Why I dumped and hooked back up* with Raheem DeVaughn

I unliked one of my favorite musician’s, Raheem DeVaughn, facebook page because he was just too pushy. I love the man’s music and voice, and wanted to find out when he was coming to a town near me, but was too put off by the constant requests to buy his album, A Place Called Loveland. I have it. And it was because of the facebook page that I knew it was released, but social media is more about connecting with your audience – offering something to them…sometimes not directly related to your product or service. If we like an artist’s or business’ page, we’re already a fan. Find that common thread that binds us and exploit that.

Raheem DeVaughn should take a page from Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott or Maxwell. They pose thoughtful questions, and/or share lyrics and personal pictures on their facebook pages. While sharing family photos is not for every celebrity (Marsha is comfortable with it), I believe Raheem’s audience would prefer a snapshot of his band practicing before a gig or the outfit he’ll perform in, an occasional 10-second video clip of him singing the interlude Dear Love Queen/ #10, a Christmas classic, or his rendition of an old-school jam we all love. That will garner genuine likes and authentic interaction. And it will certainly bring me back.

*Footnote: In gathering example shots of these artists’ pages, I am happy to report that Raheem has lightened up on the album pleas. I did see society related questions, a sound snippet, video clips, and candid snapshots. Someone must have said something, because he got the message.

Take pride, South Carolina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning I attended an Upstate Chamber Coalition event, the Upstate Transportation Summit, at BMW’s Zentrum. I did not make last year’s, but did attend in 2011, and sadly, we have not made much progress.

 

As the final presenter's slide foretold, we were about to learn of the Pennies for Progress sales tax initiative that has brought good fortune to York County’s roadways system since 1997. While I recalled that Phil Leazer is a lively presenter, I was disappointed that he is still making this spiel…trying to convince Greenville County to join the caravan of 38 counties utilizing an infrastructure sales tax. 

 

It is hard to fathom that such a progressive and celebrated city as Greenville -- we've received countless awards and recognition for our philanthropy/volunteerism, foodie designation, job market & economic growth potential, affordability, arts scene, downtown and Falls Park, healthcare, and quality of life -- is so behind in the race. To go to all that trouble to make companies and families want to call Greenville home, and then not follow through on properly accommodating our guests and new neighbors seems a failure in southern hospitality.

 

Yes, we are blessed to live in a thriving town, but all the new employees driving to work on I-85 and 385, and families shopping at Greenbridge and dining at Magnolia Park and downtown are taking a toll on our roads. While I don’t have Greenville numbers (the most populous county in SC), I learned today that 69% of South Carolina roads are in poor condition and those roads cost every SC driver an average of $255 in vehicle repairs and operating costs per year. South Carolina drivers also lost 18,661,827 hours sitting in traffic. 

Additionally, we are fortunate that our governor, Nikki Haley, brings/keeps big business in South Carolina by incentivizing them and offering generous tax breaks. The same can be said for Greenville’s economic development entities. But at some point, all of the company perks offset and even reverse the benefits realized by the citizens who comprise our town and state. Many of the 700 companies that import and export goods through our ports realize generous profits thanks to the cost of doing business in SC. Although they are not obligated to share their wealth, they do own some responsibility in giving back to the state that offers so much to them.

 

In order to keep up with Greenville’s rapid growth, we must act now. SC roads are the third deadliest in America. We have the third lowest fuel tax in the nation (behind Alaska and New Jersey), yet we maintain the fourth largest interstate system. South Carolina has not had a fuel tax increase since 1987. And instead of increasing the annual vehicle registration fee, we lowered it by $7 (an amount that has remained unchanged for nearly 30 years). It's time to get with the program.

 

No longer can we say it's up to the federal government. Our roadways are a precious resource and we can either make a small sacrifice and reap the rewards now, or continue reacting to traffic congestion and repairing dilapidated roads and bridges far too many years down the road. Our lives and livelihoods are riding on it.

Don't Forget Us

For months, I’ve been reading articles about companies bending over backwards to attract Millennials. The one that got me today was the Wall Street Journal's "Social Seal of Approval Lures Talent: Employers Tout Their B Corp Label as a Credential to Compete for Young Hires." And I must admit, as a Generation Xer, I feel like the co-worker the group fails to invite to lunch.

Yes, traits commonly associated with Millennials – they’re ambitious; they possess a do-gooder, all hands-on-deck mentality; and they’re mad tech-savvy – are admirable. But they are not exclusive to that group. Employers should not forget the Baby Boomers, and X and Y generations. We too are hungry for employers committed to social and environmental responsibility…we crave employers that recognize, develop and promote talent…and we long for work-life balance. 

You Only Live Once…Time to Begin Happily Ever After

 

Recently, a lot of my friends have expressed their discontent with their jobs and their desire to leave their current employer. But jobs are hard to come by nowadays. The workforce longs for the market to flip control, where "buyers" call the shots. Because under the reign of this employer’s job market, they've developed impossible-to-please appetites…like that of a finicky child. Every candidate must perfectly meet the job qualifications, as experience in another industry and lack of proficiency in a teachable skill is seen as the onions and mushrooms that dare touch their plates.

 

Some employers are skeptical of anyone wanting to leave their current job. They fear the person is disloyal, and suspect they’ll abandon them, too. I applaud my friends for realizing they are not fulfilled and for desiring to work for an organization that aligns with their values, and where advancement opportunities genuinely exist. Oftentimes, they find they were simply sweet nothings gushingly and falsely promised during the recruiting courting process.

 

The notion of looking out for numero uno – yourself – is usually attributed to millennials. But now, 40-somethings have the audacity to put themselves first and seek a job they actually enjoy. Most folks know they’ll never make Forbe’s wealthiest list. And they are okay with that, because it is not monetary wealth they seek, it’s simply to be blessed with life’s simple riches – a livelihood they love, and good health that affords them time with treasured family and friends.