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Posted on June 1, 2015 by Sivo Insights
Perseverance should be Cindy Blackstock’s middle name. As our managing partner here at Sivo Insights, she is the backbone of our success. As a triathlete, she has racked up countless victories, placing third in Ironman Wisconsin and qualifying for the world championship – a challenge designed for the world’s top endurance athletes. As a breast cancer survivor, she has won the battle against the disease and has shared her testimony with countless women, encouraging them to remain strong through tribulations. She is one of our personal heroes, because she determines what she is going to make of her life. She doesn’t let life’s circumstances determine it for her.
Just a few weeks ago, Cindy awed us yet again, tackling a full marathon along the scenic Pacific Coast. During a triathlon last summer, she was struck by a car and fractured her tibia, confining her to crutches for several months. Between her breast cancer and the accident, she felt her spirits sink – one terrible event after the next seemed to want to keep her down. But with the perseverant spirit we know and love her for, Cindy refused to accept the setbacks. She pressed on, engaging in physical therapy to rehabilitate her body back to its triathlon shape.
Her loving husband Frank decided to buy her an entry into the April 26th Big Sur Marathon through the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, an organization that provides financial assistance to end-stage cancer patients. The race was exactly what Cindy needed. It reinvigorated her sense of purpose, and as soon as she was permitted, she began training in full force. Watching her fight through obstacles to redeem her health and reclaim her incredible endurance has encouraged all of us to be our best selves.
Cindy completed the 26.2-mile race as a part of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation’s Team For Life. Out of over 4,000 runners, Cindy finished 222nd, and sixth in her age group for the women’s race. Her superhuman spirit and astonishing resilience continues to inspire each one of us every day. She is truly our greatest champion.
Cindy and the rest of her team raised funds for the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, whose mission is to provide financial aid for end stage cancer patients to participate in FDA approved clinical trials. The non-profit also assists patients in assessing their clinical trial options, and provides numerous outreach services and community education. Here at Sivo Insights, we continue to donate 3% of all profits to Breast Cancer Research & Screening. Cindy will be running as a part of the Lazarex team again in the New York City marathon this coming November. There is no “cannot” in Cindy’s dictionary – she reminds us that anything is possible, so long as you are determined to make it happen.
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Posted on March 19, 2015 by Sivo Insights
Happiness. Bookstores dedicate entire sections to its discovery. Documentaries have been made in a search for its key ingredients. In 2014 Singer/Producer Pharrell Williams, struck the happiness jackpot with his wildly successful song “happy”, scoring No 1s in more than 30 countries. So why are we so fascinated with happiness? Because no matter how much our society progresses with both materialism and technology, we all strive to understand and attain the building blocks of happiness for our lives.
So what makes us happy? According to a recent article, 7 Essential Habits of Happier People,” by Jeff Haden, “50% of your “happiness set-point” is determined by personality traits that are largely hereditary. In short, half of how happy you feel is basically outside your control.” However, there’s still hope for achieving happiness, even if you’ve been genetically pre-disposed with a gloomy demeanor, “The other 50% of your level of happiness is totally within your control including relationships, health, career, etc.”
Haden believes there are several components that contribute to living a happier, more fulfilling life. Two of those key components are gratitude and giving. When we express thankfulness for that which we have, we abandon a mentality of what we lack, and realize the truly abundant nature of our lives. Gratitude begs an attitude of generosity; by taking note of what we have, we are more apt to provide support to others.
Actively pursuing individual goals, doing what you excel at as frequently as possible, and dictating your own desires, are three more ways in which you can give your happiness level a boost. When we let our dreams stir in the latent sector of our mind, they remain merely that – unfulfilled fantasies. But when we create plans of action to see our dreams through to fruition, our sense of fulfillment skyrockets. Similarly, devoting time to the areas in which we excel brings us a definite sense of contentment, whether it is a hobby or an aspect of our careers. Though other people will always try to encourage the path you take, remembering that you are the ultimate commander of your reality will exponentially increase your happiness. Applying these practices on a daily basis can have a significant effect on your life, both personally and professionally.
At Sivo Insights we believe that happiness is key when it comes to success. If we didn’t feel engulfed in passion for our work and our clients, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We feel extreme gratitude to do what we love and choose to work with individuals who are equally passionate about what they do. By creating an environment that encourages creativity, excitement, the ability to utilize our talents and pursue our dreams – a culture of happiness is formed. And a happy culture produces happy clients.
There’s no magical equation for achieving happiness. Do more of what makes you happy, be thankful for what you have, and choose to pursue your dreams. At the end of the day happiness is a choice – and only you can make it.
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Posted on February 18, 2015 by Sivo Insights
According to a recent New York Times Article “The Lives Of Millennial Career Jugglers,” today’s youth switches back and forth between different modalities of fulfillment. This new phenomenon has developed a self-proclaimed “slash” mentality; Doctor/Writer, Scientist/Baker, Researcher/Artist, etc. “While one job usually pays the bills, another gig provides a more creative outlet,” points out the author, Sheila Mirakar. “More than hobbyists, these career jugglers consider their cocktail of roles essential to their well-being and dismiss the notion that they ought to focus on one thing for the rest of their adult lives as boring and antiquated.”
Every generation has a unique driving force that shapes their beliefs about life, work and society. The “Greatest Generation” grew of age during war and depression, which generated the value of profound labor to provide for their families. The Baby Boomers, blessed with their parents’ work ethic and a slew of opportunity, carved the pathway to white-collar careers and honored the value of an esteemed education and the pursuit of the American Dream. Though often targeted as a generation penetrated by laziness and indirection, the tides of interest for Millennials have simply shifted.
Rather than “keeping up with the Joneses,” Millennials believe that career juggling necessitates a more minimalistic lifestyle, at least until their creative entrepreneurship takes off, becoming another burgeoning start-up born out of the generation’s creative and technologically-advanced culture. Thus, they invest their resources into products and services that are disposable, community-oriented, and environmentally conscious.
Since permanence is not a priority to this young generation, companies must adjust their marketing efforts to suit the needs of a populace obsessed with the ability to be malleable in their choices.
Those that make it a priority to “keep up with the Millennials,” will have the opportunity to create brand advocates for life. The choice is up to you – adapt, invest, and understand, or risk the chance of getting slashed from the Millennial equation.
~ Marilyn Weiss
President & Founding Partner
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Posted on December 15, 2014 by Sivo Insights
Here at Sivo Insights we subscribe to the mentality that individuals make all the difference. One Sivo team member in particular is making strides to raise awareness about poverty and provide hope in one of the poorest countries in the world.
In 2013, research consultant Julie Monson, and her teenage daughter decided to go on a mission trip to Haiti with the non-profit organization Healing Haiti. During their trip they visited the largest, poorest slum in the western hemisphere, Cite Soleil. Most of those living in Cite Soleil are unemployed and face extreme hunger, gang violence, and high risk of AIDS/HIV.
“There are more than 300,000 people living in3 square miles,” says Monson. “It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The level of poverty, malnutrition and poor living conditions is unspeakable.”
Monson and the Healing Haiti team traveled deep into the heart of Cite Soleil to provide clean water, food, and hope to individuals and families. Following her mission trip, Monson’s heart began to stir with a desire to continue her outreach in Haiti.
After doing some research she soon became involved with Haitian Initiative, a collaboration of partners working together to bring sustainable programs to Haiti using soccer as a catalyst to combat the cycle of poverty. Boys who stay in school and maintain good grades have the opportunity to participate in the soccer program and receive one meal a day provided by Feed My Starving Children. Staying in school is critical to providing the only meal these children get in a day, and avoiding the predominant culture of gang violence in Cite Soleil. The chance to play soccer provides the catalyst to make good choices and stay in school.
For the last two summers, Monson and her family have hosted two boys from the Haitian Initiative soccer program to stay with them in their home for one month.
“The experience was simply life changing. They have such a different life experience than we do,” says Monson. “For them, poverty is not just about lacking financial resources, but the constant presence of hopelessness and spiritual poverty, thinking that their life will never be better.”
For Monson and her family it’s all about creating a real, personal connection and letting these boys know that there is hope. While her experience with Haiti began as a short mission trip, it’s become something much bigger.
“It has become personal for me. There was no way I couldn’t do it again,” says Monson.
In addition to hosting two boys for one month each summer, Monson and her family have also committed to sponsoring the education for three boys and maintaining long-term personal relationships.
While the magnitude of poverty and hunger can seem overwhelming, Monson believes that by helping just one individual, you can make all the difference in the world.
“At the end of the day it’s all about personal relationships and love,” says Monson. “By helping just one person feel loved, you give them hope for a brighter future and a chance at happiness. You have to address the poverty of spirit, not just financial poverty.”
To find out how you can get involved and make a difference in Haiti, visit the links below for more information.
Healing Haiti
Haitian Initiative
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Posted on November 24, 2014 by Sivo Insights
With increasing modes of technology and growing demands in the corporate workplace, our society has failed to contain business-related matters to workdays. Whether it’s sneaking email responses under the dinner table, or texting co-workers right before you go to bed, today’s work climate has produced an inordinate amount of pressure to be “on-call”.
As a busy mom and the owner of a successful market research firm, I too am guilty of contributing to this growing epidemic. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, workers spend more than a quarter of their workweek sifting through emails. Another recent survey revealed that 28% check work email “routinely,” peeking at the phone under the table, and half check it before they get out of bed in the morning.
Though it may seem impossible to limit workplace email during off-hours, its importance has already taken root in several other countries. German companies Volkswagen and Deutsche Telekom for example, have enacted policies limiting work-related emails for employees at night and on weekends. According to a recent article in the New York Times, the Toronto office of Edelman, a global public relations firm, created the “7-to-7” rule where employees are strongly discouraged from emailing one another before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
So how can workers in the United States experience this sort of digital freedom? The change must begin at the top. When a boss regularly sends “high-priority” emails late at night, it indicates a lack of concern for a work-life balance. Limiting these types of off-hours communications is both humane and efficient.
Encouraging employees to experience a healthy work-life balance not only promotes mental health outside of the office – it also promotes a sense of confidence in the workplace. When we have time to decompress, we feel more at ease to make choices and focus on the task at hand. Employees are also more inclined to start using phone calls and face-to-face conversations to resolve issues quickly, rather than relying on email alone.
While the idea of eliminating all off-hours email is a commendable goal, there will always be exceptions to the rule. Whether it’s a company crisis or a high priority deadline, late night communication will occur from time to time. But by leading organizations from the mindset of balance and sanity first, we can create a workplace environment of harmony and success.
So put the phone down, walk away from the computer, and remember it’s not only okay to disconnect; it’s absolutely necessary.
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Posted on October 24, 2014 by Sivo Insights
More often than not, the millennial generation has been portrayed in a less than flattering light. Commonly described as narcissists, unreliable, self absorbed and lackadaisical, this growing cohort lives under a constant microscope of criticism and speculation from the greater world. But perhaps we’ve been getting it all wrong? Currently estimated to number at least 80 million in the United States alone, millennials have become a dominant demographic force, leaving marketers wondering what’s next, and how to connect with this highly influential generation. It’s time to take a deeper look at who they really are.
Having endured the 9/11 terrorist attacks, The Great Recession and one of the worst economic landscapes in decades, millennials grasp the uncertainties of life and wealth. While one might assume that a generation that has lived through such perilous times, would walk away feeling pessimistic and discouraged, the very opposite is true. Instead, “millennials are the nation’s most dogged optimists,” stated a 2010 Pew Research report on millennials subtitled, “Confident. Connected. Open to Change.”
Millennials also have a very different outlook on lifestyle and spending. According to a recent article in the New York Times, “Even in the realm of fashion, many are indifferent to prestige brands and lavish ad campaigns, preferring to buy online or get “disposable” clothing at H & M or Zara, which boasts that its organically farmed cottons are “completely free of pesticides, chemicals and bleach.”
The millennial generation places a high value on sense of community and practicality over name brands and “keeping up with the Joneses.” Instead, there is a much greater emphasis spent focusing on the things that “truly matter” including, happiness, quality of life, health, and contributing to the greater good.
At Sivo Insights many of our own clients are millennials, and those who aren’t recognize the importance of learning more about them. As a company we also acknowledge the significance of the millennial mindset and incorporate many of the same values and beliefs into our own Sivo culture. For example, we donate 3% of all profits to Breast Cancer Research & Screening – so when clients work with us they know they have also participated in contributing to a higher cause.
With a presence exceeding that of the Baby Boomers, this young and hopeful generation will have more influence in the marketplace than ever before as they enter the prime of their adult lives. So what does this mean for marketers? It’s time to invest in your millennial audience now. Know who they are, understand what they want, and arm yourself with the insights you need to adapt with them in the future. It’s time to break the millennial stereotypes and get acquainted with Generation Nice.
~ Marilyn Weiss
President & Founding Partner
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Posted on September 8, 2014 by Sivo Insights
At Sivo Insights we believe that research is about so much more than numbers. It’s about a real human experience and authentic interactions. We also believe that individuals really make all the difference. One team member in particular is not only making a difference in the world of market research, but she’s taking a stance to raise awareness and bring an end to the growing international issue of human trafficking.
Katy Koestler
When Katy Koestler first became aware of human trafficking twelve years ago, she felt a profound calling that she needed to get involved. At the time she was a stay at home mom of three children and wasn’t sure where to start or what she could do to help. After months of research Katy discovered a non-profit organization based out of California called Not For Sale, and decided to dive in and get involved.
“The philosophy of the organization is that everyone can do something. They empower people to make an impact wherever they are at in their life,” says Katy.
With an extensive background as a researcher and brand strategist, Katy put her skills and creative talent to work and created a Not For Sale newsletter for the state of Minnesota.
“Most people are surprised to find out that Minnesota is one of the worst states for human trafficking. We have an international border and an international port in Duluth, and these types of locations become hot spots for smuggling people in and out of the country,” says Katy, “It’s not just happening overseas, it’s happening right in our backyard.”
Another major issue in Minnesota is prostitution, where troubled youth and runaways often fall victim to traffickers. “So many people have the misconception that prostitution is a choice,” says Katy, “However with the average age of entry being 13, these girls are being recruited before they even get a chance to start their lives.”
In addition to raising awareness through the newsletter, Katy also decided to participate in the Not For Sale initiative, Free2Play. Team Free2Play provides support to child victims of human trafficking through physical activity. All of the money that Katy raised from running a marathon went directly to health and sports equipment for victims that had been rescued from the brothels in Vietnam.
Today Katy also works with Source MN, a local non-profit that empowers the at-risk and unreached to make a break from the past and build foundations for the future. Most recently they opened a safe house in the Twin Cities for women coming out of trafficking in Minnesota.
“The safe house provides a place for women who are ready to turn their life around and re-enter society or enter it for the first time,” says Katy. “They provide recovery resources and a supportive community that empowers victims to build a new life.”
Another major component of putting an end to human trafficking is education. Katy regularly speaks at high schools, church groups and community groups to spread the message and educate others about the harsh realities of trafficking and what they can do to get involved.
“Everyone can do something. We just have to ask ourselves, ‘What can I do with where I’m at right now to make a difference?’” says Katy.
For more information about human trafficking visit Source MN or Not for Sale and find out what you can do to make a difference today.
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Posted on July 31, 2014 by Sivo Insights
There’s a lot of talk lately about The Share Economy, but what does it mean for businesses and what can they do to capitalize on this growing trend? One company, Airbnb, a travel website that allows hosts to rent out rooms in their homes to strangers from all over the world, has used the idea of The Share Economy to generate millions of dollars in revenue and has hosted more than 17 million guests to date. So what’s their secret?
According to a recent article in The New York Times, “The short answer is that Airbnb understood that the world was becoming hyperconnected — meaning the technology was there to connect any renter to any tourist or businessperson anywhere on the planet.”
What they did with that understanding was simply genius. By creating a trustworthy platform, they saw that huge value could be created for both parties, and used this concept to create an entirely new way for people to travel. The centerpiece of their multi-million dollar Share Economy concept? Trust. Every member on Airbnb is required to build an online profile to share personal details about themselves in order to establish a certain level of credibility and trust. The more you share – the more likely you are to gain more customers and have a better experience. Honesty = profit. Such a simple concept; yet often overlooked and underused.
What does this mean for marketers and the changing landscape of the economy? According to Bryan Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, “The 21st-century economy will be powered by people. So I will be able to sell something directly to you and delight you and surprise you, and the selection you’ll be able to choose from won’t be 4 but 4,000,000.”
With a rapidly growing number of products and services available to consumers, marketers must prepare themselves to stand above the competition. As The Share Economy continues to grows, we will see a shift away from the one-size-fits-all mentality of major corporations to more personalized products and services that accommodate and suit the individual preferences of consumers. Marketers that arm themselves with a deep understanding of their consumers now, will have the edge and insights they need to build a community of trust in their hyperconnected worlds in the future. Love it or hate it, The Share Economy shows no signs of fading away. If you want to secure your slice of The Share Economy Pie; – it’s time to invest in your consumers and get on board.
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Posted on June 30, 2014 by Sivo Insights
When it comes to storytelling, it’s an all too common instinct for brands to take on the role of hero. However, more and more consumers are seeking to partner with brands that not only provide helpful products or services that “save the day,” but the opportunity to participate in something greater. According to a recent article from Adweek, “Brands that serve the needs of consumers naturally become part of their stories.” So how can brands create opportunities for customers to become the hero?
“You can start by focusing on efforts that rotate your brand from being push-driven and brand-centric (brand as hero) to being experience-based and consumer-engaging (brand as mentor),” says Gaston Legorburu, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer at SapientNitro.
While a hero can swoop in to save the day, a mentor continually provides guidance and helps you accomplish a goal. So rather than simply telling your customers an inspiring story, become their mentor by allowing them to help you bring that story to life.
Companies like Toms Shoes have helped paved the way for the “consumer as hero” experience by allowing their customers to play a significant and personal role in giving back. Their “One for One” model promises that for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair will be given to a disadvantaged child. It’s a tangible way for customers to get involved and know that their purchase decision made a real difference. Everyone wins.
By offering your customers an opportunity to engage and participate in something meaningful also creates a unique sense of empowerment. Consumers that feel empowered are far more likely to develop a personal connection to your brand and share their story with others.
At Sivo Insights we subscribe to the customer as hero approach and put this practice into action. Not only do our clients get to experience the rewards of valuable research and powerful insights, but the benefit of knowing that just by hiring us to do the job, they have also participated in contributing to a higher cause.
Stay tuned for our next Sivo Spotlight newsletter to learn more and find out how Sivo Insights allows our clients to become heroes in action.
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Posted on May 19, 2014 by Sivo Insights
At Sivo Insights, we are proud to work with a versatile blend of researchers, business strategists, and creative talent. Their expertise is impressive, but we are most proud of their individual passions to make a difference in our community. One team member we commend is Jeri Quest, whose role as CEO of Dress for Success Twin Cities provides tremendous support for disadvantaged women.
Dress for Success Twin Cities is a local non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic independence for underprivileged women. For the past five years, Jeri and Dress for Success Twin Cities have been offering professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools. Since January of 2010, they have assisted over 2,000 women with achieving professional success, with a current average of 700 women annually.
“What we do is so much more than clothes,” Jeri says. “It is about helping women get a fresh start and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. The minute she walks in the door, each woman has our continual support.”
Beyond business attire for their first interview, women are introduced to an interview skills program and a professional women’s group, their own network of support for personal growth and development. A mentor program also pairs each woman with a local executive. These Dress for Success programs help women land the job, and then teach them how to be successful in it. Of those who complete the interview skills program, 70% are employed within 90 days of their completion date.
Jeri’s own personal success has given her the ability to help other women thrive. “I feel very fortunate for the business experience that I have had,” she says. “My brand strategy skills have allowed me to run this organization as a business. Dress for Success Twin Cities is doing quite well, especially when you consider that we have grown through a bad economy.”
The organization recently hosted their 5th Annual Sweet Success Luncheon where they raised an incredible $115,000 through ticket and table sales, as well as sponsorships.
Jeri Quest
The passion Jeri exudes for the women of Dress for Success is very inspiring. “The master of ceremonies for our recent luncheon is the most delightful, articulate, bright woman you could ever meet,” Jeri says. “After coming into our program just two years ago, she has become a part-time behavioral therapist with her own radio show. She is also a spokeswoman for us and speaks on behalf of several organizations that are dear to her personally. What she has accomplished in the last two years is absolutely phenomenal. Stories like hers are the reason I do what I do.”
If you are interested in mentoring or volunteering with Dress for Success Twin Cities, visit their website at www.dressforsuccess.org/twincities.
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