At the Corner of Assertiveness & Cooperation: Collaboration
Let’s face it, conflict is part of life. It’s a necessary part of negotiation, relationship-building, learning and growth. But how much do accomplish when you sense a conflict? Do you put your gloves on, take out a scalpel, wave a white flag? This article from The Customer Collective describes the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, a tool developed to measure... Read More
A Plug for p:ear
Your business can make a difference. p:ear is an innovative program for homeless youth in old town Portland that my business, friends and family support. This organization is in its seventh year of providing positive mentoring relationships for these valuable young people through education, art and recreation. p:ear’s vital work is made possible through the generous contributions... Read More
Waste is Stupid
The 3/50 Project
I am continually inspired by sites that are designed to support local businesses and sustainability. Oregonically Grown and the Handmade Pledge are a couple of networks designed to support local and sustainable businesses. Many more are sprouting up and will be mentioned here with enthusiasm. Today, I came across The 3/50 Project: A blog designed to support local businesses by... Read More
Bright Idea
I just joined Bright Neighbor here in Portland. A web-based neighborhood network that is helping Portland residents to: Help sequester carbon in Portland! Find all things local Connect with neighbors with similar interests Stay secure – members are verified and really in your neighborhood Swap & Share skills, tools, and land Track everything you’ve lent or borrowed Grow... Read More
Rank a Brand
How responsible is a corporation? Besides reading a handful of shareholder reports that you may not feel you can trust, how do you know how “good” the company is that made your purse? Check out: rankabrand.com. The score card is simple (maybe too simple): a handful of questions are used to address corporate environmental policy, carbon emissions and human rights and... Read More
365Awesome.com
Get inspired by awesomeness and check out I Spy Joy’s new 365Awesome.com. Read More
Take a Pledge
Take the Handmade Pledge for 2010 I am decidely optimistic about 2010. There’s a lot I’d like to change and improve in my life and the world around me, and I like the calendar year as a measurement for my progress. I’m a sucker for badges and seals, placards and signs… probably a hold-over from my childhood scouting days. Now I’m scouting small businesses... Read More
8 Questions and Why
From Seth Godin’s blog. Who are you trying to please? What are you promising? How much money are you trying to make? How much freedom are you willing to trade for opportunity? What are you trying to change? What do you want people to say about you? Which people? Do we care about you? (and after each answer, ask ‘why?’) Read More
What Matters Now
Seth Godin announced the release What Matters Now: a free compilation of ideas from notable thinkers, entrepreneurs, politicians, artists and writers about (if I may be so bold) how the world is changing, how our purpose is changing and what you have to do with it. Find it on Seth’s blog, on wepapers or Scribd and get inspired to write your own. Read More