Pretty simple statement, but also a very powerful one. In any relationship there has to be something, or a multiple of things that bring the two parties together. When this doesn’t happen often times one or both parties look elsewhere. Before we got to this point, however, we probably argued, yelled and screamed and went into counseling. We tried to work it out. There is a reason we came together in the first place, and if we can just remember what it was, we have a chance.
While that theory may be true in our personal lives, do we apply it our professional one? If we are not getting what we need from our current employment, do we think about why we came together in the first place or do we just assume we cannot change things and quit? What if we argued, yelled and screamed and went into counseling (metaphorically speaking)? Could we work out our differences? Have we tried?
A friend of mine, also a business owner, recently said that the key to retaining good employees is finding out if/why they are happy or unhappy and then doing something about it. Talking about wants, needs, expectations, long term goals and structuring a game plan to reach those goals is critical. It takes more than a simple conversation or an anonymous survey to get to the root of the matter. Working together to ensure the success of the organization, as well as the success of the employee is a critical piece some employers forget. ‘If you won’t do something with/for your employee, they’ll find someone who will.’
It’s been said that the ideal relationship is one where you, at your core, inspire and support each other to grow into your best possible selves. Whether personal or professional, having a partner who is supportive and encouraging of us can make all the difference in our decisions.
Take the time to talk to your employees. And listen to what they have to say. Not every relationship can be saved, but aren’t some worth a try?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Year of Your life in Detroit
Time Magazine bought a house in Detroit and has moved in. One of their reporters committed to spending a year here in Detroit and writing about it for several high profile magazines. His efforts will be relayed in the form of blogs and articles ‘branded’ Assignment: Detroit.
I think it’s great that someone from the outside has taken an interest in our city and wants to learn how we tick and what makes us the community we are. I am glad they bought a house in the city, in the heart of the city. To truly communicate what this city is made of they need to be smack in the middle of things. I applaud them for doing so. I am eager to read the articles as they are published and I want to stay up to date on the blogs.
Detroit will take on this challenge; the challenge of standing up to yet another ‘outsider’ and showing them what we’re all about. The challenge that what is published in the press does not represent the city as a whole. The challenge that while our former mayor has been in the press just about every day for the past few years, it does not define who we are and what we stand for. The challenge of not letting a down economy define our culture and our people. We’ll take on that challenge, and we’ll win. We have to.
So, Steven Gray moved into Detroit and is going to write about it. He’ll highlight the good and the bad. He’ll talk about the people, the music, the art and the food. He’ll talk about the burned out houses and the murders. He’ll talk about local neighborhoods banding together to rise above the bad. He’ll talk about our schools and our politicians.
And then, he’ll go back to his home. But we’re still here. We are still here amid all those things that Steven wrote about. And what happens then? We save the Time Magazine articles for our kids to read and say that we remember when?
Not this time. This time we take action. Perhaps we needed an outsider to come in and really let us see Detroit without the rose colored glasses that some of us are told we have on. Perhaps we needed Steven to buy a house here (did he have any trouble financing, or did Time buy it?). I’d really like him to try to live off unemployment benefits while he is living here. To go from what his current salary is to unemployment benefits? Now, that would be interesting to read about! Let’s see if he can manage like we had to.
So, welcome to our city. Enjoy our food and our music. Go to The Henry Ford (Dearborn) and Parmenter’s Mill & Winery (Northville) and Eastern Market and listen to music at St. Andrews or the Fillmore Detroit. Visit Slow’s BBQ and get a taste of the food we love. I hope you’re here in the summer to experience events at Hart Plaza (Fireworks, Arab and Chaldean Festival, Caribbean Festival, African World Festival, Detroit International Jazz Festival, Mega March for Animals, just to name a few) and in the winter to see the Wayne County Parks Lightfest. I hope you’re here in the spring to watch our Red Wings on parade. I hope you get to have the experiences that the rest of us have here in Detroit and that this city becomes the home to you that it is to us.
Welcome to Detroit, Steven. Welcome to our home.
I think it’s great that someone from the outside has taken an interest in our city and wants to learn how we tick and what makes us the community we are. I am glad they bought a house in the city, in the heart of the city. To truly communicate what this city is made of they need to be smack in the middle of things. I applaud them for doing so. I am eager to read the articles as they are published and I want to stay up to date on the blogs.
Detroit will take on this challenge; the challenge of standing up to yet another ‘outsider’ and showing them what we’re all about. The challenge that what is published in the press does not represent the city as a whole. The challenge that while our former mayor has been in the press just about every day for the past few years, it does not define who we are and what we stand for. The challenge of not letting a down economy define our culture and our people. We’ll take on that challenge, and we’ll win. We have to.
So, Steven Gray moved into Detroit and is going to write about it. He’ll highlight the good and the bad. He’ll talk about the people, the music, the art and the food. He’ll talk about the burned out houses and the murders. He’ll talk about local neighborhoods banding together to rise above the bad. He’ll talk about our schools and our politicians.
And then, he’ll go back to his home. But we’re still here. We are still here amid all those things that Steven wrote about. And what happens then? We save the Time Magazine articles for our kids to read and say that we remember when?
Not this time. This time we take action. Perhaps we needed an outsider to come in and really let us see Detroit without the rose colored glasses that some of us are told we have on. Perhaps we needed Steven to buy a house here (did he have any trouble financing, or did Time buy it?). I’d really like him to try to live off unemployment benefits while he is living here. To go from what his current salary is to unemployment benefits? Now, that would be interesting to read about! Let’s see if he can manage like we had to.
So, welcome to our city. Enjoy our food and our music. Go to The Henry Ford (Dearborn) and Parmenter’s Mill & Winery (Northville) and Eastern Market and listen to music at St. Andrews or the Fillmore Detroit. Visit Slow’s BBQ and get a taste of the food we love. I hope you’re here in the summer to experience events at Hart Plaza (Fireworks, Arab and Chaldean Festival, Caribbean Festival, African World Festival, Detroit International Jazz Festival, Mega March for Animals, just to name a few) and in the winter to see the Wayne County Parks Lightfest. I hope you’re here in the spring to watch our Red Wings on parade. I hope you get to have the experiences that the rest of us have here in Detroit and that this city becomes the home to you that it is to us.
Welcome to Detroit, Steven. Welcome to our home.
The Little Things
As you might remember, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn’t go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the JN Turnpike because of an auto accident.
One of them missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One’s car wouldn’t start.
One couldn’t get a taxi.
One wore new shoes to work and got blisters, so he stopped for band-aids.
So, the next time the children are slow getting dressed, you can’t find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don’t get frustrated or mad, just take a deep breath and recognize that it may be for the best. There are things that happen and are just simply beyond our control. If there is a reason that everything happens, and that reason just saved your life, or the life of someone you love, then embrace it. Focus on what you can control and let go of things you cannot. Life is too short to not count our blessings, no matter how small.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn’t go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the JN Turnpike because of an auto accident.
One of them missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One’s car wouldn’t start.
One couldn’t get a taxi.
One wore new shoes to work and got blisters, so he stopped for band-aids.
So, the next time the children are slow getting dressed, you can’t find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don’t get frustrated or mad, just take a deep breath and recognize that it may be for the best. There are things that happen and are just simply beyond our control. If there is a reason that everything happens, and that reason just saved your life, or the life of someone you love, then embrace it. Focus on what you can control and let go of things you cannot. Life is too short to not count our blessings, no matter how small.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Seven Tips to Effectively Recognize Employees
What's the number one reason that employees stay with an organization? Usually, it is simply because they enjoy working with their supervisors, according to numerous studies.
Building good relationships between staff members and their bosses can pay off handsomely for your company. In fact, some experts estimate that the cost of replacing an employee ranges from 29 to 46 percent of the person's salary.
The key to lowering your turnover rate is to tell employees when they've done a good job and let them know the company values them. While there are many ways to encourage a company culture that appreciates talent, here are seven effective suggestions:
Run profiles. Use your company newsletter to run brief stories about key employees. Make sure you include the people in the mail room to top management. Outline their accomplishments at work, as well as their personal interests or hobbies. Include a photo so everyone can recognize them.
Send memos. If someone from another department pitched in on an important project, thank the employee in a memo or e-mail and send a copy to his or her supervisor.
Put it in writing. Urge managers and supervisors to send hand-written thank you notes to individual staff members at least once a year. The notes should be thoughtful, with details of the employee's contributions to the company and the department. A hand-written thank you makes a bigger impression than e-mail or typed letters.
Give praise in public. Acknowledge your staff members' achievements in a public forum, such as a staff meeting. Or hold semi-annual ceremonies to publicly reward employees for their achievements. Be sure to recognize all kinds of excellence, from the receptionist who is complimented by customers to the janitor who goes the extra mile.
Take them to lunch. Provide a budget that supervisors can tap into once a month to take an outstanding employee to lunch. This helps develop relationships and a $20 lunch goes a long way toward making employees feel appreciated.
Tailor your appreciation. There's no one way to pay tribute to your best employees. You can recognize outstanding staff members with a formal "Employee of the Month" program or use a less formal system such as a face-to-face compliment.
Promote two-way communication. Good managers spend more time listening than talking. Maintain an open-door policy. Employees who feel comfortable communicating with you will feel valued and be more inspired to deliver their best work. Get to know your team. Frequent interaction with your staff allows you to get to know each employee on a personal level.
Many thanks to Woronoff, Hyman, Levenson and Sweet PC for the article.
30600 Northwestern Hwy, Ste 302; Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3172
248-487-2600
Building good relationships between staff members and their bosses can pay off handsomely for your company. In fact, some experts estimate that the cost of replacing an employee ranges from 29 to 46 percent of the person's salary.
The key to lowering your turnover rate is to tell employees when they've done a good job and let them know the company values them. While there are many ways to encourage a company culture that appreciates talent, here are seven effective suggestions:
Run profiles. Use your company newsletter to run brief stories about key employees. Make sure you include the people in the mail room to top management. Outline their accomplishments at work, as well as their personal interests or hobbies. Include a photo so everyone can recognize them.
Send memos. If someone from another department pitched in on an important project, thank the employee in a memo or e-mail and send a copy to his or her supervisor.
Put it in writing. Urge managers and supervisors to send hand-written thank you notes to individual staff members at least once a year. The notes should be thoughtful, with details of the employee's contributions to the company and the department. A hand-written thank you makes a bigger impression than e-mail or typed letters.
Give praise in public. Acknowledge your staff members' achievements in a public forum, such as a staff meeting. Or hold semi-annual ceremonies to publicly reward employees for their achievements. Be sure to recognize all kinds of excellence, from the receptionist who is complimented by customers to the janitor who goes the extra mile.
Take them to lunch. Provide a budget that supervisors can tap into once a month to take an outstanding employee to lunch. This helps develop relationships and a $20 lunch goes a long way toward making employees feel appreciated.
Tailor your appreciation. There's no one way to pay tribute to your best employees. You can recognize outstanding staff members with a formal "Employee of the Month" program or use a less formal system such as a face-to-face compliment.
Promote two-way communication. Good managers spend more time listening than talking. Maintain an open-door policy. Employees who feel comfortable communicating with you will feel valued and be more inspired to deliver their best work. Get to know your team. Frequent interaction with your staff allows you to get to know each employee on a personal level.
Many thanks to Woronoff, Hyman, Levenson and Sweet PC for the article.
30600 Northwestern Hwy, Ste 302; Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3172
248-487-2600
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Favorite Metro Detroit Restaurants
Many, many thanks to those who helped compile this list! I've learned a lot about the different restaurants (not to mention driving directions!) while working on this list. Although I have not eaten at all, or even most, of them, I am looking forward to trying some! In my request to put this list together, I mentioned that we were going to try one new restaurant a month and write about it on this blog. I still am planning on doing that and (fortunately, it's after lunch today, otherwise I may have been tempted to venture out for some good Thai food) am looking forward to which restaurant we should go to first.
The information was gathered using LinkedIn and Facebook, as well as our friends and family and own personal network. All information is relayed directly from their own websites, or comments made from those who recommended the restaurants. I cannot take credit, nor criticism, for any of the information listed. I am willing, however, to post your comments if you've had a chance to visit any of these restaurants. I would love to hear feedback, and I'll add to the list if you have any restaurants that didn't make the list!
In no particular order:
Restaurant: Big Rock
City: Birmingham
Type: Chop House/Brewery
Comments: Excellent food and consistent service, atmosphere is incredible.
Website: www.bigrockchophouse.com
Restaurant: Mon Jin Lau
City: Troy
Type: Asian/Sushi
Comments: Great food (website not up yet, but menus are available online)
Website: www.monjinlau.com
Restaurant: Cheli's Chili
City: Dearborn/Detroit
Type: Sports/Entertainment
Comments: Owned by former Red Wings, Chris Chelios; eat first, then take shuttle to a game!
Website: www.chelischilibar.com
Restaurant: Pizza Papalis
City: Various
Type: Pizza
Comments: Great spinach pizza, some of the locations are connected to RioWraps, too!
Website: www.pizzapapalis.com
Restaurant: Peking House
City: Royal Oak
Type: Chinese
Comments: Easy online ordering menu
Website: www.pekinghousero.com
Restaurant: Anita's Kitchen
City: Troy/Ferndale
Type: Lebanese Café & Marketplace
Comments: The freshest, most flavorful Lebanese cuisine, friendly staff, and reasonable prices, too. On W. Maple Rd. just west of Livernois in Troy.
Website: www.anitaskitchenonline.com
Restaurant: Lake Street Tavern
City: South Lyon
Type: Tavern Fare
Comments: Non-smoking, closed on Sundays
Website: www.lakestreettavern.com
Restaurant: Louis Chop House
City: Chesterfield
Type: Chop House/Brewery
Comments: Family owned and the food is excellent. The menu varies but the steaks are always top notch! It is a 'treat' to dine there. I highly recommend it.
Website: www.louischophouse.com
Restaurant: Kruse & Muer
City: Northern Oakland County
Type: Chop House
Comments: Main St in downtown Rochester. Nice venue & excellent food @ good service. Wish I could stop in there this afternoon.
Website: www.kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Restaurant: George's Coney Island
City: Auburn Hills
Type: Coney Island
Comments: Only about 10 tables and the line goes out the door at lunch. Best coney's in the D.
Website:
Restaurant: Slow's BBQ
City: Detroit
Type: BBQ
Comments: The best BBQ in the city. Excellent beer list. Mac and cheese, chicken wings and baby back are a must! Great space, excellent design.
Website: www.slowsbarbq.com
Restaurant: Cadieux Café
City: Detroit
Type: Belgian fare
Comments: Mussels by the bucket, and the best beer list around; live entertainment, family owned and operated since the '60's
Website: www.cadieuxcafe.com
Restaurant: Sheesh
City: Clawson
Type: Meditteranean
Comments: Owners are former employees of LaShish, so you know you're getting the best food, service and experience!
Website: www.sheeshonline.com
Restaurant: What Crepe
City: Royal Oak
Type: Crepes
Comments: Newly opened Crepe restaurant; many changes (for the better) since their opening in spring of 2009. Remember the Magic Pan restaurant? Similar to that. Yum.
Website: www.whatcrepe.com
Restaurant: Happy Sushi
City: Novi
Type: Sushi
Comments: Almost hate to tell people about it! Great food, large quantity for small prices.
Website:
Restaurant: Bread Basket Deli
City: Southfield
Type: Deli
Comments: ONLY uses Michigan made products, specifically those from Detroit. Check out the letter from the owner on their website. Good call on recommending this one!
Website: www.breadbasketdelis.com
Restaurant: Library Pub
City: Commerce/Novi
Type: Burgers/Bar
Comments: Sports bar, great food, outdoor seating for summer, friendly atmosphere.
Website:
Restaurant: Ninja Sushi
City: West Bloomfield
Type: Sushi
Comments: Great presentation and unusual selection..$1 sushi on Tues. Edible art after the meal.
Website:
Restaurant: Ventimiglia's Italian Deli
City: Sterling Heights
Type: Italian
Comments: Top notch sandwiches and italian specialties just like Grandma used to make. Worth the drive from anywhere in Metro Detroit!
Website:
Restaurant: Giorgio's
City: Oak Park
Type: Gourmet Diner'
Comments: HUGE portions, reasonable prices and a fantastic Chicken Marsala, Pistachio Pie.
Website:
Restaurant: Red Coat Tavern
City: Royal Oak
Type: Bar fare
Comments: Cedar plank salmon is tasty; known for their burgers and beer. Call ahead to put your name on the list; there is always a wait (means they are always busy, the best sign in a restaurant!)
Website:
Restaurant: Lelli's
City: Auburn Hills/Detroit
Type: Steaks/Italian/Upscale
Comments: Filet Mignon w/ zip sauce!!!! Mmmmmmm. Still owned by the Lelli family. Expensive, but worth it!
Website: www.lellisrestaurant.com
Restaurant: House of Reuben
City: Sterling Heights
Type: Sandwiches
Comments: Soups and sandwiches; converted from an old Taco Bell!
Website:
Restaurant: Mr. Pita
City: Various
Type: Roll Up sandwiches
Comments: Cheap, fresh, tasty, Schedule the Pita Truck to come to your work at lunchtime!
Website: www.mrpita.net
Restaurant: Sala Thai
City: Rochester
Type: Thai
Comments: Don't forget the soup. Great food or have a cocktail if you'd like!
Website:
Restaurant: Thang Long
City: Madison Heights
Type: Thai/Vietnamese
Comments: Don't let the appearance of the strip mall prevent you from trying out this 'gem' of Metro Detroit. One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the area!
Website:
Restaurant: Union Street
City: Detroit
Type: Full Menu
Comments: Very influential in the Detroit 'see and be seen' scene. Evolved into the place to be in Detroit. Shame not to see it at least once, although it'll soon become .your favorite downtown restaurant!
Website: www.unionstreetdetroit.com
Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
City: Various
Type: Buffalo Wild Wings (duh!)
Comments: Family favorite, everyone can order to their liking!
Website: www.buffalowildwings.com
Restaurant: Sweet Lorraine's
City: Detroit/Southfield
Type: Creative ethnic cuisine
Comments: Great fresh menu with daily/weekly/seasonal rotations
Website: www.sweetlorraines.com
Restaurant: Fishbone's
City: Detroit/Southfield/St. Clair Shores
Type: Steak, seafood, sushi
Comments: Wonderful sushi and also a full Steak and Seafood menu
Website: www.fishbonesusa.com
Restaurant: Boodles
City: Madison Heights
Type: Bar fare
Comments: They offer gourmet food at affordable prices, including tableside preparation, great wait staff, very good wine and liquor selections and live piano player almost every night. It is a real treat!
Website:
Restaurant: Pi's Thai
City: Madison Heights, maybe? 10 Mile and John R
Type: Thai
Comments: It is the craziest little hole in the wall Thai place. Mostly take out, but they have two tables inside to dine in. The ratings for spicyness are misleading - hot is "will burn your mouth and incinerate all of your internal organs". Mild is actually quite hot. Since it is such a small place, we became quite friendly with the owners and employees there and they began to remember us and get our orders set as soon as we walked in. Since moving to Georgia I haven't found another Thai place that is quite as good.
Mangi bene!!
The information was gathered using LinkedIn and Facebook, as well as our friends and family and own personal network. All information is relayed directly from their own websites, or comments made from those who recommended the restaurants. I cannot take credit, nor criticism, for any of the information listed. I am willing, however, to post your comments if you've had a chance to visit any of these restaurants. I would love to hear feedback, and I'll add to the list if you have any restaurants that didn't make the list!
In no particular order:
Restaurant: Big Rock
City: Birmingham
Type: Chop House/Brewery
Comments: Excellent food and consistent service, atmosphere is incredible.
Website: www.bigrockchophouse.com
Restaurant: Mon Jin Lau
City: Troy
Type: Asian/Sushi
Comments: Great food (website not up yet, but menus are available online)
Website: www.monjinlau.com
Restaurant: Cheli's Chili
City: Dearborn/Detroit
Type: Sports/Entertainment
Comments: Owned by former Red Wings, Chris Chelios; eat first, then take shuttle to a game!
Website: www.chelischilibar.com
Restaurant: Pizza Papalis
City: Various
Type: Pizza
Comments: Great spinach pizza, some of the locations are connected to RioWraps, too!
Website: www.pizzapapalis.com
Restaurant: Peking House
City: Royal Oak
Type: Chinese
Comments: Easy online ordering menu
Website: www.pekinghousero.com
Restaurant: Anita's Kitchen
City: Troy/Ferndale
Type: Lebanese Café & Marketplace
Comments: The freshest, most flavorful Lebanese cuisine, friendly staff, and reasonable prices, too. On W. Maple Rd. just west of Livernois in Troy.
Website: www.anitaskitchenonline.com
Restaurant: Lake Street Tavern
City: South Lyon
Type: Tavern Fare
Comments: Non-smoking, closed on Sundays
Website: www.lakestreettavern.com
Restaurant: Louis Chop House
City: Chesterfield
Type: Chop House/Brewery
Comments: Family owned and the food is excellent. The menu varies but the steaks are always top notch! It is a 'treat' to dine there. I highly recommend it.
Website: www.louischophouse.com
Restaurant: Kruse & Muer
City: Northern Oakland County
Type: Chop House
Comments: Main St in downtown Rochester. Nice venue & excellent food @ good service. Wish I could stop in there this afternoon.
Website: www.kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Restaurant: George's Coney Island
City: Auburn Hills
Type: Coney Island
Comments: Only about 10 tables and the line goes out the door at lunch. Best coney's in the D.
Website:
Restaurant: Slow's BBQ
City: Detroit
Type: BBQ
Comments: The best BBQ in the city. Excellent beer list. Mac and cheese, chicken wings and baby back are a must! Great space, excellent design.
Website: www.slowsbarbq.com
Restaurant: Cadieux Café
City: Detroit
Type: Belgian fare
Comments: Mussels by the bucket, and the best beer list around; live entertainment, family owned and operated since the '60's
Website: www.cadieuxcafe.com
Restaurant: Sheesh
City: Clawson
Type: Meditteranean
Comments: Owners are former employees of LaShish, so you know you're getting the best food, service and experience!
Website: www.sheeshonline.com
Restaurant: What Crepe
City: Royal Oak
Type: Crepes
Comments: Newly opened Crepe restaurant; many changes (for the better) since their opening in spring of 2009. Remember the Magic Pan restaurant? Similar to that. Yum.
Website: www.whatcrepe.com
Restaurant: Happy Sushi
City: Novi
Type: Sushi
Comments: Almost hate to tell people about it! Great food, large quantity for small prices.
Website:
Restaurant: Bread Basket Deli
City: Southfield
Type: Deli
Comments: ONLY uses Michigan made products, specifically those from Detroit. Check out the letter from the owner on their website. Good call on recommending this one!
Website: www.breadbasketdelis.com
Restaurant: Library Pub
City: Commerce/Novi
Type: Burgers/Bar
Comments: Sports bar, great food, outdoor seating for summer, friendly atmosphere.
Website:
Restaurant: Ninja Sushi
City: West Bloomfield
Type: Sushi
Comments: Great presentation and unusual selection..$1 sushi on Tues. Edible art after the meal.
Website:
Restaurant: Ventimiglia's Italian Deli
City: Sterling Heights
Type: Italian
Comments: Top notch sandwiches and italian specialties just like Grandma used to make. Worth the drive from anywhere in Metro Detroit!
Website:
Restaurant: Giorgio's
City: Oak Park
Type: Gourmet Diner'
Comments: HUGE portions, reasonable prices and a fantastic Chicken Marsala, Pistachio Pie.
Website:
Restaurant: Red Coat Tavern
City: Royal Oak
Type: Bar fare
Comments: Cedar plank salmon is tasty; known for their burgers and beer. Call ahead to put your name on the list; there is always a wait (means they are always busy, the best sign in a restaurant!)
Website:
Restaurant: Lelli's
City: Auburn Hills/Detroit
Type: Steaks/Italian/Upscale
Comments: Filet Mignon w/ zip sauce!!!! Mmmmmmm. Still owned by the Lelli family. Expensive, but worth it!
Website: www.lellisrestaurant.com
Restaurant: House of Reuben
City: Sterling Heights
Type: Sandwiches
Comments: Soups and sandwiches; converted from an old Taco Bell!
Website:
Restaurant: Mr. Pita
City: Various
Type: Roll Up sandwiches
Comments: Cheap, fresh, tasty, Schedule the Pita Truck to come to your work at lunchtime!
Website: www.mrpita.net
Restaurant: Sala Thai
City: Rochester
Type: Thai
Comments: Don't forget the soup. Great food or have a cocktail if you'd like!
Website:
Restaurant: Thang Long
City: Madison Heights
Type: Thai/Vietnamese
Comments: Don't let the appearance of the strip mall prevent you from trying out this 'gem' of Metro Detroit. One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the area!
Website:
Restaurant: Union Street
City: Detroit
Type: Full Menu
Comments: Very influential in the Detroit 'see and be seen' scene. Evolved into the place to be in Detroit. Shame not to see it at least once, although it'll soon become .your favorite downtown restaurant!
Website: www.unionstreetdetroit.com
Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
City: Various
Type: Buffalo Wild Wings (duh!)
Comments: Family favorite, everyone can order to their liking!
Website: www.buffalowildwings.com
Restaurant: Sweet Lorraine's
City: Detroit/Southfield
Type: Creative ethnic cuisine
Comments: Great fresh menu with daily/weekly/seasonal rotations
Website: www.sweetlorraines.com
Restaurant: Fishbone's
City: Detroit/Southfield/St. Clair Shores
Type: Steak, seafood, sushi
Comments: Wonderful sushi and also a full Steak and Seafood menu
Website: www.fishbonesusa.com
Restaurant: Boodles
City: Madison Heights
Type: Bar fare
Comments: They offer gourmet food at affordable prices, including tableside preparation, great wait staff, very good wine and liquor selections and live piano player almost every night. It is a real treat!
Website:
Restaurant: Pi's Thai
City: Madison Heights, maybe? 10 Mile and John R
Type: Thai
Comments: It is the craziest little hole in the wall Thai place. Mostly take out, but they have two tables inside to dine in. The ratings for spicyness are misleading - hot is "will burn your mouth and incinerate all of your internal organs". Mild is actually quite hot. Since it is such a small place, we became quite friendly with the owners and employees there and they began to remember us and get our orders set as soon as we walked in. Since moving to Georgia I haven't found another Thai place that is quite as good.
Mangi bene!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Scams, Shticks or Sure Things?
These days we cannot be careful enough in our job search. We put out resumes, complete profiles, create cover letters and when we get a response, we don’t want to let it go. But are there times when we should back away from the phone? How do we know? I mean, really know? While some people will take advantage in times like this, it’s really up to you to decide what opportunities sound like good ones and which ones you should hang up quickly. Human nature is to believe the good, right? What if there are some people who would take advantage of that? Would you be able to spot them?
Take a look at these three scenarios and you decide:
You get a call from a recruiter with a great job for you: the location is great, doing what you love and the money is more than you’ve ever made. They love you for the position (you haven’t met them, or even phone interviewed yet) and for $25 in cash or money order, you will be guaranteed to be in the top three candidates. No, you don’t need to meet them, they’ve done their research and they really think you are the best candidate. Just send the money and we’ll get back to you.
Scam? Shtick? Sure thing?
Standard call from a recruiter with an OK opportunity (they seem to think it’s great, but I’m not all that excited about selling . . . I’m not sure what, they haven’t quite been very clear on that). I’m not sure what I’d be doing, or where I’d be working. I didn’t catch the name of the company, either, but I’m sure I’ll get their website and check them out. Hmm. Really generic looking website with no direct contact information, nor any mention of who owns the company. You really feel their sense of urgency and they keep saying that if you aren’t interested, there is someone else who would love the job. Am I in or out? Can I think about it? No? OK, I’m in! Yeah, I got a job! Or did I?
Scam? Shtick? Sure thing?
Recruiter calls, talks about my resume, tells me about a job. It’s close to my home, but the dollars are not quite what I want, but I am interested in the work. He wants to set an interview and gives me website info so I can research their company beforehand. I ask a couple of questions, which I get answers to, and am getting excited about the position. I’ve been excited before, however, so I’m a little skeptical right now. I don’t want to blow it. Now I need to get a good nights’ sleep so I’m well rested. And I’ll practice my interview questions while I’m making dinner. I’m getting more and more excited the more I think about it!
Scam? Shtick? Sure thing?
I know things are tough out there right now. I’ve talked to people who say I’m the first call about a job they’ve had in weeks. I get that when someone calls with an opportunity, we want, so bad, for it to be real and certain and mine. But, please be careful. Remember, ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably it’ or, ‘if it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck’? There’s a reason that ‘sayings’ have become ‘sayings’. They’ve been proven to be true way too many times.
Be smart about your decisions, your contacts and your money. Make connections with people who you know have your best interests in mind and follow those leads. The right position will come along, and when it does, you’ll know you made the right decisions.
Take a look at these three scenarios and you decide:
You get a call from a recruiter with a great job for you: the location is great, doing what you love and the money is more than you’ve ever made. They love you for the position (you haven’t met them, or even phone interviewed yet) and for $25 in cash or money order, you will be guaranteed to be in the top three candidates. No, you don’t need to meet them, they’ve done their research and they really think you are the best candidate. Just send the money and we’ll get back to you.
Scam? Shtick? Sure thing?
Standard call from a recruiter with an OK opportunity (they seem to think it’s great, but I’m not all that excited about selling . . . I’m not sure what, they haven’t quite been very clear on that). I’m not sure what I’d be doing, or where I’d be working. I didn’t catch the name of the company, either, but I’m sure I’ll get their website and check them out. Hmm. Really generic looking website with no direct contact information, nor any mention of who owns the company. You really feel their sense of urgency and they keep saying that if you aren’t interested, there is someone else who would love the job. Am I in or out? Can I think about it? No? OK, I’m in! Yeah, I got a job! Or did I?
Scam? Shtick? Sure thing?
Recruiter calls, talks about my resume, tells me about a job. It’s close to my home, but the dollars are not quite what I want, but I am interested in the work. He wants to set an interview and gives me website info so I can research their company beforehand. I ask a couple of questions, which I get answers to, and am getting excited about the position. I’ve been excited before, however, so I’m a little skeptical right now. I don’t want to blow it. Now I need to get a good nights’ sleep so I’m well rested. And I’ll practice my interview questions while I’m making dinner. I’m getting more and more excited the more I think about it!
Scam? Shtick? Sure thing?
I know things are tough out there right now. I’ve talked to people who say I’m the first call about a job they’ve had in weeks. I get that when someone calls with an opportunity, we want, so bad, for it to be real and certain and mine. But, please be careful. Remember, ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably it’ or, ‘if it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck’? There’s a reason that ‘sayings’ have become ‘sayings’. They’ve been proven to be true way too many times.
Be smart about your decisions, your contacts and your money. Make connections with people who you know have your best interests in mind and follow those leads. The right position will come along, and when it does, you’ll know you made the right decisions.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Buy Michigan Now Festival
Judy and I made a field trip over to the festival in Northville today, interested in meeting fellow Michigan based business owners and seeing what products/services they had to offer. Since it was almost lunchtime, we got sidetracked by the vendors that had food products, and boy, are we glad we did!
Two vendors of note: Global Warming Salsa Co. and Chef Zachary Gourmet Blended Spices.
Global Warming Salsa Co.: Made in Michigan, featuring gourmet ingredients from around the world. ‘Global Warming’ takes their name from a play on global (as in flavors), including featuring the flavors of Africa, China, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Japan and Mexico. Global Warming Salsa Co. is also very philanthropic minded; proceeds from the salsa are going to an illustrated children’s exercise and nutrition book. For those that love their salsa, they offer fundraising activities as well. Judy and I tried the Japanese inspired salsa. While we differed in our appreciation of the salsa, we both agreed that to treat this just as a salsa would do it an injustice. Their salsa would be great on/with steak, fish, pasta, baked potatoes, in addition to tortilla chips. It has a full bodied taste and a smooth consistency, perfect for an accessory to a main dish. You can reach them at www.globalwarmingsalsa.com
Chef Zachary claims that once you taste his spices your taste buds will be spoiled. Know what? He’s right. We each bought a jar of his Chelsea Spice and headed over to Joseph’s Coney Island (in downtown Northville) for lunch. A little of his Chelsea Spice sprinkled on a greek salad did wonders for it. The traditional taste of the salad was instantly enhanced with the addition of the spice. Boy, is Chef Zachary right, your taste buds get spoiled. He suggests you try it on seafood, meet, eggs and BBQ, and I will. I’m especially excited to try it on grilled veggies. We’ve so many zucchini from our garden and this spice, with a little onion and garlic, should be awesome. We also liked the fact that there was no MSG, salt or sugar in the spice. Just the goodness of herbs, spices and peppers, all expertly combined by Chef Zachary. His spices are available online at www.chefzachary.com
Joseph’s Coney Island, by the way, deserves a mention too. We stopped in at noon, and while the place was crowded, we were able to get a table relatively quickly. We knew we were on a tight schedule, so we ordered quickly and tried to relax, almost accepting in advance that a sit down restaurant wasn’t the best way to go when you’re running against the clock. Our lunch was served in less than 10 minutes; the food and service were excellent and our waitress was humorous, friendly and efficient. My drink never sat empty, even for a minute (good thing on a really humid day like today). If only Northville wasn’t so far away from our office, we’d make Joseph’s a regular lunchtime place.
Check out the Buy Michigan Now festival. Spend Thursday at Northville Farmers Market (Northville Downs), where they will have 100 stalls featuring Michigan made products and Michigan grown produce. Festivities continue through the weekend.
Enjoy, and Buy Michigan! www.buymichigannow.com
Two vendors of note: Global Warming Salsa Co. and Chef Zachary Gourmet Blended Spices.
Global Warming Salsa Co.: Made in Michigan, featuring gourmet ingredients from around the world. ‘Global Warming’ takes their name from a play on global (as in flavors), including featuring the flavors of Africa, China, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Japan and Mexico. Global Warming Salsa Co. is also very philanthropic minded; proceeds from the salsa are going to an illustrated children’s exercise and nutrition book. For those that love their salsa, they offer fundraising activities as well. Judy and I tried the Japanese inspired salsa. While we differed in our appreciation of the salsa, we both agreed that to treat this just as a salsa would do it an injustice. Their salsa would be great on/with steak, fish, pasta, baked potatoes, in addition to tortilla chips. It has a full bodied taste and a smooth consistency, perfect for an accessory to a main dish. You can reach them at www.globalwarmingsalsa.com
Chef Zachary claims that once you taste his spices your taste buds will be spoiled. Know what? He’s right. We each bought a jar of his Chelsea Spice and headed over to Joseph’s Coney Island (in downtown Northville) for lunch. A little of his Chelsea Spice sprinkled on a greek salad did wonders for it. The traditional taste of the salad was instantly enhanced with the addition of the spice. Boy, is Chef Zachary right, your taste buds get spoiled. He suggests you try it on seafood, meet, eggs and BBQ, and I will. I’m especially excited to try it on grilled veggies. We’ve so many zucchini from our garden and this spice, with a little onion and garlic, should be awesome. We also liked the fact that there was no MSG, salt or sugar in the spice. Just the goodness of herbs, spices and peppers, all expertly combined by Chef Zachary. His spices are available online at www.chefzachary.com
Joseph’s Coney Island, by the way, deserves a mention too. We stopped in at noon, and while the place was crowded, we were able to get a table relatively quickly. We knew we were on a tight schedule, so we ordered quickly and tried to relax, almost accepting in advance that a sit down restaurant wasn’t the best way to go when you’re running against the clock. Our lunch was served in less than 10 minutes; the food and service were excellent and our waitress was humorous, friendly and efficient. My drink never sat empty, even for a minute (good thing on a really humid day like today). If only Northville wasn’t so far away from our office, we’d make Joseph’s a regular lunchtime place.
Check out the Buy Michigan Now festival. Spend Thursday at Northville Farmers Market (Northville Downs), where they will have 100 stalls featuring Michigan made products and Michigan grown produce. Festivities continue through the weekend.
Enjoy, and Buy Michigan! www.buymichigannow.com
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