Burning Bridges.

Hello everyone.

Well, my last blog certainly caused a bit of furor, especially from those who knew exactly what it was about. I do admit that I enjoyed the excitement, but those experiences do remain with you (good and bad). I still get calls and emails regarding that situation on a daily basis. All good though.

So what to talk about now? Burning bridges. Or not burning bridges.

Very recently I spent time at an organization that was the first one to hire my fresh face out of college. Potential business there, yes, but also spent time catching up with many of the people who interviewed me back in the summer of 1996. Boy, it felt like coming home. What was even better was that my work was remembered (for the good) since I left the company in 1998. That's 12 years ago, and since then I moved twice, went to law school, got married, had kids and worked in a variety of jobs. But they still remembered, and they also remembered my departure, and many of them had kept up with my career through indirect measures.

So when I visited there, there wasn't a lot of explaining to do about what I've been up to over the years, and we all really wanted to work together again. I cannot imagine that the experience would have been the same, or would have even happened at all, had I burned my bridges at the organization.

Another example is that I have lunch with at least three to five of my old bosses on a semi-regular basis. For a variety of reasons I am no longer working with them, and in many cases they've moved on themselves, but had I burned those bridges, not only would I be deprived of their mentorship, connections and insights, but I would be without their friendship.

Do I or did I get frustrated with the companies I worked for? The bosses I've had? Sure, but then again who doesn't?

But it's about constructive resolution of those problems, or coming to terms with the fact that I may not be right even thought I'm emphatic that I am (which happens many times, just ask my wife). Or having an outlet that allows you to take out your frustration on a "real" punching bag, or friends/family to discuss problems with.

Trust me, in my business, as in many, if you hauled off and punched your boss, or if you trashed your former employers, you'll "never work in this town again." Or, with today's technology, you'll never work in this country again.

And yes, there are exceptions to the rule. I have lived that exception and so have many of you.

But next time, when you are upset, angry or frustrated with your working experience, ask yourself "is it worth it to burn the bridge?" Really think about it. If you choose the right path, perhaps you'll have the opportunity years and years later to "come home" as well.

Integrity is not everything, it's the only thing.

I apologize for the infrequent nature of my blog posts, once again. I still am working on updating as much as I can, but unfortunately the nature of my business, which can be very confidential at times (that legal thing gets in the way), does not allow me to always post what's on my mind.

But this isn't one of those times. Now it's about integrity.

The definition of integrity is "a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values."

Integrity is how we should live our lives and how we conduct business. Unfortunately I, and I'm sure you, have come across clients, co-workers and acquaintances where integrity is a four-letter word.

Life is too short to deal with people who don't have integrity, who don't have character or the moral fiber to do what's right and treat people fairly.

Am I preaching at you? Perhaps, but it comes from the heart and my own experiences.

Recently I found myself in a position with a client where my integrity was not only challenged, but being chipped away at. Not only from inside the company, but by those who are industry observers and commentators.

With this client, I was drained emotionally and mentally, questioning my own ability to be a professional, and I'd come home every night exhausted, unable to be a good husband or father. I wouldn't return phone calls or emails, even from longtime friends, because I didn't want to answer questions about this client's ability to do business (yes, you've probably read about it although it won't be mentioned here). All I was able to do was sack out in front of the TV, more than not with a glass of wine in my hand, and zone out. That was my life for months on end.

But...and this is an important but...my mortgage was paid, food was on the table and financially I was above water.

I was in a personal quandary, which came to a head last weekend. Give up a once-decent client and try to find more business? Or stick with this client, for better or worse, hoping that my integrity will survive intact, or as intact as possible? Was it worth going through the muck to hope that I would end up clean on the other side?

After some soul searching and discussions with my ever-understanding wife, the answer became clear. Integrity, professional and personal, would take precedence. Money is important, survival even more so, but to what end? Could I look at myself in the mirror every morning, anticipating the excitement of each day? No. Did I want to see this client successful? Sure, but there is a proper way of obtaining success, and their way wasn't working.

So I resigned. And the weight lifted.

I write this to you now excited. Re-energized. Having fun reconnecting with those I lost touch with and reminding former (and future) clients that I am ready, available and able to work with them to further their goals.

And I do so with integrity.

More blogging soon!

What a time it's been!

Good afternoon. Been a very busy time as of late and lots of client work to do. Has it been a rough time? Of course it has - and I know I'm not the only one. I can say though that it's time for a little reflection on your situation.

I can only speak (or write) for myself. I am blessed with an amazing wife and two beautiful children. I still live in my house and my dogs are fed. Amazing, as it was almost a year ago when I was brought into an office at the organization I was working for to have a "talk," resulting in me collecting unemployment. Without the support of friends and family, there is no doubt that I would be here right now, that my family would still be with me, and that PCI would exist.

And for that, I say THANK YOU.

There are a lot of exciting updates to come from PCI and our clients in the coming weeks. I look forward to sharing more when I can.

Happy holidays!

Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation

Those that are familiar with me know that I have worked with Wally Dallenbach Jr. for a number of years in a variety of capacities. Since the start of PCI back in June, Wally, and some of his family, are "official" clients. We've been through a lot together and I value their friendship and respect.

Earlier this year Wally came to me to discuss an idea for a Foundation he had. I must tell you, having limited knowledge of Foundations (but working with a few over the years), I was skeptical. I have lots of thoughts about Foundations in general, or how some are used for non-straight purposes, but I still listened.

His concept, which you can find at www.wallydallenbachjrfoundation.com, was to provide solace to children who lost a parent. I am lucky enough to have both of my parents, but I know from next-to-first-hand experience that the loss of a parent is devastating, especially for a child.

As Wally is an outdoorsman through-and-through, his idea was to take children on an outdoors adventure - hunting, fishing, you name it. It's really geared to those children who's lost parent was a sportsman (amateur) and is designed to give the child a sense of their lost parent, but to also make them feel special after going through what they shouldn't have.

OK, I was impressed. I am an attorney and have never set up a Foundation from scratch, but Wally, through a friend of his, gave me the name of J. William Strickland, out of South Carolina. It took about five minutes of one conversation for me to realize that Bill was the guy to help set it up. His guidance has truly been invaluable and we appreciate everything he's done thus far (and will continue to do).

A bank account at Regions Bank (recommend them too), a solid website and ... IRS 501(c)(3) certification (yes, we have it thanks to Bill) and we're on our way.

Definitely check out the website, drop me a note (dan@passeconsulting.com) and think about if you'd like to help the Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation.

We can't wait to hear from you.

Where have I been? This isn't a blog!

Yes, yes , yes... All you are right. I've been MIA. I would say for good reason ... actually it is for good reason!

PCI has been working on expanding its client base, strategic partners and more. Standard agency speak you say? Well, it is.

What we've really been doing is re-examining the marketplace, what PCI brings to the marketplace and slowly implementing our plans.

PCI has been working with its client base - some want "standard services" - press releases, strategic PR planning and the like (all functions that the team LOVES doing). But more and more of them are looking to expand their horizons - for example Dirtball Fashion is in the process of going worldwide, Game Juice is now available in Spencer Gifts and Wally Dallenbach Jr. is in the process of starting his own foundation to benefit those families who have lost a parent.

Is PCI responsible for what these clients are doing? Some yes, some not as much, but PCI is offering effective counsel - legal, business and communications - to make these clients' dreams a reality.

In today's business climate, we're learning that the "rules" we've all become accustomed to are now changed or eliminated. We're not advocating breaking the law, of course, but why not take this opportunity to do whatever it is that you want for a living? Hey, if you were out of work, like many of the PCI staff was until recently, you've had time to re-evaluate. Now it's time to act! Need help? Give us a call or drop us an email (shameless plug).

Thanks and we'll update very soon!

There is hope!

In the last couple of weeks since the launch of PCI, I've been fortunate to have been approached by a multitude of small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to discuss different projects and create strategic partnerships. These folks are not "wallowing in their misery" due to a job loss or lack of clients, but are taking life by storm and making it happen.

It is very inspiring to be among such people.

I look forward to reporting about these partnerships and the clients we will be securing.

More soon!

What’s The Real Deal?

The quandary we all find ourselves in these days is confusing, frustrating, sad, causes us to question ourselves and others, and…it pretty much sucks. This economy and all of the businesses that have been affected has caused turmoil at the workplace and at home. So what do we do about it?

As someone who has experienced a “downsizing,” it was (and still is), time for a good soul-searching session(s).

What have I come up with? It’s a matter of looking on the brighter side. Yes, bills are tough to pay, but you can now spend more time with your family and friends. There is the ability to really remind yourself why you are in your chosen profession and understand the marketplace. Reminding yourself that life is not just a business transaction or a rat race, but an experience. And if you’re not having any fun or enjoying yourself and your family, then what’s the point?

Speaking for myself, that is where Passe Consulting Incorporated (PCI) comes in. This is not my first time going into business for myself – actually this is my third time – but I can say that the lessons I’ve learned throughout a 15-year career in automotive, motorsports, law, public relations and marketing are all gelling for a new focus. I hit the “reset” button, realized that it’s possible to combine your vocation and your avocation and am determined to impart passion, fun and business acumen to my clients and partners.

Let’s go on a journey together.