More Random Thoughts... Enjoy!!

First and I guess foremost, I have to address that I deleted my last post. While I will not go into details here, as this blog has and will continue to serve its initial purpose,  To create a few laughs, vent, and to just throw out there what is going on in my little world.  While it was NOT a mistake to write what I had written, as ALL of it was true I must close that chapter of my book and keep my memories for me. Life has a funny way of showing you things that you couldn't imagine could or would ever happen to you.

All that being said... 

I am in a box right now, that is slowly shrinking! No not a coffin lol but, I guess it is fairly similar or at least feels that way as of late.  Follow me if you will, my career is or has tanked and i'm still trying to find a job. In the process of searching, interviewing etc. I have realized something.. The first, is that I believe in myself and my abilities. The second, is that despite what family members and a few friends think, I will own my own business.  Which is something that as recent as 2 years ago, I never would have thought that I could do! ( its a self esteem thing.. Constant work in progress ) While I am looking for work daily, I set aside 2 times during the day for me. The first, is just an hour or so to just reflect, take deep breaths, and meditate. The second, is to masturbate. Just kidding! (wanted to make sure you were paying attention... lol ) Honestly, the second is to formulate exactly HOW I want my business to be. I am reading books, doing my homework, asking the RIGHT questions and trying to be as fully prepared as I can be.

Starting a business, is a lot like having children.  Or at least that is the impression I have, it never seems to be the "right" time, money is never where you would like it to be, double, triple checking EVERYTHING to make sure it is a wise decision and that you are "baby proof" Like having a child your business should be your baby. ( Well, if you are like me and don't have any kids lol)  I still have questions, ( PLENTY) and trying to be as careful as I can be about getting them answered.

More importantly, how do you know you received the right answer? because it worked for that person? maybe.. But, what is right for one may not be right for all too right? I don't want someone to feed me with false information or just to appease me, but it is tough to figure out everyone's true intentions.  The point is, I need help.  I want this to succeed, and realize that a lot of it will be calculated risk, gut instinct and the will to succeed. In the end, I am responsible for the success or failure of the biz.

This, plus much more is going on with myself and those closest to me.  I am far from perfect, nor do I strive to be, I just want to be the BEST that I can be!

Thanks for reading!

Just in case someone IS reading this lol please post in comment section what topic YOU would like me to vent, just talk about, or whatever for the next entry! It can be light, funny, serious, whatever!

Thank you  for reading,

Currently listening to:

lil bit of everything lately..

Not that anyone is reading this...

As the title says, no one reads this and understandably so seeing as I haven't written anything in months LOL so, I just thought that I would write a few things to get shit off my mind. If by chance someone other than myself IS reading this, thank you and many apologizes for cursing..

First off, I hate Texas. Slow drivers, slow people, Hot as hell all the time and just not my scene at all.

Second, I am tired of flaky people! say what you mean for crying out loud!! quit being a pussy and say it. If you don't want to hire me, or you don't want to communicate as a friend say so! I'm tired of always being the one to have to "check back" on something YOU told me. In other words, don't say " I'll get back to you in 24-48 hours than make ME contact you. And if I am the one that does, apologize, no explanation no biggie, I'm not that needy. Move on, but than YOU make the next contact... Don't make ME follow up yet again! Seriously, I have made HUGE strides to stop writing people off completely... But, as of late I'm thinking that maybe that wasn't such a bad thing after all... Sure, in the past I have written people off only to regret it later, and that was my fault... That's why I wanted to change that aspect of my personality.. but, I guess you get in what you put in.. If you feel like you are putting all the effort in... Chances are that you have been! so, move on. So, that is what I am going to be doing the rest of the week.

The old question has always been "Why do good people die, and pricks live forever?" I don't know, I still don't get that one either... Maybe I'm just too nice? is that a possibility? What is the deal? That's my rant for now, but rest assured I will definitely have more soon.

Best.

Frustrating...

Well, Valentines has come and gone and I am happy to report that I survived it! I hope you all did as well. Tonight, I have a few frustrations that I wanted to share but, also to see if I am the ONLY one that has these frustrations. I wouldn't classify this entry as a rant, but rather annoyance's that I and possibly we face on a day to day basis.

The first is, (and I think I may have already kind of touched on this a little bit in an earlier post) but, I cannot stand being stood up! and when I say that, i'm not saying it as in the dating world although that is horrible too! But, I am referring to when you write an email, call, text or whatever form of communication you use; and the person doesn't get back to you for an extended time or not at all. Lately, this has been happening to me more often than I care to admit. It frustrates me, not that the person didn't get back within seconds, minutes or hours, but when it is OBVIOUS that they have received what you sent them, or put out there... and you get no answer! no reply of any kind. Now a days, in public social media outlets it is simple to a fault. It tells you when something has been read, or even if it has not been read, you figure that if they are posting things on their page they must have read an email that you sent 5,6,10 day's or so ago.

I realize, that because I am out of a job and currently my one and only job is finding a job that I have become ultra sensitive to just about everything and it stinks. That portion is on me, I have way more time on my hands than I care to have, and really shouldn't even let it annoy me. BUT, it does, it does because its a common courtesy. Something that I have been really trying hard to "fix" about myself is to give people the benefit of the doubt, as I know someone has given me that same opportunity. In the past, if this had happened I would write the person off completely. Without thought, without regret, I could just delete you and never have any interest in speaking to you again. I have been struggling with that lately. One of the frustrations, is that you just want to be heard, and respected even if what you are saying isn't the popular opinion! it should count none the less. No one likes to voice their opinion, idea, thought etc. only to have it ignored, made fun of, or treated as a less than credible thought.

I think my reason for being frustrated and annoyed about it faster than probably most or even usual for me, is the no job thing. When someone doesn't reply, doesn't acknowledge your thoughts etc. it makes you feel the same as if you were standing right there in front of them and hearing them say something like " hmm no." or just not pretending like you didn't say anything. I get that enough from looking for a job, and possible employers! just never thought or wanted to get that reaction outside of the job hunt realm...

I am making strides to constantly grow into a better person, a better man, I have so much to offer the right company, and now fearful that the longer I go without a job the deeper I will fall into a personality coma and the things that make up who I am. My attitude is bright, positive, and always looking for opportunities. The above is just a fear, and something I have been praying a lot about lately. As far as the frustration or annoyance goes.... Just when IS enough? when is the right time to "cut it off" is there such a time? Do you call the person out first? address it head on? ignore it, and chalk it up to just relax a lil? lol who knows...

I do know this much, I am ready to work and stop these little trite thoughts! LOL I do hope to have some better news soon.

Almost that time...

Well, its almost that time again for Valentines Day... I really wish I was excited for it, but to be honest i'm just not at all. This whole being out of work thing, has drained me emotionally! I feel taxed, bills piling up and my dog has been my been my best friend since being laid off. What does any of that have to do with Valentines Day you say? Well, it's just damn near impossible to find someone special when you don't have a job. It's not like i'm 17 or anything, I'm 36! women at my age are looking to settle down, get serious and have higher expectations from a man. I can't blame them at all, it makes sense. So, needless to say I am not "looking" for someone right now. In my opinion, that is a benefit to having a job, car, own place etc. but, it sucks none the less. I feel almost selfish for wanting that relationship, job, a nice home to call mine.. Lately, I have been putting that relationship up there with getting a job! Right now though, I just don't have too much to "offer" a woman. Yeah yeah, i'm a good guy, etc I do have things to offer but those tend to be overshadowed when you don't have a job.

I am so freaking hungry for work, a career, a workplace home if you will.. I'll move anywhere, open to learning new things and grow as a person. I WANT to go into work early and leave late! I take tremendous pride in whatever I do, and I am constantly thinking of new things, to stay creative. My "Light" is on, i'm home and ready to make someone's company blow up! Again, this all plays a part in a potential relationship... Because, if I feel that I am doing great things at work, it will show and i'll be more confident in finding the right person. Does that make sense?

Ok, on a much lighter note... I'm watching for the first time Jersey Shore on VH1 or MTV? and it is such a horrible show, but I can't stop watching it! lol A couple of things i've noticed about it... I do like how they stick up for each other, call each other out. But, there is way too much drama, and they all have the cheez effect going on for sure.. Most of them have given themselves a nickname and refer to themselves in the third person! so, I started to wonder.... If I was on that show, what would my name be? (except old man, old fart etc.) Would love to hear thoughts! And be honest! post in comments below! I will of course keep everyone in the loop as far as job opportunities! I would say to pray for me, which would be great! but, there are sooo many others that have it worse than me! instead pray hard for them!

So, sorry no funny dating stories as of late... BUT, hopefully I'll have something new to share and soon!

Listening to: Muse

Been a while!

I didn't realize just how long it has been since my last entry! So, I apologize for how random this one will be in advance......

First, I wanted to just touch on some different thoughts. My sister, recently made a post on her facebook page trying to find a way to get women into dealerships. Believe it or not, women today make up for ( I believe ) half of the people buying vehicles today. Meaning, two things: The first, is that the husband isn't the one going to dealerships "looking for a good car for the wife" anymore. The other, that women today are more independent than ever. It shouldn't be a mystery or shocker that women are climbing corporate ladders faster than ever before, opening their own businesses, and not depending on man to make vehicle purchases. That being said, dealers must change their "traditional" thinking when not only selling to women, but how to brand, advertise, and appeal to a woman's need. The days of "we'll run this ad, throw this and that lingo" to appeal to a man are over. Just now, many dealers are getting on the internet marketing, clearly about 10 years too late! if they don't make changes to appeal to women, they will miss the boat on not only potential sales but on what quite possibly the future of their dealership.

So, what can dealers do today? how can they appeal to women? what strategies are in place now that need to be changed, altered or all together different? I think, just from watching ads that several if not all manufacturers are making the change to appeal to women. However, the only opening that I can see is the liberation! These women have fought, picked, struggled to be treated as equals and in return we advertise (heavy too) about minivan's and sedans that have room for car seats. That isn't to say that those ads don't have their place either, they absolutely do! mom's are strong, independent women as well. But, what about the single women in her mid thirty's or late twenties, even the cougar in her mid forty's? what is their vehicle? It's actually kind of funny, for years people would say things like "Oh, that's a total chick car" but, if that's true...... and you know where I am going with this... Why wasn't it advertised as such? what's wrong with a "chick car?" I don't get it... If it is, and the adage is true ( Perception is reality) than why not take advantage of it? I understand and get that car companies don't want to alienate anyone, and put their vehicles in one set category. However, there HAS to be a new angle to go with. When the manufacture's fail to give that, it is up to the dealer! If you go to YouTube, the women in the ads are used for men. Usually dressed scantily, or doing some kind of cheezy sex reference.... Time is done with, over. Give them what they want, they deserve it! I also understand that the "type" of ads a dealer makes will dictate its clients. For example: The dealers that advertise a push, pull and drag sale, are more likely to get customers with bad credit, (which btw is fine! I have bad credit... uggh) vs a dealer that emphasizes its services, product, and current deals. I would be willing to bet that the latter has customers that aren't "get me done's" and are approved thru traditional lending institutions.

So, back to the initial question my sister had.. "How can we get women to go to our dealerships?" No doubt, that today's choices are more vast than ever, so the product is there, its high quality, and offers much more today for ANY consumer than ever before. That in mind, here are some things that I would advise for a dealer to start with.

* Community, before you start thinking that if I run an ad with a woman driving one of my vehicles, lets go back to basics. (think K.I.S.S. ) Community should be somewhere in the top 3 things a dealer should do. If you go to a dealer, any dealer you will see that they sponsor a baseball team or football team etc. great! here's your merit badge. Go a few steps further, get into the local businesses, get to know the neighbors, the people that make up where your dealership is. It should frustrate the hell out of a dealer to drive around town and see the same product they sell with another dealers name on the back from a different town.

* Internet, now that we have all these social media outlets they should be utilized! btw, that doesn't mean that you stick a dealer page on facebook and just stop there... YouTube! wow, I can't believe that dealers aren't using it. Yes, that means that YOU have to be the creative one's stop complaining about ads that manufacture's run or local ad agencies and be proactive genius. At the very least, list who you want as a customer and convey it to the agency that you do use and let the real pro's have at it.

* Humor! What is the one universal thing that women say they are most attracted to about a man? humor! But be careful! why? prime example: While I am funny looking, being funny is completely different... trust me on that one. Seriously though, humor does work with everyone! if something is funny, it tends to stick around and become a little infectious. Do people at the water cooler talk about the straight laced or even the crazy car sales man commercials or something like "The Trunk Monkey" look it up on YouTube....

* Instead of hiring a model to be in your ads wearing a low cut top and a short dress, show one of your female staff members! dressed professionally, as not only a representation of your dealership, but would act as a "comfort" blanket to potential female buyers.

* These should be in place always! I honestly don't think there is a short term fix or event that would sway serious female buyers. You can do an event, and maybe get a few extra sales for the weekend, sure... But, dealers should be thinking long term and already have effective strategies for appealing to women.

I do have more coming and soon! Thanks for reading!

Currently listening to: Nirvana

Passion

I wanted to touch on a subject today that I think most if not all of us have, PASSION. Its passion that gets us up in the morning, its passion that kisses our significant other in the morning and go to work. It's passion that helps guide us to succeed in whatever job we are in. It's passion that for some, (not all) that gives us a comfort that there is a higher power out there helping us make the right decisions, (Religion).

For many, passion starts with a general interest, while for others it is passed on to us and there really isn't a substantial meaning as to why we are so passionate about it. A prime example, although simple; is football. I grew up on the Bengals, I know my parents had been Bengal fans since I can remember and they just became "my team" I have no real alliance to Cincinnati other than my parents and relatives that live there or have once lived there. But, they are my team. For the record though, the Bears are my team as well because I did live in Chicago and fell in love with Chicago sports. In case you are wondering, Cubs fan. White Sox equal white trash. LOL Its ok, it is after all a great cross town rivalry. If the Sox go to the big game, even cub fans come together and root for the Sox because they represent the city.

Back to passion....

I can't seem to buy any of my readers thoughts, but would love for whomever is reading this to post what their passion is and why. As for me, I have a few passions! I define a passion as something that when brought up in conversation you tune everything out just get more information. Its not a hobby, or something that you just really like. I love movies, but not so much that they are a "passion" etc. So, here are a few of MY passions that I will always care about and most importantly want to share with others.

The first is the Automotive Industry, this is a passion to me similar to the Bengal example, I grew up around it. When I was young, I would hear stories from my dad, my relatives (who by the way also have gas infused veins) When I say the automotive industry, most would say "well, that's kind of vague" there are many aspects to it... Exactly! In my past I have been involved with several different aspects of it. From being a porter who cleans the cars at a dealers or "lot lizard" as they are known.. To selling vehicles, the manufacturer side or Advertising/Marketing the vehicles. I used to think that my resume was kind of scattered around the auto industry, and not to appealing to potential employers. Now, I look at it as experience. Believe it or not, a lot of the "higher ups" in the corporate aspect of the auto industry and most in the advertising side, have NEVER stepped a foot in the different areas of a dealership, other than to pick up their new demo. While career wise, I am open to several different opportunities I cannot and will not abandon my automotive roots. I will always be "that guy" at a wedding or any event for that matter talking about the new car, or the industry in it of itself.

Family! I am passionate about not just my immediate family but relatives as well. Honestly though, I highly doubt any of them would know that! because, we all live in different parts of the country and "life" sometimes catches up to us, whether it be kids, work, stresses, etc. that we don't slow down and just say thank you for being there. I see a lot of families that all live in the same town and they all know each other really well, know what is going on in each others lives, the good and the bad etc. but, regretfully our family isn't one of those families. Which, is ok! just takes a lil bit more effort. However, I would hope that they would know that I am always here for them.

Another passion of mine, is Humor!. I LOVE to make people laugh. I truly love to see people smile. Strangers, friends, family it doesn't really matter to me. In today's times, I think people are smiling and laughing less and less. I can't really blame them (even me at times) there isn't anything going on for our country that is worth a smile.. But, I get a satisfaction from seeing that particular emotion evoked from people instantly. Each of us are "wired" in our own way, but one thing that we cannot control is what WE think is humorous. Whether it is political (Jon Stewart) who by the way, I don't think is funny at all, but understand and respect his brand of comedy. Or the "Git R Done" of Larry the Cable Guy. Two different styles, yet the same results. While their brand is different, what they have in common is that, they too love to see people laugh. As for me, I don't really have one "style" what I mean by that is, I can tell the dirty raunchy jokes and on occasion and enjoy hearing them as well, but also the simple "G" rated humor as well. I have learned though, be careful with your humor....It is a power! So, use the force wisely! Meaning, your pastor most likely doesn't want to know the one about the Priest, the Rabbi, and the midget that go to a whore house joke... (btw, there really isn't a joke with that.. just for example purposes! lol ) in other words, a certain amount of decorum and knowing who you are talking to is definitely important! Its funny actually, I had to tell a friend of mine on Facebook to kind of "tone it down" on what he was posting on my page... I told him that I have a lot of family members on there, and many would not appreciate or get his humor without at least knowing him and to email me those kinds of jokes. To me, I thought it was kind of funny that I had to even tell him that!

In closing, while I have more passions in my life than what I posted here today, these are the one's I chose to write about because I have been thinking a lot about them as of late. I would however, LOVE to hear any of your passions! how they became to be, and if you think you have room for even more passions in the future!

Thanks in advance, wish everyone peace, happiness, and for cryin out loud laugh a little bit today!

Job Search

I apologize for not posting anything as of late! My job search has consumed me! As I go through all these sites, looking here, looking there, applying here and there all the while trying to keep the hope alive to continue my path to greatness! I will be a success for whomever hires me! why? well, a few reasons really. The first, is that I am so hungry to dive into a position and apply my skills and what I have learned over the past years to a team of other successful people and will do whatever it takes to make the company and those around me a success. The second, I live at home with my mom right now. Let me retype that in case it didn't sink in... I LIVE AT HOME WITH MY MOM! Don't get me wrong, I love my mom very much, however I didn't plan on spending my 30's living at home! I have got so many goals, and things left to do on my "list" that wherever I get a job, I will make sure to not just do a good job.... but put everything I have into it so I can achieve those goals. Earlier in my career, I think I just did the job. Don't get me wrong though, I have always taken pride in my work but with no personal goals it becomes too routine. Now that I have set higher standards for myself and attainable goals I am anxious to get out there and not only do a good job, but have something to show for it. I don't need medals, or awards, I have other things I want from my work. Third, what started out as sort of a joke, has now become kind of a reality. I was joking with my sister saying that I "felt sorry for whomever hired me, because I would do just about anything around the office, from cleaning the windows and floors to picking up lunch for everyone! lol You know, the guy in the office that has to have EVERYTHING perfect... I'm finding that I am turning into that guy... which isn't bad at all really, better to be THAT guy than the guy that's into cocaine breaks at work... lol Currently, I am helping a friend write a show that he wants to pitch to a tv station. It's a lot of fun, but i'm sure it will be a lot of work as well.

My dad once told me about a light everyone has.. And that light turns on at different times for different people. For my sister, it turned on in college. For me, probably not until after college to be honest. This light, is a light that turns on when you just "get it" whether it's school, work, relationships, etc. Now, when my dad made that light comment he was referring to school. Well, I wanted to grow that thought into several lights... One for school, one for your attitude, one for your work ethic. etc. the list is almost endless really. Well, my lights are on someone is home, and anxious to put myself, my skills, and my goals to the test. Question is... Who is going to take that chance on me? I'll keep ya updated as the journey continues. Many blessings to those who read this, and have a great week.

Currently listening to: Tenacious D