Back in October we rolled out five values that we hold supreme at BG. I have been mulling these over and one in particular has reared up for me as a theme that I think will resonate for many people as a critical one in this New Year.

This morning I was reading a story by Eric Dash from the NYT about banks and debt collectors forgiving late fees, lowering interest rates, and reducing loan balances. Evidently, in 2008 more than 700,000 people had their balances lowered. This led to a conversation with my husband about contracts and accountability. His point was that contracts are losing their value. If you can sign a contract for a home loan or a credit card and then walk away from it when times get tough, what is the real meaning of the contract? And at the same time, since the banks have foolishly lent so many billions to so many bad risks, what is their accountability? It has become clear to me that it’s not much since they can get a handout from us taxpayers and then not even have to provide an accounting of how that money is being spent. This lack of accountability from top to bottom in the mortgage story has truly kicked us all in the ass. As my ancestors would say - Oy!

As a side note - what scared me most in the story was the POV that the sooner these people clean up their finances, the sooner the banks can start lending them money again. Helloooo! What’s that saying about the definition of stupidity being the repetition of the same mistake over and over?

So this morning, while plowing through my email inbox, I found an excerpt that had been sent to me from the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick M. Lencioni and it struck a chord (thanks for sending this over Jeff):

Dysfunction #4: Avoidance of Accountability
When teams don’t commit to a clear plan of action, even the most focused and driven individuals hesitate to call their peers on actions and behaviors that may seem counterproductive to the overall good of the team.

Dysfunction #5: Inattention to Results
Team members naturally tend to put their own needs (ego, career development, recognition, etc.) ahead of the collective goals of the team when individuals aren’t held accountable. If a team has lost sight of the need for achievement, the business ultimately suffers.

Without accountability, success is difficult to achieve. The BG team is focused on success and results, yet I wonder how often we could have done even better in 2008 if only there had been more attention to accountability. I suppose, if only we had held each other accountable is more to the point.

Accountability can be scary. The looming nemesis of  failure is one potential outcome. But a grounded sense of accomplishment is its flip side. Of course, holding others accountable can be hard too. You need a pretty tight team to be able to keep each honest without defensiveness and finger pointing. That team needs trust and no small modicum of empathy.

So as we head into 2009, I challenge our team to hold each other accountable. To not be afraid to ask the tough questions of each other. To sacrifice individual glory when it’s the best thing for the team (which ultimately means for our clients). And I sure do hope the incoming administration does the same thing. We need accountability top to bottom in this country. From every worker still employed at an auto plant in Detroit to our representatives in Washington to the bankers in New York. And from you and me.

How will you hold yourself accountable in 2009?

Photo by David Paul Ohmer with use by Creative Commons license via Flickr.

It seems so trite, those New Year’s Resolutions.  Making lists of lofty things that one might accomplish (or not) in the coming year — things like eat less fat, or help the needy, or solve the global financial crisis.  Yet as this wonderful (my amazing kids) and dreadful (Wall Street) and inspiring (Obama) and embarrassing (Palin) year comes to a close, I can’t help but think of some of the things I’d like to do better in 2009.

So here’s my list, self-indulgent though it might be.

• #10  Read more books.  Not just any books like “Twilight” or “Are You There, Vodka?  It’s Me Chelsea” ( incidentally one of the funniest books ever).  Important books like “The Outliers” and “Twitter Revolution” that will help me be better at what I do.
• #9  Spend more quality time with my kids just having fun.  We live in an amazing city full of cool things to do as a family, like the San Diego Zoo, Coronado Beach, Balboa Park, The Children’s Museum, the carousel at Seaport Village (although it turns so fast I get a little urpy).  The list goes on and on.
• #8  Be more connected to arts and culture.  It feeds my soul and drives my creative inspiration.  Regularly visit the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the La Jolla Playhouse, Sushi. Oh yeah, and those spots on the other coast like the Guggenheim and Broadway too.
• #7  Tell my team how much I truly appreciate them.  Regularly and often.  They are an amazing group of talented individuals upon whom I rely every day — and they work very hard to ensure our clients and our agency are successful.
• #6  Be more patient.  The universe has its own agenda, and my small part is just that — a small part.  Things will happen as they should.
• #5   Lead with clear vision and communication.  I am blessed to have such an amazing business partner in Indra Gardiner, and our shared vision for the future of our business is clear and in synch.  How lucky is that?  We just gotta tell people more.
• #4  Spend time in nature.  Alone.  When I was a kid, I spent hours every day wondering alone through open fields and climbing trees, dodging cows and catching pollywogs.   Smell more good air.  Clear my head.  Did I say alone?
• #3  Listen to my body.  Exercise regularly — it makes a difference in my mental state.  And whoever said sleep is overrated is an idiot.  I need sleep.  It’s like pushing the restart button.
• #2  Strive to work for new exciting clients that really get who Bailey Gardiner is, and want what we know how to do.  Clients like Aptera.  Electra Bicycle Company.  Envision Solar. Sambazon.  WD-40.  We want them, and we want them to want us.
• #1  Be even more digital.  It’s the future of our world.  Twitter more.  Blog at least twice — okay, maybe three — times a week.  Help more clients understand the new frontier, and be a leader in the digital marketing revolution.

There it is.  Told you it was self-indulgent, but isn’t that the point of these resolutions?  Becoming better at being you?

Okay, now it’s your turn.  I’m interested in hearing what everyone else’s resolutions are this year.  If you are too shy to post them all, then at least share one or two with us.

Dare ya….

So have you heard the word meme? It gets bandied about in social media circles but, really, I don’t think most people know what it means. A meme is new word (surprise!) used to describe a catchphrase or concept that spreads quickly via the Internet.

Last Friday I got tagged by Jason Baer, our digital guru, on a meme making the rounds in which you post seven things about yourself that people probably don’t know. I usually do what Jason tells me to (except if my husband says no) cause he’s pretty smart. So here it is:

1. I’m a high school drop out. It was soooo boring!

2. I used that time to travel as much as possible, including 3 months at an ashram in India. Now you know why I stay so calm and centered…

3. I sneeze in multiples of three, which is fine, except when I’m driving. Then it’s scary.

4. The primary pet in my home is a very large, very ugly African frog named Tady. Tady has eaten all the lovely fish I have ever put in her tank (yes, she is a she). Now she gets minnows for company.

5. I should have had Dorie Greenspan’s job. I am a frustrated baker who takes it out on her family and friends with high calorie treats.

6. When I was a teenager, I was a member of an African dance performing group. It was the 70s.

7. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my two husbands. Jon Bailey, my day husband going on 14 years, makes me laugh everyday. Paul Bowers, my night (and legal) husband supports me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. I love them both. Madly.

Part of this meme is to tag 7 other people. So here’s my list of people whose lists I’d like to read. Sorry guys. It’s actually painless.

Caron Golden

Alice Q. Foodie

Brian Branca

Paul M Bowers

Steve Cody

Matt Kucharski

Erin Reilly

Here are the rules.

1. Link your original tagger(s) and list these rules in your post.

2. Share seven facts about yourself in the post.

3. Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they’ve been tagged.

Some things are just funny. And they manage to be passed around by email to thousands and/or millions of people. But sometimes you’re left wondering: who’s behind this anyways?

This is the blessing, and curse, of viral marketing. Your message, application, widget, video or website has made the cyber space rounds, but no one knows who’s behind it. If this is the case, have you succeeded?

In light of the holiday season, the hilarious and successful Elf Yourself is making the rounds again. And it’s been evident people are still a bit confused on who’s behind it by the numerous tweets (there we go referencing twitter again - are you on yet???) in the past few days about people linking to Elf Yourself and posing the question. The answer is Office Max. And due to the success of the promotional viral video site, perhaps OfficeMax should have brought it to life in its stores for some PR or incorporated dancing elves into its ads. Really tie it together so the millions of people who have and will forward their Elf’d selves know they are able to do so courtesy of OfficeMax.

And since I couldn’t resist, a little something for your viewing pleasure: Carrie the dancing Elf

This blog post is primarily for people who run an agency, own an agency or are thinking about either of those things. Unless you have had the stars align and had the good fortune of a)learning how to run a business, b)have worked in good agencies and learned process and c)have a head for numbers, then you know the utter misery of running an agency and wondering what the hell you’re doing.

Last week I was invited to lunch by a woman who started a small agency about 3 years ago. She picked my brain about life as an agency owner. All the usual issues came up - human resources, new business, pricing, job management. I told her what I’ve learned over the past 14 years. And I told her about the Counselor’s Academy.

When I was 3 years into running Bailey Gardiner, I didn’t really have anyone to turn to and ask those kinds of questions. We were learning the hard way. When you’re an AE or a designer, no one teaches you how to run an agency.  And after a while you wonder…is everyone going through the same stuff I am?

About four years ago, I discovered Counselor’s Academy, a member group within PRSA comprised of small to mid-sized agency owners and managers. When I sat down at the first breakfast roundtable and listened to people who were having all the same issues I was with staff, clients, insurance and new biz it was so reassuring. And helpful. The amazing thing about this group is that everyone openly shares their best practices and learning.

The 2009 Counselors Academy Spring Conference, entitled Your Business Matters: Maximizing Profits, People, and Potential is going to be held at La Quinta Resort from May 31- June 2. Some of the topics planned include Managing to Profit; Negotiating the Best Agency Agreements with Your Clients; Driving Profit with Fewer Clients; Managing Three Generations; and Online Marketing Strategies for Business Growth. Don’t those look like subjects that might help you navigate more successfully through 2009?

The learning is beneficial, the networking is terrific and of course the weather will be lovely. Shouldn’t you be thinking about attending the ‘09 CA event?

I know, awkward question. Now the age-old question “What is your budget?” doesn’t seem so uncomfortable.

Believe it or not, we don’t ask the budget question so we know how many kegs we can buy for the Holiday party (we’ve been saving money for Holiday booze since March). Understanding a client’s budget not only saves time, it leads to a stronger strategic plan.

Here are three (of 100) reasons to share your budget up front:

1. We will recommend the best strategies and tactics to meet objectives within the budget. When we plan a program with an open-ended budget (i.e. the client says “they don’t know what their budget is” or “they need us to recommend what it should be”) the client, inevitably, treats the plan like a Chinese menu — not necessarily selecting the items we would recommend with a limited budget.

2. We need some guidelines. Keep in mind that we are creative AND strategic. We can think of a million and one ways to promote your brand - keep us grounded. Don’t worry, you will still get creative solutions. Just more realistic ones.

3. It’s hard to get excited about the more affordable campaign that fits within your budget when we originally suggested that you buy out the halftime show at the Super Bowl (Remember, we didn’t have any budget parameters so opportunities were endless!)

Keep avoiding “How much do you weigh?” and “Why do you always smell like pickles?” but certainly be prepared to answer the budget question.

I love Thanksgiving. And I hate it too. The chill in the air, the family, the pies. Awesome. The cooking, the cleaning, the quickness of the meal. The cleaning. Did I mention that already? Oh yeah, anyway, the thing is that I think this year there’s a lot to be grateful for. Really. I know the economy is in the tank and our 401ks look like crap, but if you’re reading this then you probably a) have a roof over your head, b) have a computer so you can connect to the world and c) will have a decent meal tomorrow. I’ll bet you could make a pretty good list of what you have to be grateful for, if you think about. I’ve been thinking about it and I am DAMN grateful.

Meanwhile, in Twitterville, some pretty terrific people (who I don’t know) are trying to raise $10,000 in 48 hours to build a classroom in Tanzania. The project is called Tweetsgiving and you can get involved here. When you set out to do good, the Internet makes it a whole lot easier. Tweet what you’re thankful for, give a little money and you might not only change the life of a child in Tanzania but make someone’s day a little brighter (of course they have to be reading Twitter, but isn’t almost everyone? Yet?). That’s pretty easy. And awfully nice.

So, back here at BG, here’s a quick list of things I am grateful for - all agency/work related:

All the new additions to our staff - your thinking, creativity and excitement are fantastic. And our pre-2008 staff ain’t chopped liver either. You all rock.

Our clients - who pay us to do great work on their behalf. Thank you is insufficient. How about a pie? A cocktail?

All the new colleagues we’ve met - especially the ones who are leading the way on social media and digital marketing. Your knowledge sharing is inspiring.

Our consultants - Nancy, Jason, Bob, David and Simon - who have helped us be smarter and better at what we do.

The new opportunities that keep coming our way. The universe has heard us and is responding in a big way.

So, if you’re feeling grumbly about the world, remember this: ‘The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.’ Now, get out there and have a great(ful) and delicious Thanksgiving!

Zagat released the results of their 2009 Hotels, Resorts & Spas Survey last week, and in these times of economic uncertainties, it is more important than ever for the hospitality industry to pay attention to these results. According to Zagat, “the 2009 guide covers 1,001 hotels, resorts and spas nationwide based on input from 14,049 frequent travelers and travel professionals, such as meeting planners and travel agents.”

According to the survey, travelers’ main complaint about the hotel industry is poor service, followed by poor room conditions.  In a time where hotels need to work harder to gain and maintain customer loyalty, the hospitality industry needs to address travelers’ issues and offer them the services and amenities they are demanding, and incorporate them into their brand.   I thought about my priorities when picking a hotel, and came up with this list of things I look for most in a hotel.  I plan to share my list, and the Zagat survey, with all my hotel clients.

Service:  When I book a hotel, I expect more than just a room.  I want an entire experience, and this includes a high level of service.  I want a friendly, fast and attentive staff.  I am much more willing to overlook mistakes if they are met with an apology and a fast correction (an added upgrade, gift or discount doesn’t hurt either).  For me, the “make or break” aspect of a hotel is often the reception, concierge, room service, and/or other staff members.

Personalization: Little personal touches go a long way.  I don’t want to be treated like part of a herd, I want my specific preferences to be addressed- and hopefully remembered.  Everyone is different and hotels should treat each guest like they are the most important person in the hotel.

Value:  This might be the most important thing I look for in a hotel.  At the end of the day, I want to feel that my money was well spent and I got what I paid for.  I am always willing to take a chance on a new hotel if they are offering an irresistible deal.  And, if I love my experience, they will have a loyal customer for life, and I am likely to return again and again.

What matters most to you when you are choosing a hotel?

This month, Bailey Gardiner makes its debut at the Adobe MAX conference in San Francisco. Some might wonder, what is a PR/Advertising firm doing at an all-things-geek Mecca? The answer is simple. We want to learn from the best to achieve the best as we continue the steady growth of our online presence.

The Max conference kicked off with Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen explaining the company’s focus on a Flash Platform which now includes Thermo and Flex Builder- giving a preview of the next version of Flex Builder called “Gumbo”. Following Narayen, Kevin Lynch shifted the focus to client and cloud computing, social computing, devices and desktop computing followed by the adoption of the Flash Player and improvements, such as advanced text engine, added 3D display object, new drawing API and finally, dynamic sound generation followed by the audio mixer example.

Use of thin clients and so called “cloud computing” and the effect of hosting computing on workflows and company productivity is a specially covered topic at MAX and deserves extra attention which I’ll cover in my next post, so check our blog frequently to see how companies like Bailey Gardiner can utilize CS4 capabilities to improve workflows and overall productivity.

As a first time MAX attendee I give enormous credit to the Adobe team for making the “Connect, Discover, Inspire” themed gathering a memorable experience…Looking forward to all upcoming sessions!