Stuart R. Crawford

I am not stating that the way Joddey Hicks from Heartland Technology Solutions in Ames, IA and I see live is correct, maybe we are so far off in right field that it isn’t funny, however it is the way we enjoy to live and it is our decision.  And you know what, who cares what others think - I respect your opinion and your life, but it is exactly your life and that is perfectly fine.

So Joddey wrote something in his blog that I totally forgot talking to him about until he wrote about it and you know something it is the glue that I need over the past few days to get my spirits up again.  Gout can knock the crap right out of you and being laid up, feel useless and not contributing (and especially not hearing anything from your team at the office as well), makes a guy feel sort of useless.

Joddey mentioned in his blog posting at http://thoughtsfromthesalesguy.blogspot.com/2008/09/quick-start.html that we like to remain connected.  You know something it reminds me of a commercial on TV right now about vegetarians and those that enjoy meat.  I think it went something like “I am meatatarian, It is a personal choice, and I am committed to it”, well I choose to be connected all the time, it is a personal choice and I am committed to it. 

I spend many hours during the day with my laptop on my lap or my blackberry in my hand, checking emails, communicating with clients, strategizing electronically with my staff and general making noise (as Jean my coach calls it, but pleasant noise) in the community and in business.  This was one of the keys to my success and maybe one of the things why in a pinch, people reach out to me.  They know that I will respond.

To be totally candid, I can’t stand people that simply can not see the importance of responding to a voice mail or an email,  how long does it take to say - Got it, working on it, let me look into it or give an simple YES or NO answer.  It actually makes my blood boil.  Not stating that I expect people to be like me and live connected 24/7 but hello, isn’t that the world we live in today. 

There comes a time that I will pass over those that can not be relied on because of their communication behaviours, even if they are the best overall choice.  I would rather have someone who communicates and takes action immediately over someone who replies to request when they feel like it.  It is all about advancement and getting things done it today’s high paced, global economy.

Perhaps the best thing that happened in the world of communications for me was when Microsoft made their Messenger program available on the Blackberry.  Fantastic, now I have Live Messenger when I am mobile.  I am jumping up and down with joy, it is amazing.  Check it out at http://www.rimarkable.com/free-msn-messenger-client-for-blackberry-emsnlite

Balance is important in life, there are times that I don’t take my Blackberry with me, and that is important.  Just like Joddey states in him blog posting.  Him and I share this, at least we know we are caught up and that is a wonderful feeling.  So I can leave my Blackberry at home when I have dinner with my wife or take the kids to a hockey game and know that the business of the day is taken care of.

So here is my tip to those that do not live the lifestyle of what Joddey and I do.  Do yourself a favour, respond to those that ask you questions, get caught up and then go do what you do.  It would help out the world big time.

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