At first glance, the latest Lonehill email letter - Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 4:02 PM - announcing 'Another Great Fun Day' conveys all the right messages to sponsors and key people responsible for the day... and rightly so. It looked pretty impressive.
Even more heartening is the announcement that 'substantial funds' were raised, which 'the LRA Board has decided will go towards purchasing much needed equipment and supplies for the Witkoppen Clinic on William Nicol Drive'. CHARITY has always been one of the key drivers of this initiative.
However, my antennae (or hackles) raise when I see a total lack of specifics on reporting of the funds raised on such a day.
I almost didn't comment on this, at first feeling to myself - '..so who really cares..?'.
Well, I recognise that for one having been so committed to this community initiative that such feeling is a very dangerous sign of apathy setting in. And, if that is how I feel, how do people feel who are not as slightly passionate about this initiative as I... ?
So here's my warning to the LRA... lack of transparency will lose you the good ground you are reclaiming.
A simple transparent accounting report on the Fun Day could have said something like this: '..2000 paying entrants attended, R60000 was raised, R30 000 has been donated to X on behalf of the Lonehill Community... and R30 000 has gone to purchasing new mowers for our environment efforts.'
Community reporting of such initiatives should be OPEN & TRANSPARENT to a fault.
As should monthly directors meetings, financials, regular update of contributor numbers, and key highlights and concerns, be regularly reported openly to all stakeholders. It is a COMMUNITY initiative, after all.
When transparency is lacking... apathy is fuelled.
Methinks it is about time for another OPEN LRA feedback meeting for its publics. But this time, allow the stakeholders to ask their questions and debate issues that they want to debate.... with the LRA directors listening, answering questions and learning what their community wants. This aside from the 'ALL STAKEHOLDERS' concerted input session that I continually call for on this blog.
And talk about raising my hackles. The abovementioned email also once again highlighted the laughable and inept mediocrity of our internal approach to the standards of marketing required of this initiative when they say goodbye to... 'our marketing guru'..!
Well, knock me over with a feather, this commment must have been written by our phantom 'communications guru'. The one we've never had, which has been the other long-standing achilles heel of our initiative.
I for one think that it is a great injustice to lump one of the most disturbingly consistent INEPTITUDES of recent LRA Boards onto the shoulders of a nice young lady with a simple penchant for newsletter compilation, graphic design and advertising.
The biggest problem created in the recent past is precisely because too many inept people have considered themselves to be local 'marketing gurus' with self-proclaimed maketing degrees and/or corporate marketing experience who felt that they were ordained to experiment with our LRA funds... and who have sadly delivered diddly-squat of any major marketing import that can be pointed to in the past three odd years. In fact, most of our community initiative's money squandered has been due to the amateurish marketing ignorance and arrogance of these 'marketing gurus'.
Lack of transparency of reporting of update and/or new contributor numbers and contribution to bottom-line profitability generated from each LRA 'marketing campaign' consistently fails to acknowledge any accountability for good or poor performance from the funds spent on these 'gurus' foibles. Quote: 'Good marketers measure'. Seth Godin.
The acknowledged marketing guru of the 20th century - Philip Kotler - puts the problem like this: 'Marketing professionals lack accountability and hence take short term decisions.' The LRA can get a clue of what marketing skill is really required for this community initiative in this extract from the article 5 Lessons From Philip Kotler - 'Kotler recommends the creation of a marketing scorecard that captures the number of new customers added every year, measures the satisfaction level of current customers and indicates the brand health'.
The community grapevine has it that those responsible for the inept deliverables pointed to in these blog posts are being found out - slowly but surely. Would be neat to hear our LRA directors openly highlighting what is really happening within our management structures rather than leaving it to the grapevine to buzz wih conjecture. I repeat, I stand by every comment made in these blogs... and until the inept areas of delivery are removed from the LRA operating structures we will continue to dumb-down our community initiative to the mediocre standards of those responsible and struggle to cross the chasm to be the quality of initiative that we can be. The LRA strategy should be to remove the weak and bring on the strong. Our families lives depend on it.
But then... why should I care?
Regards
Trevor Nel - 011 705-2790
Lonehill Resident
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Monday, September 24, 2007
George Joubert Writes: Well said! You are SOOOOO right!
Hi Trevor,
Well said! You are SOOOOO right!
However, I do believe that the MAGIC of communication with the market, total transparency and being willing to accept advice or recommendations from the marketplace is sorely missing!
The Devil as we marketers know is always in the DETAIL!!!
I do, however, disagree with you that everything is hunky dory in the land of Lonehill! (For the record, never said 'everything is hunky dory', am complimenting where compliments are due. TN)
Yes, there have been subtle improvements over the previous regime’s efforts but like in any failing business, if one reaches rock bottom there can ONLY be one way to go and that is up or one closes down! The bar has NOT been raised far enough I am afraid to say!
Our security costs for the service deliverance we receive are far too high! Studio Park has just been slapped with an eight per cent. increase for a couple of guards at the gate who push a remote to open the booms. Yet Fidelity refuse to help me implement a wheel-clamping procedure for the illegal parkers! I have to take the criticism, “parking rage” outbursts from the owners and tenants!
The LRA have not reached the standards and the vision that the likes of you and the originators of LSAG set almost eight year’s ago!
I see minor cosmetic changes being worked on like best garden prizes, cheaper AA rates (are most of us aware that this is probably covered by our motor insurance policies?), WiFI and lucky draws but what about the thieving, hijacking, robberies, ill-will, the noise and dog pollution (both ends) that abounds and what about those who benefit from the security initiative and are not members of the LRA? Are these figures even available?
This is still very evident from where I sit as Chairman of Studio Office Park Owner’s Association and as a Director of our cluster home Section 21 Company.
I, personally, have had two instances in the past two week’s of a vagrant just walking into my back garden after having breached the front gate system! He followed one of the residents into the complex!
My wife is on her own there during the day but thank goodness for our Bull Terrier which does not cost us over R15,400 a month (the cost of the guard’s at the Studio Park gate)!
Let the LRA do a survey in those two areas alone and I think they will be shocked by the outcome. What ever happened to the Lonehill “temperature survey” that was mooted?
An example of how details are being allowed to erode in Lonehill are the “booms” that were placed across pathways -- to stop the irritating off-road racers – which are broken in many places!
Dumping is taking place all around us!
The other smaller Lonehill “dam” is a disgrace!
Perhaps those who have not lived in Lonehill as long as I have, have not seen how pretty it was with clear water and beautiful reeds and brimming with bird life!
The ESCOM sub-station at the end of Concourse Crescent, is not going to enhance its immediate surrounds once completed unless action is taken immediately. The fence Escom have placed around it has all but blocked that bridle path used by many in the past.
The bridle paths are overgrown with weeds and rubbish!
Take a walk up the one that runs from opposite Fabz’s Estate. Someone has placed a fence across the top end which now prevents one using that bridle path!
Is this legal?
Incidentally, Fabz has been sold and if the LRA were on the ball they would start discussion with the new owners right away!
I know that this communiqué will again be construed as negative criticism but as you and many are aware, I have never been one to shut-up when justice needs to be done!
I would also like to ensure that “OUR” (the residents’ asset) now worth in excess of R3.2-million is “protected” in the future! Once the “old-timers” who know the true Lonehill security story are lost in the mists of time! It is not good enough to just say that it can only be bought by a similar organization to the LRA! How does that protect OUR investment? What if the LRA is disbanded?
The original LSAG’s (Lonehill Security Action Group) members’ money was used to pay for that asset!
And I could go on and on!
Have a great day!
You may post this on your blog if you like! It is food for thought by all thinking Lonehillers!
Regards,
George
George L Joubert
Managing Director
Ambis Group (Pty) Ltd.
Tel +27 (0) 11 465 5930
Fax +27 (0) 11 465 1048
Mobile +27 (0) 83 250 6251
Website - http://www.ambis-sa.com
Email - George@Ambis-sa.com
Well said! You are SOOOOO right!
However, I do believe that the MAGIC of communication with the market, total transparency and being willing to accept advice or recommendations from the marketplace is sorely missing!
The Devil as we marketers know is always in the DETAIL!!!
I do, however, disagree with you that everything is hunky dory in the land of Lonehill! (For the record, never said 'everything is hunky dory', am complimenting where compliments are due. TN)
Yes, there have been subtle improvements over the previous regime’s efforts but like in any failing business, if one reaches rock bottom there can ONLY be one way to go and that is up or one closes down! The bar has NOT been raised far enough I am afraid to say!
Our security costs for the service deliverance we receive are far too high! Studio Park has just been slapped with an eight per cent. increase for a couple of guards at the gate who push a remote to open the booms. Yet Fidelity refuse to help me implement a wheel-clamping procedure for the illegal parkers! I have to take the criticism, “parking rage” outbursts from the owners and tenants!
The LRA have not reached the standards and the vision that the likes of you and the originators of LSAG set almost eight year’s ago!
I see minor cosmetic changes being worked on like best garden prizes, cheaper AA rates (are most of us aware that this is probably covered by our motor insurance policies?), WiFI and lucky draws but what about the thieving, hijacking, robberies, ill-will, the noise and dog pollution (both ends) that abounds and what about those who benefit from the security initiative and are not members of the LRA? Are these figures even available?
This is still very evident from where I sit as Chairman of Studio Office Park Owner’s Association and as a Director of our cluster home Section 21 Company.
I, personally, have had two instances in the past two week’s of a vagrant just walking into my back garden after having breached the front gate system! He followed one of the residents into the complex!
My wife is on her own there during the day but thank goodness for our Bull Terrier which does not cost us over R15,400 a month (the cost of the guard’s at the Studio Park gate)!
Let the LRA do a survey in those two areas alone and I think they will be shocked by the outcome. What ever happened to the Lonehill “temperature survey” that was mooted?
An example of how details are being allowed to erode in Lonehill are the “booms” that were placed across pathways -- to stop the irritating off-road racers – which are broken in many places!
Dumping is taking place all around us!
The other smaller Lonehill “dam” is a disgrace!
Perhaps those who have not lived in Lonehill as long as I have, have not seen how pretty it was with clear water and beautiful reeds and brimming with bird life!
The ESCOM sub-station at the end of Concourse Crescent, is not going to enhance its immediate surrounds once completed unless action is taken immediately. The fence Escom have placed around it has all but blocked that bridle path used by many in the past.
The bridle paths are overgrown with weeds and rubbish!
Take a walk up the one that runs from opposite Fabz’s Estate. Someone has placed a fence across the top end which now prevents one using that bridle path!
Is this legal?
Incidentally, Fabz has been sold and if the LRA were on the ball they would start discussion with the new owners right away!
I know that this communiqué will again be construed as negative criticism but as you and many are aware, I have never been one to shut-up when justice needs to be done!
I would also like to ensure that “OUR” (the residents’ asset) now worth in excess of R3.2-million is “protected” in the future! Once the “old-timers” who know the true Lonehill security story are lost in the mists of time! It is not good enough to just say that it can only be bought by a similar organization to the LRA! How does that protect OUR investment? What if the LRA is disbanded?
The original LSAG’s (Lonehill Security Action Group) members’ money was used to pay for that asset!
And I could go on and on!
Have a great day!
You may post this on your blog if you like! It is food for thought by all thinking Lonehillers!
Regards,
George
George L Joubert
Managing Director
Ambis Group (Pty) Ltd.
Tel +27 (0) 11 465 5930
Fax +27 (0) 11 465 1048
Mobile +27 (0) 83 250 6251
Website - http://www.ambis-sa.com
Email - George@Ambis-sa.com
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Lonehill: Fun Day - Pretty Impressive
Had the opportunity, last Sunday, to spend a couple of hours at the Lonehill Fun Day talking to over a 100 Lonehillers (was conducting a little survey of my own). The current board of directors can take a well-deserved pat on the back for earning almost 100% praise and approval for the current state of Lonehill from those I chatted to.
Shelly Miller needs to take a bow for getting the fun day offering back to some of the key elements that made the first fun day back in 2001 such an initial charity-donating success. I suspect that this one will have got close, if not having surpassed the funds donated from that first event.
Also had occasion to bump into LRA directors Rob Gillespie, Ray Stride, Hamish McBain, Avi Naidoo and Ian Temba at the LRA tent... and it continues to be clear to me that this 'new' core of directors have succeeded in pulling the LRA back to the edge of the chasm - see Lonehill - At The Edge Of The CHASM, Once Again!
In the above link, I pointed out how and why a previous board had missed the opportunity of crossing-the-chasm resulting in Lonehill falling headlong into the chasm, and what is needed for this new team to take the bull by the horns to cross the chasm to the community we really can become.
My gut is seldom wrong when it comes to analysing what is needed to make business projects hum... and as I looked at the obvious efforts of this new team, it was clear to see what is still missing. It is a little thing, almost imperceptible, but as important as the little key that turns your car engine. Without it you get nowhere. It's the the little bit of magic, the little spark, the little bit of marketing chutzpah, the little bit of flair, the little bit of action-oriented goal-driven activity to achieve the results targeted.
On Sunday, just one subtle preparatory twist could have resulted in everyone's details being collected and the Envirofund offer being pitched assertively to a market pumped up with good feeling and goodwill. So, I saw a huge opportunity lost to build some important contributor numbers. The foundation appears to be getting back up to scratch, but it's that finishing touch that makes the difference that is still missing. And the answer lies within this community.
Again, this is not intended as blunt criticism... I just don't believe that the current directors are yet mustering all the resources at their fingertips to make the giant leap across the chasm that can be taken. This opportunity to make a giant leap across the chasm to make Lonehill a truly amazing community was missed once before, and Lonehill's efforts went backwards. Don't allow it to happen again. Make it grow to BIGGER than anyone can imagine. Oh please, LRA directors, don't rest on your laurels now.
Oh yes, I see the little things being done that is indicative of someone providing good management where it wasn't before. I see the 'singular' apostrophe removed from the logo on some of the newer marketing collateral. I see the new marketing collateral. the small things do count towards the massive improvement in security and environment that is clear to see. These are all very important and deserving of positive kudos.
But, it is the little bit of MAGIC that has not yet been applied... and that magic IS available in the community... just call that INDABA of seriously interested stakeholders together...!
Nevertheless, the Lonehill Community Fun Day looked pretty impressive. Well done.
Regards
Trevor Nel - 011 705-2790
Lonehill Resident
Shelly Miller needs to take a bow for getting the fun day offering back to some of the key elements that made the first fun day back in 2001 such an initial charity-donating success. I suspect that this one will have got close, if not having surpassed the funds donated from that first event.
Also had occasion to bump into LRA directors Rob Gillespie, Ray Stride, Hamish McBain, Avi Naidoo and Ian Temba at the LRA tent... and it continues to be clear to me that this 'new' core of directors have succeeded in pulling the LRA back to the edge of the chasm - see Lonehill - At The Edge Of The CHASM, Once Again!
In the above link, I pointed out how and why a previous board had missed the opportunity of crossing-the-chasm resulting in Lonehill falling headlong into the chasm, and what is needed for this new team to take the bull by the horns to cross the chasm to the community we really can become.
My gut is seldom wrong when it comes to analysing what is needed to make business projects hum... and as I looked at the obvious efforts of this new team, it was clear to see what is still missing. It is a little thing, almost imperceptible, but as important as the little key that turns your car engine. Without it you get nowhere. It's the the little bit of magic, the little spark, the little bit of marketing chutzpah, the little bit of flair, the little bit of action-oriented goal-driven activity to achieve the results targeted.
On Sunday, just one subtle preparatory twist could have resulted in everyone's details being collected and the Envirofund offer being pitched assertively to a market pumped up with good feeling and goodwill. So, I saw a huge opportunity lost to build some important contributor numbers. The foundation appears to be getting back up to scratch, but it's that finishing touch that makes the difference that is still missing. And the answer lies within this community.
Again, this is not intended as blunt criticism... I just don't believe that the current directors are yet mustering all the resources at their fingertips to make the giant leap across the chasm that can be taken. This opportunity to make a giant leap across the chasm to make Lonehill a truly amazing community was missed once before, and Lonehill's efforts went backwards. Don't allow it to happen again. Make it grow to BIGGER than anyone can imagine. Oh please, LRA directors, don't rest on your laurels now.
Oh yes, I see the little things being done that is indicative of someone providing good management where it wasn't before. I see the 'singular' apostrophe removed from the logo on some of the newer marketing collateral. I see the new marketing collateral. the small things do count towards the massive improvement in security and environment that is clear to see. These are all very important and deserving of positive kudos.
But, it is the little bit of MAGIC that has not yet been applied... and that magic IS available in the community... just call that INDABA of seriously interested stakeholders together...!
Nevertheless, the Lonehill Community Fun Day looked pretty impressive. Well done.
Regards
Trevor Nel - 011 705-2790
Lonehill Resident
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