An Even Keel :: A personal branding blog from Scott Kuehl

Dirty Laundry

"People love it when you lose. They love dirty laundry."

It's election time. And for all you Don Henley fans out there, you know what I'm talking about. Dirty Laundry is Henley's song about the mud-hungry, pseudo-journalist news casters of the world. You can find a bit more about the song here. Because of the Republican's newest VP nominee, I find the words even more brilliant than they were back in '82.

Take a listen...

I make my living off the evening news
Just give me something-something I can use
People love it when you lose,
They love dirty laundry

Well, I coulda been an actor, but I wound up here
I just have to look good, I don't have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry

Kick em when they're up
Kick em when they're down
Kick em when they're up
Kick em when they're down
Kick em when they're up
Kick em when they're down
Kick em when they're up
Kick em all around

We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who
Comes on at five
She can tell you bout the plane crash with a gleam
In her eye
Its interesting when people die-
Give us dirty laundry

Can we film the operation?
Is the head dead yet?
You know, the boys in the newsroom got a
Running bet
Get the widow on the set!
We need dirty laundry

You don't really need to find out whats going on
You don't really want to know just how far its gone
Just leave well enough alone
Eat your dirty laundry

Kick em when they're up
Kick em when they're down
Kick em when they're up
Kick em when they're down

Kick em when they're up
Kick em when they're down
Kick em when they're stiff
Kick em all around

Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers in everybody's pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry

We can do the innuendo
We can dance and sing
When its said and done we haven't told you a thing
We all know that crap is king
Give us dirty laundry!

Watching the media coverage of this year's election is awfully hard to stomach for me. When I witness how Sarah Palin's personal life has been brought into the national media and skewed, it makes me wonder how and why anyone could ever run for office in this country.

I'm thankful that, for some people, the desire to serve the citizens of the US is so powerful that it overcomes having your past and present twisted and exaggerated -- or even fabricated -- in the media. Otherwise we'd have no risk takers, leaders or limit-pushers running for office.

Denis Waitley, a personal development leader, explains it in a way that finally makes sense to me. He says, the fire that burns another warms the general population in the sense that they can take comfort knowing that they don't have to be the victim of the day.

Henley is so right... "We love to cut you down to size. We love dirty laundry."

Keep it even,
Scott Kuehl

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The Gratitude Campaign: How to say "thank you"

Have you ever seen one of our military personnel walking past you and wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren't sure how, or it felt awkward? Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture which could be used and has started a massive movement to get the word out. Take just a moment to watch...The Gratitude Campaign. Special thanks to Trent Kirchner for sharing this.

Keep it even,
Scott Kuehl

The ultimate brand strategy: The Declaration of Independence

Yesterday I celebrated Independence Day with my brother and our families. We took a boat ride on the beautiful Gull Lake chain where we saw dozens and dozens of boats adorned in red, white and blue.

Flags. Streamers. Banners.
The American spirit was alive and in full force.

All that summer patriotism got me thinking about what a great little vacation we were having.
And that got me thinking about other little Americana vacations I've taken. One in particular...

Ever been to Boston?

The birthplace of our country. I was there several years ago, and took a walk on the Freedom Trail, saw the USS Constitution and the site of the Boston Tea Party. I also took a stroll past Paul Revere's house, Boston Common and many other historic locations you would recognize from your 10th grade history class, including Bunker Hill monument.

And, of course, I visited Cheers.  By the way, it's a little known fact that battle actually happened on Breed's Hill. But I digress, Normy.

I took away many memories from that Boston trip. And most of them had to do with the thought that America didn't always have the "brand strategy" it has now. "Freedom" wasn't always our "word." Freedom wasn't always our cause. The Kingdom of Great Britain had their own ideas on how to run the country -- and the people in it.

Until one day the ole Continental Congress drew the line in the sand.

Suffice it to say, it is no small feat to start a new country. If you think it's a risk starting a new business, try starting a new nation. In 1776, when Thomas Jefferson and the other founding fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence, surely they had plenty to lose by doing so. Not the least of which was their pulse.

We've all signed checks... or estimates... or mortgages... or performance reviews... or wedding licenses... but signing your name to a document that declares your independence AND at the same time, declares you are also committing treason? Never done that.

Next time you draft a strategy or make a declaration on behalf of your company or yourself, remember how this great country got started.

Now...Why not make it a little bolder?

Keep it even,
Scott Kuehl

The Last Lecture: We're all dying. So let's start living.

"You're going to cry," she said as she pushed the laptop in front of me.

My wife shared this powerful story with me last night. It's entitled "The Last Lecture."

Dr. Randy Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer late last year. He has a wonderful wife and three children. He has a job he loves. He has a passion for life.

He also has only a few months before this disease will take his life.

His last lecture to students and faculty at Carnegie Mellon is inspirational, to say the least. It's about achieving your childhood dreams. You can google "The Last Lecture" and find any number of clips. Or simply link to a few I have posted here.

This is a condensed version of the lecture as seen on Oprah.

One of my favorite quotes of his: "If you live properly, your dreams will come to you."

This man is a humble, brave and inspirational father, husband, researcher, dreamer and American.

Thank you for sharing your story and legacy with us, Dr. Pausch.
Thank you for reminding us that now is the time to live our lives.

Keep it even,
Scott Kuehl

I'm wearing red this Friday.

I received an email today that made me more proud than ever to be an American.

My brother sent it to me, which makes it even more special. Because he and I have the same philosophies on this great country and the freedoms we enjoy. The email below comes from a Southwest Airlines employee and it gives the inspirational story for what is known as Red Fridays.

See if you're proud to be an American today...

Will you give this to my Daddy?

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support "Red Fridays."

Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone was) abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing.. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is...We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

God Bless our troops!

Keep it even,

Scott Kuehl

Desperation vs. Inspiration: How do you take the leap?

I was exchanging emails with a colleague the other day.
Smart woman. MBA. A communicator. Years of job experience.

She is contemplating "going out on her own."
Starting her own business. Hanging her own shingle.
Or at the very least, maybe changing her job focus to a different industry.
And then going out on her own. Someday.

Probably.

Probably not tomorrow.
But maybe soon.
Maybe.
Definitely maybe.
Definitely getting the itch.

Yep. Definitely.

She's done all the math.
She's run the scenarios.
She's played the game out in her head several times.
But she's still... not... quite... sure... Scotty...  (you're supposed to say that like Captain Kirk would.)

Her closing line to me...

"How do you take the leap?"

That question got me to thinking.
It got me thinking about all the "key" decisions I've made in my life up to this point.
Did I have "reasons" for NOT making those key decisions earlier than I had made them? Or were my reasons really excuses, and I was putting off my success?

Or... did the decision simply need time to move from desperation into inspiration?

We've all made key decisions.... from "Who am I going to ask to Prom?" to "Where am I going to go to college?" to "What are we going to name our baby?" (And hopefully you were able to make those decisions in that order.)

"Should I quit my job and start a business?" certainly sits right up there with all of the previous.

It's been twelve years since I quit my job and started a business in a city of 3 million people.
And it's been one year since I made a decision to sell that same business and move to a more micropolitan community of around 20,000 people. Looking back, the decision was absolutely the right one. But one year ago, I wasn't sure if I should do it. Why?

Fear of the unknown.

What I'm beginning to realize is this: The unknown will always be just that. The unknown.
So what's the point in fearing it?

We're not guaranteed that we're going to wake up tomorrow, let alone if we're going to be able to make our mortgage payment if we quit our job and try to start a business.

Life is not guaranteed. Life is about taking chances. And what not everyone realizes is this: NOT taking a chance is sometimes the biggest chance you can take.

Because if you're not moving forward, well, I don't even have to finish that cliche.

People change because of inspiration or desperation. There will always be a reason NOT to "go for it."
But hopefully, one day you wake up and suddenly the "things" that seemed like "reasons" will seem like "excuses."

Life is short. (Okay, I'm done with the cliches.)

So, back to my colleagues question:
How do you take the leap?

By running as hard and as fast as you can at it.... and then you jump!

Keep it even,
Scott Kuehl

Your favorite brand: What if it went away?

Play a game with me.

Think of a place you absolutely love to go.

Now think of a company -- or even a person -- you absolutely love to do business with on a daily basis.

Now think of a publication you absolutely love to read.

Okay, here's the question:
If you couldn't experience that particular brand anymore, would it matter to you?

Oh, what a wonderful question.

In his blog, Brand Autopsy,  blogger John Moore asks, "If [insert company brand here] went out of business, would any of us care?"

He asks the question of organizations such as the NHL, The Cheesecake Factory, Advertising Age, Subaru, Wells Fargo and others. He even asks the question of certain products like Polaroid instant film.

Makes you wonder.
If the brand you represent went away, would anyone miss it?

Keep it even,
Scott Kuehl

A sure bet: A winning personal brand starts with personal accountability.

I thought it was a joke at first.

I may have been imagining it, but it looked like even the newscaster was having trouble keeping a straight face as she read the teleprompter.

To be clear, this is not a laughing matter at all. Hitting rock bottom never is.
Unfortunately, this appears to be just another sad case of passing the buck.

The story? Arelia Margarita Taveras, a Queens, NY, native who now resides in my home state of Minnesota, is attempting to take seven different casinos to court in a $20 million racketeering lawsuit.

The reason? The casinos didn't step in and cut her off when she kept losing.

And lose she did.

Over the course of several years, her losses totaled nearly $1 million -- including losing her law practice. Yes, she's an attorney. That helps me understand how losing $1 million equates to seeking a $20 million settlement. One mill for the lost cash, nineteen mill for the damage to her personal brand.

The woman was so desperate, she said she "even considered swerving into oncoming traffic to kill herself."  (Note: Innocent oncoming travelers that would have been killed as well were not mentioned in the story.)

Now, I consider myself a very empathetic person. I am familiar with the concept and the consequences of addictions. I'm glad this woman has received treatment for her addiction, and I wish her well in her ongoing recovery. But...

I also understand the concept of personal responsibility. And it appears Ms. Taveras needs a lot more chips on this square. 

At what point in our lives do we become responsible for our own actions?

From my own observations at a recent fourth-grade basketball tournament, it's clear that playing the blame game happens at many levels. This from a ten-year old: "We would've won the game if it wasn't for the refs!"

How long before grade-school referees find themselves being served a summons because of a bad call?

Whether it's a court of law or a basketball court, it makes no difference. When unchallenged or allowed, it is exactly this line of thinking that perpetuates passing the buck in America. Boys and girls grow into men and women who learn to think everything bad that happens to them is because of what someone else did or didn't do to them. Hardship is no longer acceptable. Losing is not an option. Life must be rosy all the time.

This just in: Life can be hard. Life can be easy.
How you react to life is how life will react to you.

I'm convinced that the four easiest words to say in this world are: "It's not my fault."
Now, remove the word "not", and you make it the three hardest words to say.

Taking responsibility takes courage. It takes character.
Of course, blaming others for our own short-comings takes courage, too. Clueless courage. It's called gall.

I'd like to sign off with one of my favorite quotes from Jim Rohn on personal responsibility...

"It is not what happens that determines the major part of your future. What happens, happens to us all. It is what you do about what happens that counts."

Now, can someone help me down from this soapbox?
If I slip and fall, someone's gonna pay dearly.

Keep it even,
Scott Kuehl

Love or Lust? How do you feel about houses?

I admit it. I love houses.

Touring them. Taking pictures of them. Documenting how they're built. And while I'm not real handy -- my wife put together our gas grill (sorry, Dad) -- I do love anything to do with the concept of home.

A friend of mine turned me on to this book, House Lust, by Daniel McGinn. While I have not yet read the book, I did listen to the interview on MPR to get the gist of the book. It's a timely topic in today's real estate economy. And the author is well spoken and very pleasant to listen to. What do you think? Could you be a house luster?

Keep it even,
Scott Kuehl

On self esteem and positive thinking: Oh, to be 12 years old again!

I received a letter in the mail recently from my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Carroll.
After all these years, he found one of my class assignments from 1981.

The assignment? Write a poem entitled: The One and Only Me.

I did not remember writing this poem at all. But when I read the poem -- in handwriting that only a 12-year-old boy could pull off -- I laughed in disbelief.

January 20, 1981

The One and Only Me!

Oh beautiful me, oh genius me,
Why people hate me, I cannot see.
I'm good, I'm smart, I'm never wrong,
I'm great at swimming, I'm very strong.

I'm handsome, I'm cute, my friend is the same,
We work together, we play together, but I always win the game.
I'm nice, I'm neat, I'm numero uno in the class,
When the good report cards come out, I always pass.

I'm always A's, I'm never B's,
There will never be anyone better than me.

By Scott
(little flourish under the name)

As you may guess, I was either the kid with the biggest head in all of the Fulda Public School system. Or, at an early age, I was learning to spice up reality with large doses of tongue-in-cheek exaggeration.

As I approach my 40s, and raise three -- what I consider to be -- very funny children of my own, I'd like to believe it is the latter.

It's clear that by sixth grade I had fully acquired my branding skill of minimizing weaknesses and maximizing strengths. (As my dad has been apt to sarcastically say to me, "You advertising guys make it look sooooo good.")

The above piece of literary brilliance reminds me that no matter how old (or young!) we are, we must always let the good lift us up. And dump the bad, so it can't hold us back. This poem made me reflect on what my strengths and insecurities were at that impressionable time. It allowed me to analyze where those traits have gone in the last twenty-five years.

I remember quite vividly how I ...struggled in mathematics ..didn't miss a spelling word all year long ...struggled in swimming lessons ...made one of the best friends of my life to this day ...hated riding the school bus because of a bully ...got asked to draw The Great Seal of the State of Minnesota for our room. 

Thank you, Mr. Carroll, for reminding me that I am, indeed, The One and Only Me.

Keep it even,
Scott Kuehl