October 6, 2011

Another travel blog?

You’ve heard me blog many times about my travel, but this time I have broken all my records.  Check this out - since August 1st I have slept:  2 nights in Beijing, 2 nights in Shanghai, 4 nights in Hong Kong (my favorite), 1 night in Seoul.  I’ve spent, 3 nights in Kent, CT (vacation), 5 nights in Las Vegas, 1 night in Memphis, 1 night in Decatur (AL), 1 night in Myrtle Beach, 1 night in Charleston and 1 night in Milwaukee!  I left for Philly and New York on October 4th! 

What’s up with all the travel you ask:  People do business with people.  It’s my favorite rule in business.  I need to know my suppliers and I need to know my customers.  And unfortunately, there are less and less of them here in the great state of Michigan.    

Have faith in mankind

I don’t know how to say it better.  I’ve gone from some of the poorest neighborhoods in Northern China to the most expensive restaurants in Hong Kong all in the same week.  And you can’t judge the people.  Most of the people I’ve met (whether they work in a factory, an office, on the retail floor or own the company) want the same thing.  Earn a living, provide for their family, and leave their next generation with more options than they have for themselves.  It is a refreshing view and it makes me believe in mankind.  And believe me, with all the shit we see on the evening news it is important to believe in mankind.    

Business is better than the economy

That’s the best thing I can write in this blog.  We have just finished September and it is the best month we’ve had in recent memory.  We survived the new computer software conversion with minimal bumps and bruises and the best is yet to come.  Most of the Broner report cards I’ve seen on these recent sales trips are strong.  Our brand is selling at retail.  We are more “social” than ever and our new website is close to being finished.  So, I feel good about business.  In all my travels, I see very little confidence in the economy.  And it makes me and everyone cautious. 

Blame the media 

The news media makes me sick.  Can I just leave it at that?  Horrible stories get sensationalized while the many great happenings go unreported. 

So what am I going to do

Here is what I plan on doing.  I’m going to concentrate on my business, have faith in my fellow man and not watch the news.  Oh yeah, I’m going to exercise, watch sports, spend time with family and friends and drink in moderation.  Cheers!

Finding hat blocks in China

Broner at the Beach

Stars in Hats