Life, liberty and the pursuit of Internet access

By Jack Burke
Think about the things you need to get through the day. Shelter. Food. Clothing. The Internet?
A new study by Cisco finds that more than 50 percent of college students say they could not live without the Internet and say it is "integral" to their lives. Some say it's more important than owning a car, dating or going to parties.
It's amazing to realize how important the Internet has become in our lives--and what that means for the marketing and communications.

An ugly chapter in the Netflix story

 By Pete Kennedy

Forbes has a really good article on the debacle called Netflix. There are brand lessons all around in this piece—and some entertainment for those who enjoying watching a good train wreck.

The latest issue of RunReady is out

By Jack Burke

In the fall issue of RunReady magazine, we feature Waste Industries USA, which provides waste collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling services in an eco-friendly manner. So when the company sought to enhance its environmental footprint, it looked at ways to better use the methane produced at landfills. The result? Waste Industries’ first landfill gas-to-energy project, a $13.5 million investment anchored by four Cat G3520C LFG engines.

We also highlight the Kuwahee Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is near Tennessee River. Protecting that waterway is a key mission of the Knoxville-based utility. As part of a multi-year, multi-million dollar upgrade, Cat emergency gensets and switchgear were installed to help ensure the waterway is safe. But design demands meant certain system components needed special modifications completed on a tight timeline.

Other features in this issue include a look at the importance of load bank testing, keys to remote radiators for gensets and the tradeoffs between single and parallel gensets. The goal of RunReady is to provide practical and helpful information in every edition—the ideas and tips that can help you, our customers, address the challenges of your business.

Contact us for more information about the magazine or other publications.

The power of Social Media

By Jack Burke
Just had a personal experience with the power of Social Media. My wife and I had a door installed by a big box retailer. They hired a local contractor to do the work--not well, in our estimation. We weren't getting anywhere with the big box folks (he's not our employee, he's the one you have to talk to) and the contractor is nowhere to be found--of course.
So my wife tweeted her frustration. In less than 24 hours, she had a response from corporate. I'll update you on whether our problem gets solved.

Sweat the small stuff? You betcha!

By KrisMatz

When it comes to customer service, the small stuff IS important. Today, as I frequently do, I went to McDonald’s at lunch for my afternoon dose of caffeine – a medium, iced mocha, nonfat with light whipped cream and a little chocolate drizzle. I pulled up to the window to pay, and the lady (in a manager’s shirt) simply says “three-fourteen.” No “hello”, no “please.” I hand her $4 and she hands me $.86 in change. No “have a nice day,” no “thank you.”

Even though my order was delivered properly, I drove away wishing for an alternate and convenient coffee resource. So…if you’re a customer-facing employee—don’t forget the small stuff, like simply being polite and friendly.