Good Morning! Here is Your Curated Morning for Thursday March 16th, 2023
THE TOP FIVE
Economic Development--
Immigrants start businesses at twice the rate of native-born residents. At least, according to this article about immigrants and the American economy. Being a first-generation American myself, I appreciate the fact that the United States welcomed thousands of immigrants after WWII. Immigration and the “problem” we have can be solved by an act of Congress. The Displaced Persons Act of 1950 brought my parents here. We don’t need a war to welcome people from different countries, just action. Read this report on Immigration and Economic Development here.
TWO—Technology
The Consumer Electronics show happened in January in Lasd Vegas but there is much catching up to do. Many of the products on display won't be available for a couple years but it's worth paying attention so you can be ready. Many of these products are being manufactured outside the USA but could be manufactured here with more aggressive reshoring. Check this story about trends for 2023 uncovered at CES ‘23. They include more AI, Cybersecurity, and interoperability among your electronic gadgets. Read the story here.
THREE—Green Economy
It seems every corner of the country is being challenged by lacking enough talent to fill the jobs available. It doesn’t matter where you go. With new technology like electric vehicles and alternative energy becoming more ubiquitous, the challenge becomes even more significant. The Chicago area is proactively training people for the newest economic trends. The local IBEW, and area community colleges are actively seeking individuals to train to become certified electricians who can work in these new technologies. It goes beyond installing an electrical panel and some outlets these days. Read the article here.
FOUR—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
The question regarding “ environmental-social-governance,” or commonly known as ESG, continues. Some on the right view opposition to ESG principles as their “anti-woke” campaign, while many see ESG as essential to right the wrongs of corporate America. This excellent article from McKinsey describes how ESG is essential to corporate “license.” Terms are often misunderstood, and measurements aren’t always understandable or accurate, but according to this article, effort must be made to incorporate what was once called “corporate social responsibility.” Read the article here.
FIVE—Being Your Best
I once attended a meeting when a person for whom I had a lot of respect sitting across from me wrote on his note pad in big, bold letters as the meeting began, “K M M S.” As the meeting went on, wherein I expected to hear him expound on matters of great importance, he remained largely silent unless asked a question directly. Was he intimidated? Why didn't he give us his ideas and thoughts? Afterward, I asked him, because my curiosity was getting the best of me, “what does “K M M S.” mean? He said at the start of every meeting, he always jots down those letters. He said it means “Keep My Mouth Shut.” He admitted a compulsion to talk too much at meetings and not listen. Good advice for anyone.
The linked article reminded me of that day. Are you a “talkaholic?” Read the article, take the quiz, and shut up.
The Main Thing :
Referrring to to the article above, I have to admit my score was high and I am a talker. I find after going through the pandemic that being away from large groups of people has given me the desire to talk and to be heard even more. It’s something I need to curtail.
I’ve written about this talking business in my main thing post here. You might find it interesting.
Blog Post To Read:
Should you implement a strategy only when the topic or effort is popular? I found this interesting article about strategy and popularity. It fits in with the “talking and noise” theme this newsletter has suddenly pivoted towards.
Did you know that you can make rice crispy treats with peeps? Just in time for Easter, right? Finding new things and new ideas takes curiosity. Curiosity creates new thinking that lead to innovation, if implemented. This may be the strategy to follow, instead of the popular one.
Read The Value of Strategy Lies in Thinking, Not Tools in Medium.
Overheard :
“Just as open doors let the steam out of a steam bath, so does the person with lips constantly open lose their inner composure.”
Tomas Gavlas in Karlaz: The Way of Freedom
Something to Watch:
I found this very interesting YouTube channel that helps you understand everything. I mean EVERYTHING. It is a serious website that strives to explain a wide variety iof ideas and subjects through animation and simple stories. The one highlighted here is called the “That’s A Sentence,” and no, it is not about the proper use of the English language, instead it describes how cells in your body communicate to carry out basic human functions.
If you are not interested in that topic there are many others to choose from. You can learn about about black holes and things in space, loneliness, vaccines and others intersting topics.
The channel must be working since they have 20 million subscribers. Instead of binging on a Netflix series this weekend, absorb some knowledge by watching here.
Something I listened to:
When I am working and writing I like to listen to music. Usually instrumental music works best, otherwise I might start singing along. One channel I listen to is Latin Jazz (on Spotify). This works because, even though there are some lyrics, since much of it is in Spanish it is essentially the smae as instrumental music. I am still working on my Spanish language skills.
One group and a song thatI recently heard was by the group known as “Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66.” Sergio Mendes was born and musically trained in Brazil and made his mark with the song “Mas que Nada.” He later recorded a new version with the Black Eyed Peas.
I’m sure growing up in the sixties and seventies, my parents had a Sergio Mendes album. The song has a very sixties night club vibe. It meets my requirement as instrumental background musics. You can hear the original version here.
Interestingly, Mendes recorded a version with the Black Eyed Peas in 2006. Will I Am, produced the album and it features influences of hip-hop, funk and jazz. It is a fun, fast moving version of the original. Check it out here.
Something to Eat:
Here is one for you bacon and hot dog lovers. I have had the opportunity to visit Arizona twice this year. First to Tucson and then to Phoenix. Each visit I came across something called a Sonoran Hot Dog.
Living near Chicago I know what a Chicago Dog is, with its fluorescent pickle relish, peppers and NO ketchup, please. But what is a Sonoran Dog?
A Sonoran Dog is a traditional hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with a variety of condiments including beans, jalapeno peppers, guacamole and other flavors.. Some recipes included grilled onions and others chopped raw.
If you can’t make it to Arizona, you can easily make one on your own. Here is a recipe for the Sonoran Hot Dog.
Whenever you’re ready, there are several ways I can help you:
1. Economic Development; If you are looking to supercharge your economic development organization I can help by strategizing and developing a roadmap to success. Set up a time to talk to me here.
2. Climate Change Economics; There is so much going on in this space and I can help you sort through it. Are you ready to develop a plan. or just need some coaching? Set up some time to talk about here.
3. Training and Coaching; I can train you and your team on high level productivity tools to get you into flow. Mindset, GRIT and flow come together in these sessions or through one-on-one meetings. Let's talk about your needs here.
If you have any thoughts or comments regarding any articles in this newsletter please feel free to contact me through email at martin@martinkarlconsulting.com.
Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to someone who might find it useful. If you received this email as a forward and would like to subscribe you can do so at this link.
Economic development, business development or leadership consulting is available by contacting me via email (see above) or calling me at 518-450-3250.
You can review my services and offerings at www.martinkarlconsulting.com.
Thanks for reading the Curated Morning.