Oh to be a player/owner in the NBA or maybe having a stake in MLSE. If you were fortunate enough to be a part of the aforementioned money machines you wouldn’t have to worry about little nuisances, like the global economy.  As Greece and the rest of Europe face possible ruin the NBA owners and players finally agreed on a way to divi up $3 billion.  Thank god because I was starting to worry how players in the NBA could possibly get by with an average salary of, gulp, $5 million per annum.  But I need not fret, the NBA strike is over and now the millionaires and billionaires can rejoice as the lemmings flock back to watch a little b-ball. (more…)

Another CAAMP conference (Mortgage Forum 2011) has come and gone, and I’m looking forward to catching up on some sleep.  The sleep deprivation has nothing to do with indulging.  On the contrary, I was a good boy during the conference,  and even if I was tempted by all the distractions logic dictated discipline.  The meetings seemed endless during the conference, and no complaints on my part.  I signed up for the gig.  But I can take a deep breath now that the conference is over.

The Mortgage Forum 2011 was significantly different than the previous conferences.  There’s always a risk in trying something different but when you balance that against what could be, well, you have to go for it. (more…)

At the CAAMP Mortgage Forum 2011. It’s an amazing conference!

Until next time,

Cheers

Our want for our employees success can never be greater than their own desire to be successful.

I was just reflecting about all the changes that have taken place at Merix Financial over the past 12 months.  There is no doubt that 2011 was a transitional year for Merix.  The two significant areas of focus was the implementation of new technology, and a restructuring of the Merix Team.  I would rather not get into the technology issues we faced this year because I’m having a good day.  No need to spoil it.  The human capital issue is top of mind for me because our staff is getting together prior to the CAAMP Mortgage Forum to set objectives for 2012. (more…)

As you read this blog I’m sure you’ve noticed some changes.  The look and feel of the blog has been completely revamped.  A decision was made a few months  ago to give the blog a face-lift.  Why?  That’s what happens when the person who manages the functionality of the blog, and was responsible for the creation of the blog in the first place, is a perfectionist.  So if you like the look, it’s all Leeanne O’Brien, our Social Media and Communications Specialist.  If you don’t like the look, it’s all my fault.

This blogging thing has taken me by surprise. (more…)

Why is that we have to make things so difficult.  Sometimes the answer is simple, and the solution stares you in the face.  Yet for many in our society the obvious is too easy and they would rather debate and bludgeon us with theory.   The poppy is now being debated.  Should we wear one or not?  Does it glorify war?  Should we wear a white poppy which denotes peace?   I guess we’ve solved all the world’s problem that it’s time now to debate the poppy. (more…)

As the Greek economic tragedy unfolds before our very eyes, you may have missed that a Canadian has  been asked to come in and help clean up the mess.  Mark Carney, Bank of Canada Governor, was appointed head of the G20 Financial Stability Board.  The FSB will be responsible to bring in more regulations and oversight to world markets.  (more…)

Normally when you think of politicians the word brilliant does not come to mind.  There’s an appreciable difference between being a brilliant politician and an effective legislator.  You can be a brilliant politician and do nothing for the people you serve.  Brilliant politicians know how to play the game.  One of the best game players was President Bill Clinton.  Think of the scandals he faced, as well impeachment proceedings, and he walked away from it all, unscathed.  Some might suggest that his reputation have forever been tarnished.  (more…)

There’s little doubt today that digital advertising is here to stay.  This is no fad, and if you fight or attempt to resist digital advertising you do so at your own peril.  The challenge is how do you measure the effectiveness of digital advertising, and how can you monetize it?  Calculating what your ROI is on advertising is critical, and given that digital advertising is still relatively new, a leap of faith is required.   That’s somewhat risky but to not get in the game at all poses even greater risks to your business. (more…)