Bummed out over the cold

I'm a wimp!

Well, I was a wimp last week during the ridiculously crazy combination of snow, ice, frigid temperatures we endured in Toronto.  I didn't go running for 3 days!  I almost drove myself crazy...pretty sure Sally was happy I got out on Thursday morning even though it was still 'well below freezing'.  No, I did not enjoy the 'time off' one bit.  I do like my early morning pre-dawn runs.

I thought about heading to the gym.  Without a membership that wasn't an option.  Plus we don't have anything convenient near our place.

Also thought about going swimming.  Only for a minute though...driving on icy roads at 5:30 am to hit the Etobicoke Centenial Pool had me shuddering too much.  The thought of stripping down to bathing suit and swimming in water with ice and -40 C feet away wasn't so appealing.

Skipping rope!  That was an idea...not a good one unfortunately when we live in an apartment.  Solid concrete floors but the neighbours below would have not been pleased at 5 am.

In the end I settled for re-starting my pushup and sit up routine.  Not the same as running but strengthening the core is a great way to improve overall fitness.  Thankfully though I got out for a run on Thursday morning. The icy cold air and still slippery sidewalks worked to keep me focused on running:  left, right; left right!  It was good!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

DX3 March 5 here I come!

I registered for the DX3 Digital Conference last week.  It's being held on March 5 and 6 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  I'm looking forward to it!  

I went to DX3 in 2013 and thoroughly enjoyed both the sessions and the vendor displays.  One session in particular was great:  David Labistour, CEO of Mountain Equipment Co-op spoke eloquently about how MEC was moving into the eCommerce space while keeping the bricks-and-morter stores vibrant, relevant and alive.  

Additionally, many of the vendors showcased new and innovative digital technologies that are changing the business world so quickly. The key learning:  the marketing world continues to change quickly;  companies need people who are knowledgable, smart, technically-savvy and most importantly, who eagerly embrace learning about new ways to communicate and connect with their customers.   Plus I got a lot of cool swag!  This is my Globe and Mail photo:

So check out the lineup so far for this year's DX3 Conference. 

See you there.

Chris Morales

chris.morales@bell.net

647 393 3855

Linkedin:  Chris M Morales 

Running is better than...

...just about everything else!  But then runners are nuts!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

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