Lessons from an old fart...

We've all heard them...."Darn kids these days - when I was a kid I'd walk yadda yadda yadda."

Well I "did" walk a bunch when I was a kid. From beside the (then) Storyland Valley Zoo all the way up to the Traffic Circle on 149th street" - but I digress. (Done for effect for old(er) people reading this!)

One of the greatest sayings my late Father Jerry Forbes left me with was "I got old too soon - and I got smart too late."

And how I relate to that is by giving some of my 'younger' blog readers some sage advice from my 61 years on the planet.

Now I'm no Pulitzer Prize winner but I 'have' lived and I 'have' had some success in my chosen field so my advice is...

Watch your health: I've lost several friends, and family members that are in the 53 to 65 age range over the past several years. I know - thats not that old. We all think we will live to be 85 years old but that's just not the case.

The one thing that we CAN control though is what we eat and how much we excercise. I recently purchased a new bicycle and I've been riding between 45 minutes to an hour every day.

When I get back to Edmonton I'm going to remove the towels and clothing hanging for the past year from the treadmill and get my butt back on that as well.

I'm watching what I eat better now too and although I have no intention of eating purely rabbit food full time it's amazing how a little common sense can go a long way.

I 'feel' much better when I'm active and I have full intentions of being around for the birth of my grandchildren's children (Over to you Lauren and Rayanne) so getting rid of that 'bad' food will help prolong my chances to see my 85th birthday.

Forget the magic powders; forget Jenny Craig; focus on a long term plan and stick to it.

OK - treats every once in awhile to pay you off for your diligence.

Next, with an active body comes an active mind.

I was part of a great web series by Ben Babchishin called "Father Time is a Bastard and Mother Nature is a Bit of a Bitch." It was a fun series (available on Youtube) about turning 50. Hell that was more than a decade ago for me - but it's amazing how many people hit that age and simply just'stop learning.'

Hanging around 'young people' (under 50 ha) keeps you engaged and challenged simply to keep up with them. I've learned a lot from my "Bridging the Gap" program (mentors with up and comers series) and fully intend to continue with the project.

We're living in an amazing technological world and by being active on Social Media you're expanding your world.

I have a 92 year old Aunt who Skypes her family every day. Another Aunt in her 90's still golfs and curls every week.

Turn off Matlock and get engaged!

You don't have to like Jersey Shore but you should know who SNOOPY and THE INCIDENT are for when TMZ follows them coming out of jail. (*Am I close Rayanne?)

Next, find a good mentor (or more)

Knowledge comes from experience and it's always great to chat with successful people and find out how they got there.

One of my best all time mentors is Bruce Hogle, formerly of CFRN/CTV. While Bruce was at the station he used to drop by about once a month or so when I worked across the hallway at Standard Radio.

I would close the door; wouldn't check my email or answer the phone; and I'd bounce off those 'management problems' that I was puzzled by to see how he may have handled the situation.

Bruce is not only the biggest 'gentleman' you've ever met, but is highly recognized for his Public Service work (He's got the Order of Canada btw, and countless other awards) - and knows virtually 'every' important person in Edmonton. He opened 'many' doors for me and to this day I look forward to a chat with Bruce.

Most successful people like 'sharing' their knowledge and most won't fully solve your problems but they 'will' point you in the right direction. My Dad was a master at it!

Finally...TRAVEL. Instead of going to an all inclusive hotel in the middle of nowhere don't miss an opportunity to get out and see the world.

I went to Hawaii 9 times and loved it there but it was usually just to avoid winter. It wasn't until I was in my 50's that I hopped overseas to see what Europe is all about.

Seeing, experiencing, and enjoying 'culture' really opens up your eyes to the world we live in today. Seeing how life is on the other side of the pond is truly interesting, exciting and rewarding.

I've been over four times now and intend to go many more times and especially before I'm wheelchair bound and eating consume for lunch.

Belgium is amazing. Prague was an eye opener talking to a guy who lived through the comunism era. London's culture clash from Parliament to the "Pickle" City Hall is a must. Paris with the Eiffel Tower and Louvre was stunning. Rome and a walk through the catacombs of the Vatican where all the deceased Popes rest is hard to describe. Riding a motorcycle at the 4,000 foot level through Switzerland to Austria is jaw droppingly beautiful.

Yes it takes $'s but it's worth every penny.

So what I guess I'm saying with all this is "yes" I've been very lucky in life, but it's not without working hard, and it wasn't without a tangible plan especially when my Dad passed away at the young age of 58.

Live a little.

Live a lot.

Make your mark in the business world but don't sacrifice everything else that is out there and 'especially' be an inspiration to your children to do the same.

It's a big wide beautiful world and experience as much as you possibly can while you grace the world with your presence here.

As the legendary producer David Foster so glibly said "You're only on this earth for a short time you're dead for a really long time."

Just a few thoughts from a guy enjoying the 'golden' years of life!

Miss Houston will see you now...

One of the best benefits of being in the media is the opportunity to meet interesting people.

I got an early start on appreciating that benefit when my late father Jerry Forbes used to come home and tell the family about who dropped in to CHED that day. It was always interesting people....Tony Bennett; The Ames Brothers; etc. etc.

Here's a classic picture of Dad and John Barton in the mid 1950's doing a reverse racism fun kinda shot where he is actually 'shining' the great Nat King Coles shoes - and the grin on Nat's face shows he obviously was enjoying the irony of the picture.

Another great one circa 1957 I have is Dad, all 6 foot 5 inches of him, towering over Don and Phil - the "Everly Brothers" - one huddled under each of Dad's long arms.

When Expo '86 was on in Vancouver the brothers were playing at the event and I was in attendance at a meet and greet when I showed them the picture.

I don't know if they were being polite or not but they stated "we remember this picture" - and I got them to autograph it.

I got to meet many great stars over the years myself and some were tremendously gracious and open while others were real jerks.

Among the greats were people like Lionel Richie.

Lionel was very sincere when chatting with him...he'd look you right in the eyes...give you a firm hand shake and 'thank you' for coming.

My personal best highlight ever was the amazing Sarah Brightman, whom I've seen in concert three times and I'd go again and again again if she was in the neighborhood.

One thing you have to remember is that these artists have 'just finished' performing in concert. Some have been in high power performances (like Sarah hanging from the roof of Rexall) and are extremely tired. It's an obligation most, I'm sure, would rather not do but it is truly appreciated when you get to see the 'real person' and especially when you get a chance to throw a little admiration their way.

There are 'opposites' to the nice guy/girl thing too.

Sting kind of 'grunted' when I tried to ask him about the making of the video in Tuscany that was shot the day the Twin Towers hit the ground in New York on 9/11. I mentioned Chris Botti and obviously Sting thought it was 'all about him' and offered no insight what so ever.

But I can safely say the artist that I will never ever forget meeting in my entire radio career was - WHITNEY HOUSTON.

In the mid 1980's I was the Program Director for KISS FM in Vancouver and RCA record rep Ray Ramsey knew that I adored Whitney. The station was playing a ton of her music, and at that time she had reached superstar status.

When her concert was announced for the west coast I asked Ray if it would 'be at all possible' for me to meet her?

Ray mentioned that there were 'no meet and greets' planned, so I let it drop...until he walked in about a week or two later and said "I've got a surprize for you. There's no meet and greet for anybody...but you!"

He had arranged for a PRIVATE face to face meeting for 'just me.'

I'm a bit of a groupie at heart and man was I thrilled at this great opportunity and as the event unfolded the meeting ended up being rather 'unique' in its presentation.

"Before" the concert my wife and I were ushered down to the dressing room area. Kim wasn't allowed in...as I said...it was just for me.

Ray knocked on the door and Cissy Houston, Whitney's mother, opened the door and welcomed me in. Cissy was very protective of her daughter, rightly so, and graciously ushered me in towards her in the corner of the room by a giant mirror as she got ready to perform.

As the door swung open we were also met by two "very large" personal security guards...think NFL offensive lineman size. I looked over at a very tall, very beautiful young Whitney - who had the most stunning eyes I had ever seen.

Just before I was allowed to step forward to shake Whitney's hand Security Giant #1 gives me the instructions.

"You will stand beside MISS Houston - and I will take your right hand and place it on her right hip. You are not to move that hand at all. The picture will be taken and "I" will remove your hand from MISS Houston's hip.'

And that's how it went.

Obviously the instructions freaked me a little and trying to garner a real and genuine smile while you fear for your life that your limb might be cut off if you accidently moved it an inch or two by this rather large person was forefront in my mind.

So the picture was snapped, and we had about two or three minutes to simply and briefly say hello and exchange a few thoughts. I do remember telling her that "I'm your biggest groupie..." and it made her smile.

My wife Kim is searching through our archives so that I can share that picture with you and I hope to have it soon.

After the picture I attended the concert and remember being able to sing along to each and every lyric to hit after hit that "MISS" Houston performed during the show.

And as I followed her trials and tribulations and problems in her life throughout the years after meeting her it often made me reflect on that great evening in her dressing room in Vancouver.

What a talent. What a pity. What a legacy.

Why? All the money in the world couldn't help her. Great mentors like Clive Davis her aunt Dionne Warwick and Oprah also tried to help. And that "money can't buy happiness" line that you see/read over and over again couldn't save this troubled woman.

She left us far too soon - and under terrible conditions....how very sad on the eve of the Grammy's, an event that she reportedly loved, that she passes away.

I was so damn happy to meet a young, talented, beautiful, warm woman enjoying the peak of her career and each and every time I hear or read her name in the future my mind will automatically kick in to my all time favorite "MISS Houston" song "I Will Always Love You!"

God bless you "WHITNEY" - and rest in beautiful peace. You were an amazing and wonderful talent and 'gone too soon.'

*Thanks to KJ for the assitance on the pictures!*
**Sting pic - with Bear PD Greg Diamond**
***Lionel pic - with the late David Grierson, Sharon Berry (Promo Mgr), and Larry Macrae BMG Music***

The social media 'full' loop

I always like chatting business with my pal Bryn Griffiths (Fan 960 in Calgary) as we have such ying-yang conversations.

Often he's on one side of an issue and I'm on the opposite side, which really helps bring 'me' back into perspective on occasion.

In discussing the differences in Social Media in both Canada and the United States our debate the other day was very interesting as I tried to explain the difference (in my opinion) of companies that 'get it' versus companies 'that don't.'

Bryn's point was that the current business climate (coming out of a recession) has limited companies from truly engaging in adding a social media element to their businesses. Many are still 'recovering' and don't have a bunch of extra cash to throw at an evolving media.

My point is that 'those that don't may find themselves in trouble sooner rather than later.'

It's very clear that the business template is changing, and alot of it is tied to demographic expectations.

My daughter Rayanne, for example, chimed in and carefully pointed out that she only cares about "coupons" and "exclusive opportunities" with offerings she can access on her smart phone or newly aquired iPad.

"Why would businesses simply direct you to their website with a QR code Dad? I could easily just dial it in on my computer. I want something different and special."


Great point!

Next, one of the big differences I see from businesses that get Social Media is the 'full use of technology' - or in other words 'looping' all their social media tools in a very positive manner.

One such group that I'm totally impressed with is the PF Changs/Pei Wei restaurant group.

Pei Wei is the offshoot of the highly successful PF Changs restaurant. PF's specializes in family style dining...you know...order several dishes to split amongst the group....whereas Pei Wei has select dishes designed for one and has a tremendous 'take away' business.

Both are highly enjoyable and have absolutely tremendous positive images within the restaurant business in the United States. (Montreal and Toronto are in store for PF Changs this spring by the way)

The Pei Wei Social Media plan is superb. First off, when you go to their site and register you are offered an opportunity to 'join the club for benefits' down the road. Then you start to receive what I call "premium email offers."

These are works of art....very well written....tempting...colorful....and quite often will unveil a new product.

But they don't stop there.

There's a link on the 'premium' email where you go to a second site featuring a map of the world. On that map you are invited to check out the new product and click on the area of the globe where that dish has been featured.

Up will come a very well done video featuring a Pei Wei Chef who describes in details why they choose this dish; what ingrediants they are using; nutrition information; details on how they put it together and why they brought it to North America; and other highly enjoyable visuals from the area where the 'info-mercial' was video taped.

This message is short - to the point - and very well presented.

After the video is viewed you are automatically connected to a direct email, that arrives very quickly to your computer with a FREE coupon for that dish. As you travel around the world more and more of these offerings are yours and you begin to earn an Expert stamp.

Time to complete?

Less than 3 minutes. You're given a date range to enjoy the dish and the coupon provided to you has a bar code for them to measure in store response.

And most importantly 'measuring response and interacting with your customer is everything in a social media world' as my radio consulting pal Dave Lange adds:

"The key to building a social media plan is to engage an audience. To engage them you can’t just SELL the unique qualities of the brand – that’s what we did in the old days of marketing.

Social Media is not ‘broadcasting’ it is interacting with the fans of the brand and the goal is to spread the brand’s fans to bigger and bigger numbers.

To do that you have to enlist the heavy users and get them buzzing. The first step is building a creative interaction and then scheduling it so that as many of your fans as possible catch the news.

The 2nd step is to make sure you know when they have seen the message with your metrics and analytics. 3rd you have to monitor and follow up on your engagements – the news that over 79% of comments from fans on brand pages go unanswered is not a healthy stat on the brands efforts in Social Media.

You have to lead and engage the conversation to really be effective here. Just pumping out 1 sentence sales pitches will not build your fan base to any actions for your brand.

Random acts of Social Media won’t catch any fish. You need to research the lake, pull out the sonar, light up the fish finders and get a good lure in the water – you also better have a really cool fast bass boat."

From start to finish the PEI WEI program is as slick a presentation as you'll ever see. No television commercial could compete with the 'length' factor - nor the 'on demand' factor - nor the 'instant response' factor.

The 'loop' as I call it is thus complete. Customer loyalty means I receive those offers first - they reward me instantly - and the opportunity to dine for free is something 'everybody' can surely enjoy.

I have not found any other company anywhere in either Canada or the United States with that full loop and I'd be interested in hearing from anybody else who can. In the changing world of new media new and innovative ways to engage with your customer can make a really big difference on a go forward basis.

In fact I've found the opposite recently by using the COMMENT or EMAIL connection on several websites where I tried to connect to the client and had 'no response.' Some of these are rather large or highly important businesses and it seems that 'nobody' is checking their email and they don't even have an 'auto response' sent back with other important information - like a name or telephone number to contact the business.

Giant Fail!

So Bryn, I enjoyed our discussion as always and invite you to come along for dinner to Pei Wei...it's on me!


**If you want to check out Dave Langes great social media work please feel free to reach out dlange210@att.net – Engaging Social – Social Media Platforms.**