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The Skinny on McDonald's - Part 2

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Lesson #2 (1 through 10) 2010 

What good can come from McDonald's?  Does anyone YOU KNOW ever win those contests?!

Not that I don't try, but I'm always skeptical.  Recently, I went to McDonald's for a quick meal.  And no one does it quicker than McDonald's.  I know better than to eat those sandwiches but my judgment to get a salad was swayed by the TASTE THE GLORY contest going on this past June/July during the World Cup.  

Bought the Big Mac - enjoyed it tremendously (read my previous Part 1 of this blog if you're horrified and repulsed).  But truly bought it because of the contest.  I've never won anything at McDonald's but my reasoning told me that it didn't mean I couldn't win in the future!

I peeled the little 'Taste the Glory' sticker off and texted the required information.  And received the most amazing text back:  YOU WON A 32 INCH FLAT SCREEN TV.  

Wonderful - but then began the difficulty.  I couldn't register on my Blackberry.  And when I returned to my office, I again wasn't allowed to register.

I called McDonald's 3 times over 2 weeks - always receiving the promise the technical department would get back to me.  It didn't happen.  So I decided to test the power of social media.

As painful as it was to turn on a company that had given me one of the best business lessons I've ever received (see part 1) I was furious.

And so I tweeted:  @McDonalds we do it all for you? (NOT) -nothing from your support team about my sony TV win.& I thought just the fat content was bad!

A few of those types of messages (find me on Twitter @vhtrabosh) and @ Kty_McD showed up offering to help.  She was an intern at McDonald's and said she'd find me someone to solve my problem.  

Janice from McDonald's marketing group called.  And she walked me through the process.  I was told the TV would be shipped in 4-6 weeks.  

Two weeks ago, a 32" Sony Flat Screen TV showed up at our home.

So what are the TOP 10 pieces of wisdom from this story (by way of some of their slogans through the years)?

1.  1992:  What you get is what you want:  Social media can be a powerful tool which can get you results.

2.  1976:  You, you're the one:  @Kty_McD is a terrific addition to McDonald's.

3.  1990:  Food, folks and fun:  People do win these contests and you could be the one to win it.

4.  1984:  It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's:  Eating at McDonald's is not a bad thing - in fact, it's quite tasty and beneficial.

5.  1990:  McDonald's - It can happen:  Don't give up if at first it appears you can't win - do everything in your power and then choose to walk away if you can’t succeed.

6.  2000:  We love to make you smile:  Great customer service always makes a difference.

7.  1975:  We do it all for you:  Interns sometimes have a greater passion than the suits - and we can all learn from dedicated employees, no matter their status in the company.

8.  2003:  I'm lovin' it:  If you succeed in a tough situation, make sure you  share the good news as readily as you did the bad.

9.  1975:  We do it all for you:  McDonald's is a great company.  They've survived through bad press, poor decisions, complicated contests and underlying it all, must have had strong leadership at the top.  Every great company goes through tough times - but great companies never stop trying.

10.  2007:  Things that make you go 'mmm':  McDonald's is a company that I'd like to know more about.  I would enjoy coaching leaders in this company.

Never give up on your dreams.  Obstacles can be overcome.  And be appropriately appreciative of the people that help you along the way.  

The View I create

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We're at the Jersey shore with for the week with our daughter and son in law.  They rented a beautiful house on the beach - amazing views, fresh air, and a great boardwalk.  The entire boardwalk is about 2.5 miles -perfect for a walk to get in my daily, much needed exercise.

My goal is to walk a 4 mph pace.  And walk for 1 hour.  Yesterday I set out and was determined to reach my goal.   No problem.  One hour later, I'd covered four miles.  This morning, I set out to do it again.  It was early, the beach is beautiful and empty this time of year.  It was just me, my IPOD, and a desire to complete four miles in 60 minutes. 

I'm focused.  I'm going to get this done.  I'm listening to Les Brown on the IPOD - ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!  And when I get back to our beach house I go to the kitchen and as I'm drinking some water I stare out the window at this incredible view.  And I realize during the entire four miles, my eyes were on the boardwalk, on the steps in front of me, and I missed the entire view of the ocean.

More than surprised, I saw that I often am staring at the place just a couple of feet in front of me - missing the bigger picture.  How could I be staring at an old boardwalk when the ocean is crashing on the shore and showing me its magnificence and beauty??    (Pretty easily it seems!)  And certainly the greater message for me was that the boardwalk v. the ocean is just the metaphor of my life's focus. 

Both views were continuously available.  And the one that kept my attention was at my own feet.  What am I learning? 

• This boardwalk is old!
• Many boards have worn out and need to be replaced
• One area of the boardwalk looks exactly like another
• If I just look down at my feet, I have no orientation of where I am from the view
• It's flat and after a couple of miles, boring
• Looking at the boardwalk boards, I could be anywhere in the world

When I look UP, what do I see?

• Interesting shops, all closed until the memorial day weekend
• Buildings and homes that are for rent, but currently empty
• A few people running or walking who for the most part are looking at THEIR feet!
• A magnificent ocean with more wonder and mystery than I will ever comprehend.
• A beautiful sky with screeching birds who happily circle for no reason that is apparent to me
• How very small I am in the world, but I am here
• I can see my goal of where I'm headed (to the end of the boardwalk) and exactly where my goal lies in relation to where I am in my walk

Looking down does not serve me!  It gives me no perspective!  And it's fairly boring.  After this revelation, I looked up today.  What a difference.  And my walk of an hour went faster than the last time I walked yesterday.

Look up - face your goals.  Whether it's two miles ahead of you, a goal of making the client call today, or something greater - a larger goal that will take many steps - many days - many moving parts.  Imagine what happens when you clearly look at your goal - not just stare at your feet plodding along knowing you'll reach it soon.

Enjoy the journey - but notice where you're gazing.   See you on the boardwalk!

Opportunity lost - or found?

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I'm on my way to Rwanda - where are you headed ?

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Do you ever wonder where you'll be five years from now?  Wonder what life holds (good and bad) and if you could possibly truly imagine what it will be like?

The first time I was on my way to Rwanda in 2005 I journaled.   I knew I'd be doing more as I flew home from that first trip -but never did I imagine that less than five years later I'd begin my 7^th trip.  I SAID in those first journal entries I knew I could do more.  And while more was done, the "I" became a "we".

The time between my Women of Rwanda for World Vision event in May 2005 and my trip three weeks later in June 2005 was a world wind.  After our successful event, I met within the week with two women who had heard me speak and asked if I'd consider holding a similar fundraiser when I returned.

"We'll see" I said.  And see we did.  That June in Rwanda, I was struck by the resilience of a people who had suffered greatly yet often were sincerely grateful for every opportunity presented to them.   

The joy I felt, the acceptance and the responsibility to do what I could to help, was never a burden.  It was an honor.  And in these last five years, my enthusiasm has not wavered.  My fierce belief in the strength of the human spirit is not lessened. 

And with those two women, Karen Freelander and Bethe McChesney (and their spouses who supported them) we dared to dream that we could raise $50,000. And from that dream the Itafari Foundation was born.  Now thousands more have joined us.  We have raised over $350,000 and changed lives as our lives have changed through this work. 

John, my husband has been my greatest supporter - my confidant, my engineer on projects in Rwanda, the voice of reason during my most unreasonable time.  My most favorite traveling companion to Rwanda.  No one waits more anxiously for me to return -no one more willing to step aside and let me be "Madam Itafari".  He truly is the wind beneath my wings.  Without him I am a grounded bird - (think platypus!)

My friendships in Rwanda are some of the sweetest of my life.  I think it is the depth of character of these friends, our shared passion, their knowledge that I and Itafari are truly about Rwanda and what they want and need.

The women in Rwanda are magnificent.  They know they have no time to play small - the stakes are too high -the needs too great.  And someday, when their lives are over, while there might be regrets of what they couldn't do, what they did was more than most women in the US that I know could even dream of doing.  It is a gift that I never would have dreamed of - that these women would become my friends and that the color of our skin would not be a distraction.  And together our shared dreams, fears, doubts, and hopes could create something we never could have imagined creating apart. 

The men in Rwanda with whom I work, partner, laugh and share lifelong friendships are equally as impressive.  I am amazed at how hard everyone in Rwanda works.  And no one with whom I work, from leaders in government to the poorest of microloan recipients is waiting to have someone else make a difference in their lives.  They are determined to do it - and to be even a small part of their dreams is humbling and daunting (a good day for a friend and coach!)

The children of Rwanda have made me value my kids and grandkids even more.  I see in my grandchildren only possibility.  I don't know what they will do in their lives - but I believe they will live with great compassion and purpose. 

My sons were forced to endure me and my ideas from the time I met them in 1980.  Sometimes I would pack the holiday table with so many clients (from my days as a conservator/guardian for seniors) they would look at me - roll their eyes, and then be incredibly kind because I asked them to be.  And my daughter Tara?   I couldn't ask for a more loving daughter. We met when she was 17 and I was 23 - can you imagine?!   How do you thank people in your life who let you just be you?  In my case, it's by loving them every day and never forgetting the gift they gave, and continue to give to me of their support and love.  

All of this comes to mind on my 7^th journey to Rwanda.  This 2^nd leg, Newark to Brussels has such context of its greater purpose.  I love the adventure of travel.   Only anger and unkindness ruffle my feathers.  Delays, cramped quarters, solving the impossible, tiredness, etc., are just signs I'm out of my comfort zone.  And when did being in my comfort zone ever feel so comfortable to me? 

I thank God for this crazy life I lead.  I'm not pulled in a thousand directions, but I'm swept along in the directions I choose to go.  It's a wonderful life - full of trials and tribulations, exceeded expectations and lost opportunities.  Lessons, love and laughter.  Works for me. 

And from all of that comes a huge amount of accomplishment and satisfaction.  It is about a life well lived - one of success and significance.  And each of us get to define what those terms mean in our own lives.    

If you know me well, you know I challenge you to keep your eyes on your own paper - to do NOW what you want to do.  Build and sail that ship at the same time!!!  (Beats sitting on an island waiting for someone to rescue you.) 

Less self indulgent reading can be found on the Itafari website - it's good work - join us if you can.  But most importantly, run with your dreams.  If you need a rudder for the journey, coaching could be for you-I can provide it or give you some referrals.  But most importantly, never give up.  You matter, your dreams matter, and you can create something that will take your breath away.

Bon Voyage, and safe travels.

What a Soldier Gives

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Four soldiers.  Three I know well.  One I haven’t met, yet.  They cover WWII, end of the Korean War, peacetime for the United States in 1987 and now, the Iraq war.

 My father, my husband, my son, a soldier in Iraq.

Yesterday, November 21, 2009 would have been the 86th birthday of my father. Yesterday, my husband went with me to buy items to put in a care box that we would send to Iraq.  Yesterday, I called my son and apologized for not sending him more care boxes to remind him of how much we loved and missed him during his three years of service away from home.  Yesterday, I baked in earnest and worried about the tastiest of the cookies I would be sending to a soldier serving in Iraq that is a stranger to me.  

 Soldier  #1

 My father gloried war.  His time in the Army during WWII was truly the highlight of his life.  He suffered from diabetes in his later years which blinded him.  He did an oral history of his entire life which became a family book.  In it, he devoted 25% of the book to his time growing up in New York, less than 1% to his family, his children and his marriages of 45+ years, and about 74% to his time in the service.  When he proudly handed me the book, I began to read it and exclaimed to him, “Are you kidding me???  A few paragraphs to Mom and your three children???”  Slightly embarrassed he took it back and added a few more lines.  His life history was more defined by his time in the service than anything else that ever happened to him.

 Soldier #2

 In 1957, my husband enlisted in the Marines.  Meeting him in 1980 gave me a totally different perspective on what it meant to serve in the armed forces.  The few.  The proud.  The Marines.  While my Dad loved to talk about being a soldier and killing and patriotism, John’s ability to serve and the way he discussed it have always been more about the duty and respect he had for doing his job well, rather than glorifying himself or war.  His life is defined by a lifetime of experiences, including his military service. 

 Soldier #3

 In 1986 my son (step) fulfilled his dream to join the Army with the intention of joining the military police and eventually becoming a police officer.   He was at Ft. Benning in Georgia.  We missed him like crazy and I had every intention of sending him boxes and boxes of cookies, favorite foods, silly remembrances and lots of letters to remind him of how he was loved.  And though he was deeply missed and loved by us, you wouldn’t have known it by my expressions through the U.S. Mail Service.  Some letters, a couple of boxes, but pathetically less than my most noble of intentions.  His military experience shaped his life as well and began his journey to work in law enforcement.

He called me once from basic training to talk about a man who came to talk with them.   This man wrote a book called “What a Soldier Gives”.  Tim insisted I read this book and he sent it to me.  The story was of this man’s journey in the army during the height of the Vietnam War.  What a soldier gave during the conflict.  It was unflinching in its honesty and did not glorify war.  But the dignity of what this man had given, at great personal cost, was evident.  I was so moved, I wrote to the author, told him the impression he’d made on my son.  And thanked him for his service.  His story and his wisdom stayed with me.

 Soldier #4

 And so yesterday I baked cookies for a young man or woman who may not have anyone sending them anything through the holidays.  My investment club of 20+ years has decided to support some soldiers through one of the member’s connections.  Her nephew’s company in Iraq has soldiers in it that for whatever reason, receive very little from family back home.  So we’re “adopting” some of them for the holidays. 

 We received a list of items they need – from beef jerky to Tylenol,  from socks to Q-tips.  And of course goodies.  Nothing says home like home baked goodies! 

 John and I were shopping yesterday, and while I was baking I remembered it was my Dad’s birthday.  I called Tim to tell him what we were doing.  And to apologize for not being there for him in a way that would leave me with no regretful thoughts.  He was gracious and happy we were doing something for another soldier.  But I did tell him he was one of the reasons I felt compelled to help.  That he deserved more then when he as a soldier, and that if I could pay it forward, I needed to. 

 What a soldier gives.  None of this has to do with my personal feelings about the conflicts our country is currently involved in.  It’s about remembering someone far far from home that needs to know they are not alone.  That what a soldier gives, is not wasted or forgotten.  And we need to bring them home alive and well. 

 If you have the opportunity, give back.  Support someone you love.  Support a stranger in honor of those you love. And know that what a solider gives can be honored by what you do – even if their individual service is long past. 

 With luck and good packing, our Christmas boxes will arrive intact.  The cookies will not have crumbled.  And a soldier will feel a little closer to home.

Happy Birthday Dearest Dead Rita

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I've written a book about this incredible woman because of all she has done to inspire me, her family and strangers all over the world.  You can register to be the FIRST TO KNOW when the books hits the stores by going to http://DeadRitasWisdom.com  IF your name is Rita, let me know that when you sign up and you'll get a FREE copy (no joke).  

She would have been 77 today. It's impossible to believe she's been gone 10 years. Right now 'You raise me up' is playing. That was what she did for me and those she loved.

But the song that best describes her is Bette Midler's 'The Wind Beneath My Wings'. When that song first came out, I gave it to her on a little cassette. I stood there just in awe that she would play a song that perfectly described who she was to me. While it might have been named Song of the Year in 1990, it was the song of my greatest love, my Mom. Wherever Bette Midler is at this moment, may she continue to sing songs that bring such love and meaning to others. Also, I'd like her to read Dead Rita's Wisdom. It's perfect for her - outrageous, funny, heartfelt and wise. Like I see Bette Midler. So if you know her, please make an introduction for me. And I just looked up her BD on IMDb. December 1. Frankly, if her BD had been the same as Mom's, I wouldn't have been able to handle it. But it's nice and close!

Here are words that to this day make me cry when I hear them:

It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way,
you always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name -- for so long,
a beautiful smile to hide the pain.

CHORUS:
Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and ev'rything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it,
I would be nothing without you.

(CHORUS)

Fly, fly, fly away,
you let me fly so high.
Oh, fly, fly,
so high against the sky, so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you, thank God for you,
the wind beneath my wings.

Happy Birthday Mom - how I wish you were here so that I could make you a pineapple upside down cake and you could eat all the pineapple off the top. Loved it when you did that!