Army vs Navy Football 2009 - This could be the year!

2009 ARMY/NAVY GAME
Saturday, December 12th at Lincoln Financial Field, Kick-off 2:30 p.m.

Ok boys, it looks bleak for Army again this year. I was hoping that Army could beat Air Force this past weekend because Navy had done it earlier in the season. Air Force handled Army easily and Navy beat Notre Dame for the second time in three years both at Notre Dame.

Now don’t get worried I have not given up! Army has a chance to win the remainder of their games and finish 5 wins 6 losses. Hey that is an accomplishment compared to the past few years.

I am trying a new tactic this year (after 36 years) and that is I’m going in to this game with quiet covert like confidence. Just when all the abuse will be given to me at the start of the game Army will turn the tide with a big play in the second quarter and keep the lead for the remainder of the game!

What does this game mean – The Army/Navy Website says “When Army and Navy meet, there is no other game with deeper foundations or greater prestige.

The rivalry kicked off 117 years ago when Cadet Dennis Mahan Michie accepted a “challenge” from the Naval Academy and the two squads faced off on The Plain at West Point on November 29, 1890 (Navy had been playing organized football since 1879, and came out on top of the newly-established Army squad). Ever since, through those many years of intense cheers, unforgettable plays and climactic moments, the Army/Navy rivalry has been etched into the minds of countless fans and followers. All it takes is a visit to West Point or Annapolis, where everything (from the finely manicured hedges to the chant following grace-before-meals) proclaims “Beat Navy” or “Beat Army,” to understand how deeply ingrained this rivalry actually is.

What does it mean to me and Mike?

It means FRIENDS!!

Updated 11/28/09

Mike and I were talking tonight about the big game. Currently Navy is 8-3 with a chance to go 9-3 with a win over Hawaii tonight.

Army is 5-6 and I don't think they have won 5 games since the mid 1990s. It should be a competitive game.

I am so hopefull I went to the Naval Academy last week to JINX Them!

Updated 12/7/09

Hawaii beats Navy so Navy's record is 8-4.

Question - Why did the Navy accept their Bowl bid so soon when they had a chance to go to a much more prestigious bowl based on their record?

Current Record since 1972

Navy 21 wins
Army 14 wins

1 Tie

10/19/2008

2008

Here we go again sports fans this is now the 36th year of a rivalry that gets better each year! Unfortunately for me and cadets from West Point it has been a rough number of years on the gridiron. However, this year the cycle is changing and Army is on the march to roll over Navy in Philadelphia.

Mike the squid retired earlier this year and I'm ashamed to say it he has gone soft staying at home hooked on TV shows like "Nash Bridges" and OMG "Ellen." Where in contrast I watch reruns of "Combat" starring Vic Morrow as Sgt Saunders.
At least he should watch McHales Navy!!

Updated 11/24/08
Army has not won since 2001!

Army-Navy Game Scores 1890-2007

Games played: 108 Army Wins: 49 Navy Wins: 52 Ties: 7

Mike/Greg Started Betting in 1972 while in service - 36 years!
1972 – 2007

NAVY – 21 – 14 - 1
ARMY – 14 – 21 – 1

Last Update Before the Game ( Update 11/30/08)

Uh- Oh when I look at the teams each has played I could be in big trouble. HOWEVER, any team that loses to Notre Dame this year can’t be that good!

ARMY - 3- 8

Date Opponent Result
Aug. 29 Temple L 7-35
Sep. 6 New Hampshire L 10-28
Sep. 20 Akron L 3-22
Sep. 27 at Texas A&M L 17-21
Oct. 4 at Tulane W 44-13
Oct. 11 Eastern Michigan W 17-13
Oct. 18 at Buffalo L 24-27
Oct. 25 Louisiana Tech W 14-7
Nov. 1 Air Force L 7-16
Nov. 8 at Rice L 31-38
Nov. 22 at Rutgers L 3-30
Dec. 6 Navy W 35 - 14 - MY PREDICTION

NAVY – 7 - 4

DATE OPPONENT RESULT
8/30 Towson W 41-13
9/05 @ Ball State L 35-23
9/13 @ Duke L 41-31
9/20 Rutgers W 23-21
9/27 Wake Forest W 24-17
10/04 @ Air Force W 33-27
10/18 Pittsburgh L 42-21
10/25 Southern Methodist W 34-7
11/01 Temple W 33-27 OT
11/15 Notre Dame L 27-21
11/25 @ Northern Illinois W 16-0
12/06 vs. Army L 35 - 14 My Prediction

12/09/08

I tip my hat to another great day spent with childhood friends. To those who did not make it this year we missed you, to those who we have not seen for a few years it was great to get you back and to those who have not yet attended, there is always next year.

Another butt beating by Navy and the scars just keep getting bigger each year. This year was very painful as the Army cadets did NOTHING. They did not even try to score when they were well behind. In the 4th quarter they were more concerned about getting their fullback the rushing record than they were about the game.

There is speculation the game may be pushed back a week next year to generate more national focus on the game and get a prime time start instead of noon. I'm pushing for a midnight game played in Siberia where only a few poor souls have to endure the game.




Who cares anyway? It was great seeing the boys from Saberland again and Mike and I already look forward to next year. By the way I lost the game, did not win a square (again) but did regain some funds at the poker table.

10/07/07

2007

35th Annual Army/ Navy Football Game Between Greg & Mike

If you are visiting this post for the first time scroll to the bottom and work your way up so that you can read the history of this rivalry.

I'm starting to post earlier this year because the MEN from West Point are getting in position to stomp the baby squids from the Naval Academy.

Click on the link below for some excellent music

http://www.west-point.org/users/usma1981/38405/west_point/songs/armyteam.htm

Lets look at the records so far this year. Army has played the tougher schedule and will do so for the remainder of the year:

Army at http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/teamSchedule?categoryId=86143&month=all

Navy at http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/teamSchedule?categoryId=86119

For a complete history of the games please go to http://www.usna.edu/LibExhibits/Archives/Armynavy/Armynavygames.htm

Stay Tuned Sports Fans ... The big game this year is on Saturday December 1, 2007 at Mike's House. The game starts at 12 noon (WHAT THE HECK!!!)


10/28/07

Delaware Upsets Navy 59-52
Joe Flacco threw four touchdown passes and Omar Cuff rushed for four scores to lead Delaware to a wild 59-52 upset of Navy on Saturday. The Blue Hens (7-1), one of the top teams in the Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA), rolled to 581 total yards against the Midshipmen (4-4), who play in top tier of Division I football.

Next week Army plays Air Force and Navy plays Notre Dame. In the past Mike has bet against Navy (very bad) on a football card. He actually took Army and the points hoping to win on points and the game. Not a bad strategy but that is sacrilegious. But what he has done now is inexcusable.

He has gone Irish and I have the proof.

What will he do next?


Updated 10/29/07

Is the Picture on Display?

This post is a response to MP’s comment.

For a number of years now one of the penalties for losing the game is to display the picture (below) of the winner for one year until the next game.

Needless to say Navy boy’s picture has been a staple for much too long.

The kicker is if someone that attends the games happens to stop by your house during the year and the picture is not display you must pay a $ 25.00 fine to the winner.

11/05/07
I knew it, once the squid traded his naval uniform for the Irish kilt he would jinx Notre Dame


Navy beats Notre Dame for first time since 1963

It's over. After 44 years and three overtimes. Navy finally beat Notre Dame 46-44 in triple overtime on Saturday, ending the Fighting Irish's NCAA-record winning streak against the Midshipmen at 43 games. "It's a big win for our program. It's a big win for the academy," Navy coach Paul Johnson said. "I'm happy I don't have to answer anything else about the streak every time we play."

Stan Brock (Army Coach) - please take notice because you are on a losing streak! Army lost to Air Force 30 - 10. C'mon cadets quit looking past your opponents.
11/18/07
Army loses tough game--> Tulsa 49, Army 3
The Black Knights (3-8) lost their fifth consecutive game and second in a row at home, despite totaling a season-high 491 yards of offense.

Navy beats Northern Illinois (?)--> Navy 35, Northern Illinois 24

Giving up 24 points and 355 yards doesn't usually qualify as a solid defensive performance.
By Navy standards, it was a gem. After surrendering 45, 44, 59, 44 and 62 points in their last five games, the Midshipmen forced a season-high four punts and allowed only 10 points after halftime.


Tell me who had the tougher duty? Cick to Enlarge Pic


11/22/07

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL

MIKE AND I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE AWAY FROM HOME AND LOVED ONES DURING THE HOLIDAYS. WE ARE WITH YOU ARE ALL.

11/26/07 - Rivalry Week

Everyone looks forward to this week. Calls are made and food is prepared with a target of Saturday December 1st at Noon for kick-off.

Noon is not the best starting time for this classic. We prefer a 2:00 pm est starting time which allows a few extra hours for set-up and preperation, not to mention a few of the boys like to stop off and have a pop at their favorite watering hole.

I will have my Domas prediction later this week so you all will have time to make your bets.

oohmmmmm, ohmmmm...

11/30/07

Ok, Ok The tea leaves that fell on my old Army Fatigue Jacket says ---- Ohmmmmm,

ARMY 26, NAVY - 13!

12/02/07 - I PAY AGAIN!

Navy 38 - Army - 3

Some days it just doesn’t pay to get out of bed. For the last six years the Army/Navy Game has been a day of ridicule, put downs, smart ass remarks and the loss of money. However, No game or amount of money can bring the sounds of laughter, old stories, new stories and good times on game day. It was another attendance record for the third year in a row.

This year was lively and crowded with food, drink and a surprise guest (we try to have one each year) Wally. Wally has a son who is a Master Sergeant in the Army so he brings support. In fact Wally said it best this year “This is great I will never miss another game.” Two other surprise guests (TD and Bud) from past years also made a repeat appearance.

Navy again ran over and under Army all day during this festive occasion. I even felt the sting of some horns, not from the Navy goat but a ...

Another Surprise was when Leethal pulled up in his truck with a 10-point Buck (above photo) he shot earlier in the day just before half time. I really enjoy hearing the hunting stories from the boys.

The food was great with kudos to “Pheasant Ptak” and Rudy’s Smoked Salmon.”

Special thanks to Di who has “never” forgot my birthday with a Christmas tin of my favorite cookies.

I will leave this year’s game with the hope of a win next year but the real goal is the opportunity to see my friends again all on the same day.
P/S – sometimes I feel like Newman during the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu9fo5QXDuc

11/11/06
34th Annual Greg & Mike - 2006

Every year since 1972, the annual Army vs. Navy Football game is played and witnessed by myself, squid and numerous childhood friends and family. For Mike (squid) and myself it is a rivalry that we started while I was in the Army and he was in the Navy. We both had, I mean joined the service at the same time and got discharged a few weeks apart.

It is also a day to remind those who attend the game that if it wasn't for Mike and me serving our great country they might be watching some Soccer game instead.

This year's Army/Navy match-up marks the 107th meeting of the two teams and the 80th game to be played in Philadelphia. The Black Knights and Midshipmen meet on the gridiron at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 2nd at Lincoln Financial Field.

I have high hopes for an Army victory this year. I need a victory. Army has lost the last 4 games in a row and 7 out of the last 10. This is not good and it is worse on my pocketbook. The game will be watched at my house this year.

The current record since 1972
Navy – 19
Army 14
1 Tie

All Time Record
ARMY 49 wins; NAVY 50 wins
7 Ties

MORE TO COME IN WEEKS AHEAD...

11/14/06

I'm glad Army has a warm up game this week with Notre Dame
11/20/06
Last weekend Navy beat Temple and Army "barely" loss to Notre Dame.

click pic to enlarge
This sets up the game with Army bringing in a 3-8 record and Navy with a 8-3 record. Let's not forget that Army plays a very tough schedule while Navy looks to play the Merchant Marines.
11/30/06

Every year I get the same Question How many Points are you getting? Answer - NONE as in Zero.

We don't give points, this game would not be fun if we did because most of the Navy supporters can't count or add so they would accuse Army of cheating.
I'm just about ready for the game, need to shop for the food and draw up the squares.

Prediction by Domas (that's me) - Army 28 Navy 24 (if they show up)!





December 2, 2006 - Game Morning




I must admit this is very impressive - check out the US Navy Drill Team
http://www.whc.net/rjones/USN/USN_team.html
December 3, 2006 - The Day After
What a “Stinko” Game (Navy 26, Army 14). Not just because Army lost but the lack of excitement and play calling by both teams. However, the day was a success for all that attended. As usual it was great to see so many (Grade School --> High School) friends and family (3 generations) together in the same spot at the same time. Click on pics to Enlarge.

Watching the game was as painful as listening to Rocky Reno tell us about his Kidney Stone attack Thursday Night and then to wake up to water in his basement because the Sump Pump did not work. Alas at least Rocky and I made up for our losses at the Poker Table.

Yes, I lost the game and the squares but recouped by playing cards with some of the originals (those that come every year to the game) and second-generation originals that still get schooled when playing with their superiors.

The food and drink were great and special thanks to my wife, daughter, MP and brother-in-law for helping with the food (Smoked Salmon, BBQ Ribs, Egg Rolls, Grinders, Taco Salad, Meatballs, Cheese, Buffalo Wings, Pheasant Ptak, Shrimp and of course the Fruit and Chocolate Fountain.





Until next year when we move to the Navy house thanks to all that attended. The attendance for the game is growing each year. As we grow older it always a welcome day to spend time with childhood friends and to also recognize the great job our Military personnel do for us to keep us free and safe.









A couple of ex-Saber Linebackers who could really Stick! Fat Jack & Lethal, best get out of the middle RB!




I would also like to thank the Hundreds of Blog Hits I received from around the World, especially those serving in Harms Way.

2005 Recap

Since I know you all watched the big game you already know the outcome. For those who did not, Army lost its fourth game in a row 42-23. They have also lost six out of the last seven. This is getting both humiliating and expensive.

HOWEVER, we had a geat time as always! Some new faces (TD, JD, Womper, Fat Jack, & the rest of Donoghue Brothers). It was great to see the new guys from high school show up, it was like a class reunion with all the stories being told. Hopefully, they will now join the regular crew for the annual event.

Some of us now are Retired and we have all gone in many directions (Doctor, Lawyer, Auto Workers, Executives, Millionaire, Beer Distributors, Teachers, Welders, Plant Managers, Union Officials, etc) but we will always be friends and no amount of titles, money or hardships will ever change our bond.


Don't worry Greg, half of the Navy team are probably Marines, and Marines are really Army guys that decided they would rather hang around sailors than be with real soldiers.

click to enlarge 2005 pic



Attended but Missing (BB, RB, Lawyer Man & Some of the Donoghue Clan)

Received this Email Today. I think I know this guy! Last time I saw him was in Vegas and ...

Sgt. Joe Robl
1/61st Inf.
4th Infantry Division
(Retired)

ARMY vs NAVY WEEK - 2005

ARMY

Every year since 1972 the annual Army vs. Navy Football game is played. For Mike and myself it is a rivalry that we started while I was in the Army and he was in the Navy. We both had, I mean joined the service at the same time and got discharged a few weeks apart.







It started out as a simple $5.00 bet that has been raised to its present standard. The money is not important it’s the friendship that we have for each other as well as our childhood friends who look forward to the game as much as we do each 1st Saturday in December. We now even have sons of the core attendees attending the games.

click to enlarge 2004 pic

We alternate houses each year and each of us supplies the food and drink (others also bring side dishes that consist of the wild game recently shot and caught during hunting and previous fishing seasons). Each year we try to out do the previous year with banners, posters, pictures, slogans, music, and many good-natured threats. Cards and other games take place during the game especially if it’s a blowout. We post our squares board so that all can participate and check our numbers with each time out and score.

Over the years there has been about 14 of our best friends and family who attend annually. It’s one of the few times that “we” all get together at the same time to enjoy each other’s company. Other childhood and high school friends stop by on certain years.

It is considered blasphemy to miss the game or for someone to schedule any other event on game day. A wedding planned this year was about to put a crimp in the planning but the ghosts of West Point and the Naval Academy intervened. I also made a huge mistake a few years back when I thought it would be a good idea to invite some of the wives over in the evening to keep the party going. Let me just say there will be no more women stuff on Army/ Navy Day.

I hear about it every year and it almost equals Mike betting on Army on one of his Football Tickets a few years back. No Army guy would ever do that or at least admit that he did it!

Print by Joe Ruisi and the Army/Navy festivities will go on as planned for this year.

The current record since 1972
Navy – 18
Army 14
1 Tie

All Time Record
ARMY 49 wins; NAVY 49 wins,

Who will be the "First to 50?"

True rivalries make good teams great, and great games unforgettable. Army/Navy is such a rivalry, and after 105 games in its storied history the academies now stand deadlocked at 49 wins each (with seven ties). The battle for the "First to 50" will be held December 3 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Philadelphia will be a buzz throughout the weekend, with Army/Navy activities from ship visits to Patriot Games competitions between Cadets and Midshipmen.

For more on the game and up to date news go to
http://www.phillylovesarmynavy.com/default.asp< /em>

qualityg prediction ---> ARMY 27 Navy 20.

Why I Still Like Girls Basketball - Try Outs

Welcome To Season Four

"We Want Them Back"

The past three season blogs can be found by clicking on the "Girls Basketball" Label found on the left sidebar.

This year’s team began the day after our Team Banquet ended last March. There has been a hunger to get back what was ours. Last year we lost to teams that had never beaten us, we lost our league tile, our catholic league title, district, regional & quarterfinal titles and we lost to our arch rivals.

So what will be the difference between this years and last? Hopefully this year’s team will understand what we have lost and want to begin their own destiny. Coaches we feel we have more offensive weapons this year and we should be able to play consistent pressure defense for a whole game. If we do not we will lose, it is that simple. This summer many of the girls have been working hard on their shooting and passing.
We went to camp last month and did a good job. I felt we beat the teams we should have and we hung with those that beat us including some top rated teams in the state. We are one fundamentally sound big (6’2”) from being a very dangerous team. However, we have hearts this year that can make up the difference.

While at camp we suffered cuts, breaks, sprains, slams and many bruises. And guess what? These kids stuck their noses right back in and kept playing with humbleness and confidence. Many times you see players backing away after they take a hard knock, not these girls they can give as well as they take.

We have a strong captain returning this year who has done a wonderful job this summer building confidence and camaraderie among the returning players and the new freshman entering the school. She has done a number of team building events and leads by hard work and determination.

School starts in a few weeks and we will be moving in to working with small groups (4 players) of players who do not play a Fall sport. Some of the girls are also considering joining a Sunday night league to get some additional playing time before the season officially starts in November.

I also want to give a shout out to one of our 8th grade coach's who has spent some considerable time in India this summer.


Hold that Tiger “E”.






11/8/09 - Try Outs

Tomorrow begins our season and our first game is December 1st. Three of our first four games may be the toughest we face all year. In fact, this may be the toughest schedule we have had in years. Two of the teams in our league made the final eight last year in the state tournament (They are one of the first four teams).

Try Outs start tomorrow and unlike last year it will be difficult to make this team.

The coach is implementing new offensive schemes that will work great with the talent we have on the team. While we are undersized we have many good athletes. A good number of the girls have worked hard this summer and I see some nice improvement.

We will be considered a young team but we still have four players who played on our Final Four Team three years ago. All four will contribute heavily to the success of this year’s team.

We could be a very good team with a 500 record this year. That is OK because I would rather play the competition than to have an over rated record.

This is going to be a very interesting year. Defense, Defense, and more Defense! Stay tuned!

11/28/09 - Fire & Ice

I can't believe our first game is next Tuesday. We have 12 players this year and each practice brings hopes of a good season. Tomorrow we have our annual scrimmage against a well coached team that provides great competition and a good gauge for improvement.

8#s of Nothing!!

12/6/09 - 70 and 70

Our first week is over and we had two polar games. One good and one bad.

The first game we lost and gave up 70+ points. We were actually leading early in the 2nd quarter but a key player got in foul trouble and we could not contain a starting line-up of our opponents 6'3", 6'1 and 5'10" Our biggest starter is 5'8."

No excuses, we let in far too many lay-ups and did not move feet enough on defense.

The second game we scored 70+ points and won the game by over 30 points. Size way we matched up evenly but we had too much depth, speed and good defense on their best player who averages around 19 ppg. We held her to twelve with five coming in the 4th quarter when the game was well out of reach.

We have no games this week but we face two teams the following week that may be the best teams we see until the state tournament.

Like most teams we have many weaknesses to work out but this team has something special and that is heart. These girls do not give up, they get frustrated but do not give up.

Educations number one enemy --> COMFORT

I attended a two day conference last week that provided a vast amount of speakers and information on current educational issues.

Each day had a keynote speaker who spoke about transforming and reforming our current educational system.

Both speakers were very entertaining and provided example after example of the demise of our educational system.

Both speakers represented their own consulting company.

The audience applauded and laughed as the speakers presented their findings and solutions to many of the probable symptoms in the educational system. At one point I wondered how many teachers and administrators in the large hall where I sat were laughing at themselves or at their peers when examples of poor teaching and leadership were given. Somehow I thought we should be crying and ashamed of ourselves.

I was glad each speaker mentioned the word “system” in their talk and in their handouts. System is a key word when it comes to transforming (to change in composition or structure b: to change the outward form or appearance of) or designing a system with built in quality assurances.

Please notice I did NOT include the word “Reform” in the above statement. Why? Because Reform (to put or change into an improved form or condition b: to amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults or abuses) is what we currently do and what we have done for the last twenty years.

“School Reform will not do, Transformation is what must happen and it must happen now.” – gmc

Reform focuses on trying to make the existing model work. Transformation is a developing a new and different model with all system players in the development and design stages.

You see many leaders and consultants’ talk and write of transforming the educational system but what they really say and do is reforming the system. Our current educational system has been riding the same rail for over a hundred years and it goes all around with no aim, beginning or end and the engine (Educational & Government Leaders) driving it just keeps adding new approaches (railcars) with no means of knowing what works and what does not because the engine just keeps going on a track of no return.

Transformation is the only answer and it must come from Leadership that is ready to lead and confront the battle of “Comfort.”

Yep, “Comfort” is the enemy. Educators love the comfort of the current system and do not want it to change. Oh, they will tell you we want change but in the end they want it as long as it is someone else who has to change. That is why Technological Reform today causes such a wide gap among teachers. Heck, many still don’t believe in the calculator as being a tool to learn.

Students today have “transformed” in to a new generation of learners and teachers are still trying to “reform” their current lesson plans.

The educational system requires transformation not reform. The two are opposing in meaning. Transformation is a major systems change, while reform is about making small improvements to a part of the existing system that often affects the whole by tampering with the system causing out of control situations.

Reform is a process of improving an existing system. Transformation is a method of designing and developing a new system, culture, process, and structure, and moving the current system to the new.

The only way a transformation can be successful is through leader who is NOT afraid to make decisions and NOT afraid of confronting the status quo. The leader must OWN THE SYSTEM!

After all, is this not the number one reason individual schools do not change very easy? They are lead by good people doing their best by avoiding conflict, looking for comfort and just want a few more years of peace and quiet until they retire.

That is why educators make errors of omission. That is, they make errors by not doing what they should.

ASESSMENTS and DATA

In addition to the keynote speakers I attended three sessions on data, assessments and schools labeled as “distinctive.”

Based on my 30 years in business I believe educational leaders are still 10 - 15 years behind organizational learning when it comes to improving systems and using data as a tool.

People with data can do good things.

People with data and have no idea on how to use the data can cause disasters.

School districts love assessments, standardized tests and data from systems that provides inferences on how well they are doing and what labels a student as a good or poor performer.

I’m somewhat OK with that but not when the test is yearly and the assessments are every 3 to 5 years.

I sat in one session where a very high level administrator explained the importance of a standardized test results that will lead you to identifying a students problem areas.

I asked if it would not be better to use the on-going daily observations and testing of the teacher(s) than to rely only on an annual test.

The presenter took my question that I was referring to a student having a bad day when being tested and that a standardized test may not be accurate. – Perhaps!

However, my point is that we must use process (daily, weekly, etc...) measures for improvement and not result (standardized tests, assessments) measures. By the time we figure out the results we have lost the students to poor grades, dropouts and graduation to the next grade level.

People just love fancy printouts that show rows and columns of data every which way. It helps justify the price tag for such measurement systems. Results Data give people a false sense of knowledge and power. People must realize that Process Data is what supplies knowldege because you are working within the system to understand and apply the learnings.

How can one be an educator and not know what a student lacks prior to a standardized test.

We are in deep trouble folks.
Get your butt off the couch (comfort) and do something value added!

Customer Focus - 2010 & Beyond ...

We all know of the global crisis facing many of our largest institutions and organizations. What we must remember that all the bail outs and bankruptcy's won't matter if the customer (internal and external) is not at the front of each and every plan. We have yet to learn this from the 1970s.

What follows is an example of a letter from a Senior Officer to his/her direct reports (after a merger, reorg, takeover, etc...) that should be cascaded down through out the organization. It is written is a generic form that would require minor adjustment to fit your own company needs. Additional data from your own company on customer satisfaction levels and those of your customers also adds to the impact of this type of letter.

CUSTOMER FOCUS – 2010 and Beyond

Now that we have merged with qualityg enterprises (QGE), it is vital that the integration of our cultures begin with identifying those attributes that have made us both successful and those that need to be merged and transformed into one.

The attributes that will drive this effort are customer focus, preference and retention. Customers are Paramount. No matter how much or how fast the business changes, this is one value that will remain constant. QGE has had a vast amount of experience in recent years of customers moving back and forth between one service provider and another in the international market. While QGE has had a more loyal customer base, we need to start understanding our customers better and begin concentrating on what it takes to retain them for sustained growth and continued preference of our services and products. "We will keep our promises."

A few years back I was given a quote on what it means to have “Loyal Customers.” It had meaning then and certainly applies more today:

“It will not suffice to have customers who are merely satisfied. Satisfied customers switch, for no good reason, just to try something else. Success and growth come from customers who boast about your products and services. The loyal customer requires no advertising or other persuasion, and he brings a friend with him.”

One of my top priorities this year as you know is that “We Will Keep Our Promises” to our customers. Along with that I will be continuously stressing the importance of customer focus and challenging you on what improvements have been made in achieving customer preference and retention. Customer satisfaction in not good enough, studies have shown that between 65 percent and 85 percent of customers who defect say they were satisfied or very satisfied with their supplier/vendor.

Achieving Customer Preference and Retention

The purpose of our business is to obtain and retain customers in a profitable manner. Operationally speaking it is not our main objective to sell products and services. However, it is our objective to partner with our customers to share our expertise and technological skills in order to help them define their needs, and to create the most cost efficient service that is best suited for themselves and their customers.

This also means we don’t go the extra mile; it means the extra mile is part of our daily work. Only in the eyes of our customers should it seem like above and beyond the call of duty. Let me provide an example. If a customer contacts us and is having a problem (i.e. billing) and it is discovered not to be QGE related, I want us to stay with that customer and work with them until they are comfortable that they have made the correct contact that can rectify their situation. That means we work with them on their behalf and represent their needs. Think of yourselves as a customer for a moment, think of the times when you were truly delighted with the service you received, many times it probably had to do with a person who went the extra mile or beyond your expectations to make sure you had the right contact or service that earned your respect and loyalty.

We will install, deliver and repair what the customer wants and desires. We will respond to customers quickly. Each of us will listen to our customers and use their input to develop innovative solutions or add value to our products and services. In this way, we will earn our customers’ preference and retention. This is the type of service quality that QGE expects form all of its employees.

Now that the best Service Provider companies have joined forces it is important to understand the many challenges and aggressive competition that will face us on many fronts. To continuously be the best we must offer a total package of products and services that delight our customers. What will separate us even further from the rest will be our continued customization of service, front-line customer service, and commitment to customer loyalty.

Achieving customer preference and retention will happen through our employees, especially employees who are proud of our company and empowered to provide excellent customer service. It is our job as managers to enable our folks with the tools to succeed and then get out of their way and let them do their jobs.

It will be one of my objectives going forward to lead our organization in using a systemic process approach that constantly searches for new ways to improve both customer preference and internal efficiency by partnering and linking with all our internal departments. Obtaining and keeping customers is essential and it requires all parts of the company to be aligned and focused on our customers.

The level of customer preference that we achieve will be the direct result of the quality of the partnerships that we have in place with our internal process partners (Marketing, Sales, Engineering, Billing, etc.)

At each partner linkage there is the opportunity for our customers to come in contact with us and determine if we will be and continue to be their vendor/supplier of choice. Even though we don’t work in these departments we will take the lead or partner with them when it comes to enlightening, enabling, empowering and encouraging our fellow workers to provide the best service possible.

QGE’s uniqueness for provisioning service and entrepreneurial spirit needs to continue even at a greater pace in 2010 and beyond. We must lead our new company in breaking away from our competitors. Our customers will differentiate our service from others because of the unique value that we provide.

We all have a stake in our business and are accountable for operationally excellent performance. We will take ownership and will focus our energy on growing the business profitably by managing our customers’ wants and needs. As we transfer and manage information for our customers, we will set the standards for value and quality in our industry.

qualityg

Michigan Lawmakers ---> Who is Accountable & Who is Responsible? - Say What!

I originally wrote this Post in May 2007. Based on what is currently happening in Lansing you would think this is deja vu. What a mess and school children are still the pawns!


May 21, 2007

The following Post will be based on the two definitions Listed below:

ACCOUNTABLE suggests imminence of retribution for unfulfilled trust or violated obligation (elected officials are accountable to the voters).






RESPONSIBLE implies holding a specific office, duty, or trust (the bureau responsible for revenue collection).

These words are often used interchangeably and it is not surprising since they are synonyms.

Let me use the following example to understand them more.

In the great state of Michissippi (New name for Michigan) the governor is RESPONSIBLE to the citizens for following through on campaign promises and is trustworthy since that is why she got elected.

When the person responsible is not fulfilling those trusts then she is ACCOUNTABLE to the citizens of Michissippi.

The campaign rhetoric (Fall 2006) claimed the state is on the right track and more diversified businesses (other than auto) would be settling and creating jobs in Michissippi. Google is one of those companies and is creating 1000 jobs in Ann Arbor.

However, the state continues to lose businesses and jobs by the thousands each week (too many to list)

Now we find out the state is in such bad shape financially that the students (K –12) are being used as pawns in a partisan political catfight. If the budget is not settled by June 1, 2007 many school districts will lose approximately $120.00 per student. Many schools will have to close early by at least 2 – 3 weeks for lack of funding.

DID ANYONE EVER TELL YOU POLITICAL LEMMINGS THAT YOU DON’T MESS WITH OLD PEOPLE AND CHILDREN.

Most politicians regardless of office always create an aura of the grandiose goals and accomplishments that they will do if elected. They pontificate about the plans they have to move their community, state or country forward. Some even are STUPID (yes – Stupid) to pronounce a numerical goal that really has no meaning.

We all have goals, dreams and hopes for our future and those of our children. When they don’t get fulfilled we end up frustrated, depressed and a feeling of being a big LOSER.

WHY?

Because all the promises, hopes, dreams and numerical accomplishments will not be met without a (no not a plan) Method (HOW?) attached to each of the promises, hopes, dreams, and numerical accomplishments. A plan can be put together with numerical goals and people get all excited because now we have measures to hold people responsible accountable for their actions.

Nobody asks for the written plan to see if there are accompanying methods on how to obtain these empty promises. Nobody questions the people responsible to determine if they know what the method is or how it is developed. The definition of METHOD is so simple it means HOW are you going to do what you say.

Ask yourself this question “What would happen to me on my job if I am not responsible and accountable for my actions?” You funny folks would say nothing-just look at the people I work with. Those of us in the real world with layoffs and downsizing will tell you there are nowhere to hide anymore and you will eventually be found and eliminated.

All of us except elected officials, we just say I wont vote for them next time. Most of us forget in the 2 or 4 years they are in office, there should be an immediate firing of these elected officials and corresponding jail time. I know where I used to work elected officials developed a law called the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that goes after Corporate no-good stooges for being bad boys and girls.

How come it does not apply to no-good Elected Officials stooges?

Another example of no Accountability and Responsibility can be found on my Blog at

http://qualityg.blogspot.com/2006/12/quality-service-who-are-they.html


Michissippi? -