WORK SMART!
LOOK @ STARBUCKS*, DAIMLER-BENZ AND TATA

Joe Nocera’s “Curing What Ails Starbucks” story in yesterday’s New York Times got me thinking, and truly energized my day. Check it out @
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/12/business/12nocera.html?scp=2&sq=Joe+Nocera

It prompted me to devise my own “personal change statement.” I was encouraged to seriously consider my company’s competition here in NYC, regionally, and abroad. I vowed to:

> Start new conversations
> Own new experiences
> Repurpose areas of expertise
> Create “the next big thing”

In a global business environment, Americans must accept vast competition. For example, ongoing job losses in Detroit foretell our bleak future in the auto market. General Motors still reigns as our #1 car manufacturer; but Toyota is on the fast track and in #2 position after bumping Ford Motor Company to #3.

Will the US ever regain its spot as a global business innovator?

Recently Daimler-Benz (Germany) and Tata Motors (India), introduced pint-sized, two-seater cars for $12,000 and $2,500 respectively. India now boasts the world’s cheapest car, the “Nano,” and is grabbing tons of FREE international publicity. You don’t have to buy one, but can join the frenzy and build a dream car @ http://tatanano.com/tatamotors/. Engineers who developed safety standards for the Mercedes had a hand in Smart for Two; http://smartusa.com; Americans can reserve one for $99 … what a promotion!

Both cars are environmentally friendly and appeal to American’s new passion to “go green”. While neither car gets high marks for comfortable long-distance or cross country travel, each gets you to your destination without major debt.

That’s the model, this is where the world is going. Americans need to get out of their gas guzzling mindset and get with the program. Often, you'll find you only need to take one or two folks along for the ride. Travel is lighter, swifter and usually there's a better view of the open road ahead.

Be smart. Things change each nanosecond.

*Full disclosure: I’m a huge fan of Starbucks Spiced Pumpkin Loaf, a hard to find seasonal offering. I recently scoured five stores until finding a hearty supply at the Lower East Side Manhattan Starbucks on Delancy, near the Williamsburg Bridge. Get there early, it goes fast. Yum!