When Life Hits A 404

I’ve noticed recently that the common reaction when people hear your “bad” news (job loss, divorce, losing a promotion, etc) is one of remorse, empathy and even pity. It is naturally assumed to be a bad thing. Some even go so far as to ask, with wide, poor-you eyes, “What are you going to do?”

Gee, I don’t know, take the gas pipe? Jump off a bridge?

It must be how couples feel when they announce they are getting a divorce. How difficult to face the judgment, humiliation and feelings of failure that others impart with their sad faces and deep breaths. Tragedy! How will you ever go on?

A wise old yogi or spiritual devotee, however, may ponder the news and offer encouragement. These events may be considered natural progressions on life’s journey. These seemingly negative occurrences may be seen as gifts in disguise; an opportunity to turn the unexpected situation into something positive.

A constructive concept; take a negative and re-tool it into a positive.
(At the very least it’s a more productive mindset than one of self-pity.)

This morning I saw a presentation about the famous error message that we’ve all seen on websites, when you click on a link that no longer exists – the 404 Error. It’s usually something along the lines of “We’re sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn’t exist.”

The experience of landing on a 404 Error page is disappointing. You thought you were being led to the right destination, but you hit an obstacle. It is a broken relationship, a slap in the face.

Sound familiar?

I think losing your job is like having your career hit a 404 Error. “We’re sorry, but the job you thought you had no longer exists.”

 And breaking up is hitting a relationship 404.

I find the standard social reactions to these 'bumps in the road' of life lack optimism and encouragement. Hardly anyone says, upon hearing of a job loss or a divorce, “Well, this is undoubtedly an opportunity for you, a new beginning, and a time of personal renewal. Change can be uncomfortable, but the end result is always progress and that’s always positive.”

Check out this video on “404, the story of a page not found.”

In summary:
“A simple mistake can tell me what you’re not, or it can remind me why I should love you.”
It’s difficult enough to embrace change and disappointment. The next time someone gives you some “bad” news or the equivalent of a 404 error in their life, consider a more encouraging, optimistic response. Consider turning a negative into a positive.
[Author's note: This advice, too, should be the mantra of marketers everywhere.]

Here are some more examples of creative 404 error pages that make the broken link experience a bit more enjoyable.

(Photo courtesy of Can Stock Photo.)

Room With A Brew

It all starts with a good cup of coffee.

There’s something about the pungent, roasted aroma that both comforts and invigorates. It’s hospitable and invites conversation. Coffee is the biggest off-screen social trend; the old-fashioned yet still trendy way of socializing - in person.

Coffee is at the heart of much of our social interaction. In fact, coffee shops have become what Howard Schultz (Starbucks’ CEO) describes as the “third place”; aside from your house and your office, it is the one locale in your neighbourhood where you feel at home. In place of the bartenders of “Cheers” fame, there are baristas, whipping up frothy, caffeinated concoctions.

Starbucks, and many other coffee chains, has outfitted its coffee houses with accessories and furnishings to encourage conversation and lingering get-togethers. Visit any café and you’ll find friends catching up, blind dates meeting, business deals closing, and candidates being interviewed for a job. These are significant transactions all happening because someone said “Let’s meet for coffee.”
Just the other day, I noticed a real estate agent perched in the leather arm chair next to me, having a latté with a client. They were signing the papers to complete the sale of a house. And the investment for that coffee house tête-à-tête was under $5.

Read the MarComPro’s Top 5 Tips for Great Coffee Talk.

[Author’s note: Not all coffee shops are created equal. I’ve yet to witness a business deal going down at a Tim Horton’s or a Dunkin’ Donuts. I’m just saying…!]

Have you noticed too that coffee (along with water) is the most-offered beverage in any business meeting? If you’re a guest in any office today, you’re sure to hear something along the lines of: “Welcome! Can I get you a coffee?”

Why, of course you can! But one caution if you are responsible for purchasing the coffee for your company: There is nothing worse than being handed a cup ‘o Joe that came from a coffee-o-matic vending machine. How disgraceful! No matter your business or engagement, always spring for good quality coffee (and tea). 
 
Not to fear, you non-coffee-drinkers out there. There is survival in adaptation. In every urban coffee shop and office building today, you will find an assortment of herbal teas, fruit smoothies and vitamin waters.

So, whenever I start a new project, my first action is to sit down with a mug (or thermos!) of my favourite brew. It’s a great kick-off to a brainstorming session, project planning, or relationship-building. Good things begin with a great cup of coffee.