Potion Public Relations

For me, ‘reputation’ is always front of mind. My morals and commitment to being as kind as possible drives 90% of my behavior (saving 10% for those moments when I truly lose my mind over something). And, I walk through life presuming most people operate similarly. Considering this, I am easily flabbergasted when a person is unnecessarily irate and rude. Today, Lucy and I walked into the foyer of a beautiful building in San Francisco where she will be singing in a couple hour...s. Unfortunately, we quickly learned that a handful of people had canceled, including the person who was to greet people at the door. The recital will go on, but the producer - who was clearly panicked - was hoping a parent would consider volunteering to open the door and direct people to the elevator. The aforementioned parent was completely annoyed that she’d even been asked, curtly adding ‘...you mean, just STAND here for an hour and a half?’ Then, her daughter added ‘...and what about me?!?’ Needless to say, she huffed and said ‘absolutely not. I’ll come BACK in an hour and a half to watch my daughter’ (who was already upstairs). The thing that strikes me is how much people don’t understand they have a personal brand. Of the 6 people standing in the foyer, she made no one feel good, and I would imagine not even herself...at the beginning of what is meant to be a sweet recital. So, guess who’s standing in the foyer writing a nasty post on Facebook? #spreadjoy #personalbrand #bekind #lifeishardenough

...been saving this goodie for a while. The sicko in me adores ESL typos (don’t judge...if I moved to Brazil, I’d let people laugh at me all they wanted...in fact, anyone can laugh at me all they want). Anyway, I know this poor soul thinks he’s driving an ice cream VEN, and alas, it’s semi-permanent. At least the kids don’t care...as long as he doesn’t run out of ice cream.

I don't boast very often, but I am so honored by a text I received earlier this week that I am feeling compelled to share. More than money, a huge business, or fancy stuff, this is the kind of thing that makes me feel successful. It's about the micro-moments: "Happy new year! I recently watched the Mister Rogers documentary on a plane, and today I am doing a workbook called 'Building A Resonant Leader.' In both situations the question came up - 'which people have helped you in your life?' Your name popped in my head both times. I know we have only talked or met a handful of times really, but I just wanted you to know that you have really made an impact on my life and I figured I shouldn't keep that a secret."

I'm sitting at the San Rafael Lexus dealer - the brand that prides itself on perfection, and intuitive attention to detail - to get my car serviced. The television is blaring Dr. Phil, and they are talking about how his guest has had countless affairs, and that she seeks out bondage, choking, and sex with drug dealers. No one in here...other patrons, or employees...seem phased at all. Is it just me? Are people so numbed out that I'm the only one who needs a cocktail to stomach this programming at 10am on a Wednesday? #hellolexusmarketing

I’ve done some zany things in my career, including the time when I was working for Hornblower and I proposed we do a Where the Wild Things are cruise without thinking through who would wear the bull...