The Merrill Dubrow Blog

Attention Parents: Children And Mobile Phones – When Does That Combination Work?

February 8th, 2010

Recently I read a very interesting article about children and mobile phone usage. As my kids get older I have been thinking about when they should have a cell phone and for what purpose. Meaning to stay in contact with their parents, their friends, play games, listen to music or 20 other things?

Americans are beginning their "always-on" habits at a younger and younger age, according to the "American Kids Study" from Mediamark Research & Intelligence’s (MRI’s) as reported by eMarketer.

I was shocked to read that more than one-third of 10-to-11-year-olds in the US owned a mobile phone in 2009, compared with 20% in 2005. That is a huge increase over a 4 year period. Ownership among kids ages 6 to 11 rose from 11.9% to 20% over the same time period.

It was also interesting to read that in 2007, ownership among boys was 12.4%, while 18.6% of girls had a mobile phone. I assume this has more to do with security than maturity?
Penetration increased for both groups, but ownership among males increased faster, helping them catch up and narrow the gender gap to 18.3% versus 21.8%.

"Preliminary data suggests that boys and girls may use their phones differently," noted Anne Marie Kelly, SVP, marketing and strategic planning at MRI, in a statement. "Girls are more apt to make calls and send text messages while boys are more likely to instant message, access the Internet and download games, music and video."

What do you think is the perfect age for your child to have a cell phone?
Does it differ by gender?
Do you restrict their usage to certain times of the day?
What applications like texting, music, and games do you allow them to have?

I look forward to reading your comments.

Posted in Life | Post Comments
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Quick Friday Humor: The Economy Is So Bad That . . .

February 5th, 2010

If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM and Chrysler.
Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.
The Mafia is laying off judges.
Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.
Congress says they are looking into the Bernard Madoff scandal. So that means the guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!
Do you have a funny ending to this sentence: "The Economy Is So Bad That . . ."

Please let me know if you chuckled at least for a few seconds?

Also what was your favorite?

I look forward to reading your comments.

Posted in Friday Fun | Post Comments
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What Is Your Favorite Building You Have Ever Been In?

February 3rd, 2010

Last month the Burj Dubai opened its doors for the first time as the tallest building in the world. This structure stands at 2,684 feet – yes you heard that number correctly. I was totally amazed at how big it is certainly, but was really amazed and impressed that it is 955 feet taller than the world’s second tallest building–which is the Willis Tower in Chicago.

I started to think about buildings and structures and think about what are some of the coolest/nicest/most beautiful that I have ever been in.

Here are a few that I have on my list:

The Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco is not only a beautiful structure but the view from the top floors is amazing.
The John Hancock Building. I truly love the structure and the fact that it towers above Lake Michigan. The views from the observatory are very special.
A few buildings that really aren’t that tall but I enjoy going to are The Wrigley Building in Chicago and St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. I love the architecture and attention to detail that both buildings pose.

Now your turn:

What is the tallest building you have ever been in?
What building has the nicest view from the top floor?
What are some of your favorite buildings for architecture?

I look forward to reading your comments.

Posted in General Comments | Post Comments
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What Is Your Prediction For The Super Bowl?

February 1st, 2010

Ok the final stage is set. We now know that the Indianapolis Colts will be playing the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl. The question is what will happen?

Will it be an offensive show?
Will Peyton Manning and Drew Brees each throw for over 300 yards?
Does Reggie Bush fumble or score 3 touchdowns?
Does Colston have a big day?
Does either defense step up to the plate and stop anyone?
Who do you think will be the MVP?
Who wins the game?

Ok, readers. I have obviously asked a lot of questions. Here is what I think will happen: Both offense units come out on fire. They score early and often and I could see the first quarter ending with a total of 21 points. At the end of the day the Colts win 35-31 in a great game! The MVP will be the QB of course. Mr. Manning will throw for over 375 yards.

Ok your turn. What do you think will happen in the big game?

I look forward to reading your predictions.

Posted in Sports | Post Comments
14 Reader Comments »

Would Love To Get To Know You A Little Bit Better – Take A 30 Second Fun Quiz

January 29th, 2010

This blog was started August 2006. During the last 3 1/2 years there have been over 7500 comments from 1100 different people. I am still amazed at how much I have learned over that period of time and how much I have enjoyed sharing information, thought and ideas.

I would love to get to know you a little better and have a quick 12 question quiz that asks you to pick between two different choices and will take you less than a minute to complete.

I think everyone will enjoy reading everyone’s answers.

Click here to take the quiz.

I look forward to reading your answers.

Posted in Friday Fun | Post Comments
117 Reader Comments »

Attention Research Community: Would You Go Or Send Someone To This Conference?

January 25th, 2010

A few years ago when I was on the MRA National Board, we were discussing conferences and I tossed out an idea that I thought had some legs. The idea was a niche conference that focused on developing talent with people who have worked in the research industry for 5-10 years. Almost a superstar in training conference for people between the ages of 25-40. People who have tremendous potential and could benefit by going to a three day conference and be part of a small group of 40 people or so. The conference is similar to the CEO conference–just for a different group of people. The presenters would all be successful business executives from the industry and the topics could range from:

Being a GREAT leader
Presentation skills development
Understanding financials
Basic knowledge of running a company or division

That’s the concept. I really like it and really want to know what you think.

What do you think of the concept?
Would you attend or send someone on your staff?
Do you think the industry could support a conference like this?
Is the timing right for this conference?

I look forward to hearing your comments.

Posted in Research | Post Comments
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I Love Where I Live Because . . .

January 22nd, 2010

Life sometimes takes so many twist and turns! Sometimes you think something is going to happen and it doesn’t. Sometimes you think you will live in a city forever and then something changes and you end up somewhere else. That is exactly what happened to me. I was living in Boston, happy and then all of sudden I move to Dallas, Texas. I promise you I never ever thought I would live in Texas. I never had a desire to live in Texas but can honestly say I love it!

Here are a few reasons I love Texas:

The weather is great – can play golf/tennis 11 1/2 months of the year
Little to NO traffic
People are VERY friendly
Great restaurants
Four major sports teams
The airport is the best in the country
No state income tax

Now your turn:

Do you love where you live?
What do you really love about it?
Did you end up moving there by accident?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Posted in Life | Post Comments
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I Am Very Proud Of . . .

January 20th, 2010

As 2009 comes to a close and 2010 starts I took a few minutes to reflect back and think about the year that passed. During that process I started to think about what I was really proud of in 2009 and here are a few of those things:

I am very proud:

Of the M/A/R/C Research team and that we were able to make more money in 2009 than 2008 during a difficult economic time
That I continued to grow as a person and improve areas that needed some attention
That I continue to have meaningful friendships
That I was able to be a resource to industry contacts and help them during this difficult time
That I continued to work out consistently

That is a few things that made my list.

As 2010 starts what are you most proud of from 2009?

I look forward to reading your comments.

Posted in Business, Life | Post Comments
3 Reader Comments »

Isn’t This What We Want From Every Person All The Time?

January 18th, 2010

I find some of the best people watching at the airport and actually the earlier the better. I have seen some very amazing things, met some very interesting people and even heard some very meaningful things as well.

Well last month was no different. I was at LaGuardia at about 5:30am and sitting about 5 feet away from where people check in at the gate. I was close enough to hear what the customer service rep was saying and how they were responding to the traveler.

The first person came up and wanted to know if they were going to make it on the flight since they were number four on the stand-by list. The American Airlines Customer Service Rep not only answered them in a very, very comforting manner, but also smiled as she said something very interesting. She said, "This is what is happening and I will try my best to make sure you get on the flight." The next person in line asked a question about the boarding process. Again as part of her answer she said, "I will try my best to make the process very easy for you."

I listened to a few more conversations and everyone included that phrase "I will try my best." I thought it was GREAT! Meaningful! Appropriate! Comforting! And frankly I was amazed that she did that with every passenger. As most of the readers know, I fly a lot and frankly have NEVER heard one person say that to a customer.