Author: Brian Lee

The Iain MacFarlane Show

Posted on by Brian Lee

My interview with business radio host Iain MacFarlane of 1670 WTDY aired on Saturday, Nov. 19. The premise of his show is to have business owners share their insights as to what has helped them succeed.

I enjoyed the interview. We recorded early morning on a Friday in September. I remember walking in to the Mid-West Family Broadcasting studio and hearing live music. It turns out they were having a party at 7 a.m. Lots of people were rocking out and enjoying Alaskan Beer. I was asked to join, but I (reluctantly) declined.

Amongst the advice I provided on air, here’s one I’ll repeat for people thinking of starting a business. I believe people can be classified into one of two categories, in two scenarios. First, there are those who lead and there are those who are led. Second, there are those who seek out their own opportunities, and there are those who go day by day and hope something happens to them.

If you think the former in both scenarios describes yourself, then you have the personality type to start a business.

To listen to the interview, click on this link. Once the Listen Live window opens, click on “On Demand” and choose “Iain MacFarlane.”

Weighing in on the NBA lockout

Posted on by Brian Lee

Didn’t the NBA learn anything from the NHL? The cancellation of the 2004-05 season of the latter did a lot of damage to the league and its players. For example, ESPN replaced its missing programming with college basketball and got a ratings boost; NHL games are now seen on Versus. In addition, the league had to change the rules to make the game more exciting in an effort to win back fans.

In that case, the players played hardball and lost an entire season, then caved. Now it looks like NBA players are going to make the same mistake. Yes, I am blaming the players. If my employer said, “We are losing money, and you’re going to have to take a pay cut or the company will fold,” I of course would be disappointed but I wouldn’t fight it.

NBA owners are essentially saying that they will lose less money by canceling a season than by having one at the current salary structure. How does this appear to NBA fans (and even non-fans)? It looks like players are extraordinarily greedy and stupid.

Meanwhile, there are many people across the country who are unemployed. Do you think they sympathize with the players? The public perception of the NBA as a whole will be negative for a long, long time.

The players should just accept the 50-5o split of basketball-related income and get on with the season. At this point, it’s not only their best option financially, it’s also their only chance to keep on good terms with their fans, who really matter the most here.

For more insight, read these great articles:

2011 PRSA-Madison Alchemy Awards

Posted on by Brian Lee

Each year, the Madison chapter of the Public Relations Society of America organizes its own awards program called the Alchemy Awards in which the best campaigns in Madison are recognized.

I’m proud to say Revelation PR, Advertising & Social Media received an Award of Excellence in the category of media relations. The judges from the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter noted the “well thought out research” and the “great results in one year” and actually gave enough points to the entry to receive the “Best in Show” award, though that ended up going to another campaign.

For me, this is my third organization for which I’ve won an award from PRSA-Madison. Thanks to my great staff for their efforts!