Archive for category Formula 1
A special Formula 1 Friday: tools down
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Personal Insights, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on December 23, 2011
No wreaths and holly or singing Muppets in my annual Christmas post this year.
Instead I hope you will join me in a new holiday tradition!
In the United Kingdom, Australia and elsewhere throughout the world, to “down tools” means to stop working, typically because you are protesting working conditions or staging a work stoppage in support of someone or a cause.
This holiday season, why not “down tools” because you ARE satisfied with your working conditions? Because you value your job but more so because you treasure your family and friends, you treasure this season of the year … and you treasure the chance to be away, be quiet and still .. and just be.
Last week Formula 1 driver Mark Webber posted a message that he was glad to be home in Australia and was going “tools down” until after the New Year. That inspired this post and encouraged me to put tools down over the holidays myself. It will be nice to take a break from the computer. I’m even going to pack away my new Kindle Fire. Phone: essential use only. TV? I am going to break away from that, too.
I’m going to enjoy real live honest-to-goodness conversation with family and friends. I’m going to enjoy real live honest-to-goodness books. I’m going back to honest-to-goodness cookbooks to cook and bake.
Happy Holidays to each of you. Enjoy your celebrations, hug your family, thank your friends … and do something special for yourself.
The time to pick up the tools once again will come soon enough.
Formula for success: the USGP and Klout, revisited
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on December 8, 2011
An update and follow-up to the post I wrote on November 21st …
Well, I have good news. And more good news.
First the good news. New — and hopefully permanent — life has been breathed into the planned 2012 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. It was announced yesterday that the organizers and promoters of the first Formula 1 race in the USA in seven years have stroked a very big check to Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and all is right once again at the Circuit of the Americas. “The race is on!” as the circuit’s website now exclaims. After announcements that monies were not available and construction had been stopped, a contract has been signed, fees have been paid .. and now all that remains is for a circuit to be built — with heaven knows how many more hurdles to be jumped before we hear engines next November.
Hope springs eternal in the heart of a Formula 1 fan.
Now the other good news. Klout, once touted as THE measure of influence in social media, continues to fade into the sunset. Its rise and fall have caused many to stop and reassess where they are placing their value in the virtual world. Many are refocusing on the importance of their own organic clout. With a “C”. The real thing. The influence each of us can create, cultivate, manage — and utilize to benefit others — on our own.
I’m watching still. Observing.
I’ll believe the United States Grand Prix is for real when I hear engines revving for the first practice on Friday, November 16th.
But in the meantime I believe there is true power in social media. Powered by the engine of influence and impact each of us has …
… simply by being ourselves and simply by engaging others in real conversation. And real connection.
Formula for success: of Klout and the USGP, of cabbages and kings
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on November 17, 2011
Those of you who follow me on Twitter are not at all surprised that I’ve lumped these two together. I’m not a fan of Klout but very much a fan of Formula 1. It has been interesting to watch things crumble among them over the last few days: Klout is rapidly losing “clout” and subscribers, and – as things stand now – it doesn’t look like Formula 1 will return to America with a United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, next year.
When you think about it, it makes sense to lump the two together. Both driven by a spotlight on the world’s stage and a hefty payday. Klout positioned itself as the supreme measure of social media influence. Full Throttle Productions and numerous investors promised to stage a Formula 1 race, build a circuit and complex, and bring the racing series back to America in 2012. Wow. Has Klout been dreaming of the ultimate IPO? And what were the promoters in Austin dreaming and scheming?
It all comes down to this. Stand and deliver. Bottom-line results. Nothing else matters. Klout scores and races-that-may-never-be should not encourage – or discourage – us. For those of us with customers and clients, with families and responsibilities, it’s all about standing and delivering everyday. Not worrying about what the world at large thinks about us .. but instead focused on being our best and delivering our best in everything we do.
Long ago I adopted the Serenity Prayer as my credo: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
God, help me make the most of every opportunity you place in my path and in my hands.
We can’t fix it all. And if you are dependent on some strange algorithm to prove your value to and influence of others, you need to look within. Stop looking without. And please stop placing distorted value on things – whether they be Klout scores, blogging or social media, or whatever may be the “latest and greatest”. Go out and be your very best for those who matter most to you. Go out and create the very best products and very best results – for them. And stop being distracted, disillusioned or disappointed by people, things – and “scores” – that do not matter in the end.
P. S. Oh – the “cabbages and kings” reference in the title today? I’m a huge Lewis Carroll fan. He went far beyond writing “Alice in Wonderland”. Go to Google and get to know the guy.
Formula for success: a true inspiration
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Personal Insights, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on November 7, 2011
Alex Zanardi
I took note as Alex — as he is best known — is one of my heroes.
Alex Zanardi, a native of Italy, began to train for racing as a young teenager. Motor racing, that is. After rising through feeder series, he entered Formula 1 in 1991. After four years he switched to the CART (Champ Car) arena where his two world championships caught the attention of Frank Williams, owner of Formula 1’s Williams team, and Alex was invited to give Formula 1 another go. Sadly it was for only one season. After numerous retirements from races mixed with lackluster finishes, Alex found himself out of Formula 1 once again.
The 2000 season came and went without Alex. He began to consider re-entering CART and landed a seat for 2001. Once again, results were mixed. Then it happened: On a competitive pace in a September 2001 race, Alex was seriously injured in a violent crash and, as a result, lost both of his legs.
Alex’s open wheel racing career was over. And, as you might think, any type of racing career.
You do not know Alex.
Fitted with standard prosthetic limbs, Alex found them cumbersome and limiting as he began to plan a return to auto racing. Nothing was going to hold him back. He designed his own limbs and feet to allow him needed flexibility. By 2003 Alex was racing again, using hand controls, ultimately landing a drive in an international touring car series that became known as the WTCC. He even considered Formula 1 once again — testing a special car fitted with hand controls in 2006.
In 2007, Alex switched from motor vehicles to a self-propelled one: the handcycle. After only a few weeks of training, he placed fourth in the New York City Marathon. Alex began to steadily rise to world-class status as a handcyclist and has become a strong contender to represent Italy in the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games. Then came yesterday as Alex showed his championship form, taking the handcycle title in a down-to-the-wire finish — nothing less for Alex! — managing to win even after encountering problems with the chain on his cycle toward the end of the race.
So now you understand why Alex Zanardi is my hero. There’s much to learn from his resolve to pursue his passions and dreams even after a tremendous setback. There’s much to learn from his resolve, his attitude … and his championship approach to life.
He’s written two books, Alex Zanardi: My Story and Alex Zanardi: My Sweetest Victory. They should be a part of your library.
Are you inspired to go out and make it a great week? I know I am. Happy Monday!
Formula 1 Friday: in four words, go see this movie
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Personal Insights, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 12, 2011
Writing for F1B — better known as www.Formula1Blog.com — has left “Formula 1 Friday” a bit neglected here. I bring it back to life today to do something I rarely do: recommend a movie.
Several of my friends are true movie aficionados, champs of movie trivia, followers of the stars, the Oscars, the latest releases in theaters and on Netflix … but that’s not me. I enjoy catching a good movie — or even a so-so movie for a great “escape” — every once in a while but I’m not a regular moviegoer.
With that in mind, I have a hard time recalling the last movie I absolutely had to see. And I certainly cannot remember the last time I told anyone that I had discovered a movie they should see. Then along came “Senna”.
Those of you who know me through social media, or have roamed around this blog a bit, know that I am a Formula 1 racing fan. For those of you who know me in real life, that thought brings a chuckle and a shake of the head, I know. Speaking of great escapes, during Formula 1 season you’ll find me perched on the arm of my couch with coffee in hand watching a race from somewhere clear around the world at o’dark thirty on a Sunday morning.
Many of you know that I will always carry a torch for a Formula 1 driver who, sadly, the world lost too soon: Ayrton Senna. Not only was he a great escape to follow as a racing driver, I came to appreciate him as a cute and quirky personality — and also a generous and caring young man — off the circuit and outside the car.
In many totally unexpected ways, I’ve come to know several of Ayrton’s friends and family. It’s interesting how life happens. In writing for Formula 1 Blog I have had the honor to come to know Asif Kapadia and Manish Pandey, the director and producer of “Senna”. Asif and Manish chose to tell Ayrton’s story in Ayrton’s own words, and in those of his contemporaries, as well as in actual footage of races and family films. For you Formula 1 fans, it’s classic F1 on the big screen and more. For you film ‘ficionados note that it won a major award at Sundance. There’s plenty of action for those who want action, and there’s something much deeper for everyone. I watched the film with a critical eye, not so much as a Senna fan but as someone watching for a more meaningful, not-just-vintage-footage, capture of a special life.
Friends, go see this movie.
“Senna” premieres in the USA today and opens for special engagements in many American cities throughout the month. Check out www.sennamovie.com for the trailer and theater information.
I’ll warn you of one thing: tuck away a Kleenex or two. Or grab an extra napkin or two — or three — with your bucket of popcorn. You’ll need them.
Go and discover — or rediscover — classic Formula 1.
Go and be inspired.
Go meet Ayrton.
Formula for success: why settle for second?
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on May 16, 2011
As I am in the midst of training and studying I have not had the chance to update my blog over the last week or so — and share that I’ve begun a new chapter of my career. I am excited to announce that I am now working alongside a long-time friend as a sales agent in her insurance agency. What an awesome new chapter it is … the challenge of learning a new industry, plunging back into books as well as live and virtual classrooms and helping to grow a company. Stretching and striving for the next level, the next step personally as well as professionally. It’s energizing and invigorating.
Those of you who are my friends, followers and readers here in the USA know what a competitive world the American insurance industry is. Talk about challenges: try counting the number of insurance companies advertising during “prime time” tonight on TV! No doubt those of you around the world witness the same thing.
As I have shared the news of my new job and “new chapter” with friends and family, I have received notes, cards, emails … and even a surprise gift or two. One friend sent a beautiful orchid — which I am now also committed to grow, nurture, feed and maintain. (No pressure! Ha!)
Saturday night I met friends for dinner to celebrate. Many gifts and cards. Then came the gift from my friend Dave, handed to me with a wink. Nicely framed was a print capturing my all-time favorite Formula 1 driver, Ayrton Senna, and his classic quote: “Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose”. Attributed at other times to other athletes, it’s a quote that I am confident originated with Senna. After all, he lived it.
It’s a quote that makes me laugh and smile each time I hear it or read it. It’s so profound when you think about it. The idea behind it makes me smile, too. Prices and rates should not be everything in our customers’ minds, and should never be foremost. After all, that’s what “800 numbers” are for, correct? Seriously, our service, responsiveness and commitment — both to our companies and our clients — should make us “first” in everyone’s eyes. We may finish second in price but our commitment should be to finish first in the areas that really count.
I will not promise that I can offer the lowest rate, but I promise that I will provide the best service … every time. I will strive to place first with my prospects — in the level of guidance, responsiveness and care they receive. Value and benefit will rise to the top … price will finish a distant second, and my customers and I will form truly valued, long-term relationships. They may opt in the beginning to “dial in” to that 800 number … but there is a great chance they’ll seek me when they realize that their inquiries, service issues and claims will be handled through 800 numbers as well.
After all they want to protect what’s most (or almost the most) valuable to them.
With this post I’m including a photo of the print Dave gave to me. Whether or not you are a racing fan, I hope you will print a copy for yourself and keep it somewhere to remind you. Laugh and smile with me and appreciate — day to day, transaction to transaction, call to call, meeting to meeting — that if we come in second in our commitment to providing value … we, and our prospects, are indeed the first of the ones who lose.
Formula 1 Friday: Atlanta welcomes the world
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1 on October 1, 2010
The title of today’s post has a familiar ring, doesn’t it? As host of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, Atlanta stood in the international spotlight. Atlanta could once again welcome the world should the United States be named to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.
It seems that many of my neighbors in Atlanta and northeast Georgia are not aware that we host a major international event every year! Yes, it’s Petit Le Mans weekend and thousands of the sportscar racing faithful are gathering at Road Atlanta. Thousands more are watching coverage in their home countries. Road Atlanta, tucked in the hills about one hour north of the city, has been called the “grand lady” or “grand dame” of road circuits in the US. And it’s home to the world’s second-largest sportscar racing spectacular, topped only in attendance by the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Road Atlanta is also the home of the American Le Mans Series. Founded by Atlanta businessman Don Panoz in the late 1990s, ALMS holds endurance and sprint races throughout the United States and Canada and enjoys a partnership with Automotive Club de L’Ouest (or ACO). The ACO partnership permits ALMS teams to enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans each year. So yes, Atlanta enjoys another wonderful international friendship.
Road Atlanta, photo credit: Daniel Mainzer
For those of us in America awaiting the return of Formula 1 and the United States Grand Prix in 2012, Petit Le Mans gives us our racing “fix”. As I write this I am packed and ready to spend the day with friends on a hillside alongside the “grand dame”.
After all, there’s nothing like the sound of engines and the smell of racing fuel on a fall morning in Georgia.
Formula 1 Friday: one season, one word — amazing
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1, Personal Insights on September 16, 2010
Early one Sunday morning in September 2008, I made coffee, then — after hesitating for just a moment — turned on the TV and settled in to watch the Italian Grand Prix.
It was my return to a sport and the wonderful weekend escape I had once loved. On the night of May 1, 1994, I had shut off the TV and shut off Formula 1. I did not watch it, read about it or care to know anything about it — until that morning in 2008 when I realized something.
I missed Monza.
That morning I watched a blond kid named Sebastian Vettel become the youngest driver ever to win a Grand Prix. I fast-forwarded through the previous fourteen-plus years, trying to take in all of the new technology and car design as well as the new stars and new rules. I felt like I had caught a ride in a time machine. Then the fixtures of the FIA appeared along the way, with glimpses of Bernie, Flavio, Ross and Sir Frank on the grid. All a little grayer. Another reality check.
Yes, it was 2008. And I realized I was ready to follow Formula 1 again.
After thinking that I must be the only Formula 1 fan living in NASCAR country I found a community of friends and fellow fans around the world through Twitter and Facebook. Adding to my renewed love for all things Grands Prix, I enjoyed chatting with my “Formula 1 friends” on Twitter during race broadcasts. I was reminded that nothing brings the world closer than love of sport, whether it be Wimbledon, the World Cup, the Olympics or Formula 1.
Here I am — or I should say — here we are on the home stretch of the 2010 season. No matter how long you have followed Formula 1 you must rank this as one of the best seasons ever. We are a week away from the Singapore Grand Prix, one of only five races remaining on the calendar. Five races to go and five drivers are within 24 points of each other. McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari battling for the Constructors’ Championship. 2010 is already epic — and no doubt will conclude that way.
I am glad I turned on the TV that morning in 2008 and came back to Formula 1.
In my chats with fellow fans I’ve discovered that we all carry that feeling. It’s “that” twinge. Whether you are 16 or 60 you enjoy the Formula 1 of today and yesterday. There is that small ache of sadness for drivers and moments that have passed into history. But it is quickly overcome by the sounds and the spirit of another showdown. My wish is that the moments always be there but may there never be another driver, team member or fan lost.
With the new technology I appreciate that safety now blends with speed and excitement. As fans, we catch a collective breath and life moves in slow motion when tires break from tethers and cars go airborne. When “Red Bull gives you wings” takes on a whole new meaning. We laugh about that later. But, at the moment, we gasp. And we realize the sport does not come without that measure of risk and danger.
May the new generation of Formula 1 fans enjoy the sport’s nostalgia and history as I do.
But may “that” twinge not come from loss of life.
May it instead come from realizing there was never a season quite like 2010.
Formula 1 Friday: they’re coming (back) to America …
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1 on July 30, 2010
Earlier this week the proposed site of America’s new Formula 1 circuit, host of the 2012 United States Grand Prix, was revealed in Austin, Texas. Over the coming months there will no doubt be new and renewed interest in Formula 1 among US fans — and a curiosity about Austin and Texas among F1 fans worldwide. As a longtime (and yes, somewhat rare) F1 fan residing in the States, I am excited to see Formula 1’s return as well as the interest a new host city will bring.
I’d like to welcome you, as a new American fan — or curious American observer — to the world of Formula 1! Through this and future “Formula 1 Friday” posts on my blog I look forward to helping you learn and appreciate what a unique and exciting sport F1 is.
First of all, Formula 1 cannot be compared to NASCAR. From the design of the car to the strategy of the race. Formula 1 cars are the most unique and technologically-advanced in motorsports. And that technology is one of the most fascinating aspects of F1. If you are curious about f-ducts, blown diffusers, flexible wings, gearboxes and the difference in prime and option tires, I suggest that you watch Steve Matchett’s “Chalktalks” on SPEED TV and check out the archive of “Chalktalk” videos on SPEED’s website. Steve also provides wonderful, easy-to-understand insights on F1 technology and car design as a commentator during SPEED TV’s broadcasts.
Speaking of SPEED TV, they are the hosts of Formula 1 broadcasts in the US. Visit the Formula 1 page on their website for news, blog posts and their video library. With the exception of a few broadcasts on Fox each year, SPEED carries Formula 1 practice and qualifying sessions along with the races. You should enjoy and learn much from the colorful commentary provided by Bob Varsha, David Hobbs and Will Buxton, with Matchett at their side.
Oh, I should mention something here. Formula 1 fans gladly give up sleep to watch races live. As races are held throughout the world, everyone everywhere contends with time zones. The internet, with live chat sites as well as Twitter, has taken getting up at o’dark thirty on a Sunday morning to watch a race to a whole new level … and brought together the community of F1 fans worldwide. I promise you’ll enjoy being a part of that community.
If you prefer sleep, don’t worry. Races will be re-broadcast and of course you can record them. Watching them at a more reasonable hour will not make you any less a fan. Ha!
I hope these tips have been helpful. The Hungarian Grand Prix is this weekend. Again, check SPEED’s website for the schedule for broadcasts and re-broadcasts of practice, qualifying, the race and their race wrap-up program, “Formula 1 Debrief”.
Most of all, remember that you’ll have weeks, months and years to learn the terminology, strategy, history and all of the nuances. This weekend, just pour a cup of coffee, turn on your TV — and turn up the volume (!), sit back and enjoy the experience.
Welcome to Formula 1!
Formula 1 Friday: my Formula 1 “bucket list”
Posted by LoisMarketing in Formula 1 on July 16, 2010
The Parabolica at Monza
As an American fan of Formula 1, I am so thankful for the internet, for easy access to worldwide coverage of races and, most of all, for the wonderful community of Formula 1 fans, teams, drivers and media who are active in social media. They more than make up for the limited coverage of F1 in the USA. It’s easy to become frustrated in thinking that racing = NASCAR in the States and that F1 along with IndyCar, the American LeMans Series and others take very distant second, third and fourth places.
That being said, I have made the most of American television coverage of Formula 1 through the years and have decided it’s time I plan trips to my favorite circuits to experience the sights and sounds of beautiful cars and beautiful people, as well as the smells of racing fuel and rubber. So I have compiled my “bucket list” of the F1 settings I want to experience firsthand:
Austin, Texas. Yay! Formula 1 is ready to return to the United States. The promoters of Formula 1’s newest circuit, set to debut and host the United States Grand Prix in 2012, will unveil their design and details in the coming weeks. I’m already thinking “road trip”! Austin’s purpose-built circuit is rumored to include the “best features” of classic courses as well as changes in elevation and a “really fast section” as reported on www.autosport.com. I’m giving often-criticized circuit designer Hermann Tilke the benefit of the doubt and have fingers crossed that his design will make the most of the southern Texas terrain.
Spa Francorchamps
Spa Francorchamps, Belgium. Ahhh, Spa. As much I love the idea of engines through the trees at Monza, this may be Formula 1’s best natural setting. Keep your desert sands and modern buildings. Give me a “real” road course surrounded by green. Nothing tops Spa for spectacular features. Plus I’ve been told that Belgium and Belgians are unforgettable also.
Interlagos, Brazil. Another exciting circuit with challenging corners, plus it is the site of many classic F1 finishes. As I was a fan of Ayrton Senna, I look forward to visiting his home course to watch F1’s best navigate the Senna “S’s”. Plus I’m sure the Brazilians will more than top their counterparts in Italy as a fun, electric and fascinating crowd.
Silverstone
I love the idea of experiencing Formula 1 in person. It’s so cool that the circuits I most want to visit are set among the cities, countries and people I most want to get to know.
This should be fun!
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Sales and marketing diva, avid Georgia Bulldog football and Formula 1 fan, a contributing editor for Formula 1 Blog (www.formula1blog.com), writer, artist and gardener.
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