Mario Sanchez Carrion

Mario Sanchez Carrion http://blog.mariosc.com Most recent posts at Mario Sanchez Carrion posterous.com http://blog.mariosc.comhttp://shoestringbranding.com/images/minilogo.pngmariosc.comShoestringBrandinghttp://feedburner.google.com Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:16:00 -0800 What Do You Recommend? http://blog.mariosc.com/what-do-you-recommend http://blog.mariosc.com/what-do-you-recommend <p> One of my pet peeves is hearing this conversation:<p /> Waiter: what would you like to order? <p /> Diner: uhhh, I don't know, what do you recommend?<p /> People usually do this not because they're feeling adventurous, but because it's easier to burden someone else with the decision. <p /> It wouldn't be a big deal if this happened only in a restaurant setting, in the context of ordering a meal. The problem is that <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/why-small-habits-matter">small habits</a> like this are often indicative of how we make more important decisions. <p /> Making decisions (and <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/resolutions">acting on them</a>) is hard work, that's why so many people just <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/going-through-the-motions">go through the motions</a>, letting others decide for them.<p /> If our default reaction when facing a decision is to ask others "what do you recommend?", then let's not complain if what we get is not what we were expecting. </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/what-do-you-recommend">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/what-do-you-recommend#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=IwlTMFALpPo:suqVhEVzF1M:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=IwlTMFALpPo:suqVhEVzF1M:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=IwlTMFALpPo:suqVhEVzF1M:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=IwlTMFALpPo:suqVhEVzF1M:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/IwlTMFALpPo" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:40:39 -0800 Arriving Early http://blog.mariosc.com/arriving-early http://blog.mariosc.com/arriving-early <p> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo" height="180" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/mariosc/Jc7jmGRlvlwEDcVHBJMz5mbpbe7Gg4l4148cGZtWYzHvKIR5f0TRfQmwbp3j/photo.jpg" width="240" /> </div> <p>I am not a gregarious person, but at the same time I recognize the importance of <a href="http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/uzzi/ftp/uzzi's_research_papers/uzzi_dunlap%20hbr.pdf">networking</a>. That’s why I’ve developed a few habits and tactics to make my networking efforts easier. <p /> One of them is arriving early. Whenever I go to a meetup, I make it a point to be one of the first ones to arrive, usually when there's only a couple of people there. It's easier to strike a conversation with them and take it from there, than coming in late and trying to break into large groups where conversations have already started. <p /> There is also an added benefit: if there is a presenter, he'll probably also arrive early (to set up the projector, size up the room, or meet the audience). You have a better chance of introducing yourself and have a quality conversation before the presentation than at the end, when everybody is trying to approach the presenter at the same time.<p /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Image credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rominasantos/5416939756/">Romina Santos</a></span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/arriving-early">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/arriving-early#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=WXZuMQFRl18:y2-iSkuR700:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=WXZuMQFRl18:y2-iSkuR700:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=WXZuMQFRl18:y2-iSkuR700:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=WXZuMQFRl18:y2-iSkuR700:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/WXZuMQFRl18" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:23:00 -0800 Sleeping Well At Night http://blog.mariosc.com/sleeping-well-at-night http://blog.mariosc.com/sleeping-well-at-night <p> Proclaiming yourself a guru can get you <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/226032/how_to_get_more_twitter_followers_5_dos_and_donts.html">followers</a>.<p /> Trashing your competitors can get you <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12455.html">votes</a>.<p /> Stirring controversy can get you <a href="http://www.zadling.com/2010/05/boost-traffic-with-a-controversial-blog-post/">traffic</a>.<p /> Management by fear can get you <a href="http://www.executivebrief.com/article/management-by-fear-does-it-really-work/">results</a>.<p /> Yes, behaving like an a**hole <a href="http://bobsutton.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/11/tips-how-to-be-an-effective-asshole.html">can be effective</a>. That doesn't mean that you need to become one, or that there aren't other, better ways to be successful. </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/sleeping-well-at-night">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/sleeping-well-at-night#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=_MPRH7ogB7E:DC-rjwKoo3k:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=_MPRH7ogB7E:DC-rjwKoo3k:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=_MPRH7ogB7E:DC-rjwKoo3k:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=_MPRH7ogB7E:DC-rjwKoo3k:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/_MPRH7ogB7E" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:32:40 -0800 Your Ideal Customer http://blog.mariosc.com/your-ideal-customer http://blog.mariosc.com/your-ideal-customer <p> I regularly visit <a href="http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog">Ramit Sethi</a>'s site. Ramit is a personal finance guru for the twentysomething set, and also a powerful personal brand who has mastered the art of defining, finding and serving <i>only</i> his ideal customers.<p /> Ramit's ideal customers are those who <a href="http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/what-i-think-of-information-addicts/">take action</a> as opposed to those who just talk or "think about it". To make sure he attracts the right people he has implemented a few hard rules and procedures, to which he adheres religiously.<p /> For example, he doesn't record his teleclasses, even when they take place at odd hours. He firmly states that if you're really interested you'll find a way to make it. His most expensive courses feature a rigorous application process, through which he rejects most applicants for not having the right mindset.<p /> Does this super selective strategy hurt him in the short term? Yes. I'm sure he's leaving some money on the table. Does it make his brand stronger, which brings him more money in the long run? Absolutely.<p /> Most brands fail because they try to be all things to all people, instead of narrowly defining the kind of customer they're uniquely qualified to serve. <p /> Think of it this way: <b>our real job is not just to sell goods or provide services; it is to build an army of fans.</b> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/your-ideal-customer">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/your-ideal-customer#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=fs0773H-U0Q:-The5rIUypQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=fs0773H-U0Q:-The5rIUypQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=fs0773H-U0Q:-The5rIUypQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=fs0773H-U0Q:-The5rIUypQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/fs0773H-U0Q" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:28:00 -0800 We're Missing Data! http://blog.mariosc.com/were-missing-data http://blog.mariosc.com/were-missing-data <p> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo" height="240" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/mariosc/i0sWWxe97qkT9LFzDlIn50HtgYrhTlMMWPiGPoEtSPFAUTtS257ktxAuNiMA/photo.jpg" width="161" /> </div> <p>Back in the day, when I was in college studying Industrial Engineering in Peru, my classmates and I would regularly wrestle with tough math and calculus problems. <p /> Once in a while a sadistic professor would give us a problem that was impossible to solve. Of course, we didn't know...<p />Only after a long struggle the brightest guys in the class would suspect something was wrong, until finally one of them would muster enough courage to raise his hand and utter the words everybody was waiting for: we're missing data!<p />Ah, the beauty of exact sciences... For every problem there is only one solution, and all the other variables have to be given to you.<p />Only after I graduated and ventured into the real world did I learn (sometimes the hard way) that life's problems have more than one answer, and that you never have enough information. However, raising our hand and shouting: we're missing data! is not an option.<p />Life is about taking action in the face of <a href="http://www.theuncertaintybook.com/">uncertainty</a>. If we wait until all the lights are green we'll end up with a nice repertoire of excuses, but we'll never accomplish anything.<p /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/whateyesee13/5487638828/">whateyesee13</a></span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/were-missing-data">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/were-missing-data#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=5syr6JhY_N0:GVSGVh1UASo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=5syr6JhY_N0:GVSGVh1UASo:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=5syr6JhY_N0:GVSGVh1UASo:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=5syr6JhY_N0:GVSGVh1UASo:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/5syr6JhY_N0" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:58:00 -0800 Don't Be Boring http://blog.mariosc.com/dont-be-boring http://blog.mariosc.com/dont-be-boring <p> We've all been told at some point to write our resume in one page, cut our PPT presentation to less than 10 slides, or limit our pitch to five minutes. <p />Taken literally, we need to keep it short. Reading between the lines, however, what does it really mean? Perhaps, that the expectations are so low when it comes to resumes, presentations and meetings that we want to limit the pain by going through them as fast as possible. <p /> Yes, they're telling us to keep it short. But what they're really, really telling us is: don't be boring. </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/dont-be-boring">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/dont-be-boring#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=7Z3J6bLMqCI:uztWYqmMvhI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=7Z3J6bLMqCI:uztWYqmMvhI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=7Z3J6bLMqCI:uztWYqmMvhI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=7Z3J6bLMqCI:uztWYqmMvhI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/7Z3J6bLMqCI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:09:00 -0800 Plan B http://blog.mariosc.com/plan-b http://blog.mariosc.com/plan-b <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="B" height="173" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-01/zdkcmDuAnFFmynCsdBcrggqdbdJAioDcDIgGjlpInjswukxrspGgxmuepkJA/B.png.scaled500.png" width="186" /> </div> Having an option feels safe. If plan A doesn't work, we can always count on plan B.</p> <p>There is a problem, though: many times, plan B is the reason why plan A doesn't work. Plan B is a self-fulfilling prophecy. It is the reason why we don't give plan A all our effort, attention and resources. Plan B is a temptation to settle.</p> <p>I used to think that having a plan B was the sensible thing to do. I'm not so sure any more. A powerful force unleashes when we <a href="http://www.pbs.org/conquistadors/cortes/cortes_d00.html">burn our boats</a> behind us. We may succeed or not, but at least we can rest assured that we gave it our all. With a plan B, we will never know.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/plan-b">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/plan-b#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=FG7TACn8GwY:Kk6r4gSTa6U:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=FG7TACn8GwY:Kk6r4gSTa6U:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=FG7TACn8GwY:Kk6r4gSTa6U:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=FG7TACn8GwY:Kk6r4gSTa6U:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/FG7TACn8GwY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:04:00 -0800 The Honest Mechanic http://blog.mariosc.com/the-honest-mechanic http://blog.mariosc.com/the-honest-mechanic <p> <p>The repair shop I take my car to had a great slogan: Home of the Honest Mechanic.  In an industry not known for its integrity it was a powerful and differentiating claim.  They lived up to it, too. I can recall at least three occasions when they refused to charge me because the repair was just a minor tweak.</p><p>Today I took my car for maintenance and noticed that the building had been painted over with a new slogan: General Repair Specialists.</p><p>Why would they do that?  I asked the lady in the front desk, but she said she didn't know, that the owner just decided to change it.</p><p>This small business had a great slogan that concisely and effectively communicated its brand essence (something companies pay branding agencies fortunes to unveil) and changed it for a lame, generic description: General Repair Specialists.  What a wasted opportunity.</p><p>Your slogan is not just empty words.  It's a brand asset that adds value to your business.  If you find one that works don't just change it for the sake of change.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-honest-mechanic">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-honest-mechanic#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=sMQBDHOBfnI:f3iUhJeh4qY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=sMQBDHOBfnI:f3iUhJeh4qY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=sMQBDHOBfnI:f3iUhJeh4qY:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=sMQBDHOBfnI:f3iUhJeh4qY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/sMQBDHOBfnI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:38:00 -0800 The Next Time http://blog.mariosc.com/the-next-time http://blog.mariosc.com/the-next-time <p> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo" height="180" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/mariosc/zlZAvmHbCZOxfsGgGW6yYteCZyW0tNuQNZ34prE8cQ8vPW31V5W77SXNhRsJ/photo.jpg" width="240" /> </div> <p>If you watch soccer regularly you've probably witnessed this situation many times: the referee calls a penalty kick against one of the teams. Immediately, the players of the affected team surround the referee, yelling and gesturing in protest, keeping at it for enough time to make the referee uncomfortable. <p /> Now, if you watch soccer you also probably know that a referee never takes back a penalty call. So, why do players bother to protest if the outcome is not going to change? Because they're trying to condition the referee to be more lenient on future calls. They're not thinking about <i>now</i>. They're thinking about <i>the next time</i>.<p /> If somebody you do business with on a regular basis screws up and there's nothing they can do to fix it, you still need to complain. Not to vent or try to change what can't be changed, but because you're already <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/tag/negotiating">negotiating</a> for a better deal next time.<p /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Image credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyaustin/5451610521/">Tony Austin</a></span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-next-time">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-next-time#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=1uXjmBy_kz0:CLtlFiqCYIQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=1uXjmBy_kz0:CLtlFiqCYIQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=1uXjmBy_kz0:CLtlFiqCYIQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=1uXjmBy_kz0:CLtlFiqCYIQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/1uXjmBy_kz0" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:46:00 -0800 Intersections http://blog.mariosc.com/intersections-46220 http://blog.mariosc.com/intersections-46220 <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Intersections" height="240" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-30/AwFdfDeDnyvAsmFjzwrHCGbvkmyEnJnvskwjfticaFFslwsBthamJpqxBggx/Intersections.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="180" /> </div> Innovation doesn't always have to be entirely new-to-the-world. In fact, a common way of coming up with new ideas is to combine two or more things that already exist into something new. It's been done <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasailing">in</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kickboxing">sports</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusion_cuisine">food</a>, <a href="http://www.ahlanlive.com/discover-dubai-berlin-fashion-fusion--163397.html">fashion</a> and countless other industries.<p /> Never underestimate the power of turning to other disciplines, cultures and industries for inspiration.<p /> That great new idea for your next trade show may come from the art exhibit you went to over the weekend. A key insight for your new business strategy may come from studying <a href="http://tinyurl.com/7z989ru">history</a>. The simple analogy you're looking for to drive home your point in a sales presentation may come from the world of sports.<p /> Read, travel, experiment, and keep your eyes open for intersections.<p /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Image credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nycstreets/5863192159/in/photostream/">nycstreets</a></span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/intersections-46220">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/intersections-46220#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=ZUCyS-AX6nU:XoiKugZIIs8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=ZUCyS-AX6nU:XoiKugZIIs8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=ZUCyS-AX6nU:XoiKugZIIs8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=ZUCyS-AX6nU:XoiKugZIIs8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/ZUCyS-AX6nU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:49:14 -0800 Invitation To Connect http://blog.mariosc.com/invitation-to-connect http://blog.mariosc.com/invitation-to-connect <p> If you read this blog and find it useful, and you would like to connect on LinkedIn, feel free to send me an invite. Just sign in as a friend and write a short note on the invite form letting me know that you come from the blog.<p /> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariobox">Connect with me on LinkedIn</a>.<p /> Thanks! </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/invitation-to-connect">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/invitation-to-connect#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=tqmm3l1SPKc:HY92Jw1vbdM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=tqmm3l1SPKc:HY92Jw1vbdM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=tqmm3l1SPKc:HY92Jw1vbdM:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=tqmm3l1SPKc:HY92Jw1vbdM:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/tqmm3l1SPKc" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:37:00 -0800 The Law Of Unintended Consequences http://blog.mariosc.com/the-law-of-unintended-consequences http://blog.mariosc.com/the-law-of-unintended-consequences <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Mexicotraffic" height="180" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/mariosc/UXBJOKBgS7jPuOZdF5rl20OUdFztcPKNw2X3JyTEA7LAvWC9Q8QfOfn1SggI/mexicotraffic.jpg" width="240" /> </div> </p> <div>I've spent this week working in Mexico City, doing a lot of field work and therefore dealing with the city's huge traffic problem.  It is not unusual to take two hours to go somewhere that on a Sunday morning would take just 20 minutes. <p />My driver explained that a few years ago the city government, trying to curtail pollution, issued a regulation forbidding cars older than eight years from circulating one day of the week.<p />So, what happened? People bought newer cars. However, older cars lost value and started selling so cheap that others started buying them to use them just on the one day that their other car had to stay home.<p />As a result, there are probably more cars on the street now, and with them more traffic and pollution, than before the regulation was enacted.  The law of unintended consequences at its best...<p />Companies are also fertile grounds for the law of unintended consequences. Decisions involving sales vs. profit, incentives vs. performance, hierarchy vs. autonomy, long term vs. short term, may all produce outcomes that we weren't expecting.  <p />Make sure to take into account all the potential pros and cons of your decisions, the obvious and the not so obvious ones.  The road to hell is paved with good intentions.</div> <p /> <div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credits: </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rutlo/5349437385"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">rutlo</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-law-of-unintended-consequences">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-law-of-unintended-consequences#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=HrxdzQpjhJ0:hg3irYkoGyY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=HrxdzQpjhJ0:hg3irYkoGyY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=HrxdzQpjhJ0:hg3irYkoGyY:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=HrxdzQpjhJ0:hg3irYkoGyY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/HrxdzQpjhJ0" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:35:00 -0800 Wine, Cheese and Starbucks http://blog.mariosc.com/wine-cheese-and-starbucks http://blog.mariosc.com/wine-cheese-and-starbucks <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Sbxsmall" height="185" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-25/HrpaxBbCuAdwgaokukepxrihHefwIisJdmirfuJcCGcCIDHcBsIpjgdasqEa/sbxsmall.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="240" /> </div> </p> <p>At the beginning I thought it was a joke, but yesterday <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/23/us-starbucks-idUSTRE80M1T620120123">the news confirmed it</a>: Starbucks is planning to sell wine, beer and cheese in some of its stores.  Even if the move is limited to just a few locations, the impact on the Starbucks brand can be significant.</p> <p>Even though Starbucks has been trying to move away from coffee for quite some time (they even removed the word "coffee" from its logo) the truth is that the Starbucks brand is first and foremost about coffee. </p> <p>There's probably a real need for a Starbucks-like atmosphere where instead of coffee you could enjoy wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres while relaxing, listening to music or working on your laptop, but I think the best way to address that need would be with a new, different brand.  What do you think?</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/wine-cheese-and-starbucks">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/wine-cheese-and-starbucks#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=q1XahrlVogA:Eztd6GWTvqQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=q1XahrlVogA:Eztd6GWTvqQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=q1XahrlVogA:Eztd6GWTvqQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=q1XahrlVogA:Eztd6GWTvqQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/q1XahrlVogA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:12:59 -0800 Going Through The Motions http://blog.mariosc.com/going-through-the-motions http://blog.mariosc.com/going-through-the-motions <p> <div>I hopped on a plane this morning and once again went through the pointless ritual of the safety video. Passengers go about their business, reading the paper, checking email or catching some sleep while the video rambles on. Flight attendants know that nobody is paying attention, but go through the motions nevertheless (truth be told, they have no choice: it's a legal requirement). </div> <div> </div> <div>In life and in business it's also common to find people just going through the motions. They do it out of habit, indifference or laziness, or a mix of the three. How can we know? If the best answer we can get to the question "why are we doing this?" is "because we've always done it" chances are they're just going through the motions. </div> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/going-through-the-motions">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/going-through-the-motions#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=DPvyf-FQvps:ERASTyyWtmo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=DPvyf-FQvps:ERASTyyWtmo:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=DPvyf-FQvps:ERASTyyWtmo:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=DPvyf-FQvps:ERASTyyWtmo:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/DPvyf-FQvps" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:35:10 -0800 One http://blog.mariosc.com/one http://blog.mariosc.com/one <p> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo" height="240" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/mariosc/hhXlpOwetTEBiG8rwPak1MLH5wIsS8DrxzkGWOBR5d64a3vntaGNhNXmLjk7/photo.jpg" width="180" /> </div> <p>Yesterday RIM, the maker of Blackberry mobile phones, announced the <a href="http://www.npr.org/tablet/#story/?storyId=145663297">resignation of its two co-CEOs.</a><p /> I'm not suggesting, by any stretch of the immagination, that having two CEOs is the reason for all of RIM's woes, but it couldn't have helped.<p /> If you want to establish accountability and get things done, put ONE, and only one person in charge.<p /> Leadership by committee is never a good idea.<p /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Image credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/arrayexception/3575347235">arrayexception</a></span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/one">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/one#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=z7JElto7s_8:zbtvIRH-hC8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=z7JElto7s_8:zbtvIRH-hC8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=z7JElto7s_8:zbtvIRH-hC8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=z7JElto7s_8:zbtvIRH-hC8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/z7JElto7s_8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:28:00 -0800 The Special Occasion http://blog.mariosc.com/the-special-occasion http://blog.mariosc.com/the-special-occasion <p> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo" height="185" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/mariosc/CLFU7voEA0kUWVkU54qXGqMpLU3txpclHwBZvBIptNiBkD2o7TMIeAgXNanx/photo.jpg" width="240" /> </div> <p>Today I was thinking of how sometimes we postpone enjoying certain things in order to save them for a special occasion (perhaps we could call it reverse instant gratification).<p /> I'm not talking about real, legitimate special occasions like a graduation, an anniversary or some other important milestone, but rather those "special occasions" that exist only in our imagination and that are just excuses to needlessly postpone enjoyment.<p /> For example, that nice bottle of wine that I bought several months ago and still haven't opened, or the high-end camera that would add so much value to my trips, that I can easily afford but still haven't purchased... waiting for a "special occasion", I guess.<p />These thoughts came to my mind after eating a light breakfast and riding my bike through the tree-lined streets of my neighborhood under gorgeous 75 degree weather. Not a special occasion, just a regular Sunday. And yet, it doesn't get much better than this.<p />And then it hit me: <b>Every day we wake up is a special occasion.</b><p />So go ahead and open that nice bottle of wine, bring out the fine china and wear that expensive shirt, because today (and tomorrow, and the day after) is special. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpe_diem">Carpe diem</a>.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-special-occasion">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-special-occasion#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=Pc_zW4E_igU:fhZspDcgRoE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=Pc_zW4E_igU:fhZspDcgRoE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=Pc_zW4E_igU:fhZspDcgRoE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=Pc_zW4E_igU:fhZspDcgRoE:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/Pc_zW4E_igU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:42:00 -0800 The Best Time http://blog.mariosc.com/the-best-time http://blog.mariosc.com/the-best-time <p> The best time to take a cruise or send a Fedex package is probably now. Yes, some people may be apprehensive to set sail after the recent Costa accident, just as some thought it twice before Fedex'ing a package after a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKUDTPbDhnA&feature=youtube_gdata_player">video</a> of a careless delivery guy grossly mishandling a package went viral a few weeks ago.<p /> Think about it, though:<p /> Businessmen (and politicians) are very good at reacting. They may be clueless about a lot of things, but once something happens they usually step into high gear to make sure that "it (whatever it is) doesn't happen again".<p /> This means more training, stepped up oversight, better safety standards, etc.. It may also mean a better deal for those who manage to keep a level head. As Warren Buffett likes to say: "be greedy when other people are fearful..." </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-best-time">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/the-best-time#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=Ftxx8lkwWHY:rA4C_JBd0_s:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=Ftxx8lkwWHY:rA4C_JBd0_s:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=Ftxx8lkwWHY:rA4C_JBd0_s:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=Ftxx8lkwWHY:rA4C_JBd0_s:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/Ftxx8lkwWHY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:52:00 -0800 With Or Without Slides http://blog.mariosc.com/with-or-without-slides http://blog.mariosc.com/with-or-without-slides <p> Yesterday I attended an offsite corporate meeting. A European colleague was speaking in front of 200 people, when the computer suddenly froze and he couldn't forward his slides.<p /> Instead of panicking, he just walked toward the audience and continued his presentation without slides. Two curious things happened: his delivery was more fluid and natural, and the audience appeared more interested and engaged. It was great.<p /> However, most of us wouldn't have been able to pull it off. We've come to rely so heavily on slides that they've become a crutch or a teleprompter of sorts. It's not that slides are inherently bad, but <b>slides should <i>support</i> the presentation, not <i>become</i> the presentation.</b><p /> Perhaps a good starting point to learn how to give more effective presentations, with or without slides, is Garr Reynold's book <a href="http://goo.gl/1g4Mh">The Naked Presenter</a> (I skimmed through it a few months ago but will now read it in more detail). The rest should be just preparation and practice. </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/with-or-without-slides">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/with-or-without-slides#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=m2S5O7HUxXY:Ksf7g5jZsp8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=m2S5O7HUxXY:Ksf7g5jZsp8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=m2S5O7HUxXY:Ksf7g5jZsp8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=m2S5O7HUxXY:Ksf7g5jZsp8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/m2S5O7HUxXY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:20:00 -0800 Constraints http://blog.mariosc.com/constraints http://blog.mariosc.com/constraints <p> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo" height="179" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/mariosc/CiycPQWn5lGapatGCum0XHWoFWCB6RfXrFf1Mdg9QEJmqe5XyRAmpEoYt2Mp/photo.jpg" width="240" /> </div> <p>Some people believe constraints are a bad thing. The world, however, is full of stories of people and companies that started with very little, and somehow found a way to achieve more than others who had everything in their favor.<p />Having many resources and few constraints can make us complacent and take things for granted. Constraints, on the other hand, fuel our creativity. <p />Constraints are what makes Japan produce <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sake">wine out of rice</a>, architects fashion <a href="http://green.yahoo.com/blog/daily_green_news/8/twelve-amazing-shipping-container-houses.html">houses out of shipping containers</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignite_(event)">Ignite</a> presenters give riveting talks in just 5 minutes.<p /> They are also the reason why most innovation comes from cash-strapped start ups rather than well funded multi-national corporations.<p />Complaining of not having enough money, time, resources, connections is easy. It is also a waste of time. Harder, but much more effective, is to embrace constraints and ask: "how can I make this work?"<p /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorigami/3814074265/">lorigami</a></span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/constraints">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/constraints#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=2z0WA43Vpjo:a9tqVNy5YtM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=2z0WA43Vpjo:a9tqVNy5YtM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=2z0WA43Vpjo:a9tqVNy5YtM:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=2z0WA43Vpjo:a9tqVNy5YtM:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/2z0WA43Vpjo" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:51:00 -0800 Waiting For The Right Time? http://blog.mariosc.com/waiting-for-the-right-time http://blog.mariosc.com/waiting-for-the-right-time <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Now-240" height="180" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-17/cbfDClBueFBGJkAkhzzuqBJGdvlntaGilIswseqAzztukrBlDFCFmpwFtxpe/Now-240.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="240" /> </div> Start.</p> <p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image: Art Basel, Miami from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariobox/sets/">my Flickr stream</a></span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/waiting-for-the-right-time">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.mariosc.com/waiting-for-the-right-time#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=pp4J0GB30A4:VZJAZdbxxKI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=pp4J0GB30A4:VZJAZdbxxKI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?a=pp4J0GB30A4:VZJAZdbxxKI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ShoestringBranding?i=pp4J0GB30A4:VZJAZdbxxKI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ShoestringBranding/~4/pp4J0GB30A4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/435264/mypictr_75x75.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10Oyv3L6DMR Mario Sanchez Carrion mariobox Mario Sanchez Carrion