Potion Public Relations

07/17/2019

Funny...I especially like the t-shirts.

This exchange between British Vlogger Elle Darby and Paul Stenson, owner of The Charleville Lodge Hotel and The White Moose Café in Dublin, might be the beginning of a backlash against entitled influencers and their habit of asking for freebies in exchange for 'exposure.'

03/01/2019

Ok, I might be the only one who thinks this is funny...but this was at the POST OFFICE. Can you even fathom thinking... “Hmmm...wonder where I should bring my grass clippings. Oh, I know...!...there’s that recycling bin at the post office.”

02/09/2019

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 hours. 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? 😂

01/10/2019

...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. 😂

01/09/2019

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."

11/28/2018

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 bo***ge, choking, and s*x 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?

11/24/2018

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...

05/01/2018

Tiny business experiences I notice: May 1, in a Mexican restaurant when the Mexican pop music switches to a Kenny G Christmas song...and no one twitches. I mean, who cares...but still, I notice.

11/17/2017

Jobs I'm grateful to not have [which also means I'm incredibly grateful to the people who do them]:

Utilities Repair Person
Insurance Adjuster
Garbage Person
App Developer [because I'd be a beginner, I'd likely hear things like..."Dawn, we need you to work on improvements for Angry Birds v. 23.3...fix that pig bug. His trajectory isn't quite right, and also, try and come up with something else to make this game build its relevance."]
IRS Customer Service Representative
..I already have several other challenging jobs such as maid, nurse, pooper scooper...so, just grateful I don't have any of those, too. Happy upcoming Thanksgiving, people.

11/02/2017

Taking some time to reflect on personal, professional and Potion...

10/16/2017

This might feel a bit like A Tale of Two Cities...that it's the best of times and the worst of times...in sharing my good friend Johanna Beyer's brilliant business campaign while people are struggling with so much, but this business is inherently designed for this very purpose: Struggle. Johanna and her partner have created a new, modern Tarot deck [The Head and the Heart Tarot] that is ideal for work and life. Personally, I've found great solace and understanding in Tarot during some of the most difficult times of my life, and I only wish the same for others. If you have a moment, check out their page. I'm also happy to share further glowing thoughts if you're curious...XO

A modern tarot deck designed to ignite deep & meaningful conversations in work & life. | Crowdfunding is a democratic way to support the fundraising needs of your community. Make a contribution today!

09/07/2017

...that feeling after finishing a presentation. It's like I used to feel in college after turning in a paper.