off never expanding. Put another way, no business owner worth their wages is going to make an investment in the film business until there is a clear commitment from the state to keep the credits online.

Expecting area businesses to make these investments and generate jobs in only 18 months while investment capital is nearly impossible to come by is incredibly unrealistic. The credit protests smack more of opportunistic political backbiting and less about what is best for Michigan

Until Lansing telegraphs a long-term commitment, yes, the dollars being spent aren�t likely to instigate much in the way of strong, sustainable business that creates thousands of jobs. And just to put the credits into perspective, 45 states offer some type of tax credit to the film industry, with 20 states offering serious incentives. Michigan, right now, happens to be the best. Given that Michigan has had trouble lately being a leader in anything except unemployment, the film credits should continue, and State legislature should give Michigan businesses something they can count on in the future.

Rob Cleveland - Post No 1: Tired of being number one? Tax incentives have to stay.

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The State of Michigan always seems to find its way to the top of lists we all wish didn�t exist. Lately it is the national unemployment list driven largely by the meltdown of the domestic car business. In an effort to try and staunch the bloodletting, Michigan has spent considerable dollars to incentivize businesses to build jobs here in Michigan.

ICON began looking at the State of Michigan�s MEGA tax credit for high-tech jobs in late 2007. The program isn�t widely advertised, but regional and local business publications almost always pick up reports once the credits are issued, representing the best way for companies to compare themselves with those issued tax credits and decide if they should apply.

Few companies are forecasting major growth plans now compared to this time two years ago, but those who are recognize that Michigan�s Business Tax is a big impediment, so much so that outsourcing or hiring contract employees often is a better option. ICON faced that dilemma, knowing that it would have to continue to staff up through 2009 to meet growing demand, and the tax credit seemed like a good option to take the pressure off of full-time employee commitments.

The process began with Ann Arbor Spark who reviewed our business plan and our model for growth over the next five years. From there, representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Council (MEDC) also interviewed the company principles, and ultimately approved the application.

Key factors in having the application approved were the ability to demonstrate a strong business plan and then graft that plan into the structure that allows MEDC to make an overall assessment. The tax incentive program was originally designed to instigate more manufacturing jobs and as a result, the application and the review process have a corollary focus: wages and capital equipment investments are chief concerns rather than salaries and benefits.

But once the case is made, and the MEDC approves the application, a formal approval process takes place in Lansing, and tax credits are put in place. The good news for businesses just starting the process: the program doesn�t start until you are ready. So if the first year doesn�t meet the minimum expectations, the program can begin a year later.

ICON hit its target growth for 2009, and the tax credits definitely played a roll in our decision-making process. In some cases, where contractors or out-of-state developers were available, we chose instead to hire on full time, in part to meet our targets and qualify for the credit. In the end, the fiscal offset probably doesn�t net ICON a significant return, but full time employees almost always prove to be more effective than outside help. These days in particular, people hired on full time with benefits see themselves as extremely fortunate.

There is mounting pressure to cancel these types of tax credits and other incentives to drive up employment here in Michigan. Those who advocate eliminating these incentives must have solid jobs or trust funds and certainly aren�t in the business of running a business. Employers here are finding any edge they can to cut costs, and with labor representing the biggest expenditure for most companies, it is the easiest place to look.

If Michigan doesn�t find innovative ways to reconstitute its job base, we can look forward to many more years of being�number one.

Jan Gensheimer & Gerry Roston - Post 3: It�s who you know that really counts

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many have seen Ralph Waldo Emerson�s overly optimistic quote which states, �build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door.�

Many first time entrepreneurs, even those who may not be familiar with the quote, believe this is the key to their success. A truer, more important, and actionable, quote which should be on the lips of all entrepreneurs, is �It's not what you know, but who you know.�

Who you know, and who you need to know, both play a critical role in entrepreneurial success.

Serial entrepreneurs get it. They know an investor, a first customer, or a great executive, or can find one with a few phone calls. When they set out to launch a new venture, they are able to quickly assemble a team by picking people with whom they have worked before, know personally, or have been recommended by word-of-mouth for their previous and relevant success.

Investors get it. They join angel groups and venture funds, and talk business investments with people they know. They invest in deals that are referred to them by someone they trust.

Seasoned professional service providers get it. The lawyers, accountants, consultants, and insurers with established practices get returning business from their previous clients and referrals from their clients and their networks.

So why don�t novice entrepreneurs and newly established service providers get it? And how is it that these really smart people do not know how critical it is to put down your work and go meet other people?

Part of the answer might be that networking is not magic. It takes time, and effort, to build up a network of contacts. Additionally, a person who approaches networking solely as a means for resolving their current challenges is not likely to meet with sustainable, long term success. Networking is about building relationships and giving as much (if not more) than taking. This takes time.

It�s especially important to get �out� and network when you are starting out. For instance, by sharing her idea at a networking event, an entrepreneur may find an impassioned first employee, a customer who needs the solution and will test or buy the new product. She may find an investor willing to support the business, or another smart person who can help build the business faster. More importantly, as the entrepreneur�s network grows, the network itself will help spread the word, extending the reach far beyond that of the entrepreneur herself.

At the New Enterprise Forum (NEF), we�ve been hosting networking events for 23 years, bringing the entrepreneurial community together once a month around a topic of interest, all in the name of providing a forum for networking. Dozens of other organizations are active in our region and across the state. If you�re an entrepreneur with an idea or a service � put down your work and find an appropriate networking venue for your growing business. Register to attend. Put it on your calendar � in pen. Take your business cards. Have a clean and crisp 30-second �pitch.� Introduce yourself to people you don�t know. The networking season is upon us � and you need to run � not walk � to a networking venue near you. The future of your business depends on it.

Jan Gensheimer & Gerry Roston - Post 2: Who are the professionals who serve entrepreneurs?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In Michigan, we have the good fortune to have a host of programs that provide encouragement and resources for entrepreneurs � business plan competitions, training, networking, and early funding. These programs grant or loan or award money to start-up teams to accelerate their growth.

While the ideas are often novel, the underlying requirements for growing profitable businesses are pretty standard and there is an impressive group of professional service providers � consultants, lawyers, and accountants � that work diligently with start-up companies to accelerate their growth. These pros know that things are done a little differently with entrepreneurs in their earliest days as opposed to later on when there are lots of customers, employees, and money. Unlike entrepreneurs and investors, who own a share of the company and receive a share of the profits, these service professionals are generally paid for their time and expertise.

How do we reward that expertise? We ask them to provide their services for free � especially consultants. We ask them to reduce their rates. We honor their expertise by devaluing it in the economic infrastructure of entrepreneurship in Michigan.

And, believe it or not, many of these service providers line up to do the work.

Why?

Some have established practices and contribute a portion of their time to supporting start-ups, either as a way of giving back or to find and nurture long-term clients. Some of the service providers are setting up their own business and earn credibility by doing this early development work. Others are subsidized to consult and are paid by various government-funded or grant-funded support organizations. These groups underwrite professional services for early entrepreneurs in recognition of the fact that the start-ups are short on both cash and specialized expertise. The grant-funded and government-funded groups are run by service professionals who also trade high incomes for meaningful work in the entrepreneurial eco-system.

For the most part, however, service providers offer their time because they love the entrepreneurial spirit � the enthusiasm, creativity, and attitude of the people who are founding companies and have a vision for the future. And boy do these people give of their time. Over the past twelve months, volunteers associated with New Enterprise Forum (NEF), a 23-year old, all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization whose mission is �linking entrepreneurs to resources� gave more than 750 hours of time working directly with entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurial spirit is contagious and refreshing, and keeps service professionals involved for all the right reasons.

However, as a business community, we need to be very careful. We are teaching new entrepreneurs that these important services can be obtained for free or nearly for free. When state funding and other grants to support these efforts dry up, and when we move on past the economic crisis, we will be dependent upon this pool of entrepreneur-wise professionals to support companies in their earliest stages � without subsidy.

Let�s hope that by then we have built a Michigan entrepreneurial eco-system that can also support the service providers.

Jan Gensheimer & Gerry Roston - Post 1: Who are the new entrepreneurs?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the early 1900�s, Michigan was the entrepreneurial center in this country, attracting risk-takers from all over the United States to create an explosive new industry. The �old� entrepreneurs in the automotive space founded and grew one of the largest, highly technical, and most successful industries in the world. Today, Michigan is in dire straights economically and the very real question is whether we have the gumption and drive to do it again. Have we lived off the auto industry for so long that innovation in Michigan is now impossible, or are there new entrepreneurs here who can help drive a new economy for Michigan?

We are here to tell you that there is a whole new breed of �knowledge� industry entrepreneurs in Michigan � and they are real. We�d like to argue that Michigan is launching real new businesses in real new industries, driven by a whole new generation of entrepreneurs. Who are these risk-taking business people and where have they come from?

We are officers of New Enterprise Forum (NEF), an organization that exists to help connect entrepreneurs to resources. NEF has helped hundreds of high growth, investable companies over the course of the last 23 years. In many ways, NEF has a window into the future, as the types of entrepreneurial activity seen in one year evolve into sustainable businesses a few years later.

So, who is new? The entrepreneurs we see today are more diverse than ever before, with novel ideas for automating services, medical information and devices, green technologies, and energy plays, to name but a few. It is this very diversity of endeavor that is particularly exciting � what we appear to be seeing is a new culture of entrepreneurship that cuts across multiple industries.

We are seeing refugees from the corporate world � some who still have jobs and many who do not. They have been incubating ideas and have remarkable knowledge about their own industries and customers� pain. They have looked to the future and believe that they have more control and more growth opportunities as owners than they do as employees. So, they are founding businesses that bring new and better solutions into their industry.

We have seen a marked increase in owners of existing businesses with novel ideas, new inventions, and services that solve problems in their industry. These leaders realize that a down economy is the perfect time to position themselves for the impending recovery and a chance to grow their dream. They are launching new side businesses and new product lines.

The other thing we�re noticing is that there are many people who want to join entrepreneurs. They don�t necessarily have the novel idea, but do have other necessary skills � sales, management, marketing or finance � that are needed to make a business succeed.

Most important is the number of young people who are choosing entrepreneurship as a career. We�re seeing more of these young entrepreneurs touting their new business ideas � and they are impressive ideas � in entrepreneurial forums across the state. They are launching from our schools, which are growing their entrepreneurial studies activities faster than we can track them.

The University of Michigan recently created a new deanship for entrepreneurial programs, Eastern Michigan University has an entrepreneur program, Central Michigan University offers a major in entrepreneurship, and ALL of Michigan�s public colleges and universities offer entrepreneurship classes. Why is this so critically important? Because building a new generation of entrepreneurs begins by keeping these young people here in Michigan, where as entrepreneurs they will build one business after another, recruit employees, and drive the culture shift that makes entrepreneurship a career of choice.

At the New Enterprise Forum, we are seeing all of these kinds of new entrepreneurs, and expect to see more successes as business and industry are reinvented here in Michigan. What the new entrepreneurs have in common is a commitment to hard work, determination, and the belief that success is a possibility. We believe that their enthusiasm is contagious, and that the new Michigan is the place for tomorrow�s diverse new entrepreneurs.

Amy Goodman - Post 3: Literacy builds sustainable communities

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:29:51 GMT

Michigan is at a crossroads. Our industrial economy shrinks daily, expanding an unemployment rate that reached crisis level months ago. I blogged last week about what that unemployment has exposed: large numbers of unemployed adults who are unprepared to transition to a new economy because they struggle with everyday reading, writing and math tasks

Literacy skills are crucial for success in the knowledge-based economy proposed for Michigan�s future. These skills are at the heart of sustainable communities. Transforming Michigan�s Adult Learning Infrastructure , a report to the Council for Labor and Economic Growth, explains: "A skilled workforce attracts higher-end employers and provides the vital human capital necessary for existing employers to expand more rapidly. When we meet the expansion of opportunities in the new economy with an equal or greater increase in the number of trained workers, we can expect job creation and economic growth. Michigan will be able to attract employers who strongly value a workforce that has the skills, knowledge, and credentials required to meet their needs."

That takes investment. But, even before the current economic crisis, funding for adult education and literacy was inadequate. While Americans spent, on average, $6500 a year for each school-aged child�s education, for those in need of adult basic education and literacy services the expenditure has been only $300 per year.

In Michigan the decline in state funding for adult education has contributed to our current economic straits: from 1997 to 2001 our state invested $80 million annually in adult education, by 2006 that was slashed to $20 million annually, and the worst may be yet to come. Michigan is ranked 44th in terms of enrollment in state administered adult basic education programs. (The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) (2008) Adult Learning in Focus: National and State-by-State Data.)

We need action and it starts at the local level. If the upcoming Washtenaw Schools Millage referendum fails, it is not just school-aged children who will lose. Washtenaw County public school districts will be forced to make difficult choices, and services that are not mandated, such as Adult Education, will be eliminated. Washtenaw Literacy partners with nearly every public school Adult Education program in Washtenaw County to support adults striving to improve basic skills. For most of these adults, who support families, the goal is to improve their employment outlook. As the county�s only literacy council serving adults, Washtenaw Literacy needs these partners.

Our tutors are called to their service with an open heart, and our learners come to us with an open mind. Our county voters can help to underwrite this powerful combination. Vote in support of Washtenaw Schools and know that you�re supporting a far larger county effort.

Remember: you cannot help someone get up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself.

Amy Goodman - Post 2: The Case for Each One, Teach One

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There�s a conundrum that faces those of us who direct the services in literacy agencies: the numbers of residents in need (in Washtenaw County that number is estimated at 27,000) outpaces our ability to serve. Yet, we can�t streamline our tutoring processes and be effective for our learners. Classroom settings � teaching groups of adults at once � are efficient and cost effective, but for so many they simply aren�t useful.

Washtenaw Literacy�s core program is one-on-one tutoring. This is the approach our first volunteer tutors used in 1971. The reason we still use it today is because it works. More than 90% of adults in our one-on-one tutoring program reach one or more of their goals. Part of this success stems from our �designer tutor� approach. We train each of our volunteer tutors to plan lessons according to the learner�s strengths, needs and goals and support those tutors every step of the way. Adult learners in our program are motivated because they are setting, and meeting, their own standards for success.

This customized 1:1 tutoring is critically important for illiterate adults who have cognitive or learning issues. Quite simply, these issues can only be remediated with this individualized, labor-intensive and potentially expensive approach. These are neighbors of ours who would fall through the cracks in the system without resources such as Washtenaw Literacy. Either because of low scores on assessments or the incremental progress they make, they do not qualify for service or help through most funding streams or federal student financial aid. For example, adult basic education through the Workforce Investment Act requires one grade level improvement in a year, which is sometimes simply unattainable for an adult with a learning disorder. Federal financial aid for community college is out of the question without passing scores on entrance metrics such as the Compass test.

What happens to those who are left behind? It�s easy enough to plot the trajectory of that life. With ever-decreasing opportunities for employment, illiteracy is a direct path to poverty. According to the 2003 report from ProLiteracy �US Adult Literacy Programs: Making a Difference,� 70 percent of adults on welfare have the lowest levels of literacy. The report goes on to explain that children of these illiterate and low literate parents �tend to get poor care and poor nutrition at home and to do poorly in school.� And there are surprising health consequences for those who lack basic literacy skills � they�re more likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. In fact, their health care expenses are six times the rate of adults with average literacy skills.

Clearly, the stakes are high for our community and we�re steadily fighting this battle. Washtenaw Literacy, with its 'each one, teach one' model empowers armies of volunteers, who expand this best practice of one-on-one tutoring, on a scale that only starts to approach the problem.

Amy Goodman - Literacy In Michigan, It's Worse Than You Think

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last month, an opinion piece on annarbor.com called for action to reduce Washtenaw County�s 12 percent illiteracy rate. It was a thoughtful and heartfelt piece that encouraged readers to volunteer or donate to Washtenaw Literacy, the organization of which I�m executive director. I was thrilled to see it, feeling that readers of annarbor.com would be particularly keen to address this issue.

Shortly after it posted, the first comment appeared: �I have a very hard time believing that �12% of our residents are illiterate.� Someone would have to go a long way to prove that to me.�

Sigh�

It�s not the first time I�ve heard this. Reading is so much a part of our lives that we assume everyone of a certain age has the skills. Further, people who can�t read are embarrassed and skilled at covering up. Illiteracy is the ultimate dirty little secret. It hides until crisis arrives � like a job loss. Then, it reveals itself as a strikingly formidable barrier to finding employment.

These are the people we see walk through our doors every day at Washtenaw Literacy. They put their pride on the shelf and come for help so they can find work and participate fully in a society that increasingly relies on the written word. I�m proud to say we�re there to help them achieve that goal.

Last year, Washtenaw Literacy helped 1,588 adults learn to read. It�s wonderful and fulfilling to know this, but frankly, it�s not enough. Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley, a passionate advocate for literacy, revealed shocking state statistics in an article in late July: One in three working age adults in Michigan cannot read well enough to be hired for a job that can support a family.

You read that right: One in three adults in Michigan reads below the sixth grade level.

We have a long way to go to end the cycle of illiteracy in our county and in our state. Step one is to admit there�s a problem. If you want proof, I encourage you to spend a day at Washtenaw Literacy and see for yourself who in this county needs our help, needs your help.

Or, in the words of another commenter to the opinion piece, �Rather than quibble about percentages, why not do something positive and volunteer for Washtenaw Literacy's program? It's simple to look up the number in the phone book -- for those who can read.�

Jon Zemke - Dear Mr. Mayor...

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To: John Hieftje, mayor, city of Ann Arbor
From: Jon Zemke, news editor, Concentrate

Dear Mayor Hieftje,

Next May you will appoint two people to the seven-member Ann Arbor Board of Directors. May I suggest a quick viewing before you make your decision - The Opposite episode, Season 5 (episode 22) from Seinfeld. You know, the episode where George Costanza decides that �My life is the complete opposite of everything I want it to be. Every instinct I have in every aspect of life, be it something to wear, something to eat... It's often wrong."

I�m not saying your previous appointments have been wrong per se, but they have been unimaginative. Keeping The Opposite episode in mind would allow choices that are more creative, innovative and whatever other flavor-of-the-month buzzword that might save Michigan�s economy to inform your decision. It�s a frame of mind that you, Hizzoner, should embrace to get the area�s transit agency batting on the level of George's beloved Yankees.

AATA�s board is made up with a majority of middle age-to-senior white males whose bank accounts are rivaled only by their degrees. These are the people who have the choice of whether to catch The Ride or cruise off in their own vehicle. It�s safe to say most of this board, at best, only occasionally rides the buses it makes the decisions on, and lives on streets where bus routes probably don�t stop.

That�s not to say this board is completely out of touch. It includes city administrators, big muckity mucks with the Michigan Dept of Transportation and leaders in the local business community. But it lacks diversity. Oh yes, there are the tokens that Ann Arbor loves to point to as proof of its diversity, such as a single woman and an African-American. But the AATA board of directors needs more than that. It needs diversity in its point of view.

�It�s important for somebody to have the understanding of what AATA should look like in the future and have that steeped by their experiences on it,� says Nancy Shore, a former AATA board member who stepped down to take the reins of Ann Arbor�s getDowntown program.

Shore is the type of fresh pair of eyes the AATA board needs. And by fresh I mean young and alternative transit-oriented. A few people with stakes in Ypsilanti�s burgeoning Bohemia. The current AATA board has members in Ann Arbor, the surrounding townships, and even the Lansing area, but not Ypsilanti. It has car drivers but no one who uses the bus as a primary form of transportation. It has a lot of older people, but no one young enough to count the years they have been out of school on their hands.

�It would be nice to have somebody who is slightly younger,� Shore says.

Maybe a younger board member would question why AATA provides express bus service to Chelsea and the Canton area but bus service for the seven miles between Ypsilanti's downtown and Ann Arbor's downtown clocks in at nearly an hour. Maybe that same younger board member would also note that with Ann Arbor's ever-shrinking affordable housing, Ypsi represents the best opportunity for cheap housing that's close to a walkable downtown.

So, I have three specific candidates that would make great AATA board members, and a fourth wild card suggestion. I have no idea whether these people have approached you Mr. Mayor about it or if they are even interested. I do know that they, or someone like them, would offer a point of view that would bring much needed diversity to AATA�s board.

Al McWilliams

You have probably read this name before. The so-called Master of the Universe at downtown Ann Arbor�s Quack!Media is the poster boy for Zipcar use in Ann Arbor. He has been featured in a number of publications (including this one) as someone who couldn�t wait to jump into a Zipcar when downtown Ann Arbor received its first earlier this year.

Two years ago, McWilliams made a decision most people in Ann Arbor, let alone Michigan, wouldn't even consider. He turned in the keys to his car and walked away, literally. The downtown Ann Arbor resident loves living without a car, choosing to get around with a combination of Zipcars, buses, bike, and shoe leather.

This decision makes more sense for those familiar with McWilliams� eccentricities. The 20-something Eastern Michigan University grad runs a start-up that is creating a multi-media empire with the type of quirk that makes the Google interior decorators jealous. Put simply, McWilliams doesn�t look at things like most people, and that�s a good thing.

Richard Murphy

Richard Murphy�s friends call him Murph, and it makes sense because the 28-year-old urban planner is recently out of the University of Michigan. However, you wouldn�t get that impression after reading his thoughts on funding for AATA in regards to Ypsilanti on Mark Maynard�s blog. Wonky is the nice word used to describe his thorough explanations.

But more important than Murphy's knowledge is where he lives. He is one the numerous young professionals staking a claim in Ypsilanti�s emerging Bohemia, making a home on Cross Street within easy walking distance of downtown, Depot Town, and Eastern Michigan University. He also scored a job as an urban planner for the city of Ypsilanti after working an internship at the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority. Murphy knows what makes cities tick, how transit winds that clock, and why connecting Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti is critically important to the region.

Rene Greff

Rene Greff is one of those people with a well-known story. The Ypsilanti resident is an avid bicyclist who regularly rides her bike to and from her job as owner of the Arbor Brewing Company in downtown Ann Arbor and Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti. She's also a former member of Ann Arbor's DDA.

Greff is one of the increasing number of people who has a foot firmly planted in both of Washtenaw County�s major cities. She understands the importance of both urban areas and why they should be more connected. She also has an intricate understanding of the needs of bicyclists at a time when both cities, the surrounding townships, and AATA are ramping up efforts to make the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area friendlier to alternative modes of transportation, like bicycles. And she is a she, which is a quality that is sorely lacking in a board filled with Y chromosomes.

One regular person who rides the bus but doesn�t run in local political circles

All of these suggestions, along with the current board, are educated and at least middle class people. The type of people who have a choice of whether or not to wait for an AATA bus or jump into a nice car and zoom away. Unfortunately, many people who ride the bus are those who don�t have that choice. These are usually the people who don�t run in Washtenaw County�s political circles and often lack a voice in the decisions that affect the service for which they depend.

AATA should find at least one of these people and give them a voice. Spend a little money advertising on buses and at bus stops asking for AATA board applicants. The risk is that the you Mr. Mayor won�t know exactly what your are getting, but perhaps a little shakeup like that is just what George Costanza would order.

Sincerely,

Jon Zemke

Rick Devos - Post No. 2: Why Michigan Needs To Support The Arts

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:07:30 GMT

Having worked for several years now on startup businesses, I've become more and more aware of the importance of attracting and retaining talented individuals to work with, and of being part of a larger ecosystem of individuals and businesses that are committed to experimentation, innovation, and building new things.

Some of the major and broad goals of ArtPrize that have been present since the beginning are to inspire people in the region with new ideas and possibilities, to jump quickly from thinking to doing, and generally help to shift the local culture to embrace and support more creative risk taking.These goals are also why I think it is important for us as individuals to broadly support the arts philanthropically in our state and region.

ArtPrize is one event that is designed to draw attention to and create engagement with art and artists during a couple of weeks every year, but the many arts institutions in Grand Rapids and Michigan in general will be absolutely critical in building on that engagement and attention throughout the rest of the year. Educational programming, residency programs, shows and exhibits, and even generally networking the creative community are all incredibly vital to nurturing a creative culture that enriches our cities. Our cities must be attractive, challenging, and interesting for a whole generation coming of age and making decisions about where they want to live first, and what they want to do there second. I would also argue that a culture which celebrates and supports creative risk-taking will be much better positioned from a business perspective in the coming years. Creativity, innovation, and agility will become more and more important.

I've been overwhelmed by how Grand Rapids has so aggressively taken up the task of ArtPrize. Although these are challenging times, we are supporting creativity and the arts philanthropically--with time and attention and planning as well as money. Let's celebrate individuals and their creativity, and build a state-wide culture that embraces the creative risk taking from a powerful sculpture that inspires simply by looking at it to a new design for a water filter that provides clean water for people all over the world.

Rick Devos - Post No. 1: ArtPrize

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Beginning September 23rd, Grand Rapids, Michigan will be host to 1,262 artists in 159 venues scattered throughout 3 square miles of downtown, and so will begin an exciting social event and experiment that I am privileged to have been a part of founding. ArtPrize, intentionally simple in its name, is the world's largest art prize, awarding $250,000 for first, $100,000 for second, $50,000 for third, and $7,000 for fourth through tenth places. That is the first unique element. The second unique element is that those awards will be decided by public vote, facilitated by the web and mobile phones.

Since we announced ArtPrize in April of this year, the first question I usually get asked is "how did you get the idea?"

Over the last few years in particular I've had the privilege of many great cultural events like the Sundance Film Festival, the Telluride Film Festival, and SxSW. Because of this exploration, for some time I have thought that Grand Rapids would be ripe for putting on a large cultural event. Grand Rapids has a great history of design and public art, a walkable downtown, a surprisingly large student population, and strong cultural institutions like the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. All of these seemed like, and have proven to be, a strong foundation to build on.

Initially, due to all of my engagement with film festivals, I thought seriously about putting on one in Grand Rapids. However, the nature of film festivals (due very much to the nature of the medium) is that they are highly centralized and controlled. You have a small committee that reviews films and accepts them, highly specific kinds of venues and a very rigid screening schedule with capacity and limitations add even more layers of complexity and centralized decision-making.

Thinking about how film festivals work, my team and I started to wonder what the opposite would look like. What could we do that was extremely open, decentralized, and allowing of a wide variety of media and expressions, not just film? How could it be a catalyst and let innovation and creativity happen on the edges instead of trying to plan and control all of it at the center? What sort of relationships would form between artists collaborating with other artists and their host venues?

I started to think about how to get a large group of artists interested in showing their work, and a large swath of the public interested in looking at that work, but at the same time go beyond the traditional artist-public relationship of buying and selling that a standard art fair is built around. I thought that models like X-Prize were particularly interesting as a catalyst and organizational model because they create a large incentive for attaining a particular goal, which in turn entices a large group of individuals and teams to go after that goal.

It seemed like a pretty straightforward idea to create a very large art prize to gain the attention of a broad cross-section of artists, but the question then became how to get the larger public interested and invested in the process beyond passively shuffling through. Very quickly, the idea emerged of having a public vote--tangible public feedback--as an incredibly powerful tool of getting people looking, engaging, and debating. We then decided to go even one step further, and we opened up who could host a venue--and thereby opened up curation for the event-- by just setting a border, minimum open hours, and a couple of other basic things. Our role as ArtPrize (the organization) focused on becoming a facilitator of relationships between artists, the venues hosting them, and the people physically in the city and taking part in the event rather than trying to plan every detail for all of those parties.

With just over a week until the opening evening, I and the entire ArtPrize team are in awe of the response we've received. The number of artists, the number of venues, the number of collaborations, the variety and quality of the work, and the buzz that we feel happening in the city are all-amazing. We are honored to be a part of it. We would love to have you join us. Come and see.

Tomorrow Rick will write about the importance of arts philanthropy in Michigan

Catherine Juon - Post No. 3: Is working in a woman owned company different?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:41:01 GMT

That question turns out to be a great conversation starter, guaranteed! In the crowd I surveyed, the belief tended to be that pinning management style on gender would be tough without formal research. On the other hand, there was no question that operating a women owned business � especially in the high tech industry � presents unique opportunities and challenges

If you�re lucky enough to be a high tech, woman owned business in the Ann Arbor area, there�s no doubt the opportunities outweigh the challenges. We�ve got an incredibly supportive business community here � no matter what kind of business you�re in. It�s hard to describe, but there�s an over-riding feeling that the whole town is rooting for you. Maybe it�s that Michigan spirit carrying over from football Saturdays, or perhaps it could be more largely attributed to the Midwestern ethos� but it sure feels like there�s something truly unique happening here Ann Arbor.

For example, Ann Arbor is home to the only chapter of the Women Presidents� Organization (WPO) that is centered around high tech. Typically, groups like these operate around the concept of exclusivity (as counterpart groups such as the Entrepreneurs� Organization (EO) do), but our local community felt so strongly about supporting each other that they chose to �break the rules� and put competitors in the same room.

The benefits to groups like this are huge. Wondering if it�s worth the crazy paperwork to become a woman certified business? Ask for a show of hands and you�ve got an instant answer - along with offers of help if you run into bumps in the process. Trying to win a defense contract? You�ll soon be sharing best lobbying group in D.C. You name it, and you�ll have it, without hesitation, even if you�re competing for the same �pot� of money.

As one local WPO member, Michelle Crumm of Adaptive Materials puts it, �If I build you up and make you #1 in your industry, that doesn�t make me #2, that makes me #1 in a different way.� It�s hard to capture that feeling on paper on a way that doesn�t sound sappy, but that kind of support is quite typical of what you�ll find in Ann Arbor whether it�s through groups specifically supporting women in business, or tech companies, or entrepreneurs in general.

In fact, there are so-o many more organizations for entrepreneurs in tech locally that I put together a list of them awhile back; you can the list on our Pure Visibility blog, and I�m happy to keep adding to that list if you find anything missing!

Catherine Juon - Post No. 2: Measuring the Yield of Your Online Marketing Efforts

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:27:19 GMT

Now that we've talked about the driving force of an online sales engine - a good, solid website - we can talk about how you're going to measure the output of that engine. There are two things I really love about online marketing, and being able to prove what's working is one of those things. (I'll save my second love for the close of this article.)

To prove what's working, we've first got to benchmark where things are at now... And to that, we've got to be able to measure what's happening now. And to do that, we need to understand what's important to measure in the first place... Which means a huge part of our job is "simply" ensuring that your online sales engine is well-instrumented for the right things.

All this talk about measuring things may not sound too sexy at first blush, but you can trust me on this one - if you're an entrepreneur, being able to watch sales or other leading indicators count up is exciting! If you'd like to be able to do the same for your site, here are a few general rules of thumb to get you started:

If you don't have it already, get Google Analytics installed. It's free, it gets more powerful every day, and even if you don't know what to do with the data right now, at least you're collecting it to have it "in the bag" when you�re ready.
If you care about Search Engine Optimization (SEO), the so called "free" listings that represent most of the results on a search page, you�ll also need to install Google Webmaster Tools and Yahoo! Site Explorer. Both tools provide direct feedback to you about ways improve your positioning - without having to hire a consultant.

I do feel compelled to say that �free" is one of the biggest misnomers ever. If there's a search phrase worth owning, you're going to have to work for it, and on top of that, you're going to have to deserve it. If you're a large corporation in a highly competitive market it will take both effort and time. Consequently, you need to know that you�re working to own words that will eventually show you the money (we call that process a linguistic analysis or word market assessment). Remember that farming analogy from the last article? This is where the practice of planting, cultivating, and nurturing comes in. The more competitive a phrase is, the more dedication, faith, creativity and elbow grease that will be required to own that phrase.

If you�ve got an offline sales process (which most of our customers do), you�ll need a system for tracking basic information about the people who contact you. If you don�t already have a customer relationship management (CRM) tool, get one now. Even enterprise systems such as salesforce.com now offer a free option, so there�s just not a barrier to entry like there used to be.
If your offline sales process typically includes in-bound phone calls, you also need to measure calls. These days, you can order a toll-free number for practically nothing, and the more numbers you are willing to pay for, the more granular your tracking can be. It�s possible to get to the level of dynamically substituting different phone numbers to track each market channel (�free� listings, vs. AdWords, etc.), or you could even give every visitor to your site a unique, trackable phone number. At the very least, you need one number that gets placed on your website and ONLY on your website, so that you know when that phone rings, it�s a lead that is a direct result of your online sales efforts.
Last but not least, make sure your web site includes a contact form. Not just an email address, but a countable contact form that captures information and preferably automatically submits it to a CRM system such as salesforce.com like we talked about earlier.

While this isn�t a comprehensive list of everything you could possibly measure, it serves as a handy quick-start guide that illustrates the depth and breadth of measurement tools the are readily accessible today. It�s an exciting time to be in internet marketing!

I love the measurability of internet marketing � of being able to prove that things work. I also love how internet marketing enables us to fulfill our core mission at Pure Visibility - to "Improve the quality of life and abundance in Michigan and the Great Lakes." There is no better way to create abundance right here in our backyard than to help entrepreneurs, corporations and non-profits learn to leverage the internet to reach a broader audience, and to get more out of the audience that they already have. I couldn't possibly have a more rewarding job! Thanks, Concentrate, for helping spread the word to local businesses about how to leverage the internet for growth!

Catherine Juon - Post No. 1: Setting up your business for a great yields

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caution � continue reading only if you�re prepared to deal with wild enthusiasm for growing businesses right here in Michigan, right now!

How can I be so excited about growing businesses in this economy? Because I�m watching businesses buck the trend and grow every day! I�m watching Michigan manufacturers and other local companies reach global audiences in ways we wouldn�t have dreamed possible only a few years ago.

What�s even more exciting about this trend is that the technology that makes this possible is accessible to practically every business. Your business in the industrial park around the corner has access to many of the same tools and technologies as the Fortune 500. The playing field has never been so level. But it won�t be long before that shifts (it�s starting already!), so the time to figure out how the internet can help your business grow is now.

I can�t promise a get rich quick scheme � on the contrary, I only seem to know how to make money by working really hard. It turns out to be pretty darn handy that I grew up on a farm and learned the practice of planting, cultivating, nurturing, harvesting, measuring and improving year after year � because it�s the exact same process I help clients such as Total Security Solutions (a manufacturer of bullet-proof glass in Fowlerville, Michigan) navigate through every day.

Online marketing takes the same kind of dedication, faith, creativity and elbow grease as farming. When you get one of those postcards in the mail about how you can set up an online advertising account in virtually no time, that�s only half the story. It�s not hard to set up an online advertising account � the hard part is making it make money. ;-)

The good news is, there is no big secret surrounding how to make sales online. Once again, farming turns out to be good training. You�ve got to pay attention to each point in the process and work on improving it. Everything works together to generate higher yields. In our case, we call that system an online sales engine.

An online sales engine starts with a good, solid website. I�ve learned (the hard way) that even though our ad copy is important � it means nothing if it doesn�t take a potential buyer to a page that just grabs them out of their seat. But please don�t think I mean that it has to be flashy. Au contraire!

That �landing page� where a prospect first gets to know you must speak to your prospect in THEIR language. (That�s worth an article on its own � the science of linguistics is a large part of our world�) Your landing page must connect the dots from the need that the buyer wants to fill to your solution. Understand that if you don�t paint that picture, someone else will � and they are only a few clicks away. Your landing page must provide explicit and compelling means to take action� And that action needs to be measurable.

There�s a lot more to say about measurement, but only so many words left in this article. So let me leave you with another key concept about the measurement of online sales that tends to raise a lot of eyebrows. Did you know that it�s possible to track the effectiveness of online ads � even if the sale happens offline? It takes a bit of elbow grease to set up a system that �closes the loop� like that what, but when you do � the feedback you get is pure gold.

If you�re curious to learn more about how to create an online sales engine of your own, join us for �Donuts and Search Marketing.� It's free and, frankly, most people don't come in to become clients but rather get some guidance. We serve only the best donuts (from Washtnenaw Dairy, of course!) and we�d be happy to help you improve the yield of your online marketing!

Jeff Meyers - What Is Ann Arbor's Artistic Identity?

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It was such a small thing that I didn't notice it at first. On a family vacation to Puerto Vallarta, as we were walking through the downtown my sons began weaving back and forth along the sidewalk. Why? Stamped into the cement was a sine wave, a simple reminder of what mattered most to this small coastal city: The water.

In Vancouver B.C., along Robson Street you'll find something similar. Only instead of a wave, small leaves have been imprinted into the sidewalk of a metropolis that thinks of itself as a leader in sustainable practices.

In various Seattle neighborhoods it isn't the sidewalk but the bus stands that boast the city's nautical identity. Gorgeously designed shelters are sculpted with iconic salmon, curly-cue waves and winged heron. The bus stands not only improve the surrounding streetscape, they also encourage you to rethink the importance of public transportation.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg for a city whose urban practices are idealized and livability celebrated. Public art inhabits every corner of Seattle. From its pastel-painted transformer stations adorned with ceramic sculptures to the two-story troll that resides under the Fremont Bridge to the Sound Garden (which inspired the rock band's name) that hums and whistles with the winds off Lake Washington to the newly installed Olympic Sculpture Garden near Pike's Place Market, creative expression is the norm. Every neighborhood hides secret sculptures and quirky artifacts, inspiring locals to join the action with impromptu traffic circle displays and lawn art. And coupled with the region's high-tech persona, young creatives and professionals have flocked to the Pacific Northwest.

Back to Puerto Vallarta, where wealth is in the hands of the few. The Malecón is a beachfront, open-air gallery of sculptures, ranging from the refined to the absurd. A sunset walk quickly demonstrates the enthusiasm tourists and locals have for the art (not to mention the children who climb all over them). The city, even with its limited resources and instances of crushing poverty, understands that there is lasting value in developing its artistic identity. When I ask a taxi driver what he thinks of the sculptures he smiles, "The tourists love them. The children love them. Some I don't like but mostly I love them."

So, what is Ann Arbor's artistic identity? What art can local cab drivers proudly proclaim their skeptical love for? The truth, if we are honest with ourselves, is that we don't have an artistic identity. Which is not to say that we don't have wonderful artists or interesting instances of art or dedicated art supporters. But as a community, we have yet to catch up with cities that have taken the long view and seen the cultural, economic, and quality of life advantages of nurturing an indigenous arts identity.

Even Ypsilanti, working with far fewer resources, has begun to stake out an arts identity of its own (see this week's feature article by Terry Parris), producing a do-it-yourself, alternative scene that excites young creatives and encourages artistic participation. If you want a simple but poignant reminder of what a community one-fifth the size of Ann Arbor can achieve, just look to their Riverside Arts Gallery, which has become an arts and culture center of sorts, serving local visual and performing artists. Our city, for all its virtues, has yet to establish anything similar.

The closest thing Ann Arbor has come to establishing its own artistic identity has been the Art Fair (which is more about bringing art here) and the hand full of fairy doors that dot our downtown. We'll return to them later in the column.

City Council member Margie Teall, who sat on an Art Commission task force, shares the belief that Ann Arbor can and should do more. "I look at other cities, like Louisville, Kentucky, or Pittsburgh and I'm amazed by the public art they have and how far behind the eight ball we are," she says.

There are some, like Margaret Parker, who have long recognized the city's shortcomings on this front and have worked hard to change course. As the current chair of the city's Arts Commission, she helped usher in the Percent For The Arts program in 2007, a long overdue first step toward formally engaging the city in developing its arts identity.

"People should remember that Michigan was once on the brink of a statewide Percent For The Arts program but it was killed by the Engler administration," Parker explains. "In a way we're trying to compensate for that loss of commitment."

And though Ann Arbor's current commission, still finding its feet, has taken some critical lumps on its first venture �the Herbert Dreiseitl rain garden that will be part of the new municipal center project� her passion and dedication are obvious.

"We're really new to this type of process and there's still so much to understand," Parker says. "We decided that it would be best to work out how we do this [fund public art projects] by focusing on a single project that was connected to the municipal center improvements."

It's an understandable course of action, one that focuses and compartmentalizes the commission's experience so it can better understand and develop its process.

But the commission need not go it alone, intellectually speaking. And it doesn't have to consult with faraway Seattle or Vancouver to work its approach. An hour away, a city with a long history of arts advocacy and practice nurtures a vibrant creative scene, implementing projects at every funding level and, most importantly, works off thirty-plus years of Percent For The Arts experience.

Though it may come as a surprise to most Ann Arborites, I'm talking about Toledo, Ohio, the first city east of the Mississippi to institute a Percent For The Arts program in 1977. In fact, the entire state of Ohio has a percent for the arts mandate, providing millions of dollars to local municipalities.

Talking with Marc Folk, executive director of the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, it's easy to get swept up in his enthusiasm. He rattles off numbers and anecdotes and events and projects with a fervor that makes it clear he loves his job. What's most impressive is the creativity (imagine that, an arts organization that tackles its mission creatively) his organization brings to bear on Toledo's arts identity. The commission has its fingerprints on projects both big and small, nurturing strong artistic loops amidst rustbelt surroundings.

When the I-280 Bridge, the state's most expensive bridge project ever, first began its proposal process, the commission was on hand to influence the design, pulling in feedback from the community. As a result, more attractive stainless steel cables were used, glass panels were inserted into the pylons and L.E.D. lighting elements were incorporated. When a tragic accident took the lives of some of the bridge workers, the commission facilitated the construction of a memorial, drawing huge community support.

On the more modest end of the financial scale, the commission recruited at-risk youth to design benches inspired by masterworks in the Toledo Museum of Art, had a local auto fabricator make the benches, and then used them as a street level connect-the-dots between local galleries and the museum proper. Total cost of the project? $5000 plus staff time.

Somewhere in the economic middle is Toledo's program to put poetry inside and art outside its city buses. Working with TARTA and Bowling Green State University, the commission raised $40,000 to wrap 7-10 buses each year with stunning mobile canvases that bring art to the neighborhoods and poetry to the riders inside.

"Most art commissions get locked into old models, focusing on pieces that creatively engage the community," says Folk. "We try to make art an everyday part of Toledo life."

While Folk can wax poetic about the many projects his commission has been a part of (artistic manhole covers near Mud Hen's Arena), he believes his organization's biggest responsibility is to facilitate connections between the city's various arts groups and the community at large.

When asked about the arguments against public arts, particularly in economically challenging times, Folk points out that the same criticisms are levied in good times or bad. "The thing that I quickly learned is that public art, no matter which side people are on, stimulates public dialogue," he explains. "It pushes it into the public arena, which is a success unto itself."

As egalitarian as that sounds, Folk is quick to point out both the direct and indirect positive impacts of public art: "On a purely economic level, it is consistently cited as a major attractor for ideal professional candidates, i.e., creative thinkers and innovators."

The arguments against public art funding have always intrigued me because no one seems to get up in arms when the city builds a new baseball diamond or tennis court. But spend money on an unconventional statue or mural and watch the fireworks fly. It seems silly that one holds more intrinsic value than another. If anything, I would argue a sports field in one community is no different than a sports field in another. Public art, at least, can be unique and defining. But really, the two investments are equally important, inviting the public to interact --one physically, the other intellectually.

Which brings us back to the Fairy Doors and how Ann Arbor might forge its own artistic identity.

It's baffling to me that these charming little doors --a modest, private effort that attracts local tourists and even landed national press coverage-- receives so little public support, beyond endorsements from the city's Convention And Visitor's Bureau. It's not that the fairy doors are great works of art, it's that they clearly engage the community, making a strong case for why public arts efforts are important.

Were these doors to have 'magically' appeared in my old stomping grounds of Seattle, I can easily imagine the city enthusiastically funding the project to facilitate a greater presence in the community. Local artists would have inevitably responded, some in protest no doubt, creating contrarian goblin doors or even dead fairy art, and the like. The effort would have become a robust artistic dialogue to debate the goals of public art, what is of aesthetic value, what amounts to cheap gimmickry, and all points in between.

Do I think we should build our entire artistic identity around fairy doors? Certainly not. But they could certainly be a part of a wider, richer fabric of artistic engagement. And whether we choose to support efforts like these speaks to how we leverage the creativity that exists in our community, and to what lengths we will nurture its growth. A modest investment might have turned an independent project into a widespread entry point for Ann Arbor's children to engage with public art (not to mention, establish a useful community marketing tool).

As the Ann Arbor Arts Commission looks to its future, I can only hope that it will learn from cities like Toledo and Seattle and even cash-strapped Puerto Vallarta for inspiration, creating programs that are as creative, versatile, and innovative as the works of art they generate.

Photo Credits:

Seattle Bus Shelter - Jeff Meyers
La Nostalgia by Ramiz Barquet , Puerto Vallarta - Jeff Meyers
Edge Of Reason by Sergio Bustamente, Puerto Vallarta - Jeff Meyers

Artist rendering of Herbert Dreiseitl's proposed water sculpture
I-280 Bridge, Toledo - Wikipedia
TARTA bus wrap - TARTA website

The Fremont Troll, Seattle - Jeff Meyers
Garth Edwards Manhole Cover, Seattle - City Of Seattle website

Fairy Door, Ann Arbor - Myra Klarman

Angela Kujava - Post 3: Serve rather than preside

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Millennials, so many attempts have been made to define the characteristics of you Gen Y-ers I�m surprised you�re not yet the subject of a 300-level cultural anthropology class. Perhaps it hasn�t been consequentially different for previous generations entering the workforce, but it just seems that tomes of information are being collected to answer the questions �who are they?� and �what on earth do they want?� (Read that with as much breathless paranoia as you feel it deserves.) I wonder, do you sit in focus groups and take bets as to when it will eventually happen that some Boomer just outright pokes you with a stick?

One thing about you is certain, as shown by consensus of countless reports�you�re civic-minded, ambitious and team-oriented. They also say you�re also mind-bogglingly mollycoddled and won�t do anything unless you walk away with a trophy. Yikes.

So, you deeply care about making an impact with your life. As a whole, I�m certain this can be said of any age group. How Millenials are unique, and apparently stupefying to the establishment, is in their collaborative approach to attaining influence and power. Gen X strived to be individualistic; Gen Y fostered social networking groups that connect millions.

The Wall Street Journal recently blogged about the rules of online engagement as set by the Facebook Generation. One striking header �Leaders serve rather than preside� best sums a plea I believe your non-profit community is making to you.

As I�m sure it�s been mentioned in this publication, there are approximately 300 non-profit organizations in Washtenaw County alone, and they are screaming for new blood. Sitting on the board of directors for a local charitable organization is not reserved for the stodgy and semi-retired.

In January 2007 I walked into an office suite painted intermittently hot pink, neon green, bright turquoise and polka dot. And there were monsters everywhere. Children walked in with wide grins and open minds to sit in this place and write. Not play�pen to paper writing. The Executive Director of 826michigan will very kindly argue that I was professional and polite, but I�ll tell you it was an all-out ambush�I had to be a part of this.

Today we�re in a different facility where the walls are plums and greens, but the store is still turquoise. There are no monsters, as they went on strike and have been replaced by robots. We fundraise with these robots in the Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair store, and by organizing such events as an annual Mustache-A-Thon, Mittenfest, The Love Hangover and 24-Hour Theater. It is, by far, the coolest enterprise in which I have been involved.

It has also proven to be the most powerful forum to hone and contribute my leadership ability. Among other accomplishments of 826michigan in the 2+ years I have served on the Board we have: made major real estate decisions and transactions to relocate downtown, completely changed our brand identity, and opened a quirky niche retail store that is thus far thriving.

The point of this gushing is not to convince you that 826michigan and its people are incredibly awesome (though it is and they are). I�m making an attempt to impress you before I tell you the part that still blows my mind sometimes. In each of these weighty decisions, as a board member and regardless of age, my opinion counted. Whether or not one�s views are in harmony with the end choice, each board member is considered an equally crucial part of the discussion. It�s a heady feeling, but a great responsibility

Step up and serve as a fiduciary on a board of directors. Find the organization that speaks to you, that causes you to ninja ambush the director (metaphorically, of course) and tell him/her why you absolutely have to be involved. NEW not only offers inexpensive classes teaching you your responsibilities as a board member, they will set you up with BoardConnect�think match.com for you and non-profit organizations�so you can seek out your passion, or help it find you.

This is allegedly the exact sort of thing you want, Gen Y. In return for it you�ll create a vast network of associates, develop skills you may not otherwise in your chosen field of employ, and some of you may even find that your voice is much louder and more confident than you�d suspected.

Leaders serve rather than preside. It�s your schtick, and it�s vital you act upon it. And service is an unbelievable reward.

Angela is on the cusp of Gens X and Y and flits back and forth between the two as it suits her mood.

Angela Kujava - Post 2: Speaking of those social safety nets

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The word �networking� often conjures up the image of slick guys in suits uncomfortably pressing their shiny business cards into your hand. Or maybe some exhausting exercise of patience, listening to people convince you that they have the magic product to fulfill your unfulfilled needs, all the while forcing yourself to persuade them of your virtues in return.

While that does indeed happen, several groups have been established to give networking a new identity focused on friendship building in conjunction with, and as opposed to, professional promotion. There need be no argument that this involves much less stress, and is just as effective a means of advocating yourself or business.

Especially in these times of uncertainty, it is essential to look beyond the purely promotional reasons for networking. Building a solid network of fellow professionals and creating friendships, not acquaintances but friendships, is knitting your own social safety net.

As the former co-chair of Leadership Ann Arbor, I did my best to stress this concept right off the bat. In an environment in which 40-60 participants meet with each other once a month it is easy to underestimate the importance of furthering those relationships outside class. The same applies to any networking groups in which you are involved: it�s not enough to show up once a month.

A quick example�one night I may or may not have found myself involved in an impromptu puppet show in front of an audience of several local business types. I knew only one other person in the room, and strangely that one person was not my fellow puppeteer. As unusual as it was, and as absolutely silly as it sounds, my new partner in sock hand crime quickly became a great friend, and has often given me invaluable professional advice. Not only that, she has been a constant source of encouragement, especially when I felt in crisis. All this due to a spontaneous moment of levity (that may or may not have happened).

Opportunities to meet exciting, professional people in Ann Arbor are scattered and without cohesion (often a major complaint among the very same population), but they do exist in large numbers. Leadership Ann Arbor, as I mentioned above, coaches local business people on effective and responsible citizenship. Having chosen to take part in this Chamber program for three years I will, of course, stress its importance. More than that, I can honestly tell you that it utterly transformed my life in very positive ways. But I have found that to be the case with all the networking groups I�ve joined, as long as I have put forth the effort to simply continue relationships outside the scope of scheduled meetings.

The Chamber has several of low-cost options available to you, but if money isn�t in your arsenal right now there are also plenty of free choices. You can join YP Underground on Facebook, and come out to have a drink with 50-70 people once every six weeks(ish). At the time of this writing, Meetup.com boasts 158 groups in Ann Arbor who meet to share common interests spanning art, hobbies, pets, science, religion, etc. You�ll probably find that soon you�ll be invited to a party, poker/movie/girls�/guys� night, or even someone�s wedding. Just as important, when you find yourself in a moment of distress you�ll be comforted knowing there are a whole slew of people right around the corner you can contact to help you figure it out.

Please list serving a non-profit board in the category of �fantastic ways to meet fascinating people.� Tomorrow I�ll discuss the significant impact doing so has on both you and your community.

Angela Kujava - Post 1: Employers�talk money even when there is none to give

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In general, people approach serious discussions of financial planning enthusiastically. Ultimately, though, the conversations quickly deviate into �what do you think about [my favorite stock]?� or, �I lost/didn�t lose X dollars last fall,� or, �listen, here�s my [insert highly unorthodox scheme], it�s gold, DON�T YOU AGREE?!?� To be fair, these conversations can be quite entertaining, probably more so than me lecturing on the importance of retirement planning, but by ignoring the slightly mundane conversations we are ignoring an enormous problem.

As co-founder of a networking group for Ann Arbor�s young professional population, YP Underground, I meet a high volume of 20- to 30-somethings, and recently I surveyed several on their knowledge and interest in financial planning. Generally speaking, these professionals are very well-educated, still gainfully employed, and have the opportunity for highly successful futures. I mean, they�re Ann Arborites. They comprise the exact demographic over which everyone clamors. Clearly they have it figured out, right?

You may have grasped from the sarcasm that I am not comfortable with the responses. Nor am I shocked or judgmental. Were it not for my vocational experience and professional education, I would probably submit very similar replies. I wouldn�t know how much income is the �right� amount to save, I probably couldn�t coherently explain the difference between a traditional and a Roth IRA, I might not be saving regularly to a retirement plan, and the concept of retirement probably wouldn�t even be on my radar (as it is not for a vast majority of my respondents). Not to mention I probably wouldn�t be able to define what retirement meant to me. No longer are we taught these things, even with one of the best public higher education institutions right in our back yard (for the record, I am a Michigan grad and I certainly didn�t learn about 401(k) contributions in the four years I spent there. Nor were the ramifications of �student loan consolidation� accurately conveyed, but that�s a story for another day).

The survey revealed a most disturbing contradiction�overwhelmingly, respondents understood that they would have to work beyond age 65, and many did not feel they would be able to retire. A majority also reported that they did not believe they would receive full Social Security and Medicare benefits, if any at all. And yet a whopping 88% stated that they were only mildly worried or not even thinking about retirement. Have they given up hope that society has left them with nothing to work and so they should just scrap the whole thing?

I don�t think so. Ann Arbor young professionals are worried about paying the rent and paying the bills.

The impetus to attract and retain young talent lies in the fact that these folks are crucial to the success of this community, as they are for any city. So often we see initiatives directed at making downtown life easier or more appealing for this specific population, and many times addressing affordable housing. I won�t contradict the argument that cheap rent will attract talent and is an important discussion.

My expertise is not housing, so let me approach you from a different angle. Survey results indicate that people want to save, they just don�t feel as if they�re able to do so. Are area employers offering competitive benefits packages that incentivize participants to save? Employees of the University receive a highly competitive two for one match on 403(b) contributions up to 5% of salary (though anyone hired after January 1, 2010 will now have to wait a full year for this match). Understandably the University is a behemoth, and as the county�s largest employer can better afford to provide contribution matches than smaller companies.

Ask a financial advisor to come in and speak to your employees about retirement options. Many are thrilled to do so just for the opportunity to meet new people. Yes, in many cases they may try to sell their services or a product, however they may also provide some really sound advice.
Support automatic IRA enrollment.
At the beginning of each year provide internet links to IRA contribution eligibility and limitations. Encourage employees to contribute what they can throughout the year, or to make a previous-year contribution prior to April 15th if they have extra cash on hand.

I�m not imploring you to hand-hold, and honestly the young professional population does not expect that. You can see it in their responses�they anticipate working a long, long time. My hypothesis in all this is that if you help empower them to plan for a future that doesn�t include toiling until they drop dead maybe they�ll work for you, in Ann Arbor, for years to come.

Brian Tolle - Post 4: Spotting Opportunities for Innovation Final Exam

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I�ve been talking about ways to help you spot opportunities for innovation. Here�s your final exam. What about this scenario represents innovation? Is it plausible? Impossible? Unlikely? Intriguing?

We�ll travel five years into the future to hear Dena, a fictitious 26 year-old, describe her experience.

June 2014

"It took me two years but I finally did it � yesterday I drove away from my local Target store with my brand new Target X Car. And I paid for it without having to take out a loan � even from my parents. Target made it that easy to do:

First, the price of the subcompact model I bought was $2,000 cheaper than other comparable models I looked at.

Second, I signed up for Target�s �Future Freedom� program about two years ago. The program gives you a special Target credit card. The more I purchased at Target with this card, the more points I earned towards the car�s purchase price (up to 10% of the purchase price). The program also has an online savings account option set up with ING Direct that pays me a slightly better interest rate than other banks.

Third, because I selected the car model I was planning on purchasing when I first signed up, Target would send me regular updates on how close I was to having enough saved up to buy the one I wanted. But they do tempt you � sometimes I would get a notice from Target saying a particular model was available at a reduced price (overstocked situation). It may not have been the color or model I wanted but if I was willing to make those trade-offs, I could have had a car quicker and at a lower price. But I stuck with the model I had in mind.

Fourth, I did all the paperwork online before I showed up so all I had to do when I got to Target was enter my code, scan my car key, swipe it on the windshield of my new car, and off I went.

Speaking of trade-offs, there were a few I needed to make to get this brand new car. First, the car is not from a traditional car company like Honda, Ford, or VW. The car has no branding on it but the styling is great. A Canadian auto manufacturer, Magna, actually builds the car. They�ve been assembling cars for BMW and Mercedes for some time now and all the quality ratings put these X Cars at comparable to or slightly better than Japanese cars.

Another trade-off was I only had three models to choose from � small (compact), medium (sedan) or large (crossover). All the models were pre-loaded with the standard features (A/C, iPod plug in, automatic transmission) so I didn�t have much choice there. But I could pick from a lot more colors than I could have if I went to an old fashion car company and there are all these after-market shops that can help me iBrand my car. For instance, I paid $100 to have a logo designed for me and it was easy to snap on (and off) the car so the only brand on my car is my own brand.

Bottom line -- two years of the bus and Zipcars just didn�t give me the freedom (or personal safety) I needed so these trade-offs were no big deal. I�ve got a reliable new car and no debt. Works for me. "

Check out my podcast with colleague Tom Crawford at www.innovate-disrupt.blogspot.com as we discuss whether this future scenario has the potential to be an opportunity for innovation.