Robert Bradford on "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" Podcast

Check out Episode 64 from the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" podcast.  In this episode you will hear from Robert Bradford, the CEO of The Center for Simplified Strategic Planning.  



Enjoy.

Find more information at www.robertbradford.com or www.cssp.com

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Cool Things My Friends Do (Week #125) - Dr. Deborah Gilboa

Each week on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their personal and professional lives.

It has been some time since I have written a "Cool Things My Friends Do" post.  This is due to my focus on the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" Podcast.  Today I am sharing this new post and also promoting an upcoming podcast interview. In this "Cool Things" I am writing about a new friend (we just met via a Twitter introduction), who will soon be a guest on the show.  While the podcast interview is about a month away, I could not wait to share some information about this fascinating person.

Dr. Deborah Gilboa (popularly known as Dr G) is a medical doctor, author, parenting expert, mother of four, and a keynote speaker.  Although we have not met yet in person, we had a great phone conversation, and I was impressed with her deep entrepreneurial spirit.  This woman does not sit back and hope things will happen, she goes out and creates opportunities.

It is not often you meet a doctor who earned her undergraduate degree in Drama and then worked for Second City.  But that is because Dr. G is not average.  

In addition to an active medical practice, she speaks regularly on parenting and youth development.  Deborah appears often in parenting publication (ie: Parents Magazine) and on television and radio.  She has also authored three activity books based on her 3R’s of Parenting; Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. These “little books” are popular go-to, user-friendly parenting advice. Teach Resilience: Raising Kids Who Can Launch!, Teach Responsibility: Empower Kids with a Great Work Ethic, and her latest, Teach Respect: That’s My Kid! were designed for today’s busy parents with age specific tips and ideas for building character in kids.

Check out her YouTube Channel for awesome short videos on parenting topics.  In these short videos she shares useful tips on a variety of topics.  Her straight-forward style is delightful, and I wish I had heard some of these tips when my own kids were younger.

I look forward to having Dr G as a guest on the podcast and getting to share more of her story with my listeners.  Subscribe to the show now on iTunes so that you will be alerted to when her show appears in mid-May.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Cool Things My Friends Do (Week #122) - Kim Trumbo To Write Children's Book

Each week on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their personal and professional lives.

My friend Kim Trumbo is writing a children's book about generosity, and has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the money to produce the book.  

***I met Kim through my podcasting adventure (there are so many cool people in the podcast community).  She has a great soul and I am happy to feature her project as week #122 of "Cool Things My Friends Do".

This story is about a generous giraffe named "George" who is very generous and teaches kids about generosity. Kim's passion in the past year has been hosting a podcast called, "Generosity Philosophy." With the podcast she highlight stories of people who are out in our world doing generous acts and deeds. It's very encouraging and inspiring to hear these stories. With the podcast she has been encouraging the adults and teens who listen to give back to others and be a bit more generous in their lives. 

While, encouraging adults and teens is all good and dandy, she wanted to write a children's book to promote generosity to younger kids as well. 

With this book Kim hopes children all over the world will smile, giggle, and be inspired by George and his animal friends. Additionally, she wants to encourage them to begin thinking about generosity and how they can help others in need.

Check out her project and donate a few dollars (I did).

Have A Great Day

thom

Lessons from Fraternity and Sorority Life

We can learn from many different people and in a variety of places.  

Too often our perspectives can make us think that our own industries are the only place to find inspiration.  However, the best entrepreneurs are observers and always seeking fresh points of view.

Recently I was a "Featured Speaker" at the AFA (Association of Fraternity / Sorority Advisors) Annual Meeting.  This is a group of professionals who work on college campuses and for the national offices of fraternities and sororities.  I was impressed with dedication these people have for their profession and to serving the college men and women with whom they work.  The conference had a strong vibe of energy from the people who care deeply about their industry.

Fraternities and sororities regularly deal with issues that are similar to those that perplex entrepreneurs; risk management, recruitment, budgeting, public relations, philanthropic efforts, goal setting, conflict resolution, etc...  My own experience in a college fraternity was very much like being part of a start-up.  We were a young chapter of a big organization (I am #66 in the roll book) with ambitious goals to grow something bigger than what we had found when we joined.  I learned many things in this organization that I use daily in my life as a business professional.

In the most recent episode of "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" (Episode 26) I interview several attendees at AFA Annual Meeting about what can be learned from the Greek Life experience.  While I sometimes hear people say fraternities and sororities are relics from the past, the reality is these organizations are discovering new ways to teach leaderships skills to a new generation.

The Greek System is known to many only for the negative situations that play out in the movies or on the news, but there are many positive experiences that members of these organizations encounter that have constructive effects of their lives.... during college and beyond.

Tune in and listen.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Thanksgiving Week on the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" Podcast

Since the podcast launched 8 weeks ago I have been sharing how it is the best networking tool I have ever encountered.  I have had a great time interviewing amazing people.  Each guest has stories, advice and ideas that are inspirational to me (and others). The whole experience is impacting all areas of my life.

The coolest part is how hosting the show is becoming an amazing conversation starter in a variety of places.  People who listen to podcasts want to know about my show, and those who do not are curious about the medium of podcasting.

The show has been ranked in the top 10 podcasts in the "Career" category on iTunes for over a month, and it has been interesting to see how many other podcasters have reached out to me and said "hello".  Many offer suggestions and all offer friendship.  The podcasting community has some ego-filled guru maniacs, but most who host shows are regular people doing facinating things everyday.

For Thanksgiving Week I decided to release seven shows.  Usually new shows come out on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but this week there has been a new show each day as a way to say "Thank You" to all who have supported the show along the way.  

Monday - Adrian Segar
Tuesday - Cindy Lo
Wednesday - Steve Semken
Thursday - Honoree Corder
Friday - Misty Williams
Saturday - Judi Holler
Sunday - Ross Bernstein 

If you have never listened to "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do", any one of these shows will be a great place to start.  Download, listen and then leave a review on iTunes.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Trevor Muir - Teacher-Preneur

This week on "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" (episode 16) I had the pleasure to interview Trevor Muir.  I met Trevor at TEDx San Antonio, where he was one of the most compelling speakers of the day.  

In chatting with Mr. Muir after his presentation I knew he had to be on the podcast.  He is more than a public school educator, the is a "Teacher-preneur".  I think we all wish we had more teachers like this when we were in high school.

Here is the video link from Trevor's talk in SA.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ei_HSlUxUQ



Please take a minute to download his interview on the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" podcast.  Also, if you enjoy the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review.  THANKS..

Have A Great Day

thom singer

"Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" - Podcast Update

Happy Halloween.

This week on the podcast we have two episodes you will not want to miss:

Episode 9 - Lara Loest, The Queen of Show Notes

Episode 10 - Why Networking Matters to Entrepreneurs... roaming interviews at the October Austin Tech Happy Hour.

Please download, listen and review (downloads and reviews really make a difference to a new show).  

We hit #3 on the "Careers Podcast List" on iTunes this week.  I appreciate all who listen and who have given feedback.  Next week there are two new show (I am getting better at these podcast interviews each time).

CLICK HERE to hear the show!!!

Have A Great Day

thom singer

What's New on the Podcast?

The Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do Podcast had a big weekend on the iTunes charts, ranking #4 in "Careers" and #15 in overall "Business".

Not sure how they do the algorithm for these lists, or why the show appeared so high, but it was fun to see it score well in a list that is populated by so many amazing Podcasts.

Last week the show featured Michael O'Neal (host of The Solopreneur Hour, and Mary Kelly, PhD (CEO of Productive Leaders).  This week will have two new shows that will release on Tuesday and Thursday.  I am having so much fun learning from the people I interview that I wish I was doing a 7 day a week show.

It is important for a new show to have listeners.  If you have an iTunes account please subscribe, download and leave a review.  If you are not on the Apple platform, you can go to Stitcher and also get the show (You can get the Stitcher app in the Android store), and the show can also be heard at ThomSinger.com.  

The show is getting better with each interview, as I am finding my voice and getting some good feedback on how to interview by those with lots of experience.  I have a long way to go, but we are on this journey together.  Thank you to those who are investing their time to be part of the show.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Cool Things My Friends Do (Week #117): Tim Hayden - "The Mobile Commerce Revolution"

Each week on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their personal and professional lives.

Welcome back to "Cool Things My Friends Do".  This nearly weekly blog post series is now in week #117.  I have not posted lately, as this series has spun out a new podcast: "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do", and launching a podcast is a lot of work.... but the first six shows are live (two new episodes each week coming to an iTunes or Stitcher account near you!!!).  Check it out, subscribe and leave a comment.

Tim Hayden just released his book, "The Mobile Commerce Revolution". That is cool. Tim is a serial entrepreneur, marketing guru, speaker (he just joined the National Speakers Association), and a friend. I have known Tim for several years, and I mentioned him in my 2nd book, The ABC's of Networking. It has been great to see him navigate the ups and downs of an entrepreneurs, solopreneur, and intrapreneur.

Tim is a real thought leader in the world of social and mobile marketing.  He is also a hard working entrepreneur who makes things happen.

His book ,which is co-authored with Tom Webster, is an actionable guide is packed with brand-new case studies and practical guidance from small startups to large brands. The authors share their immense experience in a way that will make the reader think.

Congratulations to Tim and Tom.  I am thrilled to have them as week #117 of "Cool Things My Friends Do".  Also, Tim has agreed to be a guest on the podcast... so check back in a few weeks to listen to that episode.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

This Week on the Podcast

The new podcast, "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do", is booming along.  It was number SIX on Thursday on the "Career Podcasts" list on iTunes.  It was also #44 in the general business category. 

Not sure how it ranked so well, but it was fun to see the green circle logo riding high for much of the day.

This week's interviews (Tuesday and Thursday) were with Beth Ziesenis and Roger Courville.  Both are friends of mine from the National Speakers Association ("Cool Things My Friends Do" seems to be merging into the podcast!!!).

Here is where I can use your help.  Please jump to your iTunes account and subscribe to the show.  Also, it is helpful if you leave positive ratings and reviews (5-stars and a few words).  In the first few weeks the show gets discovered via something called "New and Noteworthy" on iTunes.  A year ago it would have been easier to land high on this list.  But podcasts are all the rage right now, and thus the competition is crazy.  Your investment of 90 seconds is valuable to me.  (Thanks!!!)

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Podcast Launch - Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do

The new podcast, "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" has gone live with the first three episodes.  Twice a week it is my plan to bring interesting and informative interviews to the listeners highlighting information and ideas about starting a business and leading a life as an entrepreneur or solopreneur.  

The guests will include business leaders, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and anyone with a high dose of the entrepreneurial spirit. This concept spun out of the popular "Cool Things My Friends Do" blog post series (and the early guests on the show are all my friends, too!!!)

I spent the better part of 2014 researching the idea of hosting a podcast.  I attended the "Podcast Movement" conference in Dallas this summer, and made friends with several others who host shows.  At first I was not sure I would enjoy this, but it has turned out to be a ton of fun.... and I can't wait to talk to each guest.

I am still learning how to capture higher quality audio, how to edit (outsourcing that for now), and I am actively working to find "my voice".  But like all journeys, it begins with the first steps.

Please go to iTunes and download the podcast, or better yet.... SUBSCRIBE.

Thanks for your support.  A positive review would be great too!

If you have an idea for a guest, I am open to all types of suggestions.  I am seeking out people who have unique businesses and a sparky personality.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Launching My Podcast

I am getting much closer to launching my new podcast.  This has been a fun journey for the past several months as the people I have met are amazing.  Many have given me the opportunity to be a guest on their awesome shows.

There is so much to learn to do this right.  I think I am ready to go in the next few weeks (but my speaking schedule is busy, so there is calendar issues).

Coming soon to an iTunes account near you will be my new show.  I will be interviewing business leaders, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and those with a high does of entrepreneurial spirit (who may also have day jobs), 

In my travels as a speaker (I have already delivered 50 presentations around the country in 2014 and over 400 talks over my career) I get to meet amazing people.  This new podcast will give me the chance to share their brilliance. 

Currently I am seeking ideas on people to interview on the new show. If you or someone you know is doing something cool, and has an interesting story to share, and are naturally generous with sharing advice, tips, knowledge, etc....  please, please, please introduce them to me via e-mail - thom (at) thomsinger.com.

More to come very soon.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do

I have been writing "Cool Things My Friends Do" blog posts for over two years.  It is my favorite part of this blog, and I am always excited to add someone to the growing list (now over 115 posts) of people doing cool things in their personal and professional lives.

In a conversation the other day someone pointed out that I have a lot of friends who are entrepreneurs and solopreneurs.  I guess that is right.  I seem to be surrounded by people who are blazing their own trails and finding success on terms they define.  This is true of friends with traditional jobs, too.  Being entrepreneurial is not about starting and growing companies... it is about an attitude of making things happen and finding better ways to live.  The people I know are not content with the status quo. 

I am going to continue writing about my friends and all the cool things they do.... but soon I will be seeking others to interview (whom I do not know) that are changing the world.  I hope you will enjoy the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do".  

Stay tuned!

And if you know an entrepreneur (or a person with a big does of entrepreneurial spirit) who I should interview, let me know.

Have A Great Day

thom singer