By Robert Lawrence, President/CEO

It’s certainly been a rough year all around for many and when the purse strings get tightened on your end, it can feel more like a noose on ours; we know what you’re going through.

But in the end, what really matters most? Is it truly the financial frustrations that can impact the manner in which you do your job that measure your success? It’s always about this time of year I try to put it all into perspective. Men in particular, measure their own value by what they do, rather than who they are. Women are generally speaking, much better off in this area. They are much more in touch with their true value and choose not to use their jobs as a yardstick of purpose. Guys…we need to take a lesson from the ladies and probably in more than just one way.

Believe me, I know it’s difficult, especially when you own a business and not only worry about your own family, but for the many others for whom you become responsible, as well.

In reality, it’s the relationships we build over our lifetimes that matter most. It’s family, friends, and yes, even business relationships, that define who we are. It’s not what we do, or for whom we work, or how much money we earn. It’s the people in our lives who represent our greatest gifts.  I will always remember when I worked for Frank Cody and Brian Stone. Their mantra truly was, “Our assets go down the elevator every night.”  When my 11 year old daughter was born 12 weeks prematurely and was in Neonatal ICU for weeks, they never once balked or complained that I was always with her. As bad as I felt for seemingly neglecting my duties for which I was paid well, they simply said, “family is everything!” I will always love these men for that, and continue to use them as a model of great management style for my own company.

With the holidays upon us again, I force myself to remember, through all the stress and worry that comes with the job, that it’s only a means to an end. Don’t get me wrong…I love my work. I love what the team at Pinnacle Media has built over the last decade, and as blessed as I feel for the successes, if it all disappeared tomorrow, I would hope none of us here would measure who we as men and women, by failure.

So, when you get frustrated and upset with slashed budgets, no salary increase for two years in a row, or what you feel is a lack of support from corporate (who by the way, often deal with the same frustrations on an even greater scale), ask yourself what matters most?  Is it where you go everyday when you leave your home for work, or where go when you leave your office and return home?

For years our slogan at Christmas and New Years has been, “Here’s to Ratings, Revenue, & Relationships!” This year, I want to simplify that, and while I wish you great success in building ratings and revenue… what matters most is the relationships we protect and forge personally and professionally in the coming year!

God Bless you all,

Bob

By Robert Lawrence, President/CEO

Whether your political beliefs lean left, right, or in the middle, none of us will argue the amazing role that our military men and women play to protect us all daily. Not only Americans, but all nations who have brave patriots on the front lines, standing guard on both the physical and virtual walls, defending our freedom.

Many of us have friends and family in the military who will not be home for the holidays this year.  Next year, my youngest son Daniel plans to enlist in the Marines, and while my fears are great, my pride in this young man who is so committed; so willing to stand guard and lay down the precious life that God gave him to simply protect you and me, goes well beyond words.

We’re all so very grateful, yet so busy hustling and scurrying around to find the perfect gifts for those we love, that we rarely consider sending those in the armed forces something from our hearts, as well.

I simply wanted to provide a list of websites that you might consider visiting to offer support and show thanks to those standing on that very wall today; at any moment willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to simply insure that you and yours remain safe at home this Christmas Season.

Here are just a few to consider:

AMillionThanks.org

American Red Cross

lovethetroops.com

Military.com

SendCare.com

From all of us at Pinnacle Media Worldwide, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

By Robert Lawrence, President/CEO

A wonderful woman friend of mine had an awful experience last night! It happens every day and we all know it exists, but we tend to sweep it under the rug.  I can only say that it’s a different world for women in business than it is for men, and it’s about time we men took notice and did something to recognize and correct the problem.

My friend is a working, single mother and is without a doubt, a very beautiful, young, vibrant professional, working outside our industry, in a family owned business; doing all she can to generate revenue during these difficult times.   She does what most do, including taking her clients out to dinner in order to build relationships.  Yet somehow, it’s different for her than it is for men in the same role, and why?  Because she is an attractive, bubbly woman and many men assume that because she is single and beautiful, she can be disrespected and spoken to (by a married man) in ways that most would never dream of and would find simply find abhorrent!

I am not going into great detail because I don’t need to! Most of you, while you would never consider such behavior or language, know exactly to what I am referring.  Needless to say, she was very upset and felt forced to leave the client, before dinner was even ordered.  She remained professional and wasn’t rude (although she had every right to be if you knew what was said to her) but she nonetheless, had to make an excuse and leave.

So, what’s the real impact?  For her sadly, it is great! Most importantly, she felt degraded, and insulted.  Secondarily, she will no doubt lose the business because she refused his advances. But for him? While he disrespected my friend (not to mention his unsuspecting wife at home) probably nothing – at least in the in the short term. He’ll move on and try it again with another unsuspecting woman. But long term?  Well, he’ll no doubt do it again and if he has any sons, they too will probably grow to treat women in the same vulgar manner.

Men truly can be pigs and if you put a bit of alcohol in them, they can be even more so! Gentleman! This is another unacceptable double standard that must discontinue. We must teach our young boys that a woman should be treasured and never disrespected, that her professional qualities should never be looked upon any differently than those of a man, and that they should speak to a woman as they would hope another would address their own sisters or mother.

Look at Mattel, who recently announced the introduction of a “Sugar Daddy” Ken doll. An older Ken, who uses money to have his way with young Barbie dolls?  Ooo, now there’s an example of what we want to teach our young daughters?  And what about them? What does a man like this say as a father of a young woman, when he treats women with such disdain?

As men, let’s be certain to teach our children!  Teach your sons to be men. Teach them to keep their zippers and mouths closed, and that “no” means “no” and that a woman in a personal relationship should be treated as a gift, and a woman in business should be treated with respect!

Let’s work on showing our sons how to be “real” men!