Archive for August, 2009

Salesperson to Businessman

August 27th, 2009
Joe Blankenship, a member of our Sales Team!

Joe Blankenship, a member of our Sales Team!

Back in May of 2009 Crimson Cup started us on a process called FOR (focus on results). When this was introduced I thought it was the biggest pain in the butt, causing more work for me in my already unbelievably busy schedule. Once we were into this process I started kicking and screaming that it was a huge waste of time. A little further into the process I was so frustrated I was ready to pack my bags. Then it slowly started to creep up on me; “I’m starting to understand what this process is all about”. Amazingly, somehow during this process I transitioned from a salesperson into a businessman. Now I ask myself these questions when working on a task:

  • How will this help the business be more profitable?
  • How will this help save money yet not impede the quality of service?
  • Will this make me or the company more efficient?
  • Am I working hard or am I focused on achieving results?

I am not quite sure how the transition happened but I am happy that it did. This might have been a painful ride getting to this point but was well worth it. This new way of thinking has spread into other areas of my life that I will take with me forever. Education is a wonderful thing!

Passion Killers?

August 20th, 2009
Matt - Crimson Cup's Service Technician

Matt - Crimson Cup's Service Technician

Here at Crimson Cup we are actually asked to share any “passion killers” we may be experiencing during our weekly company meetings.  At first no one said anything; we just sat there and thought “Are you serious? Share what bugs me in front of the whole company?”  Well, finally a few of us started to share some things and it got easier and better for all of us.  It’s funny how nice it is to be able to share things like this to your whole company instead of just those one or two people you like to complain with.

Now, I’m sure we all have things about our jobs or in our lives that can be “passion killers.”  For example: the phone cord under my desk hangs out a little further from the wall and I am constantly getting my foot caught on it. Dang it, it just happened again! Or how about having to change clothes because your 3 month old just massively spit up all over you?  I’m also sure we all have things about our jobs and lives that make us passionate.  For example I am very happy to have my own cubicle with a phone and I am passionate about most aspects of my job.  I also now have a 3 month old baby girl named Lorelei.  I am so happy and passionate about her and my family…even when she spits up all over me and the couch.

Wherever you are, at work or at home, make sure to take the time to think about what makes you happy and passionate.  As you keep those things in mind you may notice you experience less “passion killers”.  Yes we may all deal with some stress or annoyances, but are they really that bad to kill your passion?  No matter how bad I may feel inside or out I can just think about my family or how grateful I am to have such a great place to work and I can keep going on passionately.

Matt's beautiful family!

Matt's beautiful family!

Social Media Summer Camp

August 14th, 2009
Anna aka @crimsoncup and @aharperhess

Anna aka @crimsoncup and @aharperhess

On Tuesday I had the opportunity to speak on a social media panel at Sparkspace as part of their Social Media Summer Camp series along with @smorty71, @romeothecat, and @clunk6.

Although I’ve been rocking out the Crimson Cup social media strategy for a while, I was a bit nervous about speaking to a group of newbies. I feel like I am still in the process of learning how to make our social media strategy better.

My fellow panelist and Mark, the moderator

My fellow panelist and Mark, the moderator

Once we got into the discussion my nerves calmed and I think I was able to add some valuable info to the conversation. For those of you who missed the panel, here are the audio files for both sessions. For those of you who don’t have the time to listen to the full audio, here are the top three things that have helped me gain social media success for Crimson Cup:

1. Be authentic. Your followers will appreciate sincerity and transparency more then a sales pitch.The more approachable you are, the more brand fans you will gain.

2.  Listen, listen, listen. Listen to what your consumers and customers are saying. These are the people who will guide your social media strategy. Take their ideas and opinions into account and always respond graciously. You can also track what people are saying about you or your company by using google alerts or twitlerts. These two tools have been very helpful to me in the past.

3.  Develop a strategy. Once you have your feet wet and you’ve figured out what’s working and what’s not, develop a strategy that works for your business.  Each business model is different, and it’s up to you to find out what works best for your organization.  If you’ve listened to your followers/brand fans, and you know your company goals this strategy will come naturally.

Thanks again to Mark and the Sparkspace crew for inviting me to participate! I had a great time!

Mark rocking his best Summer Camp outfit.

Mark rocking his best Summer Camp outfit.

Playing on The Right Team.

August 6th, 2009
Nicokle - Our Customer Experience Champ!

Nicokle - Our Customer Experience Champ!

I have a deep love for softball. I have played softball every year (except when I was pregnant) since the age of four. I play on two leagues and both of them are in tournaments right now. My Wednesday team, The Roosters, is full of amazing team mates. Every game I have ever played with them has been fun and exciting. This is not only because they are all awesome at the game, but also because they are all true team players. They encourage me to do my best and when I make a mistake they tell me it was a good try and I will get it next time. They always ask me how things are going outside of the field and when it is time to go home for the evening every single person tells me to have a great night. I also return this courtesy to them as well. I believe that is what makes us such a great team. When we lose we don’t fight or get mad at the other team, we suck it up say better luck next time and congratulate team. When we win we don’t rub it in the other team’s face, and we still let the other team know it was a great game. My favorite thing to do when I am playing in a softball game is to tell the people on the other team “that was a great hit” or “nice catch”. Even though I am not on their team it is nice to be complimented sometimes, especially when you don’t have a team like mine.
Rosters 2009 Isn’t this the kind of team you want to have in your workplace? I know I have this here at Crimson Cup WWHQ.  I often hear horror stories about some of the experiences my friends have at their workplaces and I feel bad for them. I enjoy my co-workers, they are wonderful people. I know if I make a mistake I will not be put down. Instead, I will be encouraged to do better next time and reassured that I am doing a good job. This kind of attitude spreads. Try telling someone they are doing wonderful at their position and see what kind of feedback you get. I am telling you, you won’t regret it because it will spark something you never thought possible. Until next time don’t forget to have fun, smile, and laugh until your cheeks hurt!

Rosters 2009 2