What's All This Business Stuff, Anyway?

My friend Molly sent me an interesting question on my Facebook dealio last night.

Okay Bryan, what is this TSGB about? I haven't grasped the concept. Is it a place to network?

So I've been asking myself -- really, really asking myself -- just what the hot new phrase "That's Some Good Business" is really all about. The answer isn't a simple one, and perhaps it's best to start with a few things that TSGB (pronounced, roughly, tisgebuh by the kids) is not.

• TSGB is not just the first line of a bitchin' haiku
• TSGB is not just some catchy sticker slogan thought up by some businessman in a suit. (I almost never wear a suit.)
• TSGB is not just a widely-accepted generational catch-phrase -- it spans generations and has the shelf life of a Twinkie.

So I guess the simple answer is: That's Some Good Business is the hottest new phrase on the streets of the United States of America -- nay, the world. In fact, it's been translated into numerous languages already, much like the Bible and Baywatch. Following are some examples.

• Dutch: Dat is één of andere goede zaken!
• French: C'est quelques bonnes affaires !
• German: Das ist irgendein gutes Geschäft!
• Greek, even!: Αυτή είναι κάποια καλή επιχείρηση! (for you, Olive!)
  
• Italian: Quello è un certo buon commercio! (for you, Zee!)
  
• Japanese: それはよいビジネスである!
• Portuguese: Aquele é algum bom negócio! (for you, Devil Mood!)
• Spanish: ¡Ése es un cierto buen negocio! (for you, Dora!)

But it's more than just a catch phrase that defines goodness for people across the globe, Molly. It's a lifestyle. It's a cosmic connection with the idea that this world doesn't have to suck. It's a reminder that there are still people out there who believe in giving credit where credit is due, and they're enthusiastically slapping TSGB stickers on the backs of their cell phones to make sure that, while they're carrying on phone conversations, and as long as they're holding their phones in such a way that you can still see the sticker, the whole world knows how they feel. It's like one big celebration, Molly, where we, the warriors of the TSGB tribe, shout at the top of the highest mountain, as if life were one big retro Coke commercial:

THAT'S SOME GOOD BUSINESS!

That, my friend, is what TSGB is all about. I hope that clears things up for you.

If anyone would like to join the That's Some Good Business Facebook group, where you'll be sure to never miss the hottest news about the TSGB movement, you'll be welcomed with open arms. There are no obligations (beyond the initial contractual agreement to supply me with 25 percent of your annual income and a $20 gift card to iTunes), so I hope to see you all there.

A New Slogan

There was quite an uproar when our state's slogan was changed a while back from "Wild, Wonderful West Virginia" to "West Virginia: Open for Business." The name was changed to promote a positive business environment in the state, but that wasn't enough to sell a lot of people (myself included) on the change.

Fortunately, I've come up with a new slogan that I think everyone can live with. It's so obvious, in fact, that I'm surprised it took me so long to figure it out.

My proposed slogan? West Virginia: That's some good business!

Big Business near Chi-town

After a day of good actual business in a Chicago suburb, my co-worker and I decided to find a spot for some deep-dish pizza pie. If we were downtown I'm sure we'd be pointed to lots of locally owned hot spots, but options were more limited and we went to what I believe is a sizable regional chain called Giordano's. To our admittedly ignorant taste buds, the pie was fantastic, as were the local brews. Here's an iPhone image of the pie:

We also had a great waitress who steered us in the right direction throughout the entire meal. I felt like she deserved more than just a monetary tip, so I also presented her with her very own "That's Some Good Business!" sticker. She was quite appreciative, and even said something like, "That's the hot new phrase I've been hearing all of the kids say." While that did my heart good, I was even happier when she immediately peeled the sticker off of its backing and affixed it to her otherwise virgin ticket holder. As you can see, she placed it near the top, which means it'll peek out of her apron indefinitely as she serves more work-weary customers a few slices of excellence after their long days.

And that, my friends, is some good business.

The Best Business Yet

You may have read my previous posts about the hot new saying "that's some good business." Well it just so happens that the first printing of the official sticker is currently in production, thanks to the excellent folks at makemyownstickers.com. (This is a really good company -- one I've worked with for a long time -- so be sure to check 'em out if you're in need of personalized stickers for any reason. They're super fast and the stickers are surprisingly affordable.)



If you want one, I'm offering them now at the low, low price of absolutely free. Just shoot me an e-mail. Help me spread the word(s)!

New Business Watch 2

The win streak for business continues. RtN's Matthes used it in his wildly popular column "Observations" over at Racer X Canada's site. He said:

" Team Yamaha/San Manual Band of Mission Indians' Chad Reed kept his business rolling, but just like Anaheim 3, he made it interesting."

Nice, Matthes, thanks! Also, full props go out to Weege for dropping it four times during the webcast on Saturday night.

Does anyone have Sal Masekela's number? Clash, you probably do....

New Business Watch

Yes! My boy Weege came through already! Check out his latest post, straight from the press box at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium. Read it all the way to the end, and you'll see that the business has begun. I knew you'd come through, Weege! I'll be listening tonight.

Business Development

Sometimes I just don't think. Honestly. Here I am trying to get Rob Dyrdek to bust out business on TV, ignoring some of the tighter, if somewhat less substantial, contacts that I personally have.

For example: Jason Weigandt. "The Weege" is a bonafide, autograph-signing celebrity in the high-action world of AMA Supercross. (The only motorsport bigger than ours in the USA is NASCAR.) Not only is he one of the most popular writers in the sport, but he's also the host of the live audio feed that goes out to tens of thousands of people every supercross race. And I originally hired him years ago! That's right, Weege was a green punk out of New Jersey, looking for his big break, and who gave that to him? That's right -- yours truly. So he owes me. (Plus he still kinda works for me.)

So I'm sending him an e-mail after I finish this post, and I'm going to ask him to start using business in context at least three times during every broadcast. Hattica was already kind enough to give some racing examples on my last business post.

Speaking of Hattica ... Hattica, who posts here all the time, writes two very popular weekly columns that are read by legions of people all over the world. Hey, Hattica -- next time you write "Rev Up" and "Number Cruncher," give me a little business, would you?

Next ... Matthes. Yes, Matthes, who used to be a regular poster here on RtN until I stopped posting. Good ol' Matthes is the host of a very popular weekly podcast that is also listened to by thousands of people, many of whom are north of the border in his home country: Canada. Matthes, I checked out that David Vuillemin interview you did and there were at least 40 opportunities for you to drop the business. How about a bone next time, yo?

Last but not least is you, my fellow bloggers. Inarticulate Fumblings and Dalyn have already agreed to run business in Canada, and that's just hot. If the rest of y'all could just find a place for it, here and there, in posts, at the club, in the post office, wherever, you'll be doing your part to set this brilliant word free.

Thank you -- I love you all.

More Business

Long time no talk! The good news is, I've finished my book, and my consulting gig is nearing its end. I look forward to getting back to my normal crazy schedule and hanging out more with you, my blogging peeps.

The reason for my post today is to talk about my latest campaign to get the word business into the lexicon of youthful slang. Unfortunately, since my post in September, the use of the word doesn't seem to have spread much. So I've decided to call out the big guns.

I sent an e-mail describing the term to a friend who's good friends with Rob and Big. He forwarded it to Dyrdek. The examples I used in the e-mail:

"Fettucini Alfredo? That's some good business right there."
"Man, I gotta change my jeans, I got all kinds of business up in these pockets."
"You got so much crusty business in your eyes you could bake an apple pie."

I feel like this could be businesses big break. If Rob reads the e-mail and sees how good of a word it is, he may say it on his television show. The kids will start saying it instantly.

So I have hope. Even though my friend said Rob's horrible at e-mail and I'll probably never hear from him.

That's Some Good Business Right There

I've been saying something lately and I'm wondering if I picked it up somewhere else or if I just started doing it.

Business

I've basically been using the word business in place of stuff, like so:

(i.e. The DM makes an awesome stir-fry)
"That's some good business right there."

(i.e. I'm getting into my backpack)
"Man, there's all kind of business in here."

Am I just horking this from the kids?