Why the Border Wall Can Bring Positive Change

It's not so much a matter of what the wall will do as much as it is the question what we will do with the wall to make it of more benefit to all of us.

--Arlee Bird

       In my previous post I discussed my vision of how the border wall as described by Donald Trump including it being paid for by Mexico might actually be a practical and a very good idea.  My thinking on this suggests that a beautifully built and highly technological wall would provide economic stimulus and regional development to communities on both sides of the border.  To read more I recommend referring to Can Trump's Border Wall Work? before reading today's post.

 Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim CA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Walt Disney

A Symbol of Two Nations

       There is one more aspect of the "beautiful border wall" that I think is a very positive thing.  It sounds idealistic perhaps, but it makes sense from a certain standpoint of marketing.  What is this idealistic aspect?   I suggest the border wall as a symbol of two nations.

       The traditional symbol for immigrants coming to the United States has been the Statue of Liberty.  This monument was what the new arrivals to be processed through the Ellis Island immigration center would see.  The "Proud Lady of the Harbor" represented life, liberty, and the pursuit of dreams.   An awesome border wall build with aesthetic appeal could likewise become a symbol.

        A wall would initially seem like an unpleasant reminder of exclusion and hardship, but with smooth processing through modern efficient receiving centers located at the welcoming border gateways and vibrant development in the areas along the border wall, the border would become something to which hopeful immigrants would look forward.  This border wall would become famous and become a destination for travelers to just see and marvel.  The wall could become a destination for tourists as well as the crossing point between two great nations.

        Just as the Lady Liberty holds a torch in one hand and a book of law in the other, the wall's official logo might be a similar book of law.   At points along the length of the wall could be beacons or bright displays of light symbolizing illumination of the path as well as the minds of the people.  The development of this great wall perhaps could become like a sort of Disneyland of economic development where cultures would be shared through eating establishments, museums, shopping districts and so on.

       Many when faced with the concept of a border wall are immediately turned off.  They will argue about the expense, the impracticality, the divisiveness, or they might just say it can't be done.  What I've described in my previous post is practical and possible even though at first look it might seem fantasy.   What I've described in the above paragraphs will even be rejected outright as outlandish. Right now the idea is a fantasy in my mind.  I'm not saying that this is what Donald Trump or anyone else has in mind, but I do believe it is something to consider.  What it all comes down to is primarily marketing the idea, creating workable plans, implementing those plans, and then continuing to market the project until it has been widely accepted by most.

          There will always be those who are against any kind of progress, but if we'd listened to the naysayers of the past we'd still be in horse and buggies and there would be no such thing as flying in planes.  The greatest of ideas are almost always rejected as being a bit loony. I've presented a vision now its up to you the reader to decide if you think it is worth discussing.

The problems of the world cannot be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.

--John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963)

Economic Update: Fast Food in My Future

         Last week I talked about the recent business closures in my neighborhood of Staples and an AT&T phone store.  The space previously occupied by Staples shows no indication of any new business moving in, however I noticed that there was a great deal of activity occurring in the much smaller phone store space.  On my morning walk last Thursday morning, I decided to check in to see if I could figure what exactly was going on there.

         As neared the store I could see one of the front doors propped wide open.  I moved in closer to read a notice posted in the window.  There were no clues given as to what was happening since the paper was merely an obligatory posting of a city license allowing the contractors to renovate the store space.  Looking inside I could see that progress was well underway as the entire place was gutted and the new business was being set up.

         Suddenly a friendly looking fellow appeared before me. "It's going to be a Habit Burger."  Seeing my puzzlement he continued, "They're kind of like In-and-Out Burger but less expensive".

         "Habit Burger?" I said.   "I've never heard of them."

          "There are quite a few of them.  We've already installed several locations around L.A."   I don't know if the guy was a construction company foreman or a spokesperson for the hamburger chain.   It was almost like he was doing a sales pitch for the restaurant.  He continued, "The hamburgers are really good.  They also have sides like onion rings."

           He would have to mention onion rings.   I love onion rings.  I also like In-and-Out Burger.   Anyone in California and a few other fortunate localities know this chain which has rabid fans and has been named in many polls as one of America's best hamburgers.   This guys pitch was starting to make my mouth water and my stomach rumble for lunch and it was only 9 AM.  Visions of burgers and onion rings danced in my head.

Check out the review at "Eating Through Roseville"

       
          "You'll have to try them when they open," the unofficial spokesman persisted with a grin.  He could have been one of Santa's helpers with his impish demeanor.

         "Well, I live just across the street so I'm sure I'll be here."  I thanked the fellow for the information and continued on my walk.

          Habit Burger?  Talk about a business name that gets right to the point.  The goal of any fast food restaurant is to get patrons hooked on a habit.   Many of us have become fast food junkies with a habit as bad as any drug addict.   I've never even tasted the food at Habit Burger, yet I'm salivating as I think of it.  My visit to the Habit Burger website didn't help matters.

          After they've opened I'll give you my thoughts on it as well as my observations on my local fast food scene.  The way those contractors are going at it, this Habit location will probably be ready to go in a couple of weeks.  Fast construction for fast food.  Makes total sense to me.

         Here's a promo about the place--you'd think I've got some kind of investment in this establishment the way I'm going on about it:


       
     
          Have you eaten at Habit Burger?    What is your favorite fast food habit?   Do you have any fast food restaurants within easy walking distance from where you live?

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Valuate Everything #atozchallenge

Counting (Photo credit: recurrence)

 
         Promotion can cost not only money, but time.  Your time is worth something.  It's not a bad idea to keep track of how much time you are spending on your promotional endeavors to get a concept of what you're laying out to do your promotions.  Consider how much it might cost you to hire someone to do the work necessary to promote for you.  Can you do the promotion yourself in an equally effective way and do it for less money?

         There are many considerations regarding value in the promotional work.  Think about every possible cost to you from printed materials to office supplies.  Don't forget all of the hidden incidentals like toner or print cartridges.  There's the wear and tear on your vehicle and nice looking clothes for personal appearances.   You might even want to consider the estimated percentage amounts of expenses like your utility or phone bills that might be related to your promotional activity.

          If you are out and about promoting and eating out when you normally wouldn't, then factor in those costs.  Same if you take someone out or are entertaining for promotional purposes.  If you pay for refreshments at a promotional event or have a bowl of candy set out for potential customers, then that's an expense you don't want to forget.

          Keep a good detailed record of every cent you lay out for your promotional activity whether it's something you're doing at home or out on the road.   It's often amazing to realize how much we spend on the things we do especially when it's cash out of pocket.  If you don't write it all down or keep receipts you may wonder where all your money went at the end of the day.

         The advice given here is not intended for actual business purposes.  This is mostly just a fun calculation and you'd want to be careful about what you use for tax deductions.  There are definite ramifications regarding expenses and taxes that can make a big difference when you file your returns.   You want to take advantage of everything you can in order to increase your profit margin.   Consult the tax experts on that aspect of valuating your assets and liabilities.

          Before you delve into serious promotional and marketing efforts, you might want to grab a pencil and paper and start writing out lists and playing with figures.   A lot of this activity might be based on guessing.  The more you consider ahead of time, the better prepared you'll be when you start acting.

          Do you watch your pennies carefully?   When you consider the cost of your promotional activities do you consider the costs that are not most immediate to what you are doing?    Do you hire a tax expert to assist you in filing your taxes?

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