Happy New Year!

Another year has past. We here at Conversation Starters Public Relations are happy to still be Conversation Starters Public Relations! Some say this was the worst kind of economic environment to start a small business.

We disagree.

Business schools a generation from now will look back at this time and see it as a "Entrepreneurial Revolution." A time when people figured out how to get it done, to toss away the old business models and build new ones. We need banks but are not beholden to them. We need government but we're not going to allow it to tell us how to run our businesses. It's the businesses on Main Street USA that will lead the economic recovery.

We are here to stay.

Happy New Year!

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you" (And will continue doing so in 2011)

Denver PD: Let's go to the video.

The Denver Police Department is suffering some image problems. To be fair, most police department do. But recent allegations of excessive force and more than a few people wondering if it's the police or the gangs that control downtown after dark has DPD taking their message to YouTube. Watch the clip here.

Personally and professionally, this isn't how I'd do such a video. It comes across like a movie trailer for a Bruce Willis film. Far too theatrical. They lost me at the slo-mo jump over the garbage can.

In a report about it by 9NEWS, DPD Detective John White said "It was one of the things that we wanted to do to kind of illustrate, show our community; this is what your police department does, these are the types of perils that your officers put themselves in to keep you safe."

The video cost $2,000 to produce, paid for by the Denver Police Foundation.

Being a cop is a dangerous job. I can only imagine the emotion and adrenalin flow when chasing a bad guy. We need police to do just that. The job after all, is to protect and serve.

But this video doesn't serve the goal of educating us about what they do. A better option would be a direct message from real officers about the realities of what they face each day, and why they choose to do it. The focus should be less on special effects, and more on message. We'd all be better served.

Like all such efforts, it's designed to start the conversation. In this case, I'm not sure DPD will be happy with the conversation they started.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Looking back a good way to look forward.

This is the time of year where we see lots of "Year-End " pieces on newscasts and other outlets. A look back at the year that was.

Sometime ago while working for a Fortune 300 company, I wanted to do such a piece for one of our corporate broadcasts. It had been a year of enormous accomplishment and I thought it would be good to document it. The idea was vetoed, the philosophy being it was the type of company that always looked forward, never back. The fact it was a successful Fortune 300 company made it hard to argue with their decision.

That said, it's good to see where you've been, to remember ups and downs because we're so darn busy sometimes we forget. I did a Google search for "Year End" and came up with 116 Million results! Everything from news to sports to tax preparation.

Personally I like to do a family video of all that we did during the past year. It's a fun way to remember what is most always great moments. Remembering the tougher times is also a good way to remind yourself you can survive them.

Looking back at it all, looking back is a good thing. Especially if you want to look forward.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Blizzard not impacting Blizzard Coverage

Winter has come early to many parts of the country, even parts of the country that don't see a lot of winter-like weather.

The East Coast is getting hammered today, but we're getting full coverage. A generation ago such a storm meant cutting off a main news pipeline like the daily paper. It just couldn't get delivered. With pretty much three choices for news, snow kept a lot of reporters from even getting to work.

Not so in today's wireless world. Online editions of papers are reaching people's computers and PDA's. Live shots are being done by Skype. Reporters stranded on trains trying to get to work are filing stories from their laptops and PDA's.

Stations that are forced to do more with less these days rely heavily on their own viewers. Great snow pictures and videos are being shared on various news outlets websites. People are also posting on Twitter and Facebook. Here's a time lapse video of the storm from one person on YouTube. It's had over 13-thousand hits.

People stuck at stations, truck stops or airports are able to re-book (if not immediately) flights online. At the very least it's a coping mechanism and a way to keep up on what's going on.

Who knows where and when the next storm will hit? It doesn't matter because WE'VE got it covered.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you" (Even in snowstorms)

Christmas: A True Story

This is the first scripture I ever memorized.

St. Luke 2:1-20

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirin'i-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

-Merry Christmas from all of us at Conversation Starters Public Relations

Christmas Music by Pianist Lisa Downing.

In the spirit of Christmas, please enjoy this performance of
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by our client, Denver Pianist
and Composer, Lisa Downing.



Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you" (And the music)

"Net Neutrality" Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

If you're reading this, it's safe to surmise (as opposed to assume) you have access to the Internet. In a way, the 'Net is a 21st century version of the wild, wild west. But like it or not, it's the main venue for commerce and communication in our world.

There's also plenty of competition to provide access to it from a myriad of providers. Competition has always been good for consumers. It's when you try and regulate it where we get the short end of the digital stick.

Yesterday the FCC voted along party lines to implement so-called "Net Neutrality." It's supposedly designed to protect us. Protect us from what? Competition? It's supposedly designed to make sure we all have access to all things on the 'Net. At least in my case, I have no problems doing that now.

I'm going to yield the rest of my time to Denver Post Columnist David Harsanyi who makes a well-reasoned argument to save the 'Net and abolish the FCC. I'm all for the former, not so much about the latter. The FCC does serve a purpose but in this case it's a bad case of over-reach.

Read David Harsanyi's Opinion Piece here.

The problem about rules is, more rules always follow. When it comes to the 'Net, let's leave it up to consumers. We're a heck of a lot smarter than government gives us credit for.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you" (And like using the Internet to do just that)

Early Risers are Informed Risers

"The Early Bird Gets the Worm"

I'm not a big fan of worms, but I am a news junkie and local news outlets are realizing that more and more of us are waking up early. I just read an article in TVSpy (A fave among those in broadcast journalism) about several news outlets expanding their morning news to 4:30am starts. One station moved up its start time to 4:25. Here in Denver, KUSA 9News recently expanded their morning block to a 4:30am start.

As a bit of history, it wasn't long ago that local stations just programmed "cut-ins" at 25 minutes past the hour during shows like Today. A headline or two and weather. It used to be enough. Not anymore.

We're a society that is getting up, and going to bed earlier. For those in the business of news, it's the the morning broadcast that's the career destination of first choice. Here in Denver, the focus in the 4:30 half-hour is headlines but really on business, weather and traffic. The target demographic is obvious. Professionals looking for what's new before heading out to a work-out or early start to the business day. There's also a chunk of the population who are shift workers, and the 4:30am broadcast is their version of the 5pm news.

Having been a morning show Executive Producer, the hours for those producing early news are killer. My lead producer showed up for work at 11pm the night before to get the "hand-off" from the late news team. Writers and associate producers showed up about 1:30am with me coming in around 2:30. Yes, the news anchors play an active role in the production of the newscast. They arrive plenty early and contribute to the writing and editing.

Many local news outlets are producing as much as 50-55 hours a week of news along with their station websites and social media pages. All these pipelines are voracious for content which is good news for those of us in the PR Business. It still has to be meaningful content, but if you want placement for a client, morning news is where you make your pitch.

Morning news is fueled by coffee and comfortable anchor chairs. (And frequent scheduled trips to the bathroom) Sitting on the set for as long as four hours is hard work.

Regardless of what time we watch, as for me, I'm also going online for news via iPad or laptop. Sometimes I have the TV on split screen. There are lots of pipelines, and local news is embracing them and competing for the eyeballs that use them. Regardless of time.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Gifts Ideas That Make a Difference.

The gift scramble is on. Everyone is making a final check of their list before the last minute dash to malls and department stores. So what's on your list? I'd like to make some suggestions for gifts that will have a genuine and positive impact on people's lives. You may never meet them, but your heart will know. It's a grand feeling.

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado. We hear so much being reported about declining graduation rates from high school. No diploma, no ticket to college. Not so at Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado where all kids not only graduate from high school, but usually get their college degree in four years. All these terrific kids need is a little help from you. Meet some of them here.

Jeffco Action Center. The Action Center helps good people in so many great ways. The food bank provides four TONS of food each day. There's help for clothing, emergency shelter, rent assistance, medical help and counseling. Who are the people being helped? You'd be surprised. They could be your neighbor. Listen to Nancy's Story.

Bonfils Blood Center. Only 4% of eligible donors actually give blood here in Colorado. 4%. Giving blood is easy, takes less than an hour and saves some one's life. The demand is especially large during the holidays and donors just the opposite. Think about it, it costs nothing but a bit of your time and saves a life. What better gift?

Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. If you've never been to Wings over the Rockies you're missing something special. It's a place where you can touch the planes, heck, you can even sit in many of them on Open Cockpit days. Museum memberships are very affordable and the gift store is a terrific place to shop for the aviation enthusiast on your list. The museum has a huge commitment to aerospace education for the next generation of pilots, engineers and astronauts to help us return to the stars. The last person to walk on the moon, Astronaut Gene Cernan talked about just that.

Air Medical Memorial. Over three-hundred crew members of emergency medical air missions have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Air Medical Memorial will honor their sacrifice. Each and every day they take to the air to bring people to hospitals from crashes and disasters, and they save time and lives doing so. We rarely hear about them. Your donation can honor them in a most fitting way.

Gifts that give. I hope you consider any or all of the above.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Larry King, The Great Conversation Starter

Larry King signed off on CNN last night.



I met Larry one time, he was a guest at a corporate event I produced a few years back along with my friends and colleagues from Turner Broadcasting. King was taller than he looks on TV, and was a restless type. He was always on the move and anxious to get the party started.

In recent years his once sky high ratings disappeared, the victim of competition from others doing what he helped invent. It's the way of television.

That said, there was a time if you wanted to live in the White House, you needed to appear on Larry King Live. Larry King had the biggest Rolodex file in the world, and he got the guests others could only dream of. Heads of State, the biggest stars and the odd....oddball.

His interview style was quaint by today's standards. He didn't rant, rave or attack. He just asked questions folks on Main Street would ask. It worked for a very long time. Should he have hung up his trademark suspenders earlier? That wasn't for us to decide. Larry King did that last night.

Moving forward, Piers Morgan takes over the seat. You might know Morgan as the British judge from America's Got Talent. Personally I don't think Morgan has the talent to keep this particular talk show ship afloat. CNN ratings have been in a huge decline in recent years, ironic in that they invented the 24 hour news format. Others have jumped in, innovated and taken the lead.

The one constant about TV, is nothing is constant.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Zuckerberg good choice for Person of the Year.

Courtesy: Time Magazine

Facebook PIC (Poster in Chief) Mark Zuckerberg is having a good year. At age 26 he's worth billions, a hit movie was made about how he either created, or stole the idea for Facebook and now he's on the cover of Time Magazine as "Man of the Year." He's the second youngest person ever to grace the cover. Aviator Charles Lindbergh beat him by a year. In a way, both accomplished similar things in how we live our lives. Lindbergh proved we could get from here to there faster. Zuckerberg has us communicating faster than ever before.

It's a good choice. The Tea Party by the way, was runner-up.

My epiphany about Facebook came this summer while in Alaska. While we had plenty of Internet access, even at a remote village 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle, we were so busy there was little time to digitally check in. I noticed that I was going to both my business and personal Facebook pages first.

I've heard/read different opinions about just how many people are connected by Facebook, but 1/10 of the world's population is a good estimate. Some 500 million people. There are a lot of people actually making a living teaching others how to make the best use of Facebook as part of a social media strategy for business. I'm one of them.

For most, it's just being connected. A colleague keeps her network to a group of close friends. She described Facebook as like having a high school reunion every day.

Business Schools are already studying Facebook's business model and how Zuckerberg runs his business. You've heard of Cloud Computing. Facebook has Cloud Management.

More than a few pundits wondered why WikiLeak LIC (Leaker in Chief) Julian Assange wasn't chosen. The response was that five years from now, he'll be at most, a footnote in history. As for Facebook, we'll see.

When someone is chosen as Person of the Year, it's not necessarily for doing something good. Just having a profound impact on society; good, bad or in-between. Among the 500 million Facebook users are a lot of very bad people using the technology to steal and to stalk.

There's also no small irony in Time's choice as it's a very analog publication trying to be relevant in this age of Facebook.

Most striking is the cover itself. Study the picture, especially those eyes. It's like he's peering into our very soul. Maybe he is.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you" (Facebook is one way we do that)

Obama takes it to the street. Main Street.

Local political reporter Adam Schrager of KUSA 9NEWS had a one-on-one interview this week with President Obama. One of several the President is conducting with local reporters to pitch his economic message.

I don't know about the other reporters who got the invitation, but Adam is a terrific journalist. I know him personally and professionally. What ever his political views may be, they aren't evident in his reporting. Frankly, I hope to see him hosting "Meet the Press" some day.

The President made a good decision reaching out to reporters who practice their craft on Main Street USA. As viewers we connect far better with our local reporters than those who live in the isolated and pampered world of Washington and New York. The DC political reporting scene is incestuous. After hours, reporters and political types mingle at the same cocktail parties and soirees.

Not so much here at home. No limos for reporters like Adam. He drives himself to work.

So it was good to see a reporter I respect sit down with the President of the United States. Obama was on message, but I paid far more attention because I respected the reporting about what he said.

Thank you Adam. Thank you Mr. President.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you" (And enjoy listening to other conversations)

SMDC Red Ribbon Cutting-The Egg and I

It's not your brand anymore. It's "Ours"

I attended a Social Media Summit produced by Ragan Communications (Which I heartily recommend) earlier this year and came away with several knowledge nuggets including the fact that companies really don't "own" their brands anymore. In this age of social media which empowers consumers like never before, it's "We the digital people" that own the brand.

A few days afterwards I shared this with the CEO of a company that had an increasingly bad reputation on the Internet, a rep growing worse every day. He scoffed at the concept that anyone but he owned the brand. Analog thinking in a digital age.

A few months later the company was OOB. You can't run and you can't hide anymore. Treat a customer poorly, and if you don't make good, they'll post about it on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Others of the same opinion will soon share it and voila, a movement begins. Just ask the TSA. Heard any stories about junk being grabbed lately?

It can work in a positive way too. One of the biggest fan pages on Facebook is for Coca-Cola. It's not run by Coke, but by fans of the brand. The site has tons of followers. Some friends of mine have started a social media campaign for their chain of restaurants. Their food and service is good, they're nice folks so I click the "like" button anytime I see a post.

Social Media can also protect the brand reputation. Should someone complain about you online, engage them and try and solve the problem. Social Media can be a great fire break, before the fire breaks out. An established social media presence can also act as a 'Future Shock-Shock Absorber" when un-fair attacks are made.

Good product and service remain the golden rules of business. Ignore your customers and they'll do anything but ignore you. Take them for granted and they'll take you right out of business. It just takes a few clicks.

They own the brand. Get used to it.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Perception is Reality

One of the things I learned a long time ago in the news biz, is that perception is reality. It's not the story. It's how it's perceived. The viewer's perception is their reality.

A pretty good example of all this came last Friday in a rather extraordinary news conference at the White House. Putting a full court press on resolving the whole tax issue, President Obama brought in former President Bill Clinton to help sell the deal to rebellious Democrats.

Then this happened.

THE President bailed and the FORMER President stayed on at the White House Podium aka "The Bully Pulpit" fielding national policy issues. Deja Vu all over again. Clinton was in his element and Obama was heading to the residence. Clinton played on, and on despite efforts by Bob Gibbs to give him the hook.

Reaction from pundits ranged from shock and no small amount of awe to politics as unusual.

But the image of a sitting President leaving the room and leaving things to a former President who knows how to work a room as good as Reagan or Roosevelt ever did was a stunner. At least that was my perception and therefore my reality.

Ultimately it may be no big deal. Folks living along Main Street are getting ready for Christmas while worried about paying for it. Maybe we're all to pre-occupied to have even noticed. Again, just my perception.

What's yours?

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Death AND Taxes a Bad Mix.

The Friday "Op-Ed"

Taxes are the talk of Washington these days. When aren't they? But a particular odorous part of the debate is the so-called "Death Tax." Its when you pass on to your reward and those who inherit your estate pay taxes on it.

Regardless of size, your estate was built on hard word. You earned money, on which you were taxed. You invested it, or purchased real estate etc, on which you were taxed again.

We need to pay taxes. It's how we pay to keep the roads paved and police on the beat. But at a certain point, enough is enough. But getting taxed from the grave is just plain wrong.

There are more than a few in Washington who believe it's only "fair" to tax your descendants when they inherit what you worked for, and payed taxes on during your lifetime. When challenged by a news anchor about the fairness of it all, Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-New York) said it doesn't matter.

"They'll be dead," was his response.

If you wonder why so many family owned businesses end up not being family owned, this is the reason. Taxing something that has already been taxed over and over again, defies reason. Reason enough, at the very least, to cut the "death" tax rather than increase it even more.

Junk it all together makes the most sense.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Hackers hack me off.

I'm starting to realize the hackers are in charge. Anonymous and deadly to computer systems. Proof comes from the on-going drama surrounding Wikileaks and the jailing of Wikihoncho Julian Assange.

Reprisals from his supporters are coming from hackers who apparently can shut down the systems of companies like Visa and Mastercard.

They're the newest breed of terrorist. As if we need new ones.

Governments and corporations, if they aren't already, better start getting ready for cyber wars from an invisible enemy that can destroy commerce with a click or two on a computer. We've become far to dependent on technology. It's a new reality and in this case, reality does indeed bite.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you" (As long as the servers are working)

For Your "Colorado Gives" Consideration

Today is a big day for giving and receiving, all part of the "Colorado Gives" campaign. If you want to make a difference in a number of Colorado-based non-profits, today is your day.

I'd like to recommend two for your consideration:

1. Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado. They just signed on as one of our clients, and provide terrific educational opportunities for kids from tough circumstances who just need a stable living and learning environment to succeed. ALL go on to college, the huge majority graduating in four years. Meet the kids.

2. Jeffco Action Center. Wow, what doesn't the Action Center do? From food and clothing to those who need it most, to emergency shelter, counseling and medical services, the team at the Action Center gets it done. The demand is huge. The food bank alone gives out 4 tons of food each day. The clients just could be your neighbors, you just don't know it. Here's just one success story.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversation about you"

Pearl Harbor a Must-See When In Hawaii

Today marks the 69th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. December 7, 1941. A day which President Franklin Roosevelt described as a "day of infamy." It marked the entrance of the United States into World War II which already had been raging in Europe.

Should your travels take you to Hawaii, especially Honolulu, you owe it to yourself and those who both died and survived that day to tour both the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. (BB-63) The Arizona took a direct hit down one of her smokestacks and sunk with much of the crew trapped below decks. Just down from the memorial built above the sunken ship is the Missouri, where the war officially ended in August of 1945. My late father-in-law was aboard the Missouri when the Japanese surrendered in Tokyo Bay.

We recently returned to Pearl Harbor and toured the Missouri. Here's a video tour in two parts:





Sadly, very few of those who made it through that day of infamy remain with us today. It's my hope you someday get to visit Pearl Harbor. You feel the history when you're there and you'll never forget your visit.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you" (And keep memories alive)

Chemo101.com Launches Today!

Denver, Colorado – 12/06/2010 – Chemo101.com, a new educational website for cancer patients, made its official launch during the American Society of Hematology meeting this past weekend in Orlando, FL. The brainchild of veteran healthcare consultant to the pharmaceutical industry, Kristin Gustafson, Chemo101 is an innovative and comprehensive new platform that provides those undergoing treatment with the most up-to-date resources and information they need, all in one easy to access place online. From treatment options, and side effects, to insurance matters and other associated costs, Chemo101 offers patients and caregivers a one-stop resource to help navigate through a confusing and unfamiliar process . It provides information to ease the anxiety and fears that come with diagnosis and treatment.
Says Gustafson, President and founder of Chemo101, "Now cancer patients and caregivers will have their own comprehensive site to get the latest information on all matters related to the chemotherapy experience. For years we've been listening closely to healthcare providers and patients share their personal challenges in managing the physical and financial impact of cancer treatments. Many patients have to stop or alter therapy due to unforeseen side effects or escalating treatment costs. We've made it our goal to help patients access critical information about their treatments and financial options in a simple and concise way that will allow them to take more control in the decision making process. What makes Chemo101 unique to other resources is that we have incorporated learning principles that will help individuals with varying backgrounds better understand the information. It’s an information source that’s reliable, user-friendly and of true value”
Chemo101 is accessible online in beta format at www.Chemo101.com. Patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers can log on to review this new resource and provide feedback.
About Chemo101:
Chemo101 is a Denver, CO based organization focused on providing educational resources for cancer patients and caregivers, and patient management solutions for healthcare professionals. Chemo101 is also the administrator of Chemo101Gives, a 501 (c) (3) pending non-profit, dedicated to providing financial support for the non-medical needs of cancer patients.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Where there's no will, there's no way.

Op-Ed

You've likely heard of, but perhaps not read the recommendations of the Presidential Debt Reduction Commission. You can read it here. The commission is led by former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson and Clinton Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles. (This disclaimer: I've known Senator Simpson for some 25 years, seeing him most recently this past September)

Simpson's comments while making the rounds of interviews have been his usual colorful self. Bowles has been a bit more scholarly in tone. Either way, the focus is clear: Increase revenues and cut spending.

It's basic economics, which is understood everywhere else except government. It's hard to understand, why government can't understand, that you can't spend money you don't have.

The nation is broke. Deficits and debt are measured in the Trillions and we'll soon have to invent a new word for the next level. For now I'll use a Gazillion.

Gadzooks.

There of course have been howls of outrage about what needs to be done to dig out of this hole. Simpson responds, ""America, you have a serious problem and time is short to address it." Bowles makes his feeling clear as well describing Washington's penchant for spending money like drunken sailors as " a cancer, destroying our nation from within."

Some pundits question why we on Main Street should bear the brunt of all this. They say it was Washington, not us who created the problem. Actually it is our fault. We elected the same people year after year, decade after decade to bring home the bacon. It's our job and responsibility as citizens to pay attention to what's going on in Washington. The power lies with us, we only lend it to those we elect to represent us.

We were asleep at the switch while Washington maxed out the national credit card, manufactured new ones and maxed those too. The bills have come due. We've run out of paper and plastic.

If we have the will, we will find a way to dig out from the mountain of debt that is our sad legacy to our kids, our grand kids and their kids. It's going to hurt, big-time, for a long time.

But if we don't have the will, there's no way out. China owns the second mortgage on the White House and are licking their chops to foreclose.

Think about it.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

S.I. knows "J"

I read just two weekly magazines in the traditional print format; Bloomberg Business Week and Sports Illustrated. Both are my "End of the day, curl up and read cover to cover before lights out" pleasures. As long as they continue to publish, I'll subscribe and read.

My focus today is on the extraordinary journalism delivered each week in Sports Illustrated. The current issue featuring Sportsman of the Year Drew Brees is a perfect example. Inside there's a fascinating dissection of Syney Crosby's goal that led Team Canada to a win over Team USA in the Olympic Hockey Final. S.I. and writer Michael Farber committed 8 pages to the 8 second sequence of how the play developed with the resulting score. Slow-mo in print.

Then there's the piece by Thomas Lake on the death of High School Football player Max Gilpin, one of at least 665 kids to die playing the sport since 1931. No tidy ending to this story, just a well documented account of something that shouldn't have happened.

A few weeks ago in the November 15 issue, S.I. thoroughly documented what a farce the current BCS system is, and where the money really goes. (It's not the teams despite what the BCS Cartel claims.) I was surprised, make that shocked and angry by the time I read the article. The kind of emotions good journalism should and must create.

S.I. over course is also digital, and various incarnations are available on the Internet and as apps for your iPad.

But in this case, I'm going to savor the pleasure of holding a terrific print publication in my hand, to enjoy turning each page to read brilliant and responsible sports journalism.

And the Swimsuit Edition.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Losing your cool isn't cool.

Did you see Arizona QB Derek Anderson laughing on the sidelines while his team was getting stomped by the 49ers? Did you see him launch into a tirade when a reporter asked him about it in the post-game news conference?

The tantrum heard 'round the world.

It was everywhere and a classic case of how not to deal with the news media. Anderson laughed, later threw a tantrum and both incidents went viral. There was some attempt at damage control but that horse already left the barn leaving a big pile of manure behind.

Reporters get paid to ask questions of their choice, not ours. Whether or not you think they're fair doesn't matter. It's how you handle the question that's important.

More than a few execs have asked me, "Why did they ask that question, why didn't they ask what I wanted to talk about?" What they should be asking is why didn't they spend time on media training.

If you or your company/organization is in the public eye, or think you might be, you'd be wise to invest in media training. Even more so if you don't think you'll ever be in the spotlight. Better to be prepared and have nothing happen than the other way around.

Think of media training as building a fire break before the fire starts.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you" (Especially when someone else starts it first)

"Frank" comes out the digital closet

Anyone NOT heard about the latest series of mass document dumps from WikiLeaks? The site is dedicated to ferreting out and distributing secret, or at the very least sensitive information. WikiLeaks is run by Julian Assange who is well, reviled by a lot of folks these days and may even be facing some legal problems of his own.

Much of what's being released contains stuff we only hear described as "Frank" and "Candid" discussions in news conferences after diplomats meet. WikiLeaks just let "Frank" out of the digital closet. Don't call me Shirley, and don't call me Frank.

This sort of thing isn't new. Think back to the Pentagon Papers.

Regardless of how you feel about WikiLeaks, Assange or the nature of the information released it should give all of us pause to remember that "If you don't want to be quoted, don't say it." Or post it.

The alleged source for much of the WikiLeaks documents is a US Army Private. A Private, with the ability to expose a lot of private information way above his proverbial pay grade.

We all send e-mails, post things and say things. In today's digital world there are two certainties:

1. Once it's "out there", it's out there.
2, What you say can and will be used against you.

The diplomatic fallout from all this will be remains to be seen. Certainly it comes as no surprise that we have less than kind things to say about certain "Allies," who are allies only because they're the lesser of two evils.

But if a low-level enlisted soldier has access to top secret military and diplomatic information, what about your business or organization?

It's bad enough that anyone, anytime can post or say anything they want about you on the Internet, usually anonymously. Don't give them extra ammunition.

Should something less than pleasant come out about you, true or not, consult with experienced communications pros immediately if not sooner.

Brian Olson
Converesation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you" (Or stop them)

'Bama, Pretty Woman and ROR.

Did you see the pregame of the Iron Bowl? They had a shot of the 'Bama players arriving, making the traditional walk between their fans. All of them had headphones on, looking straight ahead and ignoring their adoring fans.

Then came a shot of Auburn's Cam Newton, who was jumping up and down and waving his arms to the fans as he actually came over to them. Regardless of how you feel about Newton, he was practicing ROR. Return on relationship.

The 'Bama players reminded me of the shopkeeper in Pretty Woman who ignored Julia Robert's character. Big mistake.

Tigers 28.'Bama 27. 'Bama Fans 0.

It's a lesson in customer care we can all learn from. Ignore customers at your own peril. You can have a great product, but if you don't thank them enthusiastically each time they're in your store, they'll shop elsewhere.

Fans, like customers, are fickle.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

The Case for Space

With NASA's Shuttle program grinding to a halt, what's next? Nothing apparently. American Astronauts will fly to and from the Space Station on Russian Spacecraft. Galactic hitchhiking.

This past Saturday I got to hear from two Astronauts, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger (STS-131 Shuttle Discovery) and Gene Cernan (Gemini 9, Apollo 10 & 17) who is the last human to walk on the moon 38 years ago. Cernan was honored with the "Spreading Wings" award at Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum.

Here are their thoughts about their experiences in space and why it's important we get a new generation of Americans interested in finding out what's "out there."

Metcalf-Lindenburger:


Gene Cernan:


Speaking with some aerospace engineers recently, the concensus seems to be that the best way to move forward in space exploration is turning it over to private enterprise. Richard Branson is leading the way. The Russians have been charging space tourists $25 million a pop for a trip to the Space Station.

Can you imagine what Apple or Google would have been willing to pay to have their logo on the Shuttle?

We're a nation of explorers. Or at least used to be. This line from The Right Stuff says it all, "No bucks, no Buck Rogers."

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

In the spirit of Thanksgiving...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We live in a great nation, that despite it's many faults remains a government of the people. Let's not forget it's our government, and we only lend power to those we elect to represent us.

We're thankful to be able to start a business and still be in business! We're thankful for our first clients like the Hallmark Channel and Chemo101.com who believed in us.

We're thankful for the many potential clients we're talking with and look forward to adding them to our roster of clients who are more than simply "accounts" but organizations and teams we truly believe in.

We're thankful for our Joint Venture Partners at Baldwin Media Marketing, here's to a grand future together.

We're thankful for the men and women stationed around this world, often in harm's way, on the front line, taking the battle for freedom to the enemy.

Have a safe, peaceful and wonderful day.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you" (Please pass the turkey, thank you)

SNL takes on TSA. Satire lives!

Honoring the Last Man on the Moon

I had the chance to attend the annual Wings over the Rockies gala this past weekend which honored Astronaut Gene Cernan. He flew aboard the Gemini 9, Apollo 10 and Apollo 17 missions and is the last human being to have walked on the surface of the moon, lifting off on December 14, 1972.

We've never returned since.

It was a grand event and Wings over the Rockies is an extraordinary venue for hosting an event for your company or organization. But the focus this past Saturday was on a true "stick and rudder" guy, Gene Cernan.



The future of space travel is uncertain at best, the Shuttle program is about to end with nothing in the pipeline to follow it. Cernan and other astronauts in attendance told us that it's the kids in school today who hold the key to our future as space explorers and that we must do everything we can to encourage them.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Social Media-One is the loneliest number.

What's the status of social media at your company or non-profit? Who is tasked with the job? In too many cases social media is something handed off to a staffer with an already full plate.

Social media provides so many opportunities beyond the obvious. Have you thought about spreading the social media load? Why not create a social media team across your organization? From the boardroom to the stockroom. Up and down the food chain.

All have different views of the same subject. By making them part of your social media outreach you bring in fresh perspective and at the same time empower your team as "Brand Ambassadors."

Granted, you have to be selective, there has to be guidelines and focus, but do it right and all of a sudden you have a vibrant and active social media plan.

One is the loneliest number in social media. Make it a team effort.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Hunger not a seasonal thing.

Last month was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The folks at Komen have created an extraordinary event driven juggernaut. Sadly, there are so many different cancers and cancer is a 24/7/365 disease. The pink is gone. Cancer isn't.

The same applies to hunger in America. This is the time of year when the hungry are in the news. Like cancer, hunger is a year-round problem and growing. What's changed the most is who is going hungry in our nation. You'd be surprised. Volunteering at a local food bank recently, it didn't take long to realize that the scruffy image of the hungry/homeless too many of us have in our minds isn't the norm. The people we helped were well groomed, intelligent and...hungry. Single people, families with kids, people who could be our neighbor. They just might be, we just don't know it.

I'm priviledged to serve on the board of directors of the Jeffco Action Center. Along with a food bank, the Action Center provides counseling, emergency shelter and rent assistance, operates a clinic, provides free clothing and other services. The food bank distributes an average of 4 tons of food a day.

4 tons.

Special focus is put on the hungry at Thanksgiving. Many, but not all the hungry get a Thanksgiving dinner through the generous help of donors and volunteers and agencies like the Action Center.

Many, but not all and Thanksgiving is just one day. That leaves 364 other days.

The need is year-round. The economic mess has forced many families to go from donors, to receivers of help instead. Solid "middle class" families.

It's a problem we have to solve. It all starts with volunteering an hour or so each month. It all starts with donating a dollar or a can of food. It all starts with us.

Please give in some way today, tomorrow and every day you can. This is the United States of America. No one should go hungry in this great nation.

No one. Otherwise we stop being a great nation.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Video for Social Media 101

Video has become a key element of social media outreach and thanks to technology and very affordable prices, a good fit for any company regardless of size. Earlier this year I attended a Ragan Communications seminar on social media hosted by the folks at Coca-Cola in Atlanta. Among the many things discussed is how Coca-Cola uses Flipcams distributed all over the company for employees to shoot and post videos about what they do.

If it works for Coke it can work for you. If you already use a video camera, or are thinking about it, here are some tips to produce some pretty good looking videos. Remember, you're not shooting a major motion picture here, just some quick shots to tell your story. As the folks at Coke told us, "Good enough is good enough." That said:

1. Avoid being "shaky." Today's video cameras are very light, which makes them more prone to jittery video. Use both hands whenever possible. Hold the camera with one hand, support it with the other. Become "one" with your camera. Practice.

2. Available light. If you can afford a lighting kit and have the time and expertise to use it, go for it. If you don't, use the light you have. Keep the light in front of your subject, not behind. Today's cameras shoot wonderful quality video with natural light. Again, practice makes perfect. Experiment.

3. Natural Sound. "Nat-Sound" can be a very effective way of telling your story. If for instance it's a shot of kids having great fun with a toy or project, no amount of voice-over can beat it. NBC's Bob Dotson taught me years ago, listen first before you shoot video.

4. You can get great sound from your interview subject with the onboard microphones on today's cameras. But if the background noise is loud and distracting, move your subject to a quiet place for best quality. Other than asking a question you want included in your video, don't talk! This is especially important when shooting your "Nat Sound" clips.

5. Shot composition. Look for interesting ways to shoot your video. Certainly keep your company logo in the background when interviewing someone if possible. It's all about branding. Avoid shooting downward at subject matter. If you have to get down on one knee, do so. Think in terms of how the video will look when your target audience sees it on their computer or PDA.

6. Flipcams are great fun. But for a few hundred dollars more you get get a very high quality HD Camera which will provide you with excellent results. Video editing programs like iMovie are very intuitive and easy to use. It takes a little longer to edit and post your video, but the results are worth it.

7. Shorter is better. Keep your video short and to the point. You can tell your story in less than two minutes once you get the hang of it. With the exception of basketball, short is good.

Above all, go for it. Get a camera and start shooting and posting. Empower other members of your team to do so. Get everyone involved. When the next customer raves about your product or service, be ready to ask them, "Would you mind saying that on camera?"

Shoot it. Post it. Have fun.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you" (Video is a great way to do just that)

Future Shock-Shock Absorbing

Some years back I had the privilege of meeting the late, great broadcaster Paul Harvey when he spoke at a broadcast journalism industry event. At the beginning of his speech he described the audience as being "Future Shock-Shock Absorbers" for their viewers and listeners. I've never forgotten that well-turned phrase by Mr. Harvey.

It's a term, I think, that equally applies to communications, especially in this rapidly evolving world of social media and why it's important your business have a sound, developed and regularly reviewed communication strategy/plan.

What got me thinking about all this was something I heard yesterday on a sports talk radio show. Eagles QB Michael Vick is the talk (good and bad) of the town for his performance against the Washington Redskins this past Monday. One of the talk show hosts quipped that the PR team for the NFL would have its hands full if the season ended with a Eagles-Steelers Super Bowl, which would of course be billed as a showdown between Ben Roethlisberger and Vick. Both would bring considerable baggage to the game which we don't need to get into here because it's well documented.

The NFL's public relations team is arguably as good as any in the business and they'd do their very best to stay on message and keep the media covering the Superbowl on message. They likely have anticipated such a match-up and are planning for it accordingly. Good luck.

The NFL has well developed policies within its organization, but also knows that they need to quickly adapt to the situation at hand.

Another case study would be the recent incident involving the Carnival Cruise Ship, Splendor. An engine room fire knocked out power, including electricity and passengers had to go without some of the normal luxuries they paid for. Steak and Lobster were replaced by sandwiches. But the original fire was contained, no one was hurt and everyone returned home safely, refunded in full and given another cruise for free. Carnival, to its credit, dealt with a bad situation and did a pretty good job of taking care of its customers and their safety.

But most of the media coverage centered on that passengers were supposedly were fed Spam ferried over, along with other supplies from the nearby aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. Carnival's PR team did, I think, a darn good job of putting out fair and accurate information but the fixation by most covering the story was the Spam. The story quickly faded from the limelight, but Carnival and Spam went together like peas and carrots for a few days. So despite the best plans and intentions, ultimately the media will cover a story how it decides to. Which is their right. But both the story and the actual fire could have been far worse. Damage control was the rule of the day aboard the ship and in the media. Both fires put out successfully.

I could go on including the BP debacle but the point here is that a well planned and continually reviewed communications plan is important and social media is a great conduit of information when crisis occurs.

A metaphor would be the fire lines that are created in a forest fire. They slow or halt further spread of the fire. But the fire lines aren't created until after the fire starts. Your social media strategy creates a fire line before the fire starts. A future shock-shock absorber when you need it.

So while social media is all about outreach, marketing and brand building; it's also about being there to deal with unexpected situations which can happen to just about any company or organization.

These days, just one disgruntled customer can create a digital fire. As in "Touch my Junk." Having a good plan in place to deal with that kind of fire can prevent it from going viral. It's important to continually monitor what's being said about you on the 'Net. We suggest you set up "listening posts" for key members of your team to listen to what's being said and to quickly and proactively deal with it.

So if you haven't already, check your shock absorbers.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you" (And help you deal with any unpleasant conversation)

Planes a Pain? Try a Train.

"Don't touch my junk" has quickly become a viral sensation. TSA screenings to say the least are becoming a tad intrusive. Cops copping feels. OK, we live in a dangerous world and the bad guys are finding ingenious ways to try and attack us. They're not going to give up. So air travel at least, is simply going to be more of a hassle than ever before. Add inexperienced travelers to the mix during the Thanksgiving and Christmas crush and well, patience will be more than a virture but a necessity.

So let me suggest an alternative. Travel by train. It's something my wife and I have discovered in recent years. I'll write about it more, but first this video of a trip from Los Angeles to Seattle aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight.



This video has had almost 13,000 views on YouTube so there's more than a passing interest in train travel. The trip took 36 hours, and yes, we had to fly from here to Los Angeles and then back home from Seattle. But the experience itself was terrific. We had to be at the station about a half hour before departure and the only security check was for I.D. The scenery was spectacular, meals grand and the afternoon wine tastings were delightful. While we were on a "Train-cation" others on the train traveled by train on a regular basis. It was simply more affordable. Factor in time spent going to and from airports, waiting for security etc, it's also faster depending on how far you're traveling. It's certainly the case for travelers of all sorts in the northeast part of the country.

If I had to go to San Francisco from Denver for example, either for business or pleasure, I'd definately think about taking the train instead of the plane. But for our regular trips to Atlanta, the plane is our only and best choice. Getting there by train would take about 3 days with the trip routing through Chicago, Washington DC then south. OK, one last video and if you're thinking about a trip to Alaska worth a look. We did a "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" vacation to the 49th state this past summer and the Alaska Railroad was a key part of our journey.



Alaska's scenery is spectacular and there's no better way to see it than by train and I highly recommend the Alaska RR, but not the cruise line cars. Travel on the actual railroad-owned cars. More of a real Alaska experience.

There was one, and very nice surprise when we flew back to Anchorage from Fairbanks on ERA. Other than an I.D. check, there was no TSA security screen. We simply walked to the gate then on to the aircraft. An added bonus by the way is the view of Denali from the air. Wow.

So there are real alternatives to air travel. Travel by train is worth looking into depending on where you're going and how fast you need to get from here to there. Either way, safe travels everyone.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

ESPN, Pipelines and You.

Back in the 1980's news consultants and news operations bemoaned that while news and weather coverage was evolving with the times, sports remained in a rut. It was the same "Player-Coach" interviews with a few highlights tossed in for good measure.

Ultimately predictable as heck and boring.

As cable (and later home satellite) replaced rabbit ears an upstart channel came along called the Entertainment and Sports Programing Network. We know it today as ESPN. It launched in 1979 on a wing and a proverbial prayer. Content ranged from Australian Rules Football to the Canadian Football League. But shows like Sports Center came along and changed the way sports was being reported, and more importantly watched by viewers.

Today ESPN is the definitive sports programming network in the world. Make that networks. A look at the electronic program guide shows ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN News, ESPN Classic, and of course, "The Deuce" along with a few ESPN Alternate Channels thrown into the mix including ESPN Radio which is available both on-air or by satellite. Since it's acquisition a few years back by ABC it's as powerful a sports programming juggernaut anywhere with the NFL, College Football, MLB plus a variety of network produced programming. From upstart to ruler of the sports universe.

If you like serious sports coverage, you can tune into programs like The Sports Reporters. If you think sports should be taken a tad less seriously, then check out SportsNation with Colin Cowherd and Michelle Beadle. You choose.

SportsNation blends traditional broadcasting with viewer involvement via the Internet which is another area where ESPN continues to be the lead innovator in sports coverage on ESPN websites and social media channels like Twitter and Facebook.

Ultimately it's about multiple pipelines and choices for viewers. They not only program for viewers, they empower their viewers and digitally include them in the mix of what we see and read. Those viewers become "Brand Ambassadors" by sharing content with their friends.

I've had the chance to work with ESPN on projects several times and a visit to their campus in Bristol, CT boggles the mind. It's an incredible facility filled with incredibly creative people fully aware of the multiple ways they can reach out to us with content on demand. They also market themselves with very witty promos, featuring their on-air team along with real sports figures. Their coverage is fun, and so is the way they get you to watch it.

Information + entertainment = success.

So how can all this apply to your business, big or small? Simple.

1. Continue to innovate. Every day think of a better way.
2. Your customers are your best brand ambassadors. Use them. Provide them ROI when they promote you.
3. Take advantage of all the communications pipelines available to you, both traditional and new media.
4. Above all, make your content meaningful on your customer's Main Street. If you provide good information, deals etc. they will come back to you, they will follow you and get their friends to follow you as well. Content is king.

If it works for ESPN, it can work for you.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Spam better than no Spam for some.

I'm privileged to serve on the board of an agency that provides food, shelter, counseling, clothing and other emergency services for thousands of people each year. Part of our duties include "Learn the load" days where we work in different departments of the agency to better understand what we're responsible for administering.

Today I'll be working in the food pantry. By the end of the day we'll have distributed 4 tons of food. 4 tons. The doors open at 9am, people start lining up long before and this morning it will be a chilly wait.

I also read this story about the Denver Rescue Mission and their worry they won't have enough turkeys to distribute this Thanksgiving.

So I remain dismayed as to the media's obsession with the cruise line passengers "stranded" because of an engine room fire. Much of the coverage focused on the delivery of Spam to the ship while it was being towed. (Thank you US NAVY and the crew of CVN 76) It was the lead story this morning on one of the local stations here in Denver.

The lead story?

Don't mis-understand, I've been on cruises and would be as upset as anyone if something similar happened to me. But in this case there were no injuries, no one went hungry, everyone gets a refund plus a free cruise to make up for the inconvenience. Plus get on Network TV.

It all has be wondering what's worse. Being "stranded" on a cruise liner, or lining up in the cold to get something to eat. Even Spam. These folks are families, so very many just the victims of circumstance. I remember one morning seeing a mother and her two kids pulling a wagon full of groceries as they left the food bank. The kids were excited, not because they just got a new video game, but for the fact they had something to eat.

Think about it.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

First Snow

Think first, then post/talk/vent.

One of the key elements of media training is this:
"If you don't want to be quoted, don't say it"

Easier said than, uh, said. Or Tweeted.

Did you hear about the employee fired for posting unflattering things about her boss on Facebook? At least for now, the National Labor Relations Board is taking her side. As for the courts, we'll see.

We've all said things, accidentally or on purpose that we wish we could take back. I recall a story about President Lincoln who wrote an absolutely scathing letter to someone, then tore it up and threw it away. He just wanted to get it off his chest. No harm no foul, and no RT's.

Remember this infamous gaffe by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and what he wanted to do to a certain part of now-President Obama's anatomy? He later apologized but by then it was all over cyberspace with millions upon millions of hits and views.

Then there's Republican GOP Candidate Ken Buck who was a veritable hit parade of boot in mouth comments. Buck lost the election by the way.

A reminder to both, and the rest of us of another media truism. "The mike is always on."

Snippets of these kinds of things, taken in or out of context can be turned, almost instantly, into campaign ads by the competition. Or cost you your job and/or reputation.

What you say can and will be used against you.

"Boo-boo's" now spread at almost light speed. Suppose you Tweet something and before you re-think what you posted it's already being shared. Your followers share it with their followers and then on to their follower's follower's followers. Millions of impressions in moments. Follow the leader is now follow the Tweeter.

In the case of the aforementioned lady who lost her job, the courts will ultimately decide. The laws of the land aren't remotely keeping up with the speed of the Internet.

So, one more time: "If you don't want to be quoted, don't say it."

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

I learned this poem as a kid, a time when patriotism was still taught in school. I wonder how many kids have even heard of this poem which so eloquently tells the story of this day.

It was written by Lt. Col. John McRae of the Canadian Army in WWI. He saw combat and had to deal with the aftermath. This poem is a result of what he experienced. Please share with friends and family,

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McRae died in 1918 of Pneumonia.

Meet Windows Phone 7

Good advice from our client, Chemo101 about open enrollment.

See you next season Bevo

This is to announce the Bevo Blog will no longer be posted until 2011 due to the season ending tonight.

See you next year.

BEVO Blog. January to November

I think, in fact know, that Texas fans are scratching their heads and asking "Wha'-happened?" since last January. The 'Horns were in Pasadena playing 'Bama for the B(c)S National Championship and but for the early injury to Colt McCoy, well, who knows what might have happened.

Going into tomorrow's game against K-State the 'Horns are 4-4 and have a real chance of NOT being bowl eligible for the first time in a very, very long time. Texas was ranked #5 in the pre-season polls and now is just rank.

Texas is arguably one of the most successful money making sports machines in the nation, and under coach Mack Brown have a win-loss record including a B(c)S Championship that is the envy of just about every other FBS program in the nation.

But in Texas, there is winning and then there's "not exactly" and the fans are getting restless. Some are actually calling for Mack to step down. Cooler heads will prevail and while I wouldn't be surprised there will be a new offensive coordinator next season, Mack will, and should be at the controls of the 2011 Texas Longhorns.

There is every reason to be optimistic. McCoy the younger deserves a shot at starting QB and Shipley 2.0 is set to join the team. Can history repeat itself? We'll see.

Optimism is something that sustains fans through times of not-winning although winning beats optimism every time. But right now it's all Texas fans can hang our hats on.

The best we can say is there's a 100% chance that Texas has a 50-50 chance of winning at K-State tomorrow night.

It's something.

HOOK'EM!

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Walkin' the talk at TLC Meals on Wheels.

Why some won, and others lost.

It's the morning after. Campaign ads have been replaced by pitches for furniture and cars. Whew!

There's lots of "analysis" going on this morning about why candidates won and lost. The best I ever heard was back in 1994 when I was a News Director in Texas. 40 year incumbent and Democrat Jack Brooks lost his seat to an upstart Republican. (Brooks is seen in the background in the famous picture aboard Air Force One when Lyndon Johnson took the oath of office after the assasination of President Kennedy.)

One of our reporters asked Rep. Brooks why he lost. 'The othe guy got more votes than me," was his response. Hard to argue with that logic.

This morning we still don't know who won the Senate Race in Colorado. The folks up in Alaska woke up to the same news. In this era of high technology, counting votes continues to be a labor-intensive task.

After the votes are counted comes the hard part. Not for the people elected but for the people who elected them. Our work has just begun. Hold those who represent us accountable. Write, e-mail or call. Take advantage of the time when they're back in your district. Ask the tough questions. Be involved in the on-going process of government if for no other reason than it's our government.

We, the people.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Remembering Election Nights Past

Back in the day when I was a News Director and/or News Anchor, election night was what we lived for. The day starts early and runs long into the night. The latest I recall ever being on set was around 2:30am during an extremely close Senate race in Wyoming.

Our lead political reporter had done his homework and we were able to project Senator Malcolm Wallop the winner, then signed off and went to bed. Our projection was spot on. Our competition trumpeted the fact they stayed on until dawn until the final official results were in. A few bleary eyed folks likely stayed up with them but we were comfortable with both the call, and the decision to call it a night.

My other election memory is the late, great Tim Russert's legendary coverage of the 2000 Presidential Election. It was Bush vs Gore, with Tim pulling out a decidedly analog white board tracking the numbers and predicting accurately it would be the state of Florida which would decide who won and who didn't. Actually it was the Supreme Court, but ultimately based on what Tim predicted about Florida. About the only thing Tim didn't predict was hanging chads.

Flipping around the channels it looks like the networks will have some dazzling imagery to help tell the story. I doubt any of them will match what Tim Russert did with a simple dry erase board. (Which resides in the Smithsonian by the way) Although if Tim were still around, he'd likely use an iPad tonight. But Tim kept it all understandable, which is what a reporter is supposed to do. Tonight I'm just a viewer like you. Here's hoping the focus of coverage is solid information and analysis, not show business, light shows and incessant spin.

I sure miss Tim.

-Brian Olson

Conversation Starters LLC

"We start the conversation about you"

Our new Joint Venture

(Brian Olson and Ann Baldwin)


It's an exciting time for us here at Conversation Starters as we announce our new joint venture partner, Baldwin Media Marketing of Hartford, CT. Owner Ann Baldwin and I have been friends since we started our our careers in broadcast journalism at KGWN-TV in Cheyenne, WY in the 1980's. Both of us moved on to bigger markets and a significant level of experience in broadcast journalism.

Our careers shifted to communications about the same time when Ann started her company and I joined Echostar Communications.

For our new and existing clients the new venture allows both of us to raise the level of service we can offer in traditional and social media, media training and strategic planning. A level of experience and service measured in decades.

We've been working on this project since earlier this year, and are now ready to take both our companies but more importantly our clients, to the next level.

It's going to be a fun ride!

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

BEVO BLOG: The Wish List

"When you wish upon a star...makes no difference who you are...."-Jiminy Cricket

As I have a day chock full of meetings and events, my wishes are short and simple.

1. Please Texas, beat Baylor tomorrow. Win it for Colt.
2. The Aloha Bowl for Texas. ('Horns, remember you have to win at least 6 games)
3. Auburn and Oregon for the BCS National Championship. Sorry Boise, but I fell off your bandwagon when you announced you're moving to the MWC. If you want to be top dog you have to play with the big dogs.)

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you?

Not much Green in "Green." (Yet)

"Green" is being over-hyped. Reality isn't keeping up with expectations.

Examples:

According to a post by Ragan Communications 95% of products have misleading labeling when it comes to being environmentally friendly. Talking and walking are two entirely different things.

Then there's Vestas Wind Systems. Their last earnings report was dismal and the stock took a big drop. Then this week they reported they're laying off 3-thousand workers. The company also predicts weak future demand. Why? No capital available to buy the systems, especially to build the infrastructure to get the power from where the wind is, to where the demand for power is.

Bloomberg BusinessWeek reports that "Solar panels at sports facilities generate more goodwill than power." Progressive Park in Cleveland has a $180,000 solar array that produced 29,000 kilowatt hours over the last three years. The facility itself consumes 17 MILLION kilowatt hours per year which according to BusinessWeek is enough to power 1500 American homes.

Recovering the initial investment on wind and solar is measured in decades. In most stock portfolios, it's the green stocks that are in the red. Green energy just isn't living up to ever increasing expectations spewed mainly by politicians but not the industries that produce them. That said green does and must have a future.

As I've posted here before, we're a very long time from realizing and benefiting from the potential of alternative energy like wind and solar. I hope I live long enough to see it all because it's where we need to be moving in the future.

In the meantime, the same politicos touting all things green need to remember we have existing resources in coal, gas and oil that will be needed to bridge the gap to the promised land.

We can, and need to have it both ways.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"