A couple weeks ago I posted a quick piece (here) about the emergence of social media as a powerful, efficient and effective philanthropic medium. The Haitian tragedy brought out the better parts of ourselves as a global community, and we saw that something as simple as a text message could do it.

Actor (and darn good one at that) Ed Norton has recently launched a great site called Crowdrise.com. A social networking site that allows the users to raise money for their favorite causes. Crowdwise is described as socially-conscious version of Facebook, and the site has quickly gathered a massively popular following. Raising thousands of dollars in donations already. (Will Ferrel’s page is hysterical by the way-see the photo).

We all have a responsibility. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun too. Take a moment sometime today and check out how you can get involved with Crowdwise, and help your favorite charity. Have a great weekend everyone.

All my best,

Jay Kubassek

It seems lately, (and by lately I mean what feels like months now) not a day passes without someone taking a swing at the Apple throne. In the last week alone, President Obama, in a commencement speech at Hampton University, spoke of information technology as a fundamental “distraction.” Satoru Iwata of Nintendo called Apple the “enemy of the future” and Nokia extended its patent infringement lawsuits to include the iPad and iPod.

Obama: “information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation. So all of this is not only putting pressure on you; it’s putting new pressure on our country and on our democracy.”

As a father of a young son, and someone who spent the first 17 years of their life without (yes without) a television, I can understand the growing sentiment of concern about the growing “ambient noise” of our day to day lives. It seems everyday there is a new app, or internet function that pulls us further and further from each other, or does it? I mean, is Apple really to blame for the information overload said to be plaguing our social fabric? Or are they simply an innovative company, that continues to innovate better methods than their competitors for customers to interact with the world?

In a recent TED talk video, author Simon Sinek recently discussed the enviable success of Apple. He argues (and I agree), Apple’s dominance is rooted in their clarity and commitment of message. Instead of explaining that they make great products, but they tell the consumer why they make their products. Hear more of Sinek’s explanation here below:

The bottom line is this: too much of anything can always be a detriment. But being too good at something is not. A commitment to innovation, is a commitment to excellence. Be excellent my friends and know why you do what you do.

All the best,

Jay Kubassek

I’m not really an avid SNL fan. I watch occasionally, usually catching a couple of sketches in between the diapers and the emails…and even more diapers. However, this weekend the Tivo is set and the diapers will have to stink a little longer because Betty White, the resurgent 88 years young ‘Golden Girl’, takes the stage this Saturday. Since her outrageously funny Snickers Superbowl commercial, the Betty White train has come steaming back!

I bring up the incomparable White because, well first off, she’s awesome! But secondly, she is such a sterling example of how passion carries us through life. What sustains a career for over 70 years? Luck, ginseng, exercise? Nope, It’s passion. It’s waking up each day intrinsically excited for your craft, your business, your family, your day.

Passion is the fuel of our desires and the vehicle for our ambition. Embrace this, hone it, appreciate it, but most importantly, use it! Have a great weekend everyone, and don’t forget to check out Betty SNL on Saturday.

All my best,

Jay Kubassek

We all have our favorites: restaurants, grocery stores, websites and hotels. Even hotel websites! (you get the point) Midnight urge for a slice? You know exactly where you’re headed. Making pulled pork on Saturday? Definitely going to the deli where not only will you get great meat but a surprisingly accurate 7 day weather forecast.

What’s the common denominator here? Surface analysis would say…maybe the price point. We pay more to get more, right? Or do we? I would argue rather; the real essence of commonality here is “service.” We can get a slice of pizza, or stay at any hotel; but we return to these establishments time after time, why? Well, because we encounter not simply a transaction at these times, but an experience. An experience that is rooted simply in appreciation: as a consumer, a customer, perhaps as a friend.

A fundamental mentality of service is more than just a business construct, or a means of civic duty; it’s a method of living. Each day we are given the opportunity to treat each person we meet as a mere transaction in the cog of our day, or something much brighter and fulfilling. As an opportunity to grow, learn and serve.

Let’s approach this week with the mentality of service. After all that which we give, we will always receive.

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
-Albert Schweitzer

All my best,

Jay Kubassek