Monthly Archives: July 2009

I’m Sorry…

By naomisimson | Published: July 31, 2009
I have grossly offended a group of people who are dear to me, which was completely unintentional. I used the term 'Stepford wives'  in my recent blog “Why women are paid less”– in my mind I saw this term as meaning 'perfect woman', think 'Grace Kelly' as in the movie. It was brought to my [...]
Posted in General | 4 Comments

Nice breeds nice- please don’t bully me.

By naomisimson | Published: July 31, 2009
I was just chatting to our Pleasure Relations Team…. Some organizations might refer to them as a contact centre or customer team. We named the team after what they do in supporting the brand experience. It is there job to 'give people a good time.' That is there role in the RedBalloon experience. [One of [...]
Posted in Input Please, Reward & Recognition | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Out of the mouths of babes?

By naomisimson | Published: July 29, 2009
We have intern's work with us on a regular basis at RedBalloon. Justin, from Boston University was with us for 8 weeks. It was interesting to read his report at the completion of his time with us. There is no doubt that RedBalloon is a 'modern' business – built on values and a fundamental respect [...]
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Why Women Are Paid Less….

By naomisimson | Published: July 23, 2009
I was asked the question yesterday 'Why are women paid less?'  Not an easy question, and maybe one I have never really put much thought to.  I have often pondered why more women don't run large businesses. The number of women who are the founders of serious sized enterprises in Australia is not large. Take [...]
Posted in Input Please | 8 Comments

It’s the stories that make me love what we do

By naomisimson | Published: July 17, 2009
Wasn't it Malcolm Fraser when he was Prime Minister who said “Life wasn't meant to be easy.” (Okay so now I'm showing my age now.) Life doesn't have to be all doom and gloom either. This is one of the stories from our online feedback program. Each person who goes on a RedBalloon experience receives [...]
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Restoring Trust

By naomisimson | Published: July 16, 2009
A few months ago it was reported that trust in business has plummeted, yet trust is considered a key determinant to success. This should be alarming to business leaders. Given that more than ever they are asking employees for discretionary effort – and to pull them through tough times. “Data from the 10th Edelman Trust [...]
Posted in Interesting Numbers | 2 Comments

Slow down and listen

By naomisimson | Published: July 13, 2009
I recently was looking at an article from Ichak Adizes who commented on the speed of life: 'I am discovering new addictions as technology advances to "serve" me, and I became aware that I am increasingly losing control over my life. There is a Zen story that illuminates this point: A peasant walks down the [...]
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So close yet you think you are so far away…

By naomisimson | Published: July 10, 2009
I took a few days out to practice what I preach. It is okay to have a good time in business. In fact I think it is essential to have time to think and be creative. I thought I would share the three experiences that I did this week. -------- I love the Australian Bush [...]
Posted in Gift Experiences | 1 Comment

Neither cost cutting nor stinginess are strategies for growth

By naomisimson | Published: July 9, 2009
The downturn is affecting our behavior. Businesses and people are becoming more frugal, but when does frugal turn in to down right stingy and what does it cost? Our second value at RedBalloon is generosity, and that means being generous with our time by listening and providing information, not just with customers and suppliers but [...]
Posted in Articles | 2 Comments

Are you unscrupulous – 11 questions to find out.

By naomisimson | Published: July 2, 2009
We all want to be doing business with people we trust. This sort of sounds obvious doesn't it. We like doing business, or working with people that we know we can count on. Does it really matter? Do you find yourself trying to get away with a few small things that just make you feel [...]
Posted in Lessons Learned | Leave a comment