Stop watching others succeed--be your own hero

By John McGory

Stop watching others succeed-be your own hero

Local Matters held a fundraiser last week at Rockmill Brewery that I attended.  They are a local organization all about growing and eating healthy foods, supporting our farmers and reversing the trend of obesity and diabetes.

It is a great organization with laudable goals. I sent them a second check after my modest contribution at the fundraiser because I believe they are doing good things.* 

I’ve been working for the past year on another idea to support local people and healthy ideas.  Orbit Ohio is my new company with the same general goal.  We seek to promote local people and businesses that bring active joy into our lives. That get us off the couch and out enjoying life with those we love.

Why?  Not only do we put too much junk into our bodies, we fill our heads with it as well.  We all spend too much time watching others enjoy life through television, movies, the Internet and sporting events.  We get our “joy” watching others succeed.  It is an unhealthy and disturbing trend.

Orbit Ohio is a free-to-join membership organization that wants to change that trend.  We believe you should be your own hero.  We are building a list of 27 categories of great things to do by talented local people. 

Check us out at www.orbitohio.com and learn more how you can start changing your life.   Or take a look at our vide on Youtube

Don’t waste your life watching others live.  Be your own hero.  Go to our web site and join Orbit Ohio today.  It is free and will only take a few seconds to get active.  Send this to your friends who need to be their own hero as well.  

Let’s help each other find true joy and excitement in life.  Thanks.

Orbit Ohio is a membership organization located in Columbus, Ohio.  It is free to join.

*This blog is not intended to infer that Local Matters endorses Orbit Ohio.

 

  

Orbit Ohio launching August 20, 2013

Add some excitement

Finding great local things to do can be overwhelming.   The Internet is impossible with millions of hits on “finding fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio” and small talented Ohio businesses and artists unable to afford the marketing muscle to attract new customers.  The answer?  Orbit Ohio.

Orbit Ohio, an exciting new concept in entertainment and communications, is set to launch tomorrow, August 20, 2013. 

The company is a membership-based organization that acts as a talent scout, entertainment organizer and scheduler for its members. 

Here are the main components of Orbit Ohio:

1.      It is a membership organization that is free to join.  People can join by going to www.orbitohio.com or learn more by watching our Youtube video  

            http://youtu.be/C3853tOc_TM

2.      It is a talent scout looking for great local experiences throughout Ohio.  The organization finds and markets unique, interesting and fun experiences to its members. 

3.      It negotiates with vendors to get the best prices on experiences and markets them to its members.  The vendors pay a small service fee to Orbit Ohio when members use their services.   

 

4.      It puts the experiences into 27 separate categories that make it easy for members to find local things to do covering a wide-range of experiences.  Go to www.orbitohio.com for a complete list of the 27 categories.

5.      Members sign up for experiences through Orbit Ohio’s easy-to-use scheduler. It allows members to set a date, time and the number of people attending.

6.      Members can review and share experiences with one another.

 “Orbit Ohio’s goal is to be a useful resource by saving our members’ and vendor partners’ time and money.  Our service locates, negotiates a price and markets unique, fun and local experiences to our members.  Our vendors save marketing dollars by having access to our growing membership,” says John McGory, founder of Orbit Ohio. “We want to drive down the cost on both sides of the equation while creating awareness of Ohio’s talent.”

Orbit Ohio’s focus is now on signing up members.  Orbit Ohio has approximately 100 members in its young existence. It is giving away 20 experiences to winners of its “Tell Us What You Want to Do” contest.  Everyone who signs up for a free membership between now and September 30, 2013 is eligible to win.

“We are giving away the types of experiences our members can expect to find at Orbit Ohio.  These will include experiences from Orbit Ohio categories such as Rekindle the Fire, Journeys with a Purpose, Exploring Ohio Cities, Get Your Roar On, The Eye of an Artist and Wow Your Clients,” says McGory.

He is very encouraged by the early response to Orbit Ohio.  The founder believes people are looking for help in finding really unique, local things to do.

“Ohio is full of great local talent who can entertain through culture, food, music and many other ways.  People have a hard time finding great local talent due to all the clutter on the Internet.  We will make it easy for our members and Ohio’s talented artisans to find one another,” remarked McGory.    

McGory says Orbit Ohio’s web site is now a membership recruiting tool.  In early September it will starting listing experiences and allow members to schedule experiences.  He says once it is up and running, Orbit Ohio will be a valuable tool for members and small Ohio businesses.

“People want to enjoy life now. Connecting people looking for fun with those talented people who create fun makes a lot of sense in today’s insanely-busy world.  That is Orbit Ohio,” says McGory.

 

Membership to Orbit Ohio is free.  If you have ways to entertain people and want to be a vendor partner then send us an email at orbitohio@gmail.com.  We are looking for Ohio-based experiences that are unique and fun.  For more information go to our web site at www.orbitohio.com.     

12 Short Tips to be a Winner

John McGory



Be enthusiastic

So you want to be a winner in life?  We all do.  

Winning to us isn’t about having the most money, the biggest house or the flashiest bling.  It is about being the best you can be, enjoying life and being a true friend to others.  It is pretty simple.

So be a friend and send this out to people you care about who can use your help.  Here are 12 Tips on Being a Winner brought to you by Orbit Ohio.  They work for life in general or a specific project, relationship or task. 

12 Tips on Being a Winner

1.       Believe in yourself-your ideas- your goals.  Don’t let others/yourself tell you that you can’t

2.       Be enthusiastic about your life and the lives you touch-share it with them-smile

3.       Create positive momentum-things get better or worse-you choose

4.       Don’t create unrealistic expectations for you or others-they only create fear or anger

5.       Build a strong team where all are important

6.       Work hard-if things go wrong-work harder-continue to learn

7.       Prepare a game plan-continue to revise it as the game changes

8.       Focus on improving yourself-don’t ignore your weaknesses-make them strengths

9.       Use the healing power of physical, mental and spiritual rest and exercise

10.     Don’t get too high or too low-act like you’ve been there

 

11.      Be grateful to-the living, dead and spiritual-who help you along the way.  Give of your yourself to repay them

12.   Keep your head in the game-a few losing plays, days, people in your life or feelings-won’t decide the outcome unless you let them.  Every winner loses along the way

Put these tips into play in your life and you will begin to think like a winner.   Just the act of trying will begin to change your life and the lives of those around you.

Orbit Ohio is a membership-based company for winners.  We are launching September 1, 2013 and our goal is to create one location to find winning, fun things to do in Ohio for our members.  We have 27 categories of great things to do in Ohio.  Be a winner and join Orbit Ohio at www.orbitohio.com  It is FREE to join!       

Too many weekend choices making you anxious and depressed? You're not alone

By John McGory 

Choices.   We make them all the time.  What to do this weekend?  Where to eat?  Who to call?  What to wear?  What to watch on tv?  Where to live and with whom? Americans have more freedom than every before in choosing what to do. Has it made us any happier?  Most likely the answer is no.

Take a look at your plans for the first weekend in August.  Is it something new and exciting?  Or is it something you’ve done over and over again and will continue to do?  Does the decision make you depressed or anxious?  Is another lousy weekend on tap? 

Same thing over and over?

This conflict of choice affects us all.  In a region like central Ohio, there are literally thousands of things to do every weekend.    You name the activity and it is out there somewhere.  Type in "fun things to do in central Ohio" and you'll come up with 9 million hits. 

But that many choices can make many people depressed, anxious or wondering if they made the right choice.

This unlimited selection of things to do is both wonderful and problematic.  Numerous studies show that an overload of choices may actually paralyze people, make them depressed or make them do what they always do. 

The choice between thousands of things and what you always do is often an easy one for some.  They will stick with what they know over and over again.  You can set your watch by their lives.  They will remain in their rut because they view it as safe.

The people who do new and exciting things find themselves wondering if they made the right choice.  To find them look at a dating service like Match.com and you will see thousands of people who continually look for someone better.  It is an endless circle of choice while happiness and satisfaction remain very elusive to them.

Next time you go to dinner with several people listen to the conversation. You will see both personality types at the table.  The discussion is always the same.  One group of people say “I always get the club sandwich” while the others say “I tried the calf liver but think the mahi-mahi would have been better.”

It is easy to put your friends and yourself into one of the two categories.  The calf liver people are always looking for something new and exciting to do this weekend and usually feel as if they made the wrong choice.    And the club sandwich people want to do what they did last weekend and, probably next weekend, feel as if they are in a rut.

Too many choices?

Where is this problem of choice leading Americans?

Psychologists David Myers and Robert Lane both conclude that the abundance of choice often leads to depression and feelings of loneliness.  Lane believes Americans are paying for increased influence and freedom with a substantial decrease in the quality and quantity of community. 

What was once given by family, neighborhood and workplace now must be achieved on an individual basis.  People’s lives are made up less of the community and more of demanding individual choices.

So what are you doing this weekend?  The same old, same old or something new that makes you feel as if you missed something else?  Maybe it is time to think about that question a little deeper and see what you are missing in your life.

Orbit Ohio is a new membership organization.  We will promote great things to do that will build your community and add fun and meaning to your life.  Take a look at our short video on things to do and keep your eye on Orbit Ohio as it sets to launch its new entertainment concept September 1, 2013.  To learn more and to sign up as a charter member go to www.orbitohio.com  The membership is free! 

Who are you? Bored, boring or both? 12 ways to know if you need help

By John McGory

 
Being fun, spontaneous and exciting is what people want to be.  Unfortunately, we are more likely to be bored, boring or both.  Which one of these statements apply to you?



We are drifting apart

“I am always setting up things to do for my friends. It is hard to come up with good ideas.”



“I have a problem finding things to do in Columbus with my other half. We keep doing the same things over and over.  I am afraid we are drifting apart.”

"I really want to impress her.  Where is a convenient website that will tell me where to find romantic things to do?"

“My boss wants me to 'wow' some clients.  I don't have a clue.”

“I have too many demands during the day to find the time to research websites and newspapers for things to do. Where can I get the time?”

“It’s the same old bar scenes and bands I’ve seen a thousand times. I am so done with it! It is time for a new challenge.“

“I am the one who always has to answer the question, ‘So what do you want to do?’ When I make a suggestion everyone complains.”

“Relatives come to town and there is nothing fun for them to do. It makes for a long three days, especially during the holidays.”

“Too much stress in my life and I’d love to find places to take the dogs and get away.  Someplace close by but far away from the daily grind.”

“Both TVs are always on. I need to figure out a way to turn them off once in awhile and get out of the house.”

Is it my fault?

“It is my turn to plan “Girls Night Out.” I’d die to find someone to pamper us for a few hours.”

“Meaningful relationships are built on doing things together. Is it my fault we can’t find things to do that make a difference?”

Finding entertaining things to do goes much deeper than filling time on a Friday evening. It is what defines us as individuals, couples, families and friends. 

If you relate to any of the scenarios above (and if you are honest, you do), then you know how hard it is to fulfill people’s expectations.  Every time you go out with someone there is a level of entertainment expectation. 

You pick the (fill in the blank) movie, restaurant, band, bar, park or activity. Do your guests enjoy themselves, grin and bear it, roll their eyes or simply call you a bore?

The pressure to come up with new and creative things to do is not just a social challenge but one that impacts relationships.

Ian Robertson, PhD, said in the January 2013 edition of Psychology Today that personalized experiences mean a lot more because they have a purpose.  It is like giving a gift to others.

“We pay attention to-and hence remember-things, people and events that are linked to our own personal goals and interests. And this is why we likely remember much more of-and hence be more stimulated and refreshed by-a journey with a purpose,” said Robertson.

 
Orbit Ohio's goals?  Journeys with a purpose.   Entertainment with an edge.  Rekindle the fire. The unique and unusal.  No more of the same old, same old.  Convenient and easy to use.  Your spot to find truly out-of-sight experiences in Ohio.  Orbit Ohio will soon start prelaunch.   Join us as we create a new concept in entertainment.

 

Our future cities: Applebee's, farmers/flea markets and UPS trucks

By John McGory

 

Last week our blog discussed whether small Ohio downtowns were dying due to the impact of Internet commerce or if creativity could keep them alive.  One of the towns mentioned was Westerville, my home town. 

Yesterday at the library I noticed that last week’s Business First of Columbus had a front-page spread on how great Westerville’s core business area was doing. 

Well, we both can’t be right.  So let’s dig a little deeper into the impact of the Internet on bricks-and-mortar business locations. 

It wasn’t that long ago when headlines across America screamed that big-box retailers were the end of small downtowns and mom-and-pop businesses.  Large selections and low prices were kicking small town businesses where it hurt.  City councils and zoning commissions made life hell for those looking to locate a WalMart or Best Buy in their towns.


The superstore isn't so super anymore

Fast forward to today and look at what is happening to those same big box retailers:

The office supply retailer, Staples, is reducing the size of 39 of its 440 stores by about 10,000 square feet apiece.  They plan on subletting the space to other tenants including Amazon.com.  Amazon plans on installing lockers for customers to pick up online orders.

Best Buy is closing 15 of its 230 stores.

Office Max and Office Depot merged.

WalMart is testing the use of lockers for online purchases by its customers.  It is also substantially increasing its online selections. 

The US Census had retail e-comerce increasing approximately 16 percent from 2011 to 2012. 

The bottom line is big box retailers hurt small town America with lower prices and greater selection.  Big box retailers are now getting a taste of their own medicine through Internet competition.  They cannot compete with the Internet’s array of products and services, the selection and price. If big boxes were bad for small towns, then the Internet is ominous.

The problem for not only small town Ohio but strip center owners, suburbia and job seekers is the array of services and products online continue to grow.  We outlined last week a number of typical small town bricks-and-mortar businesses that are getting pummeled by the Internet.  That list will grow.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

I live in Uptown Westerville and love it.  I patronize our businesses and have brought a substantial amount of business to town through events.  But it is painfully obvious that our community and communities around the world have to wake up to reality.

People aren’t riding into town once a month to pick up their fixins’ anymore.  Small downtowns and brave store owners need to draw people through events and entertainment or face a slow and painful death.


So I was wrong.  The Internet isn’t only killing small downtowns but it has its eye on malls, strip centers, suburbia and jobs.   It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out stuff is cheaper if you don't have a store and employees.

The only way to fight it is through creativity.  People will come out if the allure is great enough.  Without some sizzle our small towns will consist of McDonalds, Applebee’s, several churches, farmers and flea markets, a BP gas station and a lot of UPS trucks. And that is depressing. 

FYF Events is a central Ohio promotions/event company that promotes being Forever Young and Fun. We create, partner, organize and manage events for business and pleasure. Contact John McGory at fyfevents@gmail.com 614-581-3610 or on Twitter@FYFEvents. We love small businesses!

Is small downtown Ohio dying?

By John McGory

More signs popping up

Is small downtown Ohio dying?  Is “eventing life” the only hope to bring back excitement and customers?

Small downtown Ohio is going through another tough stretch.  Vacant store fronts are growing in numbers in downtowns such as Bexley and Westerville.  If urban living is more hip than ever then what gives?

Starting in the 1960s, small town Ohio began to take it on the chin from new suburban shopping centers.  Large chains such as JC Penney, Sears and Kroger began putting small town shops out of business with larger selections and lower prices.

Small downtowns deteriorated until public and private dollars began to revitalize them in the 1990s and 2000s.  Customers came back but in small numbers and most towns continued to see a brisk turnover in shops.

Today towns face a growing number of shops closing without replacements.  Why?  Internet shopping is the culprit.

Let’s take a look at a few typical small town businesses and today’s competition: 

The eye doctor is competing against Zenni.com where you can get a pair of prescription glasses for $8

Book stores are going up against Amazon.com and digital books

Furniture stores are competing with manufacturer-direct operations

Online and insurance company pharmacies are taken a huge bite out the local market

Wine, cigars, wedding dresses and real estate agents can all be found online

Online banking is reducing the need for local bank branches

Can small businesses and communities fight back?  Not on price or convenience.  Internet shopping has forever changed the pricing and selection landscape.  Many items are simply going to be cheaper and with more options online than in a small store or even many larger ones.

Eventing life can fill the streets

The only advantage the actual stores have is the ability for people to personally “experience” the buying process.  Our company talks about “eventing life.”  Small town Ohio and many other small towns across the world are going to have to embrace this concept. 

What is eventing life?  Towns and stores are going to have to continually create reasons for customers to come in to shop. 

These can’t be once-a-month affairs.  It has to be a steady stream of events that get people off their computers and into the streets.  It is going to take a real effort to create a new sense of community.

This is the only hope for small towns and local businesses.  Without a strategic plan to attract, entertain and sell customers on paying a little more for the experience of shopping in downtown Ohio, the time has come to turn out the downtown lights.   

FYF Events is a central Ohio promotions/event company that promotes being Forever Young and Fun. We create, partner, organize and manage events for business and pleasure. Contact John McGory at fyfevents@gmail.com 614-581-3610 or on Twitter@FYFEvents. We love small businesses!