Dustin Plett

Eight years ago company X was started by a serial entrepreneur. Company X was started as a result of this entrepreneur unable to find a support service for another of his startups - company Y.

Fast forward two years. A major Canadian network television station is launching a new channel and also requires the very specialized services of company X. Company X begins work with said station.

Fast forward one year later. One of the biggest consumer brands in the world launches a campaign that will change the advertising industry forever. For this campaign they will require the services of company X. The serial entrepreneur sees the future of business and shuts down all other companies and focuses his efforts on company X.

Fast forward four years. Social Media has been a buzzword now for a couple years. “Web 2.0” is already sounding dated. Company X has now grown to be the world leader in its industry. Company X is now working in the biggest online communities and working with many of the world’s biggest brands and agencies from around the globe. All the while proving a business model as revolutionary as the assembly line - this might be an exaggeration, trying to keep this entertaining.

Fast forward one more year. Until now company X has grown entirely by WOM. Marketing and ad budgets have been non-existent. Company X revenues continue to exceed all expectations. Company X is or has now been involved in 100’s of high profile social media strategies and campaigns.

Fast forward to seven months ago. Company X makes a conscious effort to be where its clients are - or could be - and move its business development manager to Toronto from company X HQ in Western Canada. Business is exploding south of the border and overseas and company X wants to focus on owning its “backyard”.

Fast forward to two months ago. Company X hires senior level management to support the growing Toronto market. Company X is now working alongside the most successful and influential agencies in Toronto and partnering with Canada’s most recognized brands.

Fast forward to 20 minutes ago. Company X business development manager wrote this blog and published it on his blog wondering why he hasn’t read this story somewhere else yet…

This article was reposted from Snoo.ws. See original story at  http://snoo.ws/2010/08/06/forecasts-and-projections-at-icuc-moderation-services/

Forecasts and projections at ICUC Moderation Services

August 6th, 2010 (8:36am) Dustin Plett

ICUC and I have a few things in common. We’re both young – sort of, we’re both human powered, and we both call Winnipeg, Manitoba, home. I spent a week and a half of July in Manitoba seeing friends and family, and meeting with co-workers at our annual meeting.

The annual meeting covered topics such as marketing, finance, and sales with overviews of the last six months and forecasts and projections for what’s on the horizon for the remainder of 2010 and beyond. Like any company, it’s important we know where we are, where we were, and where we need to be. I think this is especially true for our company that works in a space evolving at the speed of conversation.

For me, the highlight at this year’s meeting was seeing a slide presented featuring the logos of all the new brands we’ve added to our client list this year alone. It was inspiring to see how far we’ve come in such a short time and I couldn’t help but to day dream a little about where this little company - from a place most people have never heard - has the potential to go.

From a sales point of view the future is very bright. We continue to explore new verticals and grow as a company, expanding our offering while staying true to the fundamentals and ethics that have gotten us here. Looking back is exciting but not half as exciting as looking forward.

From what I saw last month in Winnipeg the second half of 2010 is going to be a great time to be a part of ICUC Moderation Services. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else – stay tuned for some big announcements.

A few quick shots of a few of the good times along the way. All in all looking back it was fun. Stressful at times but absolutely worth it.

The last shot is about 4 hours before the tire blow out. You can tell it’s before because we are still smiling. No footage was taken during that tire change because, well, if you’ve had to change a tire on the side of a freeway in the rain and you had to take everything out of the truck - and you were in he middle of moving - to get at the jack you would understand.

None of the footage of the snowstorm that had the highway closed made the cut either just because it was too dark and really not that great. The downside of the Flip - it’s a poor low light camera.

None the less, enjoy this minute of memories. And a big Thank You to my Dad, who after being on the road for two weeks prior still offered to come along for the drive to Toronto. Thanks Dad, you made that trip possible and even enjoyable.

I’ve spent this last week sorting, separating, dividing and deciding. I had to make some hard choices about things I wanted to keep and things I needed to throw out. Of the things I felt were worth keeping I had to decide if it was something worth lugging across this great nation, or just lugging to my parents place to store in their garage until some time indeterminable.

So that’s where I am now. I came into Brandon last night with the furniture I had borrowed from my parents, filing cabinets, my book and my CD collection, and 90 percent of my wardrobe.

Over this past week I determined there was no way I could bring all my clothes - it just wasn’t necessary. The system I used to determine if I should keep the article of clothing was simple: I held it up and my mother either pointed at the “keep heap” or the “dump bump” - as I had cleverly dubbed them. What I’m left with is a small but more than adequate collection of clothes and the Brandon Value Village got a great donation.

This evening I went to my Grandparents  for supper and to say my goodbyes, I knew this was going to be tough. My grandfather has been sick lately and leaving him and not knowing what was in store for him was weighing heavy on my mind and my conscience. After seeing him more spry than I’ve seen him in years and talking with him I truly feel I have his blessing and that means a lot to me.

Now, I just finished packing my truck with what I’m taking and preparing to say goodbye to my Mother. I know this is going to be tough and I’ve been wishing this day would never come. I know my Mother and Father have liked having a child of theirs in the same province as them over the past 3 years just as much as I have loved being this close to them again. But, with that said, we all feel the move is right and my folks have peace with my decision.

There is still a little concern about where I will live but things are beginning to fall into place. I’ve been offered a lot of help over the past few weeks and I truly believe things will workout. Thank you to everyone who has read this and sent me an email, tracked me down on Twitter or otherwise - I really appreciate all the help.

Again, don’t hesitate to reach out if you know of a great spot to rent or any other advice about living in Toronto. Until the next post - have a great Saturday night.

This is a short video showing everything I own (except the truck).This is 99 per cent of what’s going to make the trip to Toronto with me. In a way this is nice because it will make the move a lot easier but it another way it makes me wonder - have I made the best investments?

You might be asking yourself, but what of a dresser - the truth is I don’t have one. The one in the video is borrowed. And the bed, it was cut in half to get it into where it is now and is so uncomfortable it’s still questionable whether or not it will make the trek.

But I’m curious to know what you think. I think the total value of all my “stuff”, not counting my truck, is around $2,500 - what do you think. Is this wishful thinking? Not that possessions matter but if I had to list assets at this moment it would be a very short list.

Sorry for the radio silence the last few days. Life after surgery was a little rougher than I expected. But now with the day of departure finalized and the countdown on expect the traffic to be quiet busy. I have secured a road trip companion for the drive out to Toronto and have been in contact with a few different landlords and other plans such as what to pack and what to leave are taking shape. Expect updates and expect news! I’m excited and I hope I can somehow infuse you with some of that excitement.

Have a great night, I’ll be in touch soon!!

Before I go… I just got a text from a friend here in Winnipeg. It reads, “I’m going have to find 3 new friends to make for you once you leave.” I text back, “why 3?” He responds, “A serious man, a really funny man, and a dude willing to drive for 20 hours straight. I’m screwed.” That just made my day!

This is kinda fun. This is a video Jenette Martens and Lisa Rowson did as a class project in creative communications a few weeks back. This is the same Red River College program I graduated from last year.

I hope it makes you laugh a little!

Anyone who’s following my journey to Toronto on dustin2TO.com must have noticed it’s now March 1 and I’m still not in Toronto. I wrote about setbacks a few weeks back that would delay my leaving for a few weeks and today those setbacks were dealt with.

I needed some surgery to remove a couple lumps in my chest, not the most glamourous think to talk about but something my doctor felt needed to be dealt with before I left. I had surgery this morning at around 11am here in Winnipeg and it was a great success. I feel really good now, but that might have something to do with the T3s. The doctor removed about 1lb of material - sexy stuff?

To say I’m relieved would be an understatement. They will of course send off the tissue just to make sure it’s nothing worse but I know in my heart that it’s nothing anything more than I reminder to take better care of myself.

With this now out of the way I can say for certain I will be in Toronto in the next few weeks. I have two follow up appointments in the next two weeks and then I’m gone. I will begin packing as soon as I regain use of my arms for lifting. Until then let’s find a place to live. I’m serious Toronto, if you know of an apartment within walking distance of Liberty Village let me know - if I move in the free burger offer still stands.

And to everyone who sent me notes of support over the last 24 hours I appreciate. The excitement for Toronto has really been renewed by having this surgery put behind me. I’m smiling from ear to ear. Have a great night.

The second half of my drive to my Sister’s - Calgary to Mission. The happy part of the day refers to the time before Canada lost to the USA in Olympic hockey. We stopped to watch the game in Kamloops, B.C. The mood changed for the worse after that and I thought it best not to show myself in that light. :)

But, I’m here now, I’m safe so that’s what matters most.

This is a quick montage of the events so far on the way to Vancouver. This trip has become more than just a way to see my sister before I leave for Toronto, it’s become a last hurrah of sorts.

Jason and Will, the two guys on this trip are both friends of mine from college in Winnipeg. But now, the same thing that brought us together has lead to us going our separate ways. Because of my education through the program we were in together I got a job with ICUC Moderation Services and this has given me the opportunity to move and experience Toronto

We are having a great time so far and I imagine the good times will continue in the days to come. Follow the adventure even closer by following me on twitter @dustinplett.

I said the other day I wanted to visit as much of my family as possible before I move to Toronto and this is me making good on that statement - I’m driving out to Vancouver to visit my sister.

I wanted to introduce you to the people who I will be traveling with on my trip to Vancouver, my two friends Jason and Will. Will who wanted to visit the Olympics and Jason who has never been on a road trip, and wanted to experience it, are joining me for this leg. I will post a video to give you a better look (with more light) at these guys tomorrow as we drive across the prairies but this should give you a good Idea of the atmosphere of the trip thus far.

If you happen to be reading this and are in Vancouver drop me a note, let me know what’s happening aside from the obvious.

A quick run down of the now “for sures” about my move to Toronto:

• I will rent a place
• I will try hard to live close to where I work and a little further from downtown than I would have originally liked (the new ICUC Moderation Services office is on Mowat in Liberty Village and I would love to be able to walk to work)
• I will drive out to Toronto with my truck, roughly 2,400km. I wont sell it until I’m settled - think of it as a safety blanket
• I will be living in Toronto by April 1 - don’t be fooled, this is no joke!
• I will try to see as many friends and as much of my family as possible before I leave - I have a sister in Vancouver, that might be tricky
• I will leave on Friday, March 26 at the latest - I’m not sure if I will drive state side or take the Canadian route over the lakes. Suggestions?
• I will arrive in Toronto on Sunday or Monday, March 28 or 29
• I will likely travel alone but let me know if you’re down for a road trip
• I will immediately begin to look for a place to move into by April 1 - is this too little time, let me know your thoughts?
• I will visit my brother in Ottawa on the days between finding a place and moving in
• I will move in April 1, maybe second if the place has to be cleaned or something else
• First day in the new office will be Monday, April 5 at the latest. Hooray!!

Am I missing anything? Do not hesitate to let me know if you see glaring flaws in my plan. Also, does anyone know of places renting near Mowat for a reasonable price? Let me know if you have any leads, if you find me a place I will take you out for the best cheeseburger money can buy!

Yesterday I helped my boss and president of ICUC Moderation Services move some electronic equipment into his new house. I hung out there for a few hours and watched as he and his wife positioned and put away items as they arrived - plates, couches, etc.

Today as I was riding the hill at Asissippi I was day dreaming about how my move would be different. I have always been fairly mobile and because of this I haven’t gathered a great amount of possessions. I have the usual things, backpack, bed, computer, TV - but beyond that not a whole lot. Then it struck me - there are a lot of things I need before I move!

The things I need are mostly associated with what I do in the kitchen. I don’t have any cookware, I don’t have cutlery, I don’t have dishes. This has all of a sudden made me a little nervous. When I get home from the weekend I will be making a list of things I have and don’t have and do some research into what is more efficient - buying here in Winnipeg or waiting until I get to Toronto.

If anyone has the items I listed for the kitchen that they were just going to throw out anyway let me know! Also, if you know of something I will need but I don’t know it yet feel free to let me know.

I’m at a crossroads in my own mind. I feel as though I have only two options when it comes to moving to Toronto and I am having a very hard time deciding what to do.

In my mind I’ve divided all possibilities into two categories, the right/responsible way or the my/fun way. The right/responsible way would see me sell my truck, get a mortgage, buy a condo, and make sure everything was prearranged and organized for my arrival in Toronto. I would live in a nice place with nice neighbors and nice furniture. The other way, the my/fun way would see me work the next few weeks, finish what I have to do in Winnipeg, load up my truck and drive out to Toronto. I would maybe leave on a Friday morning so I would get there on Saturday, find a cheap apartment to rent, find someplace to store the truck and get to work.

Some might say the second scenario sounds scary but to me it sounds far less scary than the first. After two years in Toronto I would have less equity with the second plan but I would have more money in my pocket. But on the first plan I would appear more mature - I guess?

I’m looking for some help here, please don’t hesitate to offer me your suggestions or encouragement one way or the other.