Saturday, October 30, 2010

Green Earth

The 21st century faces human kind with many difficulties one that tops the list is the Global warning challenge. For years companies cared more about making profits than anything else; they contaminate the environment with they mass productions of vehicles, and means of transportation, armament; some companies has lead areas of the planet to desertification because of the continues deforestation.

Organaisations need to implement sustainability for future generations and future development of our planet. We all need to create a positive and lasting change in our countries and communities. Establish a co-operation and social behavior towards environmental issues. The way I see it, countries and organisations have to create programs that are directed to the citizens, awareness campaigns which educate the mass an understanding on the Green term and why creating a Green Earth entail. Tools like the media and communication will increase the success of those programmes.


What am I doing to reduce the level of pollution of the Earth? Am I contributing to pollution by any chance? Am I good citizen of the Earth? We all have to be conscious and responsible regarding making our planet greener. Make a change today and the planet will reward you tomorrow.


I leaeve with this quote from Catherine Constantinides- Miss Earth South Africa: "If not Earth, then Where? If not Now, then When? If not You, then Who?" From: Marit.live

To You

I will be a success when...

I define success as something that is presented in simple things that come from my day to day life experiences.

I will be a success when I can weak up in the morning to a new day, when I can conquer anything I set my mind to, see the smiley faces of my love ones. Have breakfast and go to work; to a job that motivates me.
Add efforts to better our planet and societies leaving conditions by reaching out to the less fortunate by building an NGO in my home town; get involve with other charity organisations wherever I am based.

Pursue my dreams of visiting my favorite spots worldwide. Own a home made garden to carry on a healthily eating lifestyle. A quiet place I can go back to after a long day and connect to my spiritual inner self.

When I can have the chance to rise out my voice and make an impact to change corruption among our African leaders. Able to switch on the television and see fewer headlines on hunger, chaos and hatred, knowing that I contributed to such change will make me successful.

From: Marit.live

To You

Feeling follow behavior

I had one of the most frightening experiences in my life in 2005 when I was attacked in the early morning on my way to school. The days, months and years after this experienced created a sense of awareness in me.
The weeks that follow after the attach are inexplicable because I became obsessed, I stated hearing the voices of my attackers in my head all the time, couldn’t leave my room for a while because I was convinced that I was followed . I developed a following behavior at that time which lasted for a while till I gain myself back.

I can tell you that feeling a following behavior is not something you want to go through since you will go through unreasonable experiences and scared of your surroundings; become insecure when you have people around you.

My experience is not a good one but I am sure you have something to tell on this topic, share your experience on my comment area.

From: Marit.live

To You

Social Media

Social media is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of communication channels available to us. Many companies get engage into social media with the idea that being part of a social media site will uplift the business. A lot has manage to make it in the social media environment, but many disappear in a space of three to six months.

Businesses have to acknowledge that social media require some work from the business it does not happen on it one just because your organisation is using social media. Organisations have to provide sustainable to the site; create a community around your brand and maintain profitable relationships.
Communities are an asset to the company; companies need to look for creative ways to attract their communities’ attention either by providing updates on the organisation or by using tools of digital marketing. Maintain conversations and use a two way communication with your site stakeholders, interact with them and provide feedback to their messages. Using these elements not only allow you to stand out and reach your audience, but establishes the basis for your page sustainable too.

From: Marit.live

To You

The sound of one hand clapping

A good advice in the corporate world is to be aware of your mood swings; especially for those who are exposed to public eye. Having control over your mood is vital for business.
It’s bad for one to work into the office in a bad mood because of family problems for instance.

There you are in the office upset as your wife did not allow you prove your point. Your colleagues can sense your mood as you approach them with indifference. Your scheduled presentation for the day is up, you present with total lack of concern to the topic and your audience; your colleagues and managers senses anger in your presentation, hence, you only get sound of one hand clapping at the end of your presentation.

Was I that bad? You ask yourself while leaving the room all depressed forgetting that your mood had to do with the one hand clapping that you received. Colleagues don’t need to see you moody; issues that have nothing to do with work should be kept out of the office as there are not responsible for your frustrations aside form the office.
From: Marit.live

To You

Communicating change within your organisation

Change is something that we all experience during our life times, no matter how you look at it we are all affected by change and communication is tool with a huge impact on how this change is perceive among people.

Communicating change is about creating awareness among people in the organisation on change affairs, get them understand the need for change and mostly ensure that they reactions to change are handled correctly by the organisation’s management. Communicating change involves an emotional journey that affects the employees of the organisation.

The implementation and management of change has to be focus on manager who manages the corporation during change; the possible strategies use by managers to communication with publics internally and externally through traumatic change within a considerable time, as the use of time will always have either positive or negative effect on the business profit.

Public Relations and Communicators we can not stop change from happening. Our call as strategists is to assist managers manage change in the organisation.
From: Marit.live

To You

It is better to practice a little than talk a lot

You come across people that all they do is talk. They talk from business and family affairs to anything else in between.
Meeting someone for the first time does not imply displaying your life to them; especially if we considering the fact that most encounter take place within a short period of time. There is nothing wrong with keeping it real during first encounter; you don’t have to go the extra mile to please this person, Keep a little for the next.

Allow your counter part a chance to introduce him / her too; listening to him will help establishing conversation if possible.

You come across people that pretend to be something there not; people that are all over the place but at the end of the day are unproductive. Actions speak better than words; the talking should be visible in your performance. You know who you are, you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, so why pretending? Practice what you can stop your mouth from talking senseless stuff you can not practice.

From: Marit.live

To You

Digital Communication

Are you exited on communication and new forms of communication? Then Suzanne Salvo is the best expert that I know, she is equipped with accurate knowledge on this new trend. Visiting www.salvophoto.com thought me that visual planning is the new trend in communication, this relate to digital images and devices that are incorporated into communication. The trend that are making way into our market and communication environment.

Digital devices have changed and will continue to change our communication; we all have become film-makers and users of digital gargets. Technology is available to all, one of the most sophisticated technologies in the up coming market is convergence. The idea is to incorporate more video shoots into organisational marketing and advertising campaigns since visual communications are in the increase.

Organisations should take make use of this technology; an image is worth than a thousand words insert images in your strategic communication. Remember that images cut cross all spheres, people understand the emotional connection that is transmitted through images.

From: Marit.live

To You

The King Report III

On a previous blog I focused on the hit that comes with a managerial position. This blog is on trust and the role of leadership communication for South African and the African continent managers.

Have you heard of the King Report III?

The King Report III report provides South African communicators and businesses an open door to communication. The King Report III describe a communication strategy as a document that illustrates communication among all members of the organisation, this is measured through the corporate governance of the organisation. Managers have to be people that are trusted and influence the environment, as people look for organisations that have senior management that is true to their followers.

The Report is for managers and those with managerial aspirations; you need to understand the importance of communication on the business since it portrait the values and behaviors of the organisation. Build tangible and intangible relationships with stakeholders. Managers need to become 3rd generational leaders by adapting to today’s generation communicator roles that communicate with all stakeholders, tactical communication by doing the right thing.
Read the King Report III; learn on ways to better your communication style as a manager.

From: Marit.live

To You

Friday, October 29, 2010

Exorcism

We all possess our dark sides, ways of getting off at people and circumstances of life and we all react differently to these events. “I guess if you believe in Good you have to believe in the darkness”, quoted from Marian Pike.

In an attempt to illustrate the horrific story on Emily Rose Exorcism, Paul Bergman & Michael Asimov directed the fist movie with the same title of the book. The movie focuses on Father Moore’s trial who is accused by the estate for negligently allowing Emily Rose died when he performed the exorcism.
This movie provides a platform for arguments between religion and science. Is an intense, packed with frightening and self torturing and consuming scenes makes you wonder how far can your diabolic inner-self go; How far can your personality resist diabolic attacks from overpowering you, these are some of the questions reflected in the movie.

Exorcism is a phenomenon that leave science with little understanding. I learnt that Exorcism is aa term understand by few; modern medicine finds it difficult to provide diagnose for this phenomenon, hence it’s associated with schizophrenia and epilepsy.

My curiousity got the best of me, after watching the movie I had a sleepless night so petrified that I prayed and wished so badly for the light to end.

From: Marit.live
To You

Blind date

Parents usually know everything about you. They reassure this every time they can, specially when you make mistakes, I told you so, I never agreed with the decision you made are some of the phrases they use. Giving birth to you gives them the right to criticize your decisions.

They think they know what make you happy; hence they will go to extremes to make choices on your behalf.
Some mothers cannot come to terms with this, continues to make decisions for their children. I am sure you will be furious if you find out the person you dating was chosen by your mother on a random interview which came as a result of her online advertisement. Your world falls a part after you realize the relationship has been a complete sprawl; you are confused, angry at your mother and boyfriend also at father because he knew all along.

Provide an end by answering this: how will you handle the entire situation, particularly your mother falseness?

From: Marit.live

To You

Cat in the Hat book

My favorite cat in the hat book is Little Cat Z. This little tiny cute cat is so adorable that one can not evade falling in love with his character.
In a land where the other cats are causing a mess after mess with outrageous consequences that troubled and concern those affected; little cat Z is the problem solver the main man. The one, who cleans up his friend’s mess, takes everybody’s worries away, the one with the magic touch.
Little cat Z makes you want to be that man or woman who comes to the rescue for others.
Maybe you relate to this character because you are a human being with problem solving abilities, you bring good judgment in the mist of chaotic circumstances; the little one with the power to change people’s lives, salvage from their most difficult puzzles.
In the book, little cat Z is the last cat in the hat. He comes out as the smallest cat ever seen but his size does not prevent him from helping others when they needed him the most. He was called for help and he came out with the right tools to offer assistance to his friends.

Be a person that responds to friends, colleagues and family calls you for help you should assist them; remember everything happens for a reason and when someone knocks at your door offer a helping hand.

From: Marit.live
To You

The Last Lecture

My last Media Studies 3 lecture took place on a usual Monday morning. It was bizarre because our class schedule indicated we had a morning discuss on some the remaining readings on communication theories supplied by the lecturer weeks prior to this date.

Lecture started at 9:00am I was running late that morning; I arrived to campus at 8:56 perfect timing for class. There we were looking and listening to our lecturer reviewing the morning headlines then suddenly she apologized for making us read remaining articles and announced “this is your last lecture.”
It happened so rapidly that most of us couldn’t believe the announcement; the only thing through my mind was the idea of now having to do more work on the subject, one subject down.
But it came down to doing remaining work on the subjects which has to be completed by month end.
What seemed like a break from the subject became a melting mountain which had to be climb on record time.



From: Marit.live


To You

Watch the space

Evil Wear Prada is a movie with an amount of scenes that makes one understand the meaning of the above sentence. The scene when the editor in chief of the biggest magazine in New York City works into the office and everybody in the room turns around and look at her; the editor is played by the actress Marylyn Streep a woman who leaves for her career, someone that demands attention with who you definitely have to watch the space.

The scene shows how confidence play an important role in one’s personality, as a person we should be aware of the power of this simple word “Confidence” in our daily activities. I mean walking into a place with low self-esteem is something that will definitely count in your disadvantage because those around us senses our confidence all the time, hence, some people make assumption about you from your first encounter.
On the other hand, working into a room with confidence defines you. The people surrounding you watches the space they work on because you create a sense of power and reassurance of your presence.

You make people watch the spaces not by over-powering and restriction them but with respect and consideration you make them want to watch the space every time you have an encounter, make use of these moments productively. Life is short every platform, every experience count so make your statements clear.
From: Marit.live
To You

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Cheaters


Is it a gender issues?

I believe cheating is something that shouldn’t be part of any couple dynamics. The problem with cheating is that society makes it seem like a men right, something that they can do and a woman should deal with it.

Society makes men believe that cheating on their spouse and partner is fine an accepted by his community, society and even to an extent that a woman should blindside her emotion and take the person back. In case where a woman cheats on her spouse the community and her partner humiliate her because society sees women as an individual that is forbidden to have extra marital affairs.

It shouldn’t be a gender separation when it comes to cheating matters, women and men that are committed in a relationship should be conscious on their behavior. Coming up with excuses to justify your actions with other people aside from your partner does not help, just be faithful to who you with and forget about the rest, temptations or no temptations.

From: Marit.live

To You

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Food Poisoning?

A wonderful get together became a little threatening when a couple of friends decided to have something to eat. Worked into clay oven in Long Street (Cape Town) to have a couple of pizzas, they were all staving and waiting for the food desperately.

Finally the food arrived, three pizzas named; Spinach and feta cheese, chicken and avocado and chicken and pineapple. Soon after one of the friends realized the chicken an avocado pizza is not what it support to be because the meet was off.
The friends complained and asked for an explanation, what was the meet off:, why does it tasted difference?, it seem like a different king of meet; these were questions which need answers but nobody came forward to face the incident.

You can’t blame it on the waiter, but he was the only one that gave face to the problem. All the friends had in mind was the idea of been poison and fall sick the next day. The entire scenario was unbelievable none of the managers that was on the floor at the time approached them, all they did was to direct the waiter to deduct the pizza from their bill.
The image and reputation these friends once had for clay oven was seriously damaged that evening, who knows when else they will go this restaurant again.


From: Marit.live

To You

Full moon Market

Picture yourself in a scenario where you are invited to attend a full moon market on a Saturday night. The only clue you have is the name of the venue Constantia, although driving to Constantia is troublesome; you manage to get there on time for the last exhibitions.

Once you there, you realize that the time spent on the road paid off. The market sale is taking place in a deserted area, to be more concrete in a garden that was absolutely breath taken just like a fairy tail cartoon.
Perfect setting, lots of vegetation every way tables with merchandise placed in the central garden for visitor’s delight. The market was open market for everyone to acquire unique pieces of art, jewelry you name it.

A good atmosphere packed with variety of goods, children running around the garden and lot of laughter.
Rumor has it that this was the first event of its kind held in these gardens, but there are up coming full moon market sales planned for 2010. Visit if you can because the splendid event.


From: Marit.live

To You

Can you handle pressure?

Most people dream off taking up a leadership position throughout their life time, but can all leaders capable to handling the pressure that comes with the job?

A leadership position is not a job title, is a full time position that requires great responsibility. Be excellent communicators who communicate constantly and understand the people in their organisations. Leaders should take this chance and paint the picture of the future organisation at the same time that they inspire their followers.

Leadership is about making right decisions for your followers by building trust and demonstrating your leadership skills. As a leader you are expected to step up to your role; if you a leading and environment were people feel threat and deprived under your leadership style, you should know that you are not a good leader.

Before getting into a managerial position, one should evaluate himself on how competent he is to feel the public, especially during crisis and decision making moments. Be one that execute his responsibilities and cultivate your reputation in the meanwhile.


From: Marit.live

To You

Reputation

We have seen the reputation of known personalities and multinational companies such as Tiger Woods sex scandal, BP Oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico are cases of dramatic unfolding events. These are cases of poor reputation management, something that contributed to the deterioration of each corporation and individual public image.
We leave in an age of attention where people search for information. Your fifteen minutes of fame are more viable than ever because others come across broadcast information that keeps them aware on the world affairs, information about you and I… who knows? We can all be victims of the media.

There is a need for reputation management and the key for this is to avoid the escalation an issues into a crisis. Putting adequate management team place provide the right balance between the public's, companies and individuals reputation.

Reputation management is not about what you say to the public, but how you communicate it that make a difference. Talking is not longer enough organisations as well as individuals have to be conscious of what they say, be careful with the massages you send to your public's; one wrong move and your reputation could be damage for life time.


From: Marit.live

To You

Monday, October 11, 2010

Rock Journalism

I am sure we all heard the term “It rocks” or been told “you rock” when u outshine on something; but rock journalism? sure you are confused as I was when I first came across this term. It might seem confusing but if one looks at it from a different angle you realize is something that makes sense.

Rock journalism is define in the book Real Frank Zappa as people who can't write, doing interviews with people who can't think, in order to prepare articles for people who can't read." I disagree with this definition; rock journalism refers to the rock profession, music and interesting facts on the rock industry which ordinary people don’t know off. Rock journalists should be people who understand rock music, the culture behind the music, rock stars, followers and the industry.

Journalists most acknowledge that rock music followers understand their industry; articles, interviews and material that are inaccurately get noticed. Most fields possess knowledgeable teams with insight understanding of their industry, capable to compile materials for their public's.
Rock music industry shouldn’t be treated less. Journalists with no insight on the rock industry, life styles, etc… shouldn’t be called rock journalists.


From: Marit.live

To You

3D Technology

So much of commercials on the 3D technology that I decided to see for myself, sincerely watching a movie on 3D is superb, you feel integrated into the movie, interactive I mean literally everything happens in front of you seem so real. This great phenomenon we should all experience it fellows my description on 3D technology alone won’t make sense to you if you haven’t test it yet, go out there and live it.

The question remain answered, is 3D the next big thing in audio visual technology? Although is true that 3D has become a great phenomenon lately which has confirmed previous predictions for a great invention in its field and fascinated man; I believe it’s not viable.

3D technology needs advance developed, up to now it is a technology that can be use at cinemas and places that have the required equipment and environment to use of the technology. Is not like DVD players which we can use and watch in the comfort of our space without major troubles; the day when medium and low class of society use 3D in our homes is far to come.

From Marit.live

To You

Is a new day

Recently I came across a campaign aim at educating society and governments worldwide. It contain images of African women that die while giving birth, such a beautiful and natural process in the developed world but a heartbreaking event in most of African nations where women a felt to day because of unacceptable hospital polices and mismanagement.

Women that have been rapped by the African war lords, society alienates them without any way to go or families to turn to the street become the only place. Young innocent girls are adopted everyday in Asian countries from their communities or sold by their own relatives to join the latest trend in prostitution in the big cities; these women crime is been born female.

Take a good look at your life, your troubles are nothing compared to the cruelties most women go through everyday, not to mention their life time. Is a new day weak up celebrate yourself and fellow women, appreciate everything experience even the horrific ones. Give a hand to other women when you can no matter how small it may seem at the time it might mean the world to the person you help.

Let’s break the circle of women discrimination, don’t be relax with little integration of women to the business affairs, more have to be done for gender equality.

From: Marit.live

To You

Monday, October 4, 2010

Commonwealth Games 2010



The Commonwealth Games 2010 quick off ceremony was held on Sunday, 3rd October with the participation of seventy-one countries, a stunning show that illustrated the world another side of Delhi. The same city which was criticized by the South African media in the past two weeks, reports from low security personnel to guarantee the athletes’ and sport delegations safety, floods and unpleasant living conditions at the athletes village and other accommodations around the city.

South African media is quick to scrutinize other countries down pits; they have easily forgot how not too long ago before the hosting of the World Cup, the country was on the hot sit, there was a fear so scared for not delivering and mostly the global uncertainty towards crime statists in South Africa.

I believe the media should have been more careful and considered, I mean you as people of this country now that people can work under pressure even in the mist of adversities. The media should do its job but do not on others despondency.

India has proven to the world that they too can make it. The stadium audience received the Indian delegation with an enthusiastic response. Is official the XIX CommonHealth Games are happening in the host city they were intended since the very beginning. Media criticisms didn’t get the best of Delhi’s population.


From: Marit.live


To You