Don’t you dare read my column this week, unless…

…Unless you have voted!  

If not, stop reading here.  Walk out of your office, home, or wherever you are and proceed directly to your assigned polling station. 

There is too much as stake this time around, so I implore you to get out and vote.  Republican, Democrat, who cares, just go vote.  Sure there may be long lines, but this is your one and only opportunity to make the biggest difference you can possibly make in your lifetime.

And one thing is for sure; your vote will count in the history books!  Either the first African American, or the first Woman in office. 

I spent over 3 hours in the Florida heat (it’s still in the high eighty’s here, and the line was outdoors in the sun!) with my wife and 8 year old for the privilege to cast my ballot.  FYI, no hanging chads today, it was all done by “scan tron” (number 2 pencil not necessary)

One interesting point, and this goes more to marketing than it goes to voting choice.  About an hour after we arrived, a truck pulls in with Obama logos emblazoned on its sides.  Said truck then proceeds to unload coolers, and in a low-key way, they hand out bottles of water to keep the masses happy and without heatstroke.  Good job!  And LOL they gave water to all.  No partisanship here! 

Rant over!

As to last weeks column on downsizing, I got a few interesting comments, some appreciative for my views, and of course some who thought I was way off base.

So next Tuesday, for those who believe that my, “downsizing is for sissies” argument doesn’t hold water, and that I don’t know what I’m talking about, stay tuned.  I’ll prove my point to shut the naysayers up (and I’ll serve up some tips to help you reduce costs as well).

And to put my money where my mouth is, I offer this challenge. 

If your company cannot figure out how to save money so as not to downsize, contact me.  I will help the first two companies to contact me pro bono (as long as I can use the case studies in future columns).

Now close this window and go vote please!

Jim Gilbert is the President of Gilbert Direct Marketing, Inc., a full service catalog and direct marketing agency.  His linkedin profile can be viewed at http://www.linkedin.com/in/jimwgilbert., or email him: jimdirect@aol.com.