Monday, April 23, 2012

Rain, automatic lights - not so much.

By I.J. Hudson

Okay, I'm all for technology.  But I'm also for responsibility.  While I really like the car commercial that shows the "smart" car braking before the driver can brake....that does take something out of the driver's control.  He/she doesn't have to think - doesn't have to be quite as vigilant. I can be persuaded either way.

But, I have little tolerance for automatic lights.  Whoaa!  Yep.  Set the car lights on automatic and it gets you what a sensor decides.  In many states, the law requires you to turn on your lights if you turn on the wiper blades (it's raining, less visibility).  However, if the lights are set on automatic, a rain shower may not trigger full lights:  perhaps driving lights if they are not disabled (easily done).

On a rainy trip back from from NC today on I-77 and I-81, I saw dozens of late-model cars with no lights on whatsoever.  Some cars were grey and were tough to see. 

My concern is that people with "automatic" lights assume that the sensor in their car knows best - no additional lights on until visibility (measured by the car) really drops.  Until then, it's okay to drive along in an almost invisible car.  I'm not responsible ---- the car is.

Please - plug yourself into the equation! 

Before automatic lights - you turned your lights on - using your own brain, your own judgement.   Save some lives.  Turn the lights on yourself.  Don't wait for the car.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Rescue from the Pews


By I.J. Hudson


Sometimes it’s the small things that remind us of  how deeply embedded gadgets are in our lives.

My wife and I attend a small church, and at last Sunday’s service the “announcements” hadn’t been printed in the order of service.  Oops.

No problem.  The announcements are submitted electronically to the church website.  So a member of the congregation produced an iPad and brought them up to be read aloud.

Once again, tablets to the rescue.

Amen.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

HDMI - Aisle 12


By I.J. Hudson

My, how times have changed.  A trip to the grocery story gave me an update on what are now considered to be household items.  You expect to find light bulbs, short extension cords, perhaps a screwdriver, a small sewing kit, shoe polish  – those sorts of things.

But today I found just how far “household items” has come.  I didn’t find lint traps for the utility sink, or see a new stopper for my drain, but I did find a 3’ HDMI cable - a new item, and for only $7.95 on aisle 12.  

 

Friday, April 6, 2012

The Name Game (with apologies to Shirley Ellis)

 By I.J. Hudson


What’s in a name?  Not much, if you look at the names of businesses.

Sure, folks like Apple, Nike and others have worked hard.  But I'm talking about the people who are getting started and need every break they can get.  

If you’ve got an instantly recognizable name,  using it as the business name is just fine – if people like you and know what you do.

But if your name recognition doesn’t pin the needle, don’t call yourself the John Smith Group or John Smith & Associates.   People suspect your group is pretty small and that John Smith, the CEO, President, Founder, Chief Marketing Officer, and the guy who cleans the office (kitchen table) are one and the same person.

But the most important reason not to just use your name for the business is that it doesn’t say anything about what you do – what problems you solve – what magic you perform – what secret sauce you provide.

Full disclosure – my business (very much on the side because I have a fulltime job) is called I.J. Hudson, LLC.  In my defense, I was a television news reporter for 32 years and my name still carries a tiny bit lot of weight in certain (shrinking) circles. What do I do?  Occasional media training, messaging and what my wife tells me to do.

Think about your company name.  What does it say?  What am I going to remember when I look at your card?  Will it stand out or just fade into the background while another name grabs my attention?