If you follow me on Twitter, you saw this weekend I bought the new video game, Guitar Hero Aerosmith. Yet, here it is, one day after having the video game — and I would rather be sitting in front of my computer writing, reading, creating something, shooting photos, video, chatting (etc). It’s so hard to believe my own love for video games isn’t as passionate as it used to be. Now don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoy shredding a song on Guitar Hero or driving recklessly in Grand Theft Auto IV (among other things). But what surprises even myself, is that I’m not as entertained with my traditional hobbies as I used to be. Beating a “level” or mastering a video game technique just isn’t enough anymore. Watching TV for the sake of watching is painful (DVR is my friend). Sitting through a bad movie isn’t acceptable (I walk out or turn it off).

Call it impatience. Call it high expectations. Call me a product of technology. Call it selfishness. But I find myself wanting more out of life.

I think when comes down to it, I want to spend my time where it makes the most impact. I’d much rather further my knowledge reading online, commenting on blogs, or volunteering my time in the community to help someone, something or just myself. I might just be declaring the obvious — but it really has been a big shift for me. For example, I’ve already started planning a party my friends and I throw ever year and have turned it into a full-blown charity benefit (Ugly Sweater Christmas Party benefiting Toys for Tots). I’m reading more than ever and taking advantages of learning from as much as I can from friends, family, and co-workers.

I’m not sure how long this “attitude” is going to last — but for now, its sure feels like I’m in the right “state of mind“.
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One of the blogs I follow is written by Sam Meers, it’s a blog dedicated to insights in advertising. He wrote a blog post regarding the topic of Brand Value and how companies can mistakenly focus on how a product should be priced VS. discussions revolve around “How do we add value in order to justify the price?” He gave an example of how a friend was purchasing a new kitchen and the companies she shopped failed to differentiate themselves from one another other than just providing a price of their goods.

Given this scenario, Sam’s recommendation in regards to Brand Value was:

“Your company has a story to tell. And within that story you have small bits of information that set you apart from your competitors. But you must tell the story. And you must tell it in a compelling manner. Otherwise, you will only have price upon which to build your business. And there is always someone who can make it and sell it cheaper than you.”

After reading his blog post, I personally posted the following comment:

“I totally get the concept of ‘illustrate your value’. But, in your friend’s situation how do you tell your story? If the interaction with the customer is just “give me your price for X” how do you inject your brand story? How do you sell it’s value. I suppose you can try to give your “pitch”, but how do you do that without coming off like a used car salesman?”

Sam posted a great response in regards to my comment (above). He describes, “The basic answer is this: If you wait until the customer is interacting with the sales person to begin telling your brand story, then it’s too late. Sales people need marketing people to lay the appropriate groundwork in the marketplace so people are prepared to purchase when they walk in the door. If the brand story has been well articulated, then the customer knows why they’re there — and they’re ready to buy — and their purchase will not be based on price, but value.”

» Read the full blog post here

…here’s a video blog I shot at the ‘08 Art Festival (this past weekend in Kansas City). I had a chance to interview some artists and shoot some video to give you a perspective of my experience. I met some pretty cool people with some great life stories. I also realized if I ever want to own cool artwork, I’m going to needs LOTS of money.

I’m extremely sore.  This weekend I played 27 holes of golf, had an indoor soccer game, and I went running.  It hurts to even move.  Don’t get me wrong — it was all by choice and I had a blast (see photos below).  As many of you know, photography is something I really enjoy in my free time, so check out my most recent pics posted to www.flickr.com/ramseymohsen.

I woke up to Will Smith promoting his new movie on the Today Show this morning (Hancock) and there’s a great quote cited by him (even if it is semi-sorta cheesy).  When asked about talent and hard work he says…

“I’ve never viewed myself as particularly talented. Where I excel is with a ridiculous, sickening work ethic. “While the other guy’s sleeping, I’m working. While the other guy’s eating, I’m working. While the other guy’s making love, I mean, I’m making love, too, but I’m working really hard at it!”

After listening to this report on NPR, it’s interesting to think about the fact the Internet HAS shifted the way we think. Being that the Internet is “always on” and you can access it “whenever you want it” — the report discusses how people have adapted their way of consuming information because the Internet allows you to digest information quickly and lets you jump around to other interests easily.

In a related personal experience, this weekend I was at dinner with friends and someone mentioned that she reads an entire book once a week. I was shocked.  I told her that you could argue reading books are a “dieing pastime” for all the Millennial’s and Generation Y‘ers out there. With a book you are not able to jump to new topics that interests you quickly (like you can with email, articles, video, chat, and music online). In the end, the entire table did conclude that books will never be obsolete (which I didn’t disagree with either).

So is the internet bad for our health?  Does it negatively affect the way we think?  Based on my own personal anecdotal reasoning I would strongly disagree.   Consuming information online forces us to increase our “quality of thought”. We’ve formed daily routines (Google’ing) and adapted how we find information. Personally, I’m able to provide shorter, quicker, succinct communication (whatever it may be; phone conversations, emails, presentations, casual conversation).

That’s my take. What do you think?   Are you dumb because of the Internet?  Do you feel it’s helped or hurt you more in other areas in life?
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I was working with one of my graphic designers today and she had this uber cool background image I thought was awesome. This design “style” is pretty widespread right now (the swirly thingys — I’m not sure if there is an official name for the style?) and this creative execution (below) is pretty clever. You can also download the wallpaper for your computer here if you would like it (source here).

“People want to deal with people …they trust human beings more than brands or institutions.”

I came across this great quote from Chris Baggott’s blog post — it really hit home in encapsulating where the shift of “trust” has moved to with people (specifically online).  Its amazing the power of word of mouth and more so the effect friends have on how we make decisions and assign credibility everyday.
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Tiger Woods is an amazing human, god, man.  Watching him play in the U.S. Open this Sunday was truly inspiring.  He just does not back down.  I’m pretty sure my neighbors heard me yell when he sunk the putt to send the tournament to a playoff.  My friend thought I was crazy jumping up and down on our couch.

Recently he had knee surgery — which I can completely relate to (I’ve torn my ACL twice playing soccer).  Anyone who knows me I’m a bogey golfer at best — but LOVE playing the sport.  I never was obsessed with the sport until as of late since my aging friends are finding the sports that require “running” and “contact” are getting harder and harder to subject our bodies to.

Tiger’s ability to CONSISTENTLY win and stay focused is truly amazing.  Consistency in being the best in the world is the lesson he continues to teaches us all.  His ability to stay composed, professional, and continue to “prove it out” is what I strive to do on a daily basis.  In the short time I’ve been in this world I’ve met several people that can “talk the talk” and it really means nothing in the end game if you can’t deliver and do it over and over as needed.  It’s people like Tiger Woods that continue to prove to me actions always do speak louder than words.
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A look at my experience at Jazzoo 2008, the Kansas City Zoo’s largest fund raiser.

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend Bill Self’s Kansas City benefit at the KC Speedway. It was awesome. Essentially the party was for guests to hangout, eat, dance, and drink with players from KU basketball team — past, present and future (recruits were there). Coach Self and his family founded the Assists Foundation to help provide young people access to better lives.

Hi. This is the start of my own personal blog. For years (yes years), I’ve been posting, blogging, vblogging, responding, and commenting all over the intranetz. I’ve decided it’s finally time to have my own domain in which I “house” my own ramblings.

What you’ll find here will be a wide ranging amount of topics; tech insight, personal experiences, photos, my advice on life, music recommendations, start up company interviews and likely more I haven’t even thought about yet.

Stay dialed in and get ready for what’s in store here at www.ramseymohsen.com. Sweeeeeet.
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