Kevin W. McCarthy

Free Business Tips, Ideas, & Advice for Running (& Starting) Small Businesses and Leading Your Life!

The challenges of being in business by yourself need not be a burden you carry alone.  May I come along side you for 2 to 4 minutes per week to offer sound business advice and mentoring via a free subscription to the On-Purpose Business Minute and On-Purpose Minute.

Every On-Purpose Business Minute packs a practical punch of business ideas, concepts, and tips for your real life challenges of starting and running a business. On-Purpose Minutes help you become a better leader of your life.  The better you lead you lead, the better you'll lead your business and team.  Let's engage in all things business and life.  You'll learn how to:

• Identify and reach more clients & customers. Gain Sales.
• Use simple business strategies & marketing plans. Work Smarter.
• Get unstuck and get yourself moving forward.  Lead Better.
• Overcome procrastination and being overwhelmed.  Get Moving.
• Know what matters most.  Be Focused.
• Lead your business from your strengths.  Make Better Decisions.
• Build your business systematically.  Be More Profitable.
• Enjoy and integrate your life and work. Be On-Purpose!

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Please watch my invitiation to you!

 

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May I invest in your business with my best best thinking, business tips, and leadership advice?  Each video and accompanying text sheds light on real business problems and life challenges we all face.  Each is practical, poignant, and intelligent.  Opportunities to learn, grow, and build a better business and life abound.  Here you can profit and still keep your soul.

• Every Tuesday you will receive an On-Purpose Minute to help you grow as a leader in life and on the job.
• Every Thursday you will receive an On-Purpose Business Minute with business tips, ideas & advice to help you lead your business and team to success.

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Sample On-Purpose Business Minutes 

• Is A Startup Business A Smart Career Move? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Why Is My Business Struggling? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• What Is The Purpose of A Business Plan? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• How Are You Learning To Be In Business? (kevinwmccarthy.com)

The Red Ball Review Rule For Baseball Instant Replays

The Red Ball Review

In light of the "perfect game" pitched by Armando Galarraga (see the video of the bad call below), is it time for Major League baseball to invest in the instant replay to review close plays?  

I say, "Yes, but on a limited basis."  Balls and strikes should ever be subject to review.  Just about everything else in the game can reasonably be reviewed to get the call right.   Jeff Leadbetter's article, How Major League Baseball Could Implement Instant Replay... Right Now, reflects most of my point of view.  I differ with him on a few matters: balks and catcher interference need to be reviewable.  Five minutes for review is way too long.  Baseball doesn't run with a clock, but let's give the umpires no more than 120 seconds to rule. Jeff Leadbetter's system of limiting the manager to the number of reviews per game makes sense.  Let's allow for the addition of one additional, non-cumulative Red Ball Replay for extra innings. 

Here's my idea that is uniquely baseball.  Instead of a reg flag like football, I propose the use of an offical red baseball ball being tossed onto the diamond to call for a review of a play.   The manager would toss the red ball in the general area between home plate and the pitcher's mound before the pitcher starts his motion for the next pitch.

The Red Ball Review would add a measure of excitement and anticipation to the game.   One of the side benefits of the Red Ball Review instant replay option is that it might just speed up the game because it discourages much of the managers' posturing with umpires on disputed calls.  Now they have to think before they burst onto the field in protest because they actually have an option other than being two inches from the umps face yelling and spitting.  This option remains, but it gives the Manager a true means to resolve the egregious errors by the umpire crew.

If the Red Ball Review rule were in effect, then Mr. Galarraga would be in the record books as one who threw a perfect game.  Finally, I don't advocate that Armando Galarraga be awarded a perfect game.  I do advocate baseball learn from it and add the Red Ball Review. 

On-Purpose Persons of the Week Award

Yes, the record books will never reflect his "perfect game," but what we all witnessed from this historic baseball event was the behavior of two perfect gentlemen.  Character endures, accomplishments diminish over time.   Mr. Galarraga and Mr. Joyce (the umpire) will, in fact, long and best be remembered more for being models of behavior in this instance outside the lines than perhaps more anything that takes places within the foul lines.  That's why I'm making both of them my On-Purpose Persons of the Week!

Tell me what you think of the Red Ball Review rule:

Please use the comments section below.  If you really like the idea, please share this post with friends and fans using the Share button above.  Best of all, write to Major League Baseball and ask for the Red Ball Review rule.

Mr. Bud Selig, Commissioner,

Major League Baseball, 245 Park Ave., 31st Fl., New York, NY 10167
Phone: 212-931-7800, Fax: 212-949-8636, Toll Free: 866-800-1275

Related articles by Zemanta

• How Major League Baseball Could Implement Instant Replay...Right Now (bleacherreport.com)
• Should MLB Expand Use of Instant Replay? (cbsnews.com)
• The Case For Instant Replay in Major League Baseball (bleacherreport.com)

Small Business Innovation

You don't have to be 3M Corporation, Apple, or IBM with a sizable research and development business to be innovative.  Meet Frank Petracca, my barber for the past 25 years. 

When Judith and I first married, she would complain every time I came home from the butcher (barber) shop.  Finally, she called a friend of mine whose hair cuts she really liked.  She asked Bruce Woodruff who cuts his hair and he gave her Frank's name and number. 

What was remarkable about Frank in 1985 was that he was a barber who worked only by appointment and catered to business people.  He rarely ran late for an appointment and if he did it was 5 minutes at the most.  Frank charged a bit more but the time savings of not having to wait at the barber shop for your turn was worth the savings.  Frank's wife, Donna, would call to book an appointment.  It was great customer service in a very small business.

He grew up in Italy and came to the USA as a teen.   He became a citizen - a tax paying citizen.  Frank lived in Buffalo and loves the Bills, and despises the Miami Dolphins (which is ironic you'll see shortly). 

Frank and I have been through a lot together over the years.   Frank was the first person to cut Charles, my son, hair.  He called me when his wife Donna died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm.  We cried together.  I saw his daughter marry and divorce.  We talked about everything, we prayed together, but mostly we laughed together.  As Frank moved his business I followed him from place to place.   He semi-retired and cut hair out of his home the past few years.  Yes, our relationship was hung together by a hair... joyfully!

Yesterday was my last haircut with Frank.   At 70, he is retiring and moving to south Florida to be with Rosita, a love in his life for the past few years.  She's a sweetheart.  Does this mean he'll become a Dolphin's fan?   Not Frank.  He's from the old country and loyalties remain strong.

So here I am in Frank's barber chair for the last time.   I wish Frank and Rosita best wishes for a great life together.  I have been blessed in friendship by this innovative barber.  Frank was my barber, but most of all he is my friend. 

Frank was an innovator, but he never did answer my question, Frank, why are you putting that silver stuff in my hair?

God & The Chocolate Ice Cream

I am a fan of Nic Askew, the creator of Soul Biographies.  "God & The Chocolate Ice Cream" starring Michael Neill offers provocative thoughts on the integration of the spiritual and material worlds - the space where I like to play and work.  Invest a few minutes and watch this short film that is embedded below. 

Ironically, before opening my computer and watching this video, I awoke about 5:30 a.m. and went to the freezer.  Last night I bought a quart of chocolate ice cream against my better judgment.  I at

Image via Wikipedia

e about half of the chocolate ice cream.  At 5:32 a.m. I pulled off the ice cream lid and turned the container upside down over the kitchen sink drain so it would thaw and disappear.  My decision was based on reasons of both health and spiritual discipline. 

From a health perspective I am 15 pounds over my goal weight.  I know I need to get back on the Health Program my wife coaches.  More importantly, the chocolate ice cream is a metaphorical impediment to my stewardship of all that God has given me.  Think of it as Jacob's hip or the thorn in Paul's flesh.  I've learned in talking with Judith and other health coaches, ultimately, it isn't what we're eating, it is what's eating at us.

My irrational desire for sugar, cream, and chocolate is more akin to an addiction.  It provides a profound empathy for the heroin or cocaine addict.  Truly, there, but by the grace of God go I.  It is a "no" to which I so often say "yes" (watch the video to understand).  Left unchecked, it would consume my life prematurely.  Intellectually I get it, yet lust takes over.  In this regard, I also relate to the sins of Tiger Woods.  Fortunately, my lust is more socially acceptable and less morally reprehensible.  Yet, make no mistake, it is lust gone awry.

I am reminded of Matthew 7:5: "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."  This scripture causes me to hold my tongue at the failings of others.  I'm making the attempt to avoid being a hypocrite!

So why dump the ice cream down the drain?  I've learned the best way to avoid sin is to not cozy too close to it.  Healthy boundaries make for a healthy life.  Sure, it is a fix, not a cure.  Until the deep work in my soul is reconciled, I settle for temporary acts of protection.  

Perhaps, now dear reader, you'll appreciate why I am a fan of Nic Askew.  He stirs the spirit of one who is in the business of stirring spirits.  My hope is my On-Purpose Minutes provoke you is similar fashion.

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin

'god & the chocolate ice cream' from Nic Askew on Vimeo.

How Would You React?

My daughter, Anne, is a 16-year-old competitive soccer player.  She serves as a junior captain of her Trinity Prep high school soccer team as well as a player on the Football Club of America (Kumba Soccer) located here in Orlando.  Her Kumba team was having a car wash fund raiser in late September.  An accident occurred where one teammate's foot slipped off the brakes and the car pinned another teammate against a wall.  Bree McMahon's legs were crushed.  Anne was one of many who sprang into action.  She called 911 and provided a towel for Bree's head as she lay on the ground awaiting the arrival of paramedics. 

Initially, we anticipated broken legs and damage to Bree's knees.  The severity of the accident came to light a few hours later when Anne's text from the hospital said, "Bree's legs might have to be amputated because the blood vessels were crushed."  Judith and I immediately headed to the hospital to be and pray with the girls. 

Jenna Bush Hager (George and Laura Bush's daughter) of The Today Show did a feature on Bree.  The clip below tells the story.  You'll also get to see and hear a brief comment from Anne from behind Bree's hospital bed. 

Bree and Chelsea (the driver involved in the freak accident) are young Christian girls whose faith is serving them both well in terms of forgiveness given and received.  The character of both young ladies is remarkable.

If it were your legs crushed that day, how would you respond?  My hope would be that I would have grace and understanding like Bree.

How Authentic Is Your Personal Brand?

The integration of your personal brand and personal identity will both improve your life and your work life.  Learn how to anchor your personal brand in the bedrock of your being.

In light of the sad revelations about Tiger Woods, perhaps this video was prophetic in terms of the dangers and costs involved in not having this full integration. 

This video is a contribution I make to a monthly leadership journal called The New Face of Leadership Magazine that is published by my colleague and friend Dr. Stephanie Parson.

Which Team Experience Would Best Serve Your Business and Life?

Today's On-Purpose Business Minute invites your wisdom in the comment section. Help me help my daughter Anne and lots of other high school athletes making decisions about college sports programs.

Learn more about the UNC Women's Soccer Program by watching the video trailer to Winning Isn't Everything.  This is a great example of an On-Purpose Team!

Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup Runneth Over

SeaWorld Orlando has Discovery Cove where you can swim with the dolphins and the Penguin Encounter where you can watch penguins frolic and play in a frozen environment.  

Move over Orlando, Pittsburgh has bested SeaWorld with Super Mario's Mansion where the whole family can swim with the Penguins AND the Stanley Cup. 

I grew up in the Pittsburgh, PA area and we Pittsburghers do love our sports.   My brother, Bob, who lives there, keeps me up to date with lots of happenings around town.   Sports are something fun we've shared as kids, especially since we were a family of athletes.  

Mario Lemieux is the owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The team's former star and hockey legend naturally threw a party at his home for the championship team.   My brother has some friends who attended the team party and forwarded these photos.  (Note that the kid in the yellow flotation device is not wearing Red Wings.)

Don't be too alarmed by the scene.   The Stanley Cup is traditionally hoisted and jolted by the winning team.  It is revered enough to fight for; real enough to be enjoyed.  The Stanley Cup adds yet another page to its history of storied adventures.

Let's hope that Cup can swim!

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin

Mario's Mansion outside of Pittsburgh:

The Stanley Cup on display before it takes a dip in the pool.

Easter Family Photo

Our family attended church at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Augusta, GA – the church where Judith and I married 25 years ago.  Accompanying us was Judith's 93-year-old mother, aka Grannie.  It was  a special event for us all to be together. 

Afterward Anne and I headed to the Masters to watch those amazing golfers.   We sat in the stand at hole 8 for quite a while.  We watched Trevor Immelman make a long birdie putt and Tiger Woods sink an eagle putt.  The weather was wonderful.  Tonight my nose is sunburned red! 

We're staying with the Parkers who have graciously opened their house to the McCarthy invasion once again.  It is nice to have in-laws who are so welcoming.  So thanks John and Mary Bright!

I hope your Easter was fun, family filled, and joyful.  Easter is the most holy of days because of the miracle of Jesus' resurrection.  Regardless of your present circumstances, joy can be had in the hope of Easter.

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin

Happy Easter!

May your Easter Day be filled with joy!

We're in the Augusta, GA area for the holiday with family.   My wife grew up here.  Later today, my daughter Anne and I are heading to the Masters Golf Tournament to watch the greats of the game.  We're hoping to watch Trevor Immelman play as his father and I are acquainted through my books.  They're a nice family.  I was delighted to see him win the green jacket last year.  

I hope your Easter Day is special.

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin