Friends of ours had a family meeting over the week end. The other party, the ones who set it up, failed to show. Last Wednesday I took a prescription to the pharmacy. "Not in a hurry, I said. I'll pick it up next Monday." Is there anything in that statement that says, "Don't bother to call for approval until Monday?" Did I say, "I'll call to remind you next Monday?"
Our friends prepared for and went out of their way for that meeting. They were left scratching their heads in wonder. Sure, unforeseen things happen but how hard is it to make a phone call? Sorry, something came up, let's reschedule. There's only so much pie one can eat while waiting.
As for my issue, the last approval request from my pharmacy was mid April. I'll call this morning and reminded them I need the meds by Wednesday.
Do your job, be on time, and keep your word. Is it too much to ask?
We did not win the big power ball drawing on Saturday. I spend $4 on two tickets and hit one number. We rarely buy lottery tickets. I'd guess over the last year we've spent $10. We only buy in when the jackpot is hundreds of millions, like one million dollars wouldn't change our lives.
Staying with lists...
Ideas That Made $100 Million.
Firehouse Subs: It's not an employment agency for hunky substitute fireman. It's a submarine sandwich franchise. In 1994 two brothers used a credit card for start-up funds and opened their first shop in Florida. There are now 514 locations around the U.S. In 2011 Firehouse Subs took in $284.9 million in total system sales. Subway and Togo's wasn't enough to satisfy America's hunger. I wonder if I could make a go with baloney on white with mayo?
Two Men and a Truck: This conjours up all kinds of interesting images. What began as a hauling trash business in the early 1980's is now a franchised business with 224 locations in 34 states. Two Men and a truck conducted 353,761 moves and had a total of $220 million is sales in 2011.
Life is Good: I've never seen or heard of Jake the cartoon guy. Bert and John Jacobs raked up about $100 million in sales off Jake's face and the motto Life is Good.
Spanx: Footless pantyhose was just the beginning. The company revenue is estimated at just under $250 million.
myYearbook: With around 40 million users what began as an online yearbook was recently purchased for $100 million dollars. Who said another social web site like Facebook couldn't make it?
Pillow Pets: Stuffed animals/pillow $300 million in sales.
Tom's of Maine: Natural personal care products like toothpaste and shampoo. Started in 1970 with a $5,000 loan, by 2000 it surpassed $40 million in sales. In 2006 Colgate Palmolive bought 84% of the company for $100 million.
The Boston Beer Company brews beer, K'NEX are plastic construction toys, and 1-800-Flowers are, flowers.
All of these business' have one thing in common, hard work and an inventive mind. Yes, I know that's two things but I wanted to see if you were paying attention. Here are some things that didn't make it.
Clip-it-tee: Since 1992 Abner Dollings has been trying to secure financing for his electric toe nail clippers. "The original design had problems, Abner admits. The power cord was eighteen inches long which meant people had to put their feet up near a socket. Now that we've gone green with a rechargeable battery I think the company and the toe nails should take off.
Chime-4-A-Change: A new product from the well know inventor Danny Deslavo. It's a one piece programmable toilet paper holder. You set it with the sex and number of users and an alarm sounds when you're nearing the end of the roll. It's a quiet chime but as the roll gets smaller the tone gets louder. "This is not simply a square counter, says Danny. It calculates the variances and refigures potential usage on the fly. There's even an extra on/off setting for company."
LoadALuffa: A terrific product that aids and expedites shower time. This luffa comes in several colors and densities from soft to extra rough scrub. It has a "magic pocket" (patent pending) that holds liquid soap. "If you shower twice a week it'll last about a month, says Felicity Hupman the CEO. When the soap runs low the luffa turns green and you know it's time for a refill."
Frosty-Floss: Nature Nate will soon have this product in store freezers. Cherry, orange, and lime will be the initial flavors with many more on the way. Nate says, "Kids will develop good flossing habits because my floss tastes like frozen ice treats, and it's edible."
Screamin' Ice Cream: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. One of the most beloved food treats is loaded with sugar and fat. Most "low fat" confections taste like the cardboard they're packaged in. Salvatore (Sally Boy) Saldona is from a long line of Italian Ice Cream makers. "All my ice cream contains natural ingredients. We have Cruelly Caffeinated Coffee, Manic Mango, Bouncy Banana, Pleasing Pomegranate, and Very Vanilla to name a few."
"Mama" is what makes our product unique. In addition to chocolate and butterscotch chips our ice cream has computer chips. Every third spoonful activates a recorded voice that screams, "HAD ENOUGH YET?", "YOU'RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BELT" or one of six dozen insults. Sally says, "If you don't have the will power to eat a small amount, Screamin' Ice Cream is for you. While it is a different business model that limits consumption, Sal thinks Americans need it.
Finicky Flipper: This battery operated spatula assures a nice even flip.
The Happy Hooper: A nose or lip ring may be cool when you're eighteen but when you're an adult, maybe not. These rings look just like the real thing. Each end is slightly padded and magnetized. Now in testing, you may soon find these tongue studs, nose rings, and ear stretchers wherever fine jewelry is sold.
So, there you have it, for every idea that makes it there are dozens that don't. But never stop trying, remember the Pet Rock?
and for gods sake...be nice.
No comments:
Post a Comment