#AvgeekPhoto Challenge Calendar

#AvgeekPhoto Challenge Content Calendar

#AvgeekPhoto Challenge - May 2012

Same rules apply as last time. Post your own photos (don't borrow or represent other's work as your own), stick with the daily subject matter and have fun! Tag all of your photos each day with the hashtag, #avgeekphoto.

#Avgeek Photo Challenge - Daily Content Calendar:

5/1 - window seat
5/2 - middle seat
5/3 - aisle seat
5/4 - first class
5/5 - winged chariot
5/6 - my luggage
5/7 - wide body
5/8 - narrow body
5/9 - puddle jumper
5/10 - boarding pass
5/11 - airline of choice
5/12 - flight attendant
5/13 - the jump seat
5/14 - prop plane
5/15 - Boeing
5/16 - Airbus
5/17 - Embraer
5/18 - Saab
5/19 - ground crew
5/20 - arriving
5/21 - the tray table
5/22 - departing
5/23 - clouds at 35,000 feet
5/24 - sunset/sunrise at 35,000 feet
5/25 - a cityscape from 35,000 feet
5/26 - the gate
5/27 - baggage claim
5/28 - the terminal
5/29 - inflight entertainment
5/30 - drink service
5/31 - you during a flight

If you have any questions, comment on this blog post or contact me via @airport_girl.

Happy plane spotting and flying!

Ogilvy Business Wisdom

David Ogilvy

Known as the 'Father of Advertising,' David Ogilvy (1911-1999) founded an advertising agency in 1948 that eventually became the Ogilvy & Mather we know today. 


Ogilvy was not shy about opining on what he believed to be the foundational principles and thoughts of strong business practices.


I've parsed out a few of my favorites which are posted in my office and continue to shape my traditional and emerging efforts in Mar/Comm across my decade in the business:


On staffing:

• "If you hire people who are bigger than you are, we shall become a company of giants." 

On mindset:

• "The best ideas come as jokes.  Make your thinking as funny as possible."

On excellence:

• "The pursuit of excellence is less profitable then the pursuit of bigness, but it can be more satisfying."

On brand persona: 

• "You know you have to decide what 'image' you want for your brand.  Products, like people, have personalities, and they can make or break them in the marketplace."

On content:

• "What really decides consumers to buy or not buy is the content of your advertising, not its form."

On advertising:

• "It takes a big idea to attract the attention of consumers and get them to buy your product.  Unless your advertising contains a big idea, it will pass like a ship in the night."
• "Every advertisement is part of the long-term investment in the personality of the brand."
• "Never stop testing, and your advertising will never stop improving."

On the consumer:

• "On average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy.  When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar." 
• "The consumer isn't a moron.  She is your wife."

I don't believe Mr. Ogilvy's thoughts require much explanation from me, as they're tried, true and timeless.  They stand on their own merits.  They are worth your time and application.  

I challenge you to build a running list or active journal of thoughts/quotes that motivate and inspire you.  Maybe they're not the thoughts of David Ogilvy, but somewhere someone is saying and/or sharing quotables that are food for your thought.

Manager and Leader, Not Always Synonymous

While leaders can be managers, managers aren't necessarily leaders.  There's been an increasing trend to use these descriptors interchangeably, almost to the point of deliberate ignorance. 

So, what is a manager?  Managers are characterized by efficiency. 

And, what is a leader?  Leaders are characterized by effectiveness. 

The striking and main difference between the two is that managers do things right and leaders do the right thing.  However, with effective coaching or mentoring from others and the right motivation, a manager can become a leader.  Transitioning from being a static manager to a dynamic leader is not impossible, a will to do so is the fuel for the transition.  Adopting, learning and practicing the fundamentals of leadership are key.

A sampling of the basic principles of effective leaders: 

• Be motivated.
• Motivate others.
• Be positive.
• Be mentored.
• Be a mentor.
• Read. Read a lot.
• Never stop learning.
• Lead by example.
• Admit your not always the smartest in the room.
• Be inspired.
• Be inspiring.
• Ask for help.
• Admit mistakes.
• Foster leadership in others.
• Know when to share the limelight.
• Set direction.
• Give purpose.
• Put others first.
• Innovate.
• Challenge status quo.
• Know your strengths.
• Know your weaknesses.

Yes, leaders and managers are two very different roles.  Both are necessary.  But, one doesn't necessarily equal the other.  The best managers should seek to be a leader as well.

#AvGeek Photo Challenge Reminder

Don't forget to tag all of your posts to Instagram & Twitter with the challenge hashtag: #avgeekphoto!  If you feel so obligated, cc me on your tweets of your photos, @airport_girl. 

Full details of the challenge?  Read more: http://bit.ly/y4A1f1.

Thanks and happy snapping & flying, aerophiles!