Power of the Network - Virtual or Face to Face?
By jmoorhead on April 9th, 2009
I am currently in Ogden, UT meeting with over 3 days with 2 companies and 1 of my clients. Why do I mention this? The company we met with yesterday is behind the 1-800 Dentist brand, and they flew out here for a day trip. The point of the trip was to sit face-to-face and brainstorm. To get to know each other… We’ve been doing Emails and Phone Calls but now it was time to have the “rubber meet the road” and see face-to-face.
Over the next 3 days, we’ll have people come from Texas, Oregon, California, Washington and Hawaii to meet with us.
I’m quickly amazed at the number of people that make this commitment, and do it on a regular basis. Travel to strengthen or build a relationship with no real clear cut agenda. I do it when I know that I can get there by car, but to spend money, time, and put up with air travel to do this is amazing to me.
It clearly make sense to build your network out from beyond your geographical limitations, but I’m still amazed. I don’t know if it comes from the power that I place in technology, but no network is stronger than the one that you build face to face.
So a network is a network, but I better start to realize the different levels of networks. Those built over time, those built face to face, and those only built virtually.
Salt Lake City / Ogden
By jmoorhead on April 6th, 2009
As I get ready to travel, yet again… I am quickly reminded of where I live. I live in the Great Plains and more specifically in Nebraska. Even more specifically Central Nebraska. Nearest airport is 2.5 hours away in Omaha. That would be the nearest major airport… I am flying out of Kearney, NE on Wednesday, which means I get the pleasure of flying on a plane that still uses a propellor for flight. The staff there is amazing, but one person checks you in, takes you through security, and loads the bags.
As I head to the great State of Utah, I’m reminded that you can have beauty and a great airport. I fly from Denver to Salt Lake City… The Rockies to the Rockies, and I get to leave 50 mph winds and flat land… Makes you wonder why we all choose to live where we do.
The idea of flying direct anywhere blows my mind.
With all of this being said, enjoy the week… Remember the reason for this season. And if you haven’t been to Ogden, UT get there. More and more outdoor companies are relocating there, and if you’ve never landed in Salt Lake City do it… You’ll quickly realize why people go there to ski, mountain bike, climb, and just be in God’s country… It is amazing!
Places to Visit
By jmoorhead on February 9th, 2009
Yet another post about travels. The next place I plan to visit this spring is a simple place where the daughter can spread her legs, and my wife and I can take some time to read, catch our breath and just relax. The best part… It is very cheap.
I am visiting a church camp that I used to be a counselor at during college. The camp, Camp Calvin Crest, provides modern rooms and the dinners are included on site… It is a chance to renew your mind, body and spirit… All on a small dime.
Yet another way that 2009 will be much different than years past… Economical and yet memorable!
Favorite Bags
By jmoorhead on February 9th, 2009
I’d really like some feedback, but my favorite bags (as of late) are the Victorinox / Swiss Army. I have a 3 of their carry on pieces, shaving kit, and their medium sized roller / carry on. They come with a ton of pockets, strong zippers, and while not cheap they aren’t expensive like a Tumi.
Let me know what you favorite pieces are… Tumi, Eagle Creek, or ???
Spot
By jmoorhead on February 9th, 2009
I have read and have actually used one these devices as a rental. It is a locator device utilizing satellite technology… I used it while hiking and camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, but I just recently read an article on a specific make / model.
The article went on to talk about a novel use for the product, which I found to be very exciting. The product is called Spot, and the novel idea was for business travelers to carry it with them. It would provide a way for family members to login online or receive SMS messages when you land or travel to a meeting… Without having to pick up the phone. Just drop it in your office bags and let the family track your whereabouts.
The product will keep you safe, and at the same time give your family peace of mind.
Safe travels…
Leo Le Bon
By jmoorhead on February 9th, 2009
I recently read an article about Leo Le Bon in Backpacker Magazine. This is the second article that I’ve read about him, so I finally visited his Website and learned even more. He is / was a visionary for coming up with new and even dangerous adventure trips. The type of trips that you pay money for, pack a backpacking bag, and just hold on. The type of trips where being in shape is mandatory. The type of trip that you train for, beyond just breaking in a new pair of walking shoes. Yet, he did this in the 1960’s.
While in college, I used to work as a whitewater river guide on the Klamath River in Northern California. We took groups of adults and children on the rapids, hiking, rock climbing and even some cliff jumping. I knew that these paying customers were expecting some excitement. Yet, this area of the country may be remote and rugged, but it is still the United States. And this was the 90’s. Today, traveling Internationally is an adventure enough, but to go back 50 years and do it… Now that is exciting…
His company, from which he retired in 1990 is located here: Mountain Travel Sobek
Insurance for Travel
By jmoorhead on February 9th, 2009
As we’ve all been pinching our pennies and trying to protect our investments… One way to insure a success is by purchasing some travel insurance for adventure sports, off-the-path trips, and anything in general…
My favorite companies / plans are:
Travelex Travel Select: travelex-insurance.com
Travel Guard Adventure: travelguard.com
International Medical Group: imglobal.com
USI Travel Insurance: travelinsure.com
American Alpine Club: americanalpineclub.org
This is in addition to insurance that you can buy from AAA or the travel site that you purchase your travel through.
Safe travels…
Weather Sites for While You Travel
By jmoorhead on January 20th, 2009
For those of you who travel and always travel with a rain coat, umbrella and gloves… For those like me, who rarely travel with a coat… Who needs a coat when you run from a hotel to a warm cab, to a warm office building and to a warm airport and plane? Of course, when you finally get to your home airport, that car is nice and chilly after sitting the Nebraska cold in the parking garage.
Green as Money / Green as a Business
By jmoorhead on January 20th, 2009
Here are a few other sites that I found to be very insightful on the concept of Green Travel, Business and Concepts:
Top Green Blog / Columnist
By jmoorhead on January 20th, 2009
Here is a site that I recently found and has a lot of great “Green” information…
