NFL Office -- Terrific Design and Branding!

I always love when I see a business so excited and believing in their brand that their own environment is well-branded.  A few that have impressed me over the years are Deskey, and the Cincinnati Bengals.  Deskey's environmental branding begins with the outside of the building and extends throughout the inside, including custom-made carpeting and seats from Radio City Music Hall that were designed by Donald Deskey himself.  The Bengals stadium has just the right amount of branding without being tacky.  Seats, trashcans, even the staircases have some element of branding ... the head of the Bengal Tiger, the big cat's stripes, et al.  The New York Yankees could have learned a thing or two from the Bengals when they were building their new stadium.

And, now, the National Football League!

I have always loved football.  Growing up with brothers is what caused me to give it attention.  Our front yard was used for neighborhood football games.  My love for football increased as I learned more about it from my ex-husband, who played for Michigan and the New England Patriots, and from my step-son who played for Miami of Ohio.  I love the action, the team work, and the strategy of football!  Thanks to Deborah Ludwig, my dear friend who works at the NFL, I recently had the opportunity to tour the NFL's headquarters in New York City.  Extremely impressive!

There is a lot to see, but it is tasteful and definitely 'on brand' as we say in the business.  Just walking through the halls, conferences rooms, and the nooks and crannies filled with uniquely designed areas to watch football, I started to feel the excitement build as it would were I walking into a stadium for a game.  My favorite area of the NFL office is a small  between the elevators and an outside hallway that is a very nice pub (dark wood, round leather barstools, television on the sports channel, beer taps, mugs).  It made me wish it was now Fall instead of Summer!

Here are a few snapshots for you:

Reception

Boardroom Conference Table

Cloth Wallcovering

Conference Table

Conference Table

And in a hallway that pays homage to each team, ...

Thanks for the tour, Deborah! 

   

Life Learnings -- for grads & the rest of us

Over the years I've kept a journal and at the beginning I have a list of lessons I've either learned throughout my life or someone else learned and my life experience confirmed it.  

Lately I've found myself in positions of being asked to give a word of advice to someone...a recent graduate about to go off to college or into the workforce, a couple getting married, etc.  And I thought I'd share the key learnings with all of you and hope you find them useful:

  

Life Learnings

• Everything in life is an option.  
• You always have a choice.
• Nothing is permanent.
• Attitude is everything.
• Choose your friends wisely.  Who you become and what comes into your life is greatly influenced by those with whom you closely associate.  
• Integrity is everything.  But having integrity means some situations will be harder on you.  Stand firm in who you are.
• Make positive change in the world.
• It's usually the one pointing their finger the strongest that is guilty of the accusation.
• Hugs and laughter are extremely powerful.
• When someone tells you their negative traits, believe them.
• Never stop learning!
• When you're not at peace, you need to do or not do something.  Listen to your gut.
• Have a spiritual belief and actively strengthen it.  When times get tough, it's a foundation to stand upon.
• Life can suck the life out of you.  Establish your boundaries.
• Truth has a mysterious way of finding daylight.
• When someone feels the need to tout their positive traits, they're usually lacking them.
• Sometimes the way to find what makes you happy is to eliminate what makes you unhappy.
• Practice forgiveness.  Give grace & mercy.
• Your friends are family and your family are your friends.  Strive for this.
• Laugh!  Laugh hard!  Laugh often!

And, here is a set of favorites that have hung on my mirror for years:

Colin Powell's Rules

• It ain't as bad you think.  It will look better in the morning.
• Get mad, then get over it.
• Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
• It can be done!
• Be careful what you choose.  You may get it.
• Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
• You can't make someone else's choices.  You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
• Check small things.
• Share credit.
• Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
• Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier!

 

Nespresso, a Love/Love Relationship

The results of my coffee capsule research is in ...  I absolutely love Nespresso!  In fact, my Nespresso family has grown:

The love/hate relationship that I was anticipating is, instead, a great love affair.  I owe my gratitude to a couple friends who ensured my research was conducted appropriately:

 ... to M4, who advised me to get the fantastic Nespresso Aeroccino and Milk Frother.  In just a few seconds it makes either hot milk or froth, and the froth is thick and soft and sweet -- the best tasting froth I've ever had.

 ... Erica, a wonderful woman who shared my views on the coffee capsule (see my 3/25 post).  After our initial meeting, during which we discussed environmental issues, a small package arrived at my office.  She had sent me a gift of an Outpresso.  After make espresso, simply insert the capsule into the Outpresso, press the top lever down, watch the grounds fall into the tray below.  You can then add the grounds to your compost (or just toss them).  Since the capsules are aluminum, simply place them in your recycle bin if you choose not to participate in Nespresso's Ecolaboration recycling program.

 

The espresso this machine makes is absolutely delizioso!!  Trust me, I'm an espresso snob.

Thank you, M4, for your generosity, and thank you Germany for requiring electrical conversion!!



Next Post:  Italia, Deutschland, and Österreich!   (Part 2: Munich, Germany)