40 Tips To Re-Invent and Re-Launch at Age 40, 50, or Beyond. (Tip #4)
Re-invention is not easy. You cannot rely on your past knowledge and habits to take you in a new direction. To re-launch in a new direction you must become an avid learner of the new career or lifestyle that you seek to conquer.
Often people make assumptions about their new life, and make decisions based on what they feel and think. This is often a recipe for failure. To undertake major change without an understanding of reality will mean more mistakes.
Devote time to learning as much as you can about a new career, industry, etc... Do this in advance of making the leap, but also everyday until you have become the master of that universe. Then remind yourself to never stop learning. Read books and articles, listen to podcast, take classes, practice new talents, and talk with people who have achieved the level of expertise you seek. Always be seeking new knowledge.
Never before in history have we had such access to information. The internet has put everything we could ever want to learn at our fingertips. Plus we now have a direct way to contact people who are living the lives we desire. And still many fail to take advantage of the ease of learning and making key connections.
Sites like Coursera have put college classes, taught by professors at the top universities, online and free of charge. I have taken several Coursera classes, and they are an awesome way to access top academic educational ideas and theories. You need not be enrolled at Harvard to participate in a class taught by one of their professors, and they will challenge you to think bigger.
Additionally, there are podcasts on any topic you can imagine. With a smart phone and access to iTunes and Stitcher you can turn time in your car or at your gym into an education session. Everything under the sun is discussed on podcasts, and while not all of them are awesome, there are many that will change your life if you listen regularly to the advice and the stories that are shared.
Interviewing experts is also a fantastic way to learn. My own podcast, "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do", was born out of my desire to learn more about life as entrepreneur and to be inspired by people who are living in entrepreneurial ways. I was told that if you interview 50 people, you will never be the same again. This was great advice, and now after 73 interviews I can assure you that asking smart people to share their experiences is a fast way to learn, grow and become inspired.
If you are serious about a fresh start (at any age) you must become a dedicated student. Those who will succeed at talking their life in a new direction will be those who are learning everyday.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Find A Mentor
40 Tips To Re-Invent and Re-Launch at Age 40, 50, or Beyond. (Tip #3)
If you want to reinvent your life and discover success in new ways, find a mentor (or mentors) who will show you the paths toward success.
Too often we look at career and life options and think their is only one way to achieve success. However, in many industries and business disciplines there are several options that will lead people to their goals. What we see from the outside looking in is often different from what those who are doing it experience on a day to day basis.
The world of professional speaking is a good example. What most people think is the life of a speaker is very different than the realities. It can look fun and glamorous, and while there are many perks, people miss that it is a lot of work to grow a career as a paid presenter. Most observe a speaker on stage during their talk or in the few minutes before they head back to the airport. All the preparation, research, rehearsal, travel, travel delays, and lonely nights away from family are not understood. When I first changed directions to become a full time speaker I had already spent countless hours building friendships with those who were working speakers. I had found serveral who were willing to mentor me along the way, and their guidance was paramount to my future. They showed me the realities of the industry, and that made it much easier to grow my own career.
A mentor / mentee relationship can be many things. It can be a formal arrangement or a causal friendship. The mentor can be a peer or a more experienced professional. The key is to be able to learn from what your teacher has experienced in the past and to take those lessons into account to shorten your learning curve.
I have heard of some who claim their mentors are historical figures or industry legends whom they have never met. They create ongoing conversations in their minds with Abe Lincoln, Henry Ford, or Martin Luther King. The key is that they are seeking the advice in the writings and reputations of their heros and getting guidance from them (in albeit an unorthodox manner).
There are many ways to find a mentor, but you have to be looking for the right person. It can take time, and not everyone who is successful is the right choice. The old saying is "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear". The first step is identifying someone, but then making sure the other person is willing can be just as hard. Making the ask can be scary as people fear rejection and do not know how to describe what they are seeking. Additionally many potential mentors do not know what is involved in such a role, and they are often trepidation about the time commitment and responsibility.
Yet when it is right, it is right. It is not just the mentee that learns and grows from the relationship, but also the mentor. Experience alone is not how we teach others, so having a positive connection and an ongoing give and take makes the situation "win/win" for all involved.
Many people advertise and charge money to "mentor", but I believe a real mentor is not seeking financial compensation. Executive Coaching is not the same as being a mentor. Coaching is very task oriented and often based on a time-limit (set by the length of the financial agreement) while mentorship is based on the relationship and is open-ended in regards to time, based on the mutually agreed upon skills development. The key is to not mix up the two.
I am not saying coaching is a bad thing, I have worked with coaches who have helped me overcome several career road-blocks, but the best mentors are there for the long-haul and transcend into meaningful friendships.
If you are looking to make a change, it is important that you find others who have "been there and done that", as otherwise you are going into your new world with blinders on. It is easy to make assumptions without experience, but those who have lived the life you desire know what is true.
Good luck, as finding a good mentor will have un-matched influence on your success.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
If you want to reinvent your life and discover success in new ways, find a mentor (or mentors) who will show you the paths toward success.
Too often we look at career and life options and think their is only one way to achieve success. However, in many industries and business disciplines there are several options that will lead people to their goals. What we see from the outside looking in is often different from what those who are doing it experience on a day to day basis.
The world of professional speaking is a good example. What most people think is the life of a speaker is very different than the realities. It can look fun and glamorous, and while there are many perks, people miss that it is a lot of work to grow a career as a paid presenter. Most observe a speaker on stage during their talk or in the few minutes before they head back to the airport. All the preparation, research, rehearsal, travel, travel delays, and lonely nights away from family are not understood. When I first changed directions to become a full time speaker I had already spent countless hours building friendships with those who were working speakers. I had found serveral who were willing to mentor me along the way, and their guidance was paramount to my future. They showed me the realities of the industry, and that made it much easier to grow my own career.
A mentor / mentee relationship can be many things. It can be a formal arrangement or a causal friendship. The mentor can be a peer or a more experienced professional. The key is to be able to learn from what your teacher has experienced in the past and to take those lessons into account to shorten your learning curve.
I have heard of some who claim their mentors are historical figures or industry legends whom they have never met. They create ongoing conversations in their minds with Abe Lincoln, Henry Ford, or Martin Luther King. The key is that they are seeking the advice in the writings and reputations of their heros and getting guidance from them (in albeit an unorthodox manner).
There are many ways to find a mentor, but you have to be looking for the right person. It can take time, and not everyone who is successful is the right choice. The old saying is "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear". The first step is identifying someone, but then making sure the other person is willing can be just as hard. Making the ask can be scary as people fear rejection and do not know how to describe what they are seeking. Additionally many potential mentors do not know what is involved in such a role, and they are often trepidation about the time commitment and responsibility.
Yet when it is right, it is right. It is not just the mentee that learns and grows from the relationship, but also the mentor. Experience alone is not how we teach others, so having a positive connection and an ongoing give and take makes the situation "win/win" for all involved.
Many people advertise and charge money to "mentor", but I believe a real mentor is not seeking financial compensation. Executive Coaching is not the same as being a mentor. Coaching is very task oriented and often based on a time-limit (set by the length of the financial agreement) while mentorship is based on the relationship and is open-ended in regards to time, based on the mutually agreed upon skills development. The key is to not mix up the two.
I am not saying coaching is a bad thing, I have worked with coaches who have helped me overcome several career road-blocks, but the best mentors are there for the long-haul and transcend into meaningful friendships.
If you are looking to make a change, it is important that you find others who have "been there and done that", as otherwise you are going into your new world with blinders on. It is easy to make assumptions without experience, but those who have lived the life you desire know what is true.
Good luck, as finding a good mentor will have un-matched influence on your success.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Surround Yourself With Great People
40 Tips To Re-Invent and Re-Launch at Age 40, 50, or Beyond. (Tip #2)
If you want to change your life, surround yourself with people who are living the life you desire. Jim Rohn famously said "You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with". Think about that and look around at how your peers choose to spend their time. It is your future.
Recently I was chatting by phone with an person who wants to have a career as a professional speaker. I asked her "How many speaker friends do you have?" She had no reply. After a few seconds she asked "Do you count?" (we were are not yet really "friends", as we just met). I am unclear how anyone can enter a new industry or lifestyle without knowing people who are living in that arena.
It can be difficult to make new friends as we get older. For Generation X or the Baby Boomers it might seem like they have all their friends in place for life. Yet people will come and go from your life at all stages if you are open to sharing your world with others, you can find the right people.
Early in life we have school, clubs, sports and other formal and informal activities that bring us together with new people. Relationships are forged through shared experiences, but in today's hyper busy world we tend to be isolated quite often. Thus to make new friends you must put in a serious effort.
To find create new connections you first must act like a friend. What do friends do? They care. They listen. They put the other person first. They make sacrifices. Etc.... In real life we often behave in opposite ways to those we do not know, thus making it even harder to get to create friendships.
It is like dating; all parties must be committed to moving it forward if you want anything lasting and meaningful to occur.
Join organizations, and get involved. If you can't find the right organization, start your own group. Try getting people together for coffee or drinks on a regular basis. It has never been easier to reach people with shared interests. But realize that meeting someone once does not make them part of your network. Meeting them once makes them somebody you have met once. There is a big difference between a single encounter and a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship. Be patient and work to understand the motivations and needs of others, in addition to your own.
Remember, not everyone you want to make part of your inner circle will want to be your friend. That is okay. There are plenty of great people in the world, and you can find the right tribe with effort and patience.
Additionally, there are times when friendships come to an end. While sad, it is not uncommon and should not create excess drama. You cannot make people be part of your world, so happily enjoy the memories and then surround yourself with the people who have come to share the next chapters of your life.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
If you want to change your life, surround yourself with people who are living the life you desire. Jim Rohn famously said "You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with". Think about that and look around at how your peers choose to spend their time. It is your future.
Recently I was chatting by phone with an person who wants to have a career as a professional speaker. I asked her "How many speaker friends do you have?" She had no reply. After a few seconds she asked "Do you count?" (we were are not yet really "friends", as we just met). I am unclear how anyone can enter a new industry or lifestyle without knowing people who are living in that arena.
It can be difficult to make new friends as we get older. For Generation X or the Baby Boomers it might seem like they have all their friends in place for life. Yet people will come and go from your life at all stages if you are open to sharing your world with others, you can find the right people.
Early in life we have school, clubs, sports and other formal and informal activities that bring us together with new people. Relationships are forged through shared experiences, but in today's hyper busy world we tend to be isolated quite often. Thus to make new friends you must put in a serious effort.
To find create new connections you first must act like a friend. What do friends do? They care. They listen. They put the other person first. They make sacrifices. Etc.... In real life we often behave in opposite ways to those we do not know, thus making it even harder to get to create friendships.
It is like dating; all parties must be committed to moving it forward if you want anything lasting and meaningful to occur.
Join organizations, and get involved. If you can't find the right organization, start your own group. Try getting people together for coffee or drinks on a regular basis. It has never been easier to reach people with shared interests. But realize that meeting someone once does not make them part of your network. Meeting them once makes them somebody you have met once. There is a big difference between a single encounter and a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship. Be patient and work to understand the motivations and needs of others, in addition to your own.
Remember, not everyone you want to make part of your inner circle will want to be your friend. That is okay. There are plenty of great people in the world, and you can find the right tribe with effort and patience.
Additionally, there are times when friendships come to an end. While sad, it is not uncommon and should not create excess drama. You cannot make people be part of your world, so happily enjoy the memories and then surround yourself with the people who have come to share the next chapters of your life.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Friday, May 15, 2015
Don't Worry About What Others Think
40 Tips To Re-Invent and Re-Launch at Age 40, 50, or Beyond. (Tip #1)
As the members of "Generation X" hit the big 4-0 and big 5-0, the time has come for us to take charge of our lives. We were educated by the baby boomers and those who came before to expect a world that changed. The reality of today is different than what we went to school to learn. If we allow the expectations of others to hold us back from forging our own paths now, we may not get another chance.
Now is the mid-point of life for Gen X. This generation that was thought to be slackers are proving to be cunning entrepreneurs who make things happen. Those who are finding the most success are not worried about what others think, and instead are taking action.
Those of us in this generation that is sandwiched between the Boomers and Millennials do not get the same amount of press coverage as those on either side, but we don't care. We just do stuff and make things happen.
If you want to get a fresh start in your life or career at this middle age you cannot be worried about what other people think. Very often we place our identities in our our job titles or other outside labels that are assigned by those around us. You are a doctor, lawyer, husband, mother, etc.... Your past actions are what the world assumes your now is all about. But in our hearts many of us know we are ready to re-launch.
None of us are any one single thing, and if we want to make a change in our life in our 40s or 50s we cannot be hung up on conclusions that other people have jumped.
It is easy to get caught in a role that begins to feel like a ever deepening hole. We wonder if we are too old to do something new. If you are seeking a fresh start that gets you closer to your real self, then you cannot be stuck in your past.
Clearly your relationships with those closest to you matter as do their feelings. But outside your family and closest friends, why in the world should you care how outsiders judge you? We are being judged all the time and it does not matter one bit.
When I launched out on my own as a speaker many of my "friends" discussed how they thought I would fail in my quest. While I might have failed (happily I have not), the journey of trying was the important thing to me. I had longed to start my own business for many years, and if I had not done it at age 42, I am certain regret would have always been present.
Hearing what others thought about my goals, especially those who secretly gossiped negative opinions (oh yes, if you say something bad about another person, even in confidence, rest assured they will hear of your sharp tongue) could have derailed the whole thing and sent me looking for a regular job. But I did not care. The time had come to own my dream. My wife and kids were supportive, and that was all that mattered.
There will always be naysayers, and this stops many people from ever trying to go for a re-invention. The time is now for Generation X to drop any assumptions, labels, and limits. Today is about a fresh start.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
As the members of "Generation X" hit the big 4-0 and big 5-0, the time has come for us to take charge of our lives. We were educated by the baby boomers and those who came before to expect a world that changed. The reality of today is different than what we went to school to learn. If we allow the expectations of others to hold us back from forging our own paths now, we may not get another chance.
Now is the mid-point of life for Gen X. This generation that was thought to be slackers are proving to be cunning entrepreneurs who make things happen. Those who are finding the most success are not worried about what others think, and instead are taking action.
Those of us in this generation that is sandwiched between the Boomers and Millennials do not get the same amount of press coverage as those on either side, but we don't care. We just do stuff and make things happen.
If you want to get a fresh start in your life or career at this middle age you cannot be worried about what other people think. Very often we place our identities in our our job titles or other outside labels that are assigned by those around us. You are a doctor, lawyer, husband, mother, etc.... Your past actions are what the world assumes your now is all about. But in our hearts many of us know we are ready to re-launch.
None of us are any one single thing, and if we want to make a change in our life in our 40s or 50s we cannot be hung up on conclusions that other people have jumped.
It is easy to get caught in a role that begins to feel like a ever deepening hole. We wonder if we are too old to do something new. If you are seeking a fresh start that gets you closer to your real self, then you cannot be stuck in your past.
Clearly your relationships with those closest to you matter as do their feelings. But outside your family and closest friends, why in the world should you care how outsiders judge you? We are being judged all the time and it does not matter one bit.
When I launched out on my own as a speaker many of my "friends" discussed how they thought I would fail in my quest. While I might have failed (happily I have not), the journey of trying was the important thing to me. I had longed to start my own business for many years, and if I had not done it at age 42, I am certain regret would have always been present.
Hearing what others thought about my goals, especially those who secretly gossiped negative opinions (oh yes, if you say something bad about another person, even in confidence, rest assured they will hear of your sharp tongue) could have derailed the whole thing and sent me looking for a regular job. But I did not care. The time had come to own my dream. My wife and kids were supportive, and that was all that mattered.
There will always be naysayers, and this stops many people from ever trying to go for a re-invention. The time is now for Generation X to drop any assumptions, labels, and limits. Today is about a fresh start.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Handwritten Notes and Showing Up In-Person (Better than a text???)
A good friend of mine mentors a college student. The student had interviewed for a job, but the company had not responded to her after the initial interview. She was curious what to do, so my friend recommended writing a handwritten note and hand-delivering it to the person she had met with a few weeks earlier.
For a digital native the idea of handwritten note and an unexpected physical visit to the company seemed like advice from Mars. But, she trusts her mentor, and instead of sending yet another email she showed up with her note.
Her is the email she sent my friend:
For a digital native the idea of handwritten note and an unexpected physical visit to the company seemed like advice from Mars. But, she trusts her mentor, and instead of sending yet another email she showed up with her note.
Her is the email she sent my friend:
Dear "Mentor"-
I wanted to thank you for your advice last week to write a hand written thank-you note and to hand deliver it. Going there unexpected was one of the scariest things I've done so far but I feel like it was probably one of the most effective things I could have done. The lady I interviewed with explained how the next person that was supposed to contact me hasn't reached out yet because they have been out sick with strep throat. Here's to hoping I hear from them soon; it is a dream opportunity.
Thank-you again; I think I really needed that push out the door. This first year after school has ironically been one of my steepest learning curves.
All the best
"Mentee"
Even in our text and email world, the personal touch goes a long way. I applaud this Millenial for going the extra mile. I hope she gets the job.
There is often a lot of debate about the power of the handwritten note and the personal touch, but it still works. I think that many who argue against this "old school" approach are simply not wanting to put in any effort. Too often people think "how do I streamline my actions to make my own life easier". This is selfish thinking. Instead, it might be smarter to think "how can I put myself out and do extra work that might make me uncomfortable, yet shows the other person they are worth it".
What do you think?
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Monday, May 11, 2015
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Saturday, May 09, 2015
There Is No App For Real Life
Everyone is on a journey, regardless of if they realize it or not.
Being the person in charge of your own life is hard work, and requires considerable attention, or you will just drift about responding to the actions of others. A boat without sails, oars or an anchor tends to get pushed around by the tide.
"If you do not design your own plan in life - chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? NOT MUCH" - Jim RohnRunning my own solopreneur business for six years has been a great experience. I like the independence and the freedom, but still struggle with the ups and downs from income fluctuation and uncertainty. It is hard to keep up with all the moving parts, and sometimes things fall apart or I feel overwhelmed. Over time I am getting used to the flow of being a solo-business professional, and I tend to not get as stressed out as I did a few years ago. I have a plan, and I know where my journey is headed.
On the personal front there is always so much going on that I rarely feel I have mastered the art of enjoying down-time. Don't get me wrong, I desire relaxation as much as the next person, but my brain keeps pumping out ideas and reminding me of the ever-growing "to-do list". The ability to escape from the reality is allusive. There is so much to get done that the stress can be a real factor.
Those who master success, both in their personal and professional lives, are the ones who can keep focused and calm. They are content with the journey and the destination.
My dad recommended being "slow to anger, and fast to forgive". This is good advice, as it seems in our pressure filled society people are always pissed about something. They focus anger at others in a way to feel better about their own life. I am sick and tired of those who are angry at someone or something all the time (anyone with me on this one?).
In our social media crazy world it is easy to disconnect from the human relationships that matter the most. A like, link, share or follow is not really a relationship. We have replaced conversation with instagram posts. The key to success is the people you associate with, and having real friendships with people who care can make your whole journey a much better adventure. There is no app for real life friendships.
Some of the people I talk with are not feeling they are surrounded by enough supportive and caring friends or business associates. I am also finding that as we get older it becomes more difficult to establish new friendships. People are set in their ways, and are too busy to invest in new connections. Effort is needed to make, grow and keep your relationships. To make a friend you first have to be a friend. And this is a commitment.
In an effort to cultivate the human connections, try to find ways to reach out to others and encourage them. People don't care about your goals, they care about their own goals. Do you even know what the people around you want to accomplish? I know that some of those closest to me assume they understand my motivations, but they really have no clue (because they never ask). I am working to ask more questions about what others want.
This journey of life is hard. Develop a plan and find the right people to help you along the way. And have some fun, too.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Tuesday, May 05, 2015
Get What You Want
"You can have everything in life you want,
if you will just help enough other
people get what they want." -Zig Ziglar
The plan was to write a long post based on the above quote.... but it speaks for itself.
Who have you helped lately? Don't make excuses or rationalize your own "busy". Do something to help promote another person's career or otherwise assist them in getting to the next level.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Friday, May 01, 2015
Should a Speaker Do More Than Speak?
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A client recently asked if I was willing to "play" while I was at their event. They were wondering if I was willing to go beyond my role as a speaker, have some fun, and help them with some other projects while present at the multi-day conference.
My initial reaction was "YES" (saying yes leads to cool things), and it turned out to be the right thing to do. They wanted me to be the "man on the street" interviewer for a video they were filming during the opening reception on the first night. Not only did I help my client fill a role they needed, but I had an amazing time wandering around with the camera man and chatting with members, board members and exhibitors. Playing always equals fun.
The association was working with CNTV (Convention News Television), the industry leader in bringing the exciting television production experience to conventions, conferences and trade shows. Their professional crew helps organizers generate new revenue, increase attendance, provide a member benefit and extend the life and reach of the event. I had met the CNTV people at several events where I have been a speaker over the past few years, but this was the first time I got to "play" with them.
Should speakers do more than speak at your event? Should you ask them to play?
Well that depends on your speaker and the goals of the organizers. If Bill Clinton is your keynote speaker, he wont be doing add-ons throughout your three day event. But non-celebrity speakers should be willing to participate in activities that improve the attendee experience.
In the busy meetings world where everyone has to multi-task, speakers who are part of the team can do more than one presentation.
To be fair, not every speaker's business model is the same, and thus not all can devote a full day, or several days, to your conference. However, you can always ask them to take on more than a single role. It is common for speakers to provide pre-conference videos and post-event webinars, so asking them to be more involved onsite is not an unreasonable request.
But be respectful to the speaker and treat them as a valued team member... not a vendor. Do not get angry if their answer is "no" (again, their business model might require them to get to work on other projects after their speech to your audience), and never over-schedule their day (I had one client three years ago who abused my schedule and that was no fun). When you are engaged in "playing" together you can uncover awesome ideas.
Asking your speakers to do more than speak can be win-win. Most of my speaker friends are seeking ways to provide extra value, and clients who work with their speakers can help inspire whole new product offerings.
As for my evening as the "reporter" for the conference video... it was one of the most fun nights I have had at a conference (and something I am now able to offer to other clients).
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com
Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com
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| www.ConferenceCatalyst.com |
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Robert Bradford on "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" Podcast
Enjoy.
Find more information at www.robertbradford.com or www.cssp.com
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Monday, April 20, 2015
Cool Things My Friends Do (Week #126) - Neen James Becomes a US Citizen
Each week on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their personal and professional lives.
Today my friend Neen James became a citizen of the United States of America. Now that deserves a post on "Cool Things My Friends Do" (Week #126).
This is not the first time Neen has been featured on my blog in a "Cool Things My Friends Do" post. She also was early guest on the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" podcast. She does lots of cool things, so it is not a surprise (Click below to read or hear her past accolades):
More than a decade ago Neen and her husband moved to Pennsylvania. Together they have built a great life and it is exciting that this "Happy Little Aussie" (her popular hashtag on Twitter is #HappyLittleAussie) has decided that America is forever her adopted home.
I was excited to see her announcement on Facebook today and happy to welcome her to the "club".
Congratulations, Neen!!!
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Today my friend Neen James became a citizen of the United States of America. Now that deserves a post on "Cool Things My Friends Do" (Week #126).
This is not the first time Neen has been featured on my blog in a "Cool Things My Friends Do" post. She also was early guest on the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" podcast. She does lots of cool things, so it is not a surprise (Click below to read or hear her past accolades):
"Thought Leader and Harley Rider" - June 13, 2012
"Folding Time" - June 21, 2013
"Neen James on Podcast" - November 18, 2014I have known Neen, a native of Australia, for the past six years. She is a very successful business owner and a delightfully caring friend. We met via the National Speakers Association, and she has been one of my most important friends and mentors in the speaking industry. Neen is a powerhouse of a speaker and if you do not follow her on Twitter, I suggest you make her a favorite (@neenjames).
More than a decade ago Neen and her husband moved to Pennsylvania. Together they have built a great life and it is exciting that this "Happy Little Aussie" (her popular hashtag on Twitter is #HappyLittleAussie) has decided that America is forever her adopted home.
I was excited to see her announcement on Facebook today and happy to welcome her to the "club".
Congratulations, Neen!!!
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
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
Monday, April 06, 2015
Appreciation: Past, Present and Future
There is a strong feeling of gratitude sailing through my heart.
Recently I celebrated the 6-year anniversary of working for myself (I got laid-off from my last "real job" on April 1, 2009), and the passing of this milestone got me reflecting heavily on my journey.
There have been many people who have helped me along the way. I am overwhelmed with positive vibes about how this has all worked out in the long run. While losing my job sucked, the incident forced me to follow my dream of being an entrepreneur. It has been hard, and I am not always prepared for the heavy weight of running my own business. However, it has also been awesome.
There have been many people who have helped me along the way. I am overwhelmed with positive vibes about how this has all worked out in the long run. While losing my job sucked, the incident forced me to follow my dream of being an entrepreneur. It has been hard, and I am not always prepared for the heavy weight of running my own business. However, it has also been awesome.
When you are full of appreciation, I think it is best to let it out into the world. Tell the people who matter. Write a post. Film a video. Share your understanding. Let the joy ooze out.
If you bottle up the grateful feelings they will wither.
If you bottle up the grateful feelings they will wither.
There have been so many clients, friends, and other speakers who have had an impact on the direction of my business. Some are "Forever Friends" (those special people who are by your side in good times and bad, who never waiver in their loving support), and others have come and gone. But it is people who make the difference in how we succeed or fail.
Along the way I have made mistakes, but I work hard to own those missteps and learn from my faults. I am slow to anger, and fast to forgive others. I love the word "journey", as that is how I view my life. If I am halfway to the end (figuring I live to be 99-years-old like my father), then I also know that the best times are ahead. It is weird to think that the experiences so far are just the foundation of what is to come. It is also exciting.
The thrilling part is about the people in my life. Especially those I have not yet met. I know some new folks will enter my life and together we will have a mutually-beneficial impact on each other's paths.
Before I moved to Austin, 24 years ago, I could never have imagined the amazing people I would encounter, but they appeared. Together we shared some laughs and tears. I am fortunate to have called so many people "Friend". There are so many people I adore. And tomorrow holds new friendships and associations that will also produce win/win situations that are unpredictable today.
Appreciation to all is my song. Cheers to those who have been on this journey in the past, present and future. My heart is full of gratitude. You fill my sails with new winds.
Thanks
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Along the way I have made mistakes, but I work hard to own those missteps and learn from my faults. I am slow to anger, and fast to forgive others. I love the word "journey", as that is how I view my life. If I am halfway to the end (figuring I live to be 99-years-old like my father), then I also know that the best times are ahead. It is weird to think that the experiences so far are just the foundation of what is to come. It is also exciting.
The thrilling part is about the people in my life. Especially those I have not yet met. I know some new folks will enter my life and together we will have a mutually-beneficial impact on each other's paths.
Before I moved to Austin, 24 years ago, I could never have imagined the amazing people I would encounter, but they appeared. Together we shared some laughs and tears. I am fortunate to have called so many people "Friend". There are so many people I adore. And tomorrow holds new friendships and associations that will also produce win/win situations that are unpredictable today.
Appreciation to all is my song. Cheers to those who have been on this journey in the past, present and future. My heart is full of gratitude. You fill my sails with new winds.
Thanks
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
SXSW 2015 Recap
The 2015 SXSW Interactive Festival has come and gone. This was my 9th year participating in this epic event, and while I have seen South by Southwest change over the years, I still find it to be one of the most relevant and inspiring events for those with an entrepreneurial spirit.
While some might describe the focus of the Interactive Festival as "technology", I think it goes beyond that label. Tech used to mean "tools", but now it is integrated into our lives, and thus I find the the whole message of the conference to be about innovation.
Some say that the event has lost it's luster as the numbers have grown and the corporate sponsors have joined the fun (even McDonald's has a presence at SXSW these days). I disagree with the naysayers, who do not like how large the event has become. While it is true that the lower attendance did have a more intimate feel, SXSW is not just a conference, it is an experience. Real experiences are not like painting by the numbers, and thus must change or they become stale. The best event professionals I know are always seeking to enhance and change their meetings, not simply replicate them year over year.
The changes have come both organically and with well-thought intention from the organizers. Over the years I have seen them morph the focus of the topics, style of the keynotes, and the flow of the event. The addition of the new JW Marriott to downtown Austin has provided a new large venue and that changed some of the feel of how the event played out. In some ways the "vibe" felt more like it did years ago, and so those who might have complained recently (and did not come this year) missed out on what they had been wanting.
My experience at SXSW this year was very positive. My panel, "Mastermind Construction Zone", was fun and the audience seemed to like the discussion. It was special to share the experience with two of the people from my own Mastermind Group (Jessica Pettitt and Gerry O'Brion), and to be part of their first experience with SXSW.
I enjoyed the casual feeling this year, and even with over 30,000 participants, never felt the lost in the crowd. I was sorry that the marketing sessions were held across the river at the Hyatt, as I tend to stay in the area of the Austin Convention Center, and never took a shuttle (the rush to get to a far off venue is not worth it to me).
While I missed some great marketing sessions, I went to many other topics that helped me to think bigger (and discovered topics I might have otherwise missed). I attended sessions that inspired me in my own entrepreneurial efforts and took nearly 50 pages of notes. My next step is to review and extract the most important nuggets of information and to take action.
I also interviewed several people who I met in the trade show or at a roof-top party for an upcoming episode of "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" - and got a good variety of other insights into the festival, entrepreneurship, and life. (Look for that show to post on iTunes on March 24, 2015)
The real power in attending SXSW (or any event) comes from the people. I met amazing folks who contribute to society in a variety of business, government, and philanthropic endeavors. In spending time with those who hold different points of view and have lived interesting lives, we can all discover personal growth.
I over heard a conversation about how those who live in the suburbs can learn from the artists in places like SoHo, but if they artists never attend a family dinner with those in the suburbs, they are missing out. I like that. It is good to remember that the benefits of diversity runs in all directions. Don't prejudge others, and seek for ways to learn from everyone. That is what I did at SXSW, and I am am very excited about the future.
If you have never been to SXSW, start planning now for 2016.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
SXSW Is About The PEOPLE
Each year there are dozens (if not hundreds) of blog posts written on the topic of how to maximize SXSW. The South by Southwest Festival is an amazing series of events (EDU, Interactive, Film, and Music) that bring tens of thousands of visitors to Austin, TX each March. I could easily produce a top ten list of suggestions that would be useful, but this event (and all other conference) come down to one thing. The people.
The investment of time and money to attend SXSW is steep, so everyone who attends wants to make sure they get the most out of each day. The festival kicks off each morning with speakers, panels and a trade show, but the fun goes late into the night with hundreds of official and unofficial parties taking place all over Austin.
In our social media crazy world it is easy to be nose to screen much of the time. Putting your attention toward your phone or tablet is tempting, as there is no fear that your iPhone will reject you. Checking to see what is said online about the SXSW happenings, and the desires to Tweet your activities to the world can be very strong. But the power at SXSW resides with the people all around you. Don't miss your opportunity to connect.
Relationships drive the success of an event, not the other way around. Too often we assume a great event brings networking opportunities, but the truth is the serendipity of conversations with the people you meet makes the event great.
My advice simple... To achieve the highest level of ROI at SXSW there is only one piece of advice:
Engage in live conversation.
You have to take ownership of instigating conversations. Say "hello" to people and many will be thrilled to chat with you. Do not over-think the social contract of being at a conference.... people come to learn and network, and some of the best learning comes from the impromptu "Hallway Conversations".
So, welcome to Austin and have an amazing experience at SXSW.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
I hope to meet you at SXSW. Come to my panel presentation "Mastermind Construction Zone" on Saturday, March 14th at 9:30 AM.
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
Happy 10th Birthday to my BLOG
2015- CELEBRATING
TEN YEARS BLOGGING
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(The first post from 2005 is here.)
I would like to believe that I have come a long, long way over a decade. It has been a great experience. This blog has been a major part of my life and has lead to the writing of eleven books, speaking to over 450 audiences, and the launch of the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do Podcast".
At the time I started writing this blog I dreamed of earning my income as a speaker, trainer, and professional EmCee. Today that dream is a reality, and I have had the honor to speak all over the world, including in China.
I am very fortunate because of the amazing people in my life: Family, friends, clients, other speakers, etc... all have shared in my journey. I am enthusiastic about the next decade!
Have A Great Day
thom singer
Sunday, March 01, 2015
Cool Things My Friends Do (Week #124) - Your Nerdy Best Friend (Beth Ziesenis) KickStarter Campaign
Each week on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their personal and professional lives.
I have a friend who is a speaker and a nerd. Beth Ziesenis is known as "Your Nerdy Best Friend" and she speaks at association and corporate events teaching people all about the latest nerdy technology apps they can use to make life better.
Beth currently has a KickStarter campaign to raise the money to launch her new book, "Nerd Know How: The 27 Best Apps for Work and How to Use Them".
Evernote. LastPass. Prezi. Elance.
Maybe you've heard of these tech tools -- but do you know how to use them?
In her newest book Author Beth Ziesenis gives you the what, why and how for dozens of the most critical technology that will help you at work and home. With plenty of screenshots and tons of tips, Nerd Know-How will get you started using the cutting-edge apps that increase productivity, organization, collaboration and awesomeness.
Each of the 27 apps includes screenshots, tips, at-a-glance facts and alternatives. Plus you'll find bonus lists of extra apps that will turn you in to the nerdiest person in the office.
I have a friend who is a speaker and a nerd. Beth Ziesenis is known as "Your Nerdy Best Friend" and she speaks at association and corporate events teaching people all about the latest nerdy technology apps they can use to make life better.
Beth currently has a KickStarter campaign to raise the money to launch her new book, "Nerd Know How: The 27 Best Apps for Work and How to Use Them".
Evernote. LastPass. Prezi. Elance.
Maybe you've heard of these tech tools -- but do you know how to use them?
In her newest book Author Beth Ziesenis gives you the what, why and how for dozens of the most critical technology that will help you at work and home. With plenty of screenshots and tons of tips, Nerd Know-How will get you started using the cutting-edge apps that increase productivity, organization, collaboration and awesomeness.
Each of the 27 apps includes screenshots, tips, at-a-glance facts and alternatives. Plus you'll find bonus lists of extra apps that will turn you in to the nerdiest person in the office.
Beth is seeking 200 supporters (she already has raised the necessary money in a very successful campaign... how cool is that?). For as little as $1 you can support her cause (she is at 109 supporters at the time of this blog post), but at the $15 level you will get a copy of the book, and have YOUR NAME listed in the book!!! Come on, show her some love!!! I pledged $15.
Let me tell you more about Beth Ziesenis.... she is a giver and a doer. Everyone in our extended group of "speaker friends" will tell you she takes action and helps her peers meet new clients. She tells her clients about other speakers, and is always available to give introductions, advice and moral support. She is the "REAL DEAL" when it comes to wanting others to be successful. She does not view life or business as a zero-sum games, but instead believes everyone can find their success path.
She calls herself a "Nerd", but Beth is really one of the "Cool Kids". I am excited to feature her as week #124 of "Cool Things My Friends Do". (She was also an early guest on the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" Podcast!!! Check it out).
Have A Great Day
thom singer
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