No matter what we think business is taking “green” mainstream.

Two articles recently came across my Google Reader. The first was Motorola’s entry into the green revolution. Second was news that research firm Environics had just opened up a “Sustainability and Clean Energy” practice to provide PR support to clients looking to market environmentally friendly practices and services.

These are positive things in and of itself. However, there will be people who say that it’s all just a marketing ploy to generate business during this economic storm.

Here’s the rub: It’s good that “green” is good for business. Changing the consumer mindset of North America (and the rest of the Western world) should not be the point. We should be encouraging innovation and “green” enterprise. And applauding it. Consumers will continue to demand products and services that respond to their desire for eco-responsibility. Companies that respond to these needs will succeed and thrive in the coming months and decade.

What’s your opinion and thoughts? I’d love to hear about them.

I don’t know how popular this story was in Toronto this weekend – I tend to be unplugged during weekends. However, I thought it would be important for me to inform you of the story.

The year was 1958 and the University of Buffalo Bulls had just been invited to play in the Tangerine Bowl in Florida. With one exception: The Bulls’ two black players were banned from playing because of a segregation clause in the host team’s school district rules.

The Bulls players decided not to play. (50 years later the Bulls returned to Bowl participation and played UCONN this past weekend in Toronto for the International Bowl.)

My question to you is this – Throughout this year, will you make decisions that are right (and maybe against popular opinion) or will you just shut your mouth and be a follower? It sounds easy.

I pray that I have the strength to do what’s right.

My wife is the executive director of Toronto Green Community. They have done some amazing work in just over 10 years. The windmill on the CNE grounds is just one example. In fact, they have also garnered the attention of musician Jack Johnson and his non-profit organization, All At Once.

And so, in honour of TGC, and with thanks going to storyteller, Sameer Vasta, I’d like to offer you the first 5 readers (I know. I’m stretching to think there are 5 people who read this this blog!) ONE day of carbon neutrality. If you claim this gift, Brighter Planet will donate 136 pounds of carbon offsets in your name. These offsets help fund renewable energy projects and are an important part of fighting climate change. All I ask in return is that you consider conserving where you can during the holidays.

Now that’s cool! HERE’S the GIFT!!

Pick up any newspaper, listen to news talk radio, or read the online reports and you’d think we are seconds away from reaching economic Armageddon.

Think again:

1. Gas prices are 50% lower than they were last summer.
2. You have yet to lose money in the stock market or in your mutual funds because you don’t own any.
3. The cost of to feed yourself and your family has decreased (due to the decline in fuel prices).
4. The fact that prices for commodities have been slowly creeping downwards means that your spending less and saving more (in your CIDC-protected bank account).
5. You are either out of debt or your debt load has decreased because of your decreased spending!

See!

There are probably many other reasons why you are further ahead today than you were a year ago. And maybe that’s not the point because you don’t really feel you’re better off. You know why?

You’re listening to “they”. Who are “they”? Media and those who live according to the gospel of “they”/media. (And this is not a media bashing piece.)

So, what to do?

1. Start following/listening to people who are positive. I recently spoke to a successful Realtor who was around during the last official recession. Him and his firm are keeping busy during this “slowdown”. Why? Because he chooses to be. Sounds simple? The successful people always seem to make it sound so…
2. Start making things happen for yourself. If you have a service or product to provide continue telling your story. Make friends. Develop relationships. Haven’t started? Start.
3. Watch the masses and do the opposite. You’ll be glad you did.

What are your thoughts? Are you a lemming or a initiator? Do you make things happen or wait around to react to what’s happening? Do these suggestions help you? Your comments are most welcome!

On Saturday, December 13th, His Highness the Aga Khan will be celebrating his birthday.

If you’ve been following me here, or the news, you’ve heard that he’s been doing quite a bit of celebrating these days.

In these uncertain and turbulent economic times a little reading up on the Aga Khan and his works will surely bring a smile to your face.

Happy Birthday!

I recently posted a note on my real estate blog. I think it will also be of interest to everyone. I hope you enjoy.

You can find the article HERE.

Lots.

There are lots of things you can do when business is slow.

However, there are probably things you should do when business is slow. Today, I’m going to share with you just a few things you should be doing. So, let’s get started, shall we?

1. READ. And I don’t mean the daily newspaper. It’s news that is over a day old and probably with nothing good to say anyways. Start reading books, articles, magazines, and even blogs about success, marketing, business and, of course, real estate. (If you’re reading this and you’re not in the r.e. business, then read up on stuff pertinant to your industry/profession) Why? Ideas. There may be little things these folks will suggest or present that you may not be doing right now, that maybe you should. For example, if you’re thinking about having your own blog but don’t know what to do then reading Chris Brogan would be a brilliant start.
2. GIVE. Your time, resources, and especially expertise. My friends, Tim Sanders and Sameer Vasta have recently talked about giving. Remember, what goes around comes around. Give and it shall be given unto you.
3. COMMUNITY. Or you can say, associate. Whatever term you use, it is more important now to seek the counsel of your manager, associate, mastermind group and/or mentor. Thousands of successful entrepreneurs have already survived and thrived through a recession. Find out what they did. Inquire about there thought process on what it takes to succeed in today’s marketplace. There is strength in numbers!
4. WORK. But you knew that already, didn’t you? Then why aren’t you? Continue to market yourself. Continue to make phone calls. Continue to plant seeds so that you will have something to grow and harvest. Hundreds of people are leaving your industry today. There will be less competition tomorrow. It’s up to you if you want to win.

Please don’t consider this the extent of what you should be doing. It is far from that. However, I believe that if you follow my suggestions you will have a brighter tomorrow.

To your success!

With Canada.

I mean, there are many reasons to love this vast country.

The Rocky Mountains on the west coast. The endless terrain of tundra and arctic desert. The flatlands of the Prairies. The cosmopolitan cities of Upper and Lower Canada. The rugged and raw Maritime provinces.

Blue Jays baseball! Junior hockey during the Christmas/New Year holidays. The Calgary Stampede. The Canadian National Exhibition. The Ottawa-Hull border.

The red and white Maple Leaf. Tolerance. Plurality.

Yet, today, the best thing I can think of off the top of my head is that we still live in a country that can be peaceful even when we agree to disagree. Canada is at a political crossroads. Take a look at any Canadian newspaper and you will read reports and stories of a “coalition” between the opposition parties trying to topple the current government.

(I’m not interested in which “party” is better or which one I like the most.)

I’m very interested in that there are no armies or special armed forces involved. There are just talks and discussions among political adversaries.

And I love it! Do you?