My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on December 27, 2011

This past week has been a bit more relaxed since selling this time of year is challenging.  I focused on looking back at the past year, but I still tried to connect with a few of my well established customers. In keeping communication light, I asked what would make me more effective and welcomed when making sales calls on their company next year. One of the guys made the joke (at least I hope it was a joke?!?!) … “show more leg.” 

I enjoyed the laugh until I noticed a couple Sorel ads … hmm … maybe my customer has a point?

Even as a happily married man I know which ad I looked at first, how about you?

Category: Business, Misc | No Comments »
Tags: advertising, Business, Marketing

Posted By RichC on December 26, 2011

I’m really NOT depressed that Christmas is over … actually quite relieved … but the time with family did go fast, way too fast. We were fortunate that the Corbett side of the family was able to be together at our house on Christmas day. The weather held and gave all who drove excellent roads and we even had sunshine (shocking since it has been a rainy December). Brenda over-did the dinner, and décor, which pleased my mother most of all; she definitely appreciates the effort it takes to make things festive and I know is disappointed that her health prevents her from doing the same. We talked and ate, exchanged gifts and ate and played games and yes … ate. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who gained a few extra pounds this Christmas season.

I’m thankful to have a family who enjoys each other and makes the effort to be together over the holidays. Hopefully the tradition will continue for years to come … whether at our house or somewhere else (we did miss the annual Howard gathering and the “Howard Bowl” though).

 
Year of the tablets: Drew gave Katelyn a TouchPad and Taylor got an iPad for Christmas

As far as gifts and giving in our household, there were plenty of highlights from practical to the much desired electronic goodies. My thoughtful son gave me a lightweight waterproof jacket for the boat, my daughter a much needed new wallet and my wife the socks and underwear required to make it another year. Brenda’s 1998 Toyota Rav4 has moved into the 21st century with a GPS, so as long as the driver learns to use it.  We were fortunate to also have Katelyn’s boyfriend Drew with us this Christmas. He has moved up a notch and received his share of “joke” gifts (as well as real ones), which included his own old dirty sock to hang by the fireplace (all in good fun). We had a great time topped off playing a QR Code dice game by Codigo.

Category: Holiday, Personal, Photos | No Comments »
Tags: 2011, christmas, corbett, family

Posted By RichC on December 25, 2011

Since I didn’t post anything on Christmas day this year, I’ll add this short heartwarming story from CBS a few days late (video below). It is a wonderful Christmas story and might just bring a few tears to your eyes.

Category: Holiday, Video-TV | No Comments »
Tags: cbs, christmas

Posted By RichC on December 24, 2011

Almost all companies have customer service issues and what separates the successful from the not-so-successful is how they are able to recover with the least amount of pain. One example this year is Best Buy who in the past was one of my least favorite retailers.

During their pre-Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday store and online sales pushes this year had their first sales increase in six quarters. Unfortunately with such a strong showing they recently had to inform customers that they would be unable to fulfill promised deliveries by Christmas. What infuriated customers (rightly so) was that the notice came only this last week before Christmas.

As expected, infuriated customers called, emailed and complained on forums to and about Best Buy. The solution and positive press for Best Buy was to give out gift cards and in some cases attempt to accommodate orders … and instead of alienating customers and continuing the “bad press” … they may have been able to keep customers and gain some positive PR. One customer shared his frustration and satisfaction with how the issue was handled showed up today in the WSJ, it is probably the least expensive advertising Best Buy has had all year … all due to how they handle a bad situation.

Mr. Mitchell lashed out at Best Buy in emails to the company and posts on its website forums, noting that he would have been able to land the same bundle deal earlier at other stores, if Best Buy had only told him it wasn’t coming.

"It’s a Grinch story," he joked.

But it ended more like "A Christmas Carol," at least for Mr. Mitchell. Best Buy reversed its Scrooge-like declaration in his case and gave him the bundle for the original advertised price of $199. A company vice president also e-mailed him an additional $200 gift card.

"While I can’t say I am happy, I wound up satisfied," he said, adding, "I have spent a lot of money with these folks."

Best Buy didn’t respond to questions on how many upset customers it had calmed down with gift cards.

So a lesson for consumers is to keep up the heat on companies who don’t initially make an attempt to sooth a blunder … you might come out ahead.

Category: Business, Holiday | No Comments »
Tags: best buy, christmas, Holiday, pr, public relations, Shopping

Posted By RichC on December 23, 2011

Can I sail through the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life?

We didn’t put that much time or effort into including a thoughtful letter with our Christmas cards this year, instead we merely included a collage of photos (below). That said we still wanted to wish our family and friends … and those loyal readers of my blog … a very Merry Christmas and healthy New Year.

In hindsight, the year has been a positive one, although I’m sure I’m not the only one who expected a little bit more of an economic recovery? Business has been tough and keeping my chin up more of a challenge than I would like to admit. We can all point fingers, but as the old adage goes … “for every finger you point at someone else, there are three pointing back at yourself.” It is also probably true for many of us that we live beyond our means, fall short in teaching our children and continue to elect ineffective politicians and accept  government as usual.

Negativity aside, I’m thankful to still be living in a country that embraces liberty and rewards personal responsibility. I’m thankful for family and friends who not only support each other, but voluntarily are generous to others in need. As a whole, Americans are like no other when disasters hit and need arises. Our Judeo-Christian morals and values are still alive and exhibited by our citizens even though multiculturalist and secularist gain ground.

On personal reflection, this year has me feeling a bit older. Katelyn is now officially “off the payroll” (as a good friend and blog reader says), a doctor and living on her own. Taylor acts and is very independent with most things. He has been responsible in living off campus, managing his rent, bills and cooking … and realizes that the free and easy college life will soon be coming to an end (although his goal seems to be to stretch it as long as he can, how can I blame him?)

Click for our Corbett Christmas Letter for 2011 in PDF

1975 by Stevie Nicks

This one’s for you daddy.

I took my love and I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
‘Till Landslide brought me down

Oh mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Mmm mmm I don’t know
Mmm mmm
Mmm mmm

Well I’ve been afraid of changing ‘cause I
Built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older, I’m getting older too

Soo (Interlude)

I’ve been afraid of changing ‘cause I
I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder, children get older
I’m getting older too
I’m getting older too
Soo take this love, take it down
Ohh if you climb a mountain and you turn around
If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well the landslide will bring it down, down
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills,
Well maybe, the landslide will bring it down
Well well the landslide with bring it down

Category: Archive, Holiday, Music, Personal, Photos | No Comments »
Tags: archive, brenda, Corbett Christmas Letter, family, katelyn, landslide, letter, pdf, stevie nicks, taylor

Posted By RichC on December 22, 2011

Once upon a time, the word “Plasitcs” was uttered by Mr. McGuire as “enough said” advice for The Graduate in 1967 … nowadays I think we need to start thinking three words or perhaps just the acronym … UAV?

All I can say is find me the “preferred” company to invest in that will dominate both military and commercial UAVs and I think there is money to be made over the next 10 to 20 years. From unmanned drones flying in your neighborhood, to danger zones around the world or just for Hollywood and amateur filmmaking … we’re going to see more planes, spacecraft, flying saucers and helicopters buzzing around. (Besides eliminating terrorists, here’s a great commercial use of a remote control helicopter below)

–

Category: Advice, Audio, Aviation, Financial, Video | No Comments »
Tags: aviaiton, finance, investing, plastics, remote control, uav

Posted By RichC on December 21, 2011

I’ve been happily using Avast! as my virus scanner for the last couple years … and have been off and on satisfied for over a decade. The company updates always get me concerned knowing that the free version could become as bloated as are many others (paid versions aren’t immune either). Thankfully the most recent update merely added links to offsite reports which eases concern that the sites I visit are relatively safe and that my computer is being protected. Resident virus protection aside, it is a good idea to scan your hard drive with other software and occasionally deep clean browser and program bits and piece … check out Revo Uninstaller.

Besides keeping a personal computer clean and running at it best speed, I’m finally satisfied with the WordPress install on the new server. Speeds have been good since I figure out the problem with the Redirection log … and traffic is climbing back to close to where it was prior to changing from richc.myarchive.us to richcorbett.us the new domain – MyDesultoryBlog.com. (graph to right depicts Dec 1st – 20th traffic)

Category: Blogs, Computer | 4 Comments »
Tags: avast, blog, revo uninstaller, stats, virus, wordpress

Posted By RichC on December 20, 2011

A very positive day for a broad swath of Wall Street and U.S. based companies. The stock market saw trading return the Dow Jones Industrial Average back over the psychologically challenging 12,000 mark.

Those watching the ups and downs realize that one day up 300+ points doesn’t mean all that much … especially when considering the year’s volatility. Still for those who’s jobs depend on how investments close out the year, this is good news.

NEW YORK—U.S. stocks rallied as domestic home building jumped to the highest level in nearly two years and another successful Spanish debt auction buoyed investor sentiment. LINK

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 337.32 points, or 2.87%, to 12103.58 in light “close to the holidays” trading on Tuesday. The Nasdaq was up 35.95 or 2.98% to 1241.30 and S&P 500 even better closing up 3.19% to 2603.73.

Category: Financial | No Comments »
Tags: finance, markets

Posted By RichC on December 20, 2011

Brenda and I are enjoying the evenings with our son Taylor who is home from college for Christmas break. He shared a few stories and a cute video from the Miami University (OH) football field that was shown on Sportscenter. The somewhat viral YouTube video (at least on campus) made by the student film team highlighting “Chad in equipment, who dances during warm ups.”

CHAD STYLEZ—Miami (OH) Redhawks Football Dancing Equipment Manager

Category: Humor, Video | No Comments »
Tags: college, football, miami, redhawks

Posted By RichC on December 19, 2011

For those living south of the Mason-Dixon line, a big merger occurred today with the grocery chain Bi-Lo purchasing the larger Winn-Dixie Stores for $560 million. (link) The smaller privately own company purchased the 480 store Winn-Dixie chain and included 380 pharmacies as well. The news bump the share price up 70% with the $9.50/share cash price. The combined company will cover eight states and have about 690 stores  with 63,000 workers and existing Winn-Dixie store will retain their name due to strong name recognition.

"With no overlap in our markets, the combined company will have a perfect geographic fit that will create a stronger platform from which to provide our customers great products at a great value, while continuing to offer exceptional service," said Bi-Lo Chairman Randall Onstead.

Winn-Dixie’s board has unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close in the next 60 to 120 days.

The management structure and headquarters location have yet to be determined, but the companies anticipate keeping locations in both Greenville, S.C. and Jacksonville, Fla.

Winn-Dixie emerged from bankruptcy protection in 2006. In its most recent quarter, Winn-Dixie’s revenues rose 3 percent, yet the company posted a loss of about $24 million.

Shares rose $3.79 to $9.22 in early trading.

AP Photo/DAVID ADAME

Category: Financial | No Comments »
Tags: grocery, pharmacy, retail