'Ben Thinking' for the week of 05.12
The numbers are in.
And despite some challenging financial times, Mother’s Day spending is up $5 per person over last year, according to the National Retail Foundation. That means the average person spent $259 on mom. And as a country? $34.1 billion.
Yes, billion. With a b.
Because moms are worth it. I dare you to say anything else.
That’s what I thought.
Onto what I’ve ‘Ben thinking’ about:
I’ll take it. (Chief Executive)
CEO optimism rose this month.
You could just stop reading there. Because, hey, it’s some positive news.
Or you could click the link and see how CEOs are feeling all the way around.
Choose your own adventure.
When you're asked to meet impossible goals.
Ever been asked to take on an impossible goal (or two)?
Mike Lawrence / ChatGPT
May I recommend the ‘strategic refusal matrix’? Ever hear of it? Neither had I.
The first part of this article is all about the things we’ve been talking about. Basically validation as to why we’re all a little stressed and feel like we’re being asked to meet impossible goals (because, truthfully, you are).
The second part of this article is really powerful as it talks about the strategic refusal matrix and how and when you should prioritize the task you’re being asked.
I’m not a career coach.
But I can’t help but notice the high volume of articles starting to pop up around interview tips, landing the job you want, etc. CNBC’s Make It has quite a few that I would consider solid reads, as someone who has sat in on a lot of interviews.
Here’s one that I thought really stood out: 3 biggest mistakes job seekers make
More cybersecurity. (The Lane Report)
We talked last issue about the rise of cybersecurity attacks. This article starts out by saying ‘yep, there’s a lot’. But it then goes into what to do about it. And how to manage the problem (or should I say problems since it appears “the weakest link is still the human.”)
Seems like a nice opportunity to plug the experts I get to present with and work with from time to time -- Craig Horbus and Shawn Newman.
The most visited websites in the world!! (Social Media Today)
Not gonna lie. A little hurt this one didn’t make the list
When someone won't stop talking, do this. (Make It)
You know how we’ve covered meetings here a few times? Well, no one has ever written about one of the biggest reasons meetings go sideways…the D1 yappers, as the kids like to say.
Regardless of the situation, I thought this was an interesting take on taking back the mic and letting others talk.
Mike Lawrence / ChatGPT
The 6 definitive rules of lunch etiquette (WaPo)
(This one is for you, Carrie Scheetz)
If you know me, you know that I have a thing about eating in meetings, with clients, co-workers, etc. I wrote a whole blog on it once and even went into detail about the foods that are off limits in a meeting.
Mike Lawrence / ChatGPT
So naturally, through the tariffs, AI and other distractions from the normal business day, this article caught my attention. Well done, Washington Post, on tackling the tough issues (I’m being serious!).
This is supposed to be fun!
Ever wonder what brands make up the top 10 ad jingles of all time? Me too!
Fortunately, The Drum put together a list for us that is pretty darn good. Enjoy. Don’t blame me for these getting stuck in your head the rest of the day.
Thank you for reading and all of the support. The feedback to the newsletter (and the images from mike lawrence) is so great to see. Continue to spread the word; share with anyone else you think would enjoy the articles and resources!
-Ben