DW's Blog

The Only Constant In Life Is Change

by DW Green — September 12, 2018

“When you are through changing, you are through.”

Everything, everywhere is in a constant flux of change. I like this quote from Bruce Barton, author, advertising executive and politician, “When you are through changing, you are through.”Way back in 1970, I read Future Shock, a great book by Alvin Toffler. Future Shock was about change, and the affect that the accelerated rate of technological and social change had on society. From a historic perspective the speed of change from the beginning of the industrial revolution in the 18^th century to the “super-industrial society” of the 1970’s was mind-boggling and it has only intensified thousands-fold since then.The supermarket business too has gone through radical changes and its rapid transformation continues. Remember only you can control your reaction to changes in your business. Everyone filters information through his or her personal background, wants, needs, fears, hopes, prejudices and beliefs. The result is often the development of urban “myths” about change. Let’s explore some of those myths—and the reality of business.Myth: This will go away.
Reality: Change ...

by DW Green — September 5, 2018

“You get back what you put out into the world.”

I think we all have a personal code of conduct, of ethics, of values that provide guidance in our daily behavior. Sometimes, for whatever reason, that code is missing or asleep or ignored. Problems arise when we knowingly make choices that conflict with our values. I’m committed to love, compassion, forgiveness, humility and acceptance. And yet, my choices at times, conflict with those values. It’s disheartening when that happens. It’s important for me to be mindful and aware of my values BEFORE I act so that my actions are based on those values. Easier said than done.In my wacko way of thinking this quote ties in nicely. “You get back what you put out into the world. Thus, what you’ve attracted to you is what you have to give away to others. Low energy attracts low energy. Some of the low energy thoughts are anger, hate, shame, guilt, and fear. Not only do they weaken you, but they attract more of the same! By changing your inner thoughts to the higher frequencies of love, harmony, kindness, peace, and joy, you’ll attract more of the same, and you’ll have those higher energies to give away. These higher and faster frequencies that empower you will automatically nullify an...

by DW Green — August 29, 2018

Rest in Peace John McCain.

I like Senator John McCain. I haven’t always agreed with his policy positions, but I have great respect and admiration for him. He has led a meaningful life. To say he was a good and honorable man would be an understatement.Two things that Senator McCain would often say resonate deeply with me. He was always grateful for his experiences, for his relationships and his opportunities. I think we’re all grateful for things, but to be mindful of our blessings and gifts on a daily basis is very rare. Secondly, Senator McCain was always mindful of his being of service to something larger than himself. We too, as business owners and leaders, are part of something bigger than ourselves. Supporting our employees and their families, our customers, our vendors, our communities and the environment. We get back what we give. And being of service to others is what brings joy and meaning to our life. I believe Senator McCain was honest and authentic with his declarations of gratitude and his service to others, to country for a greater good. Rest in Peace John McCain.Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.
– James AllenThe important work of moving the wo...
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Nature

by DW Green — August 22, 2018

Find time each day to connect with nature.

I spend thirty minutes every morning sitting on my back porch. From 5:30 to 6:00 am. Twenty minutes in meditation and ten minutes looking at the sky, clouds, trees, flowers and plants in my backyard. It’s quiet and peaceful, and fresh. I repeat the same practice in the evening for an hour. I look at the star filled sky, the moon and the same trees, flowers and plants. They look different at night. They seem more relaxed and peaceful, or maybe it’s me that is more relaxed and peaceful. The dark of night is settling and comfortable.Can you remember a time when you just let yourself unplug and enjoy time in nature? Do you remember how it allowed you to settle into a place of total contentment and peace? Time in nature—whether it’s sitting out on your porch like I do, watching a sunset, or taking a stroll through a park—can do wonders for your energy and mindset. Find time each day to connect with nature in whatever way you’re able, and begin to notice the calming effects it has on you throughout the rest of your day.Remember that when we find ourselves spinning out in li...
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Cataracts

by DW Green — August 15, 2018

Mental attachments are cataracts of the mind.

I had cataract surgery on my left eye last week. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens which lies behind the iris and the pupil and causes blurred vision. An unexpected and amazing benefit of surgery was my ability to “see” color in all its natural and vibrant glory. WOW! Even the color of pavement, gravel and dirt were incredibly beautiful!! I’m excited to have the surgery on my right eye soon. I can only imagine the intensity of color I will see.I wonder if clouded vision is similar to clouded thinking. Weeks ago, I wrote about the wisdom of having a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing. Mental attachments are cataracts of the mind. They can distort, blur and obstruct clear, unimpeded thinking. A mind that is open to everything is like an unlimited spectrum of color. A spaciousness that holds all things as possible. If you think it, you can do it. And like vivid color, that’s beautiful!
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Simple Kindness

by DW Green — August 7, 2018

Its effect is as far-reaching as it is subtle.

Simple kindness to one’s self and all that lives is the most powerful transformational force of all.It produces no backlash, has no downside, and never leads to despair. It increases one’s own power without exacting any toll. But to reach maximum power, such kindness can permit no exceptions, nor can it be practiced with the expectations of some selfish reward. And its effect is as far-reaching as it is subtle.Simple kindness seems simple enough. But it’s not. We all get caught up in our self-importance, our desire or need to be right, or our lack of awareness. All these factors can impede the practice of simple kindness. I guess that’s why it’s called a practice. Constant practice enhances awareness of our actions and behavior. With constant practice we become what we practice.
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Illusion

by DW Green — August 1, 2018

Behind fixed ideas are hiding places…

Pairs of opposites such as good and evil, or life and death, are examples of mental dust catchers.Any fixed idea that has not been moved around for a long time creates a place where illusion can breed. A fixed idea is like a stove, or a refrigerator, or a bookcase. Underneath and behind fixed ideas are hiding places that can collect all sorts of mental rubbish, or lint!It’s good to look at and question your personal truths, beliefs and values. These are often learned when we are young. I read that the ego/mind presumes and is convinced that its perceptions and interpretations of life experiences are the “real” thing and therefor “true.” It also believes by projection that other people see, think, and feel the same way; and if they do not, they are mistaken and therefore wrong. This explains why there is so much discourse in our world right now.
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Perspective

by DW Green — July 25, 2018

perspective: nounThe faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship:
Seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship.
Your data is admirably detailed but it lacks perspective. Sometimes I think we lose perspective in our decision making. Too often we focus on the seemingly obvious, short-term effect/benefit of our decisions. There’s no right or wrong here, though perspective can add a long-term meaningful view.This week one of our clients requested assistance on a magazine ad for a dog show publication. Here’s the relevant data. The owner has a Champion sheepdog she is entering into a competition. She is expecting to pay for the magazine ad. She’s been involved with show dogs for many years. She is a wonderful person, an excellent and wise leader and has been a client for ten years. It’s been an honor to work with her and her management team. I have three billing choices:
Bill for time spent at our normal hourly rate.
Bill for time spent at cost.
Donate the time to enhance our meaningful relationship.
In the scheme of life and from a long-term perspective, the billing choice is a no brainer. Donate the time and support and hono...
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Ad Sales

by DW Green — July 17, 2018

We visited a Wisconsin retailer last week. They have three great stores! They are clean, well merchandised, and well signed. They emanate an incredible amount of positive energy! I was impressed!
“The purpose of print and digital ads is to attract shoppers to your store.”
A conversation regarding ad sales came up during our meeting. Apparently, ad sales from the front-page items of their weekly ad (17 items) account for 4% of total sales. Seems pretty good to me. However, there is no way to measure the effect of the print ad with respect to that 4% of sales. I imagine a portion of those ad sales is the result of excellent product merchandising and product signage.In my view, the purpose and value of the weekly print or digital ad is to attract customers to the store. Even ad shoppers will purchase additional items, some which may be on sale but not advertised. Less is more with the weekly ad. Fewer items with a bigger markdown will attract more customers!
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Thoughtful

by DW Green — July 9, 2018

Thoughtfulness is a habit.

Thoughtfulness. A simple enough concept; yet not always easy to practice. Once mastered, however, it is one of the greatest gifts you can give; and not just to friends and loved ones on special occasions and holidays… but to everyone, always. And, as you establish yourself as thoughtful to others, they’ll go out of their way to please you back. Thoughtfulness is a habit; internalized, it becomes a way of life, a part of our being.It’s always cool when a renowned business expert validates a belief. Here’s a short article on thoughtfulness by Tom Peters.Service: on Thoughtfulness —Tom PetersI think it was the recession—the great recession, or whatever you want to call it—that really got me thinking about this. You know, when times are very tough and tough decisions have to be made, as they certainly have to be made, fundamental human decency toward one another is arguably more important than at any other time.And somehow or another, the word thoughtfulness came into my mind. And I like the word thoughtfulness. And then the next step in this process—and I’d ask you to think about this—many of you, most of you, probably have some kind of value statement. P...
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