Strategic nonconformity is not just a philosophy, it's a way of life.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thanks!
Peter and I had a great time attending yesterday's invitation-only open house at the Exchange District offices of Tractus Group. The Tractus team specializes in interior renovation of commercial spaces, and in addition to a growing portfolio of built projects, are building a reputation for quality work and customer responsiveness. (Photo: Peter chats with Tractus co-owner Ivan Cabezas.)
In addition to top-quality workmanship, Tractus promises to always return phone calls - usually the same day. If you're planning a commercial construction or renovation project, I'd encourage you to put that promise to the test.
In further reading Jack Whyte's, the Eagle I was inspired by an exchange in the book between Lancelot and King Arthur with Lancelot describing what he had learned about the word 'perception' from Merlin.
Merlin had told Lancelot that "People's perceptions can govern how they behave and even how they live their lives." Merlin went on to say, "Perceptions can influence a man, or a group of men, or an army, or even entire peoples, to change their ways of doing things and adopt new beliefs and new ideas. Perceptions - the way people perceive things - can shape destinies."
Lancelot spoke of 'perceptions' to the King as a prelude to his recommendation that he (Arthur) institute a baptism of a sort with his Round Table select. He spoke to Arthur of the perception these men had of him, his invulnerability through Excalibur, his ethics and honor, chivalry, his humanity and of his Godly ability to lead them and all of Britain. Lancelot recommended, as a way of instilling these perceptions back upon them, to use Excalibur. He said, "If they come to you in the veil of dawn, properly prepared and spiritually cleansed, and kneel before your feet in loyalty and humility, you will bless them with the power of the sword by laying its bare blade upon their shoulders, one, and then the other. Then, when they rise again, they will be transformed. Because they will be perceived, by their peers, and in their own eyes just as firmly, as being different, being altered ... being more than they were before."
And so the legend of Arthur suggests the the first knights ... the first Sirs ... were those of the fabled Round Table.
I couldn't help but consider the role 'perception' plays in marketing. Tangent invites readers to consider how perception may embolden their marketing. Discussions on perceptions in marketing ... at the next Communicati gathering.
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Jack Whyte, "The Eagle" (published by the Penguin Group 2005) perception p. 19 - 21
Reading partially through Jack Whyte's book, The Eagle, a work of Arthurian legend, King Arthur confers with one of his knights as they survey the ruins of a once magnificent villa. What they see before them is, as the King puts it, "Wanton destructive savagery, ruination and defilement for the pure love of creating chaos and havoc." The destruction reminds him of an east Germanic tribe most notably remembered for the sacking of Rome in 455. The reputation they earned for themselves, the King says, "will never be forgotten, for whenever cultured men see violence and destruction on this kind of scale, they will recall the tribe known as the Vandals."
In the same book Whyte spoke of the early French as being reputedly wonderful horsemen credited with bringing the stirruped saddle to western Europe. He went on to say that from the time of their first appearance in the Roman Empire, along the Rhine River in the third century, they had a reputation for being blunt spoken and utterly tactless, probably because their original tongue contained few of the subtleties of Latin or Greek. To this day we still use the term "speaking frankly" to denote directness and an unwillingness to mince one's words.
Jack Whyte, "The Eagle" (published by the Penguin Group 2005) frankly p. 10 of Arthur's Note Vandals p. 62
The other day Peter and I had the opportunity to view the facilities of one of our suppliers, Prolific Group (http://www.prolific.ca/). The tour was, quite simply, fascinating. Aside from the company's range of capabilities in direct mail, print on demand, variable data, and digital printing, and of course offset printing of all kinds, Prolific is notable for its green approach to the printing industry. It seems that almost no facet of its production process has escaped scrutiny, including paper recycling, FSC certification, near-elimination of toxic solvent use, and proper disposal of its e-waste. The marketing manager even drives a hybrid car.
Most exciting of all is the company's confident assertion that the choices to "go green" have been no mere publicity ploy, but are supported by a solid business rationale. Good for the environment has also meant good for business, in Prolific's case.
Member of Parliament, Pat Martin wants to eliminate the penny from Canadian currency.
Carole found a penny today in the Costco parking lot ... she had good luck for the rest of the day. She asked me for my thoughts on a penniless Canada. I thought .... "Had the penny already been disposed of, it would have cost her a nickle for my thoughts." If the penny had never become a component of our global economy we would never have had Henny Penny or Miss Money-Penny, or penny candy ... and we would have been entirely pound foolish.
If Pat had any cents he would drop his 'Eliminate the Penny' campaign and give his attention to eliminating crime in the streets, improving our infrastructure and healthcare system and bringing the JETS back to Winnipeg. Anyway, just thought I'd throw in my two cents.
One side of me enjoys reading about people doing Really Really Dumb Things. I think it makes me feel better, because although I occasionally do something dumb, I am confident I will never:
