Predictions for 2014

I frequently get asked, "What's going on in the job market?".  

I'm not clairvoyant but I do see trends in the job market and I share those insights individually with my candidates and clients.  Some major events that will affect us:  As the economy continues to rebound, companies will continue to grow and hire; Municipal elections in fall 2014 combined with an expected Provincial Spring election in Ontario may will keep things interesting; The Pan Am Games in 2015 will keep us growing in the Greater Toronto Area.  More specifically, in marketing the biggest growth areas will be in digital marketing.  S here are my predictions for 2014:

1. Continued growth in eCommerce especially in the traditional retail sector:  bricks and mortar stores will be working hard to figure out how to sell online and deliver in-store.  
2. Digital Strategy will change to just 'Strategy'.  The distinction between 'Traditional' and 'Digital' will finally vanish.  
3. 'Mobile' will finally be recognized for what it is not:  it is not a strategy!  Mobile is how people use technology:  anything anywhere anytime!
4. Clients will continue to build digital expertise in-house.  Agencies beware!
5. Advertising will be exposed for what it really is:  sell stuff to people.  We're already there in the instant-results-driven digital space.

Isaac Asimov

For a another take on predictions, here is a recent article from the Huffington Post with predictions for 2014 from Isaac Asimov...from 50 years ago!  

Isaac Asimov's Predictions for 2014

The most accurate prediction is that 2014 will be another year of change. Are you ready?

Chris Morales

chris.morales@bell.net

647 393 3855

Linkedin:  Chris M Morales 

Running in the snow in Toronto

A few years ago when living in Wasaga Beach running on hard packed snow was normal in winter. It was actually safer than it sounds:  Wasaga Beach used sand on the roads and this provided some decent traction. And combined with a lack of salt, there was not much ice.  On many early morning runs after the frequent snowfalls making tracks through freshly fallen snow was truly special.

Fast forward a couple of years to this winter in Toronto!  Who ordered the snow!

One of the 'nice' things about winter in Toronto is the lack of snow.  At least that was how it was up until this year.  We've had frequent snowfalls and with below freezing temperatures it's been sticking around.  I've had to re-learn snow running techniques from Wasaga Beach!  Normally that wouldn't have been too bad but the real challenge has been the ice.  Snow control in Toronto is all about the salt.  Regular salt, sodium chrloride makes things sloppy and dirty when temperatures are near freezing.  As the temperature drops into the deep freeze levels...and we've had that too this winter...the salt stops working and the slush turns to ice.  And that's no fun!

With winter officially only 12 days old now it looks to be 'interesting' running ahead for the next few months. So far no slips or falls but the winter is early.  Stay tuned...

Oh and remember, 'Don't eat the yellow snow'! :)

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

The Next Big Race: Sporting Life 10K

So as 2013 comes to an end I've had the opportunity to reflect back on a year of running.  It began back in the cold, dark months of January with tentative steps as the first stage of running after sustaining broken bones in my right foot.

It wasn't pretty.  I'd gained a few pounds after months of less intense physical activity and my leg muscles cried in agony as I pushed beyond just fast walking.  But I persevered and by early spring I was running regularly. A relatively mild and snow-free winter in Toronto helped a lot to get back into the groove.

Then my son Court invited to run with him in the Sporting Life 10K in early May.  I was pretty sure I'd be slow as molasses but it was the first big running test.  Heavier than normal I pounded down Yonge Street and even had a little something left for the final sprint-to-the finish.  It felt good.

I didn't race again until the Reggae Marathon 10K in Negril, Jamaica in early December.  After all these years of running and racing, I'd come full circle:  I spent much of the 1980's and 1990's running many 10 K races in Toronto . Nice!

So what's my next BIG race?   I've already hinted at it:  the Sporting Life 10K on May 11, 2014.

On that early spring morning I'll join 25,000+ other runners heading straight down Yonge Street in Toronto.  It's mostly all downhill with a flat finish. That early in the year should produce ideal cool racing conditions.  I expect a relaxed yet fast result.

Training for the Sporting Life 10Kwill include lots of speed work at the local high school track this spring along with longer runs along the Humber River trails.  I may even include some water running along with some spinning at a local gym.  Yes it's all about the running but I'll mix it up a bit this year.

As we move into the depths of Winter in Toronto, the beacon of light that is the the Sporting Life 10 K in May will be the bright goal.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Ossies Jerk Chicken at Reggae Marathon

No trip to Negril, Jamaica would be complete without a trip and delicious feast of Jerk Pork and Jerk Chicken at Ossies in Negril.

It's not glamorous.  In fact it is easy to miss while driving or even running along Norman Washington Blvd in Negril.  It sits back from the road just west of Couples Swept Away and basically is a small shack with a covered front porch.

The lady who runs Ossies has been there since we first started coming to Negril in 2008.  It was closed in 2009 but has been open and running every year since.  We usually hit Ossies a couple of time for the best Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork served with Rice and Peas (Yes, I know it's made with Kidney Beans but the name I learned as a kid sticks).

The menu is dead simple:  Jerk Pork, Jerk Chicken, Stem Roast Fish (when available).  And the prices are just great:

A pound of Jerk Pork, half a pound of Jerk Chicken, 2 orders of Rice plus 2 ice cold Red Stripe Beers. Ahhh...now that's the way to celebrate a successful visit to Negril for Reggae Marathon.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy