tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30380904894190048602023-11-16T02:27:50.982-05:00Mentor+. Don't go it alone.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388278200298851096noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-70356017441591352792014-09-01T12:50:00.002-04:002014-09-01T12:50:37.833-04:00Risk Business... LIFE<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">L</strong>earning how to be more</span></div>
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Try to imagine the perfect family… can you? For many, it may be hard to believe that one could exist, but for me as a kid, mine was. I was youngest of 4 siblings growing up in a middle income family with access to all of what one might expect a perfect family to have… living in a nice house in a quiet neighborhood, having frequent family get-togethers with the many extended relatives that all lived close by, being in a close knit church community and receiving all the supports that come with that, having numerous opportunities to play a variety of sports and just enjoying the freedom of being an adventurous a kid who had pretty much everything a kid could hope to have. It wasn’t a life of over-indulgence like so many kids of today have. Rather, it was a life where love was generously provided, where I felt absolutely safe and secure and where I rarely, if ever, felt any significant disappointment or loss. It was as “<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050032/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Leave it to Beaver</a>” as any family could possibly be. Simply put, I loved my life as a child.</div>
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When I was growing up, my parents did everything imaginable, or at least everything they knew how to do, to ensure that I would become a success, both personally and professionally. After high-school, I attended one of the best colleges, graduating with a major in Business and within 10 years, I was working in management for a major high-tech company, holding a sizeable portfolio and making six figures. My personal life was filled with much joy. I had married my high school sweetheart. We lived in a beautiful home, drove nice cars and had two children – both handsome boys – and had one on the way. We served in our local church, where we spent a lot of time helping young people. We were also involved in the local hockey community, where we were always doing our best to help others. I was duplicating for my children the same life that I had as a kid. Life couldn’t have been better; I was on top of the world… or so I thought.</div>
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Fast forward to 2007 and in a matter of a few years, all hell broke loose. Everything I had worked so hard to build seemed to unravel before my eyes. Of the three boys we had, one was diagnosed with <a href="http://www.jdrf.ca/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">type 1 Juvenile Diabetes</a> and another received a dual diagnosis of both type 1 Diabetes and <a href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cystic Fribrosis</a> – a double whammy. I was surprised to discover that my marriage was not the perfect relationship that I had thought it was. It did not take long before I was divorced. Struggling with so many personal issues, my performance at work was affected and shortly thereafter, I was let go from the job I loved. Within such a short period of time, I had to deal with multiple losses – the health of two my children, my family, my home and my career.</div>
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As I reflect back on those times, in spite of the best efforts of my parents, I had never been prepared for the many challenges life was throwing at me. In some ways, the idyllic life I had as a child magnified my feelings of loss. I felt very alone, partly of my own doing because my way had always been to keep personal matters private and because the pain of my many issues was so intense. However, it was also because few people seemed truly interested in listening to me talk about my struggles or providing any meaningful support.</div>
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The next 5 years would turn out to be a journey into no man’s land. Not only could I not find a job that was anything remotely close to the one I had, it was hard to find a job period. I did some consulting, although that was somewhat inconsistent and required that I augment my income by other means. Jobs were not plentiful at the time, which meant I didn’t have the freedom to be choosey, but I did find a job working for a company requiring that I work full-time Monday to Friday, but also evenings and weekends. I was doing the best I could to support my family but in the end, my situation was financially unsustainable. I had no choice but to claim bankruptcy.</div>
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During the chaos of those times, I needed help on many levels. I was struggling daily just to cope with everything that demanded my time and money. However, I was shocked to discover that the people who I thought would “be there”, weren’t. To add to the other losses, my father and chief mentor had been diagnosed with cancer and died not long afterward. Without his gentle, calming presence to help guide me, I needed the support of people who could “be there” and who could help me to get back on track both personally and professionally. Fortunately, there were a select few who stepped up to the plate and with their support, I was able to finally find solid ground beneath my feet again. If it wasn’t for these people and the support they offered me, I don’t know what I would have done. I’m so grateful to those who were willing to stand beside me to help me get through those trying times. It was profoundly challenging having to go from being someone who so often was a help to others, to being someone who needed help himself… and who needed to be able to ask for this – a very humbling experience, but also one that provided much opportunity. I don’t think I am alone in feeling more comfortable being the helper than being the helped. However, I learned in a completely new way how true the axiom is that every time there is someone(s) who serves in the role of being the “helper”, so too must there also be someone(s) who functions in the role of being the “helped” and that we all need to be prepared to perform in both roles.</div>
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I have always been passionate about serving and helping people. Doing so brings me great satisfaction as does seeing others succeed at something. Yet, I have discovered from others and from my life journey that people often live their lives with so much disappointment and regret. They are either not happy with their career and thus their personal life suffers or the opposite can be true and that, as occurred with me, they don’t necessarily know what to do when this happens. Where does one go for help to manage and cope with life’s many challenges? We are taught to be independent beings, but innately, we are also collectively wired to be interdependent with one another. These two paradigms – independence and interdependence – are always in tension with one another and the challenge we each face is to find balance between the two. We grow up wanting to be able to “do it myself” and yet as we go through life, we are each challenged in unique ways to discover that we cannot. If you consider the analogy of your life as a department store, where each section is connected to the other, I like to think of our lives as having two distinct departments – Our Personal and our Professional and that <a href="http://staging.mentorplus.me/you-arent-trapped-plan-your-work-around-your-life/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We balance what we do between </a>both of them. Success or failure in one department can determine the success of the other. If you want to take it to another level… the profitability of the Personal department determines the profitability of the Professional department and vice versa.</div>
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We are not meant to be alone and because of this, I believe that a collective wisdom also exists among us all as a society. Because we tend to learn as we get older and because as a society we have such a large generational and aging group in the baby-boomers, so too do I believe that they have a collective wisdom from which we can learn.</div>
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I created <a href="http://hitchplus.me/about-us/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">The Mentor+ Project </a> to be a part of the solution and know there are others that want to be the same. We observed that there was a need to build a mechanism that could bridge those who can help with those who need that help. The Mentor+ Project focuses on bringing individuals or groups together in a way that makes it easy and simple to get personal and actionable advice. Having struggled in my own life in many ways, I know this would have been helpful to me. Hence, the reason for this project and why we are proud to now announce that we have a mobile app called <a href="http://hitchplus.me/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Hitch+</a>. This is unlike any other social or professional community as it aims to provide the help and advice you need to find success in both your career and personal lives. It is also easy and fun to use.</div>
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I hope you join us on the journey as we move forward together with our lives the best they can be! If this sounds good to you, please download our app and check us out. We appreciate you giving us a try and getting your feedback.</div>
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<a href="http://about.me/gregjohnston" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Greg Johnston</a><br /><span style="color: #333333;">Founder </span><a href="https://clarity.fm/gregjohnston" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">The Mentor+ Project, Mentor+me and Hitch+</a></div>
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“<em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A star wants to see himself rise to the top. A leader wants to see those around him rise to the top.” – <a href="https://www.startwithwhy.com/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Simon Sinek</a></em></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-55358723688435606352013-08-31T23:47:00.001-04:002013-09-04T22:01:36.976-04:00Doing Business In Deep Waters and Getting a Yes For Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b></span> just listened to a talk from one of my favorite inspirational speakers. The talk was about "Doing Business in Deep Waters". The speaker talked about people doing extraordinary things and how to spend your time. If you’re going to do anything great in life there is always going to be opposition, setbacks, delays, and critics. Many people get discouraged because of these things. People will ask themselves “why is this happening to me?” The answer is that you’re breaking new ground because you’re making progress. Those that go into deep waters with big dreams are going to face big challenges. Being in deep waters means that you’re not in the shallow waters with ordinary problems. When you’re in deep waters you’re trying to make a mark... you’re a history maker... you’re a world changer.</div>
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You need to know there are always going to be critics, and when you have big dreams you cannot expect ordinary problems. People don't talk about average people; they talk about extraordinary people. So take it as a complement when you are criticized, because it goes with the territory. You may try to move forward but find yourself facing major challenges. This is because you have a major destiny, and because you’re an extraordinary person you will face challenges. The good news is that there are people out there willing to help you with these challenges and help you come through those obstacles. Be selective in how and who you spend your time with. The critics that come against you will only bring you back to shallow waters and waste your time. Don't lose sleep over this, but stay in the deep waters and do what you’re destined to do. Set your face like flint and run your own race.<br /><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Getting a Yes for Help </b></span></div>
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Often times when we are trying to move forward and overcome obstacles we don't know where to turn. When we reach out for help the challenge becomes getting people to say YES to our request. I am passionate about mentoring and paying it forward by helping those in need. I continue to try to create new ways to help build bridges for those that are looking for help and those that are willing to help. Connecting people has been one of my passions and this is the reason I created a mobile app called <a href="http://hitchplus.launchrock.com/">Hitch+</a>. Hitch+ will give you the ability to explore daily insightful content, to share advice and easily get connected with great experts. <br /><br />We are also excited to now have the ability to get you connected with over 10,000 experts through <a href="http://clarity.fm/">Clarity.fm</a>. Clarity is a community of experts who want to help and have created a better way to scale the delivery of their expertise. If you want to know more about how you can get help or be involved with helping others then read <a href="http://www.dailysense.com/about/">Clay Herbert</a>'s article: <a href="https://medium.com/design-startups/6a7d29282c1d">The New Way to Say No (that's actually yes)</a>. <br /><br />We love to hear from you. Please join us to share your dreams, give and get advice, and connect with great experts. Click on the logo below to find out how.<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-47380819421925243962013-08-20T20:33:00.001-04:002013-08-20T20:41:16.807-04:00Keep Your Vision in Front of You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I </span></b>spent some time this weekend thinking about the vision I have for myself and my 3 sons over the next number of years. There are things I see every day that remind me of what I am believing for, things that inspire me and ignite my faith.<br />
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There is a Proverb in the Bible that states: "<i>Where there is no vision, the people perish</i>."<br />
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With no vision, it's easy to get stuck where you are and expect nothing to happen. I know because at times with all the pressures of this world to achieve wealth and success it becomes difficult to know exactly where you fit in.<br />
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I admit my inspiration comes from some of the great mentors I have had in my life. The ones that want to make a difference and do something that will effect a change or impact someone's life.<br />
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Everyday I try to make it a goal to make a small impact whether at work, with my boys or people I meet socially.<br />
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I continue to develop and validate my own ideas of how to help others not only have a vision but a BIG vision for their lives. This includes teaching and helping people create ideas for practical, daily steps to set a vision as well as creating reminders. It's not enough to just dream it, you need to see it and let a seed take root in your heart.<br />
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If you have a big vision, then start believing in your heart that it will take root and see it come to completion. You will be amazed at what happens!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-35423834397351614392013-07-21T01:07:00.002-04:002013-08-06T19:44:43.393-04:005 Lessons I Learned On Commitment From Rocky Balboa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>he past few weeks I have spent a number of days in intense meetings with a company that I am involved in. It is inspiring to see the leadership’s commitment to ensure that the company is successful in the future. One of the highlights for me was the passion they have to make sure people are growing and being challenged to be the best they can be at their job. It was not just talk but they are putting together action plans so that individuals have the support and mentoring they need in order to be successful. <br />
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As I reflected on the past few weeks I could not help think of the great <a href="http://youtu.be/D_Vg4uyYwEk">Rocky Balboa (2006)</a> speech he gave his son. Everyone loves to win but only winners love the process. It's exactly about how you come back, how you deal with failures, because a person who is truly trying to succeed will always have more failures than successes.</div>
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Here are the 5 Lessons I learned from Rocky's speech on commitment:</div>
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<b>Don't Stop Being You</b></div>
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Somewhere along the line in my career and personal life I pushed myself so hard toward success that I forgot how to be me. When failure struck I allowed people and the things of this world to beat me. I started scrambling and struggled to do my best to make everyone happy. Don't stop being you because somewhere the YOU and your talents will find happiness.</div>
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<b>Stop Looking for Someone to Blame</b></div>
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This can be so much of a distraction and a slippery slope. Get up every day and work on how YOU can improve and be better. At the end of the day, reflect on the wins and failures and make the next day even better.<br />
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<b>Keep Moving Forward</b></div>
We have all heard of the phrase “<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=roll%20with%20the%20punches">roll with the punches</a>”. The key to overcoming adversity is to take the punches, forgive yourself and others and become flexible when dealing with difficult issues. </div>
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<b>Take the Hits</b></div>
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You are either in or you are out. If you are 100% committed to something and willing to take what life throws at you, eventually you will win and become the person you’re supposed to be.<br />
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<b>Believe in Yourself</b></div>
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The fact is no one believes more in yourself than YOU do. Get up everyday believing that you are working toward achieving your goals and win. <br />
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Here's the clip from the movie if you have never seen it before...enjoy.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-68620094841345094412013-06-03T18:07:00.001-04:002013-06-03T18:07:36.737-04:00Building my personal brand and not trying to screw it up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></b>t's been awhile since I posted a personal blog as I have been finding it tough to write. It's not always easy to sit down and put "pen to paper" that people would find worth reading and helpful. I like to mostly share some of my personal journey with the hope of helping someone be better at what they do.<br />
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In my <a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2013/01/how-to-succeed-take-shots.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>last blog</b></span></a> post I shared some personal stories of my own failures and some points on what I am doing to find success. One of the things I am working hard on is improving my personal brand in order to fix my weaknesses. For me it's finding the right mentor(s) that are not telling me how to run my personal, career or business life based on their strengths and experiences, but understanding my weaknesses and how I can fix them.<br />
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I think a mentor should treat you like a research project. Instead of telling me his life is the blueprint of success they openly acknowledge that there is no single path to success, what is right for them may not be right for you.<br />
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Here are some things to ensure you don't screw up your mentoring relationship:<br />
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1. As an entrepreneur or career professional don't leech life lessons from your mentor but engage in with them in order to seek the answers as they are relevant to your business or career path.<br />
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2. Help your mentor learn. Mentors should be learning as they are guiding you through the process of making you successful.<br />
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3. Mentors should be uncomfortable with the status quo. Mentors should be interested in making themselves better as they are making you better.<br />
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4. The best mentors don't play by the rules.<br />
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What are some things you are doing to improve your personal brand?<br />
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Here is my online <a href="http://prezi.com/ugzp9abymam_/desktop-prezume-by-greg-johnston/?kw=view-ugzp9abymam_&rc=ref-5555631" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Prezume</b></span></a> using Prezi. Would you use this tool to increase your brand? Do you think this would capture interest to potential hires? Recruiters?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-31470241045250566562013-05-28T13:20:00.004-04:002013-05-28T13:20:48.910-04:00Stay Cool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-46269610779936094182013-03-11T18:07:00.000-04:002013-03-11T19:02:22.292-04:0010 Ways To Handle Adversity<br />
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<i>Guest post by <a href="http://mentorplus.me/profile/BlakeYoung" target="_blank">Blake Young</a>, <a href="http://mentorplus.me/" target="_blank">Mentor+me</a> member</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I've always considered myself a freelance mentor with zero buyers. I may not own my own company or have throngs of underlings who survive on my whim, but I have been through many blenders in life. With each brush with adversity I noted several commonalities that would inadvertently help me through the next one.<br />
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1. Never take life too seriously. Humanity is nothing but a giant mess worthy of a good laugh.<br />
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2. Avoid hatred. It's an unnecessary burden well worth abandoning.<br />
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3. Peaceful acts of protest can be the most potent.<br />
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4. Always have an escape plan, no matter what - even when you're taking the high road. Some evil folks can't handle being ignored or failing to intimidate you, and they will come after you. Either be where they can't find you or end up somewhere for which they will pay dearly for hurting you.<br />
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5. You're never alone. Someone always can relate and usually has it worse than you.<br />
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6. Weird is the new normal. Embrace it and don't be afraid to express it - so long as it's totally legal to do so.<br />
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7. Never bully. You never know who will ignore rule #2.<br />
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8. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, except for the deliberate, immoral ones. The wisest people have the most scars.<br />
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9. Never attack. Only defend. The judge and jury will side with you.<br />
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10. Be nice. A smile will get you far in life on its own.<br />
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Memorize one or two of the above and just wing the rest.<br />
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<i>Blake Young --</i><br />
<i>MBA, Bio-medical Management Concentration; BBA with honors, Management Information Systems; University of Memphis. Humor writer and dedicated sympathizer. Computer geek and high school survivor. Likes nachos.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388278200298851096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-56376559571199478442013-03-08T21:38:00.000-05:002013-03-08T21:38:28.760-05:00 Happy International Women’s Day!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;">History of International Women’s Day</span></span></b></div>
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<i>Info provided by:<a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/" target="_blank"> internationalwomensday.com</a></i><br />
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International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.<br /><br /><b>1908</b><br />Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. Women's oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.<br /><br /><b>1909</b><br />In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on 28 February. Women continued to celebrate NWD on the last Sunday of February until 1913.<br /><br /><b>1910</b><br />n 1910 a second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. A woman named a <a href="http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Clara_Zetkin">Clara Zetkin</a> (Leader of the 'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea of an International Women's Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day - a Women's Day - to press for their demands. The conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties, working women's clubs, and including the first three women elected to the Finnish parliament, greeted Zetkin's suggestion with unanimous approval and thus International Women's Day was the result.<br /><br /><b>1911</b><br />Following the decision agreed at Copenhagen in 1911, International Women's Day (IWD) was honoured the <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/first.asp">first time</a> in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination. However less than a week later on 25 March, the tragic 'Triangle Fire' in New York City took the lives of more than 140 working women, most of them Italian and Jewish immigrants. This disastrous event drew significant attention to working conditions and labour legislation in the United States that became a focus of subsequent International Women's Day events. 1911 also saw women's '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread_and_Roses">Bread and Roses</a>' campaign.<br /><br /><b>1913-1914</b><br />On the eve of World War I campaigning for peace, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February 1913. In 1913 following discussions, International Women's Day was transferred to 8 March and this day has remained the global date for International Women's Day ever since. In 1914 further women across Europe held rallies to campaign against the war and to express women's solidarity.<br /><br /><b>1917</b><br />On the last Sunday of February, Russian women began a strike for "bread and peace" in response to the death over 2 million Russian soldiers in war. Opposed by political leaders the women continued to strike until four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. The date the women's strike commenced was Sunday 23 February on the Julian calendar then in use in Russia. This day on the Gregorian calendar in use elsewhere was 8 March.<br /><br /><b>1918 - 1999</b><br />Since its birth in the socialist movement, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. For decades, IWD has grown from strength to strength annually. For many years the United Nations has held an annual IWD conference to coordinate international efforts for women's rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. 1975 was designated as 'International Women's Year' by the United Nations. Women's organisations and governments around the world have also observed IWD annually on 8 March by holding large-scale events that honour women's advancement and while diligently reminding of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women's equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.<br /><br /><b>2000 and beyond</b><br />IWD is now an official holiday in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.<br /><br />The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.<br /><br />However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so the tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.<br /><br />Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.<br /><br />Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. For example, on 8 March search engine and media giant Google some years even changes its logo on its global search pages. Year on year IWD is certainly increasing in status. The United States even designates the whole month of March as 'Women's History Month'.<br /><br />So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.<br />
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<b>About this internationalwomensday.com website</b><br /><i>internationalwomensday.com is a global hub for sharing International Women’s Day information, events, news and resources.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388278200298851096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-88630609756304508842013-02-21T23:52:00.001-05:002013-02-21T23:52:16.159-05:00How to Create Your Own Startup Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Guest Post by <a href="http://www.feld.com/" style="color: #7d181e; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">Brad Feld</a>.</i><br />
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While working on the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1118441540/startuprev-20">Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City</a>. I developed four principles, which I call The Boulder Thesis, that I believe are necessary for the development of a vibrant, long-term, sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.<div>
<br />1. Entrepreneurs must lead the startup community.<br />
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2. The leaders must have a long-term commitment. <br />
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3. The startup community must be inclusive of anyone who wants to participate in it. <br />
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4. The startup community must have continual activities that engage the entire entrepreneurial stack. <br />
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The <a href="http://www.kauffman.org/" target="_blank">Kauffman Foundation</a> has been an incredibly powerful influence on my thinking around Startup Communities. As the leading foundation in the world supporting entrepreneurship, they’ve been an incredible source of knowledge, resources, experience, and wisdom on the topic. <br />
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In addition, they are incredibly creative folks. They worked with me to put together a short video as part of the Kauffman Sketchbook series which I completely love. I think it does a fantastic job of explaining the Boulder Thesis.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfNJBlcVbVqglBJx0NLf62Kw4Fzmj9M5zTIbumQ8zB1nqAGr2xdDG1QwiptA46mE7RRlDAxjVC13LRmRXIKjvW0y-FG9yoBe8Av7s4YpQrp1lys-no9bR73tHrBbHHmeW2rAO0Uf4NzQ_/s1600/bradfeld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfNJBlcVbVqglBJx0NLf62Kw4Fzmj9M5zTIbumQ8zB1nqAGr2xdDG1QwiptA46mE7RRlDAxjVC13LRmRXIKjvW0y-FG9yoBe8Av7s4YpQrp1lys-no9bR73tHrBbHHmeW2rAO0Uf4NzQ_/s1600/bradfeld.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Brad is one of the managing directors at <a href="http://www.foundrygroup.com/" target="_blank">Foundry Group</a>, a venture capital firm that invests in early stage software / Internet companies throughout the United States. He is also the co-founder of <a href="http://www.techstars.com/" target="_blank">TechStars</a>, a mentor-driven accelerator, author of several books and blogs, and a marathon runner</i></span><em><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.546875px;">.</span></span></em> <a href="http://www.feld.com/about" target="_blank">Read more</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08388278200298851096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-88541160196919965572013-02-13T12:59:00.000-05:002013-02-13T16:13:00.609-05:00Be Vulnerable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Guest Post by <a href="http://www.feld.com/" target="_blank">Brad Feld</a>.</i><br />
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We are told that leaders must be strong. They must be confident. They must be unflinching. They must hide their fear. They must never blink. They cannot be soft in any way.<br />
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Bullshit.<br />
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Last night, after my first public talk on the new book that <a href="http://amy.feld.com/">Amy</a> and I just released titled <a href="http://startuprev.com/lifebook">Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving in a Relationship with an Entrepreneur</a>, a woman came up to me afterwards and gave me two pieces of feedback. The first was that I expressed incredible vulnerability in my talk. She thanked me for that. She then suggested that I hadn’t done a good job of weaving the notion of vulnerability into the importance of the dynamics of the relationship that Amy and I have.</div>
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She was absolutely correct on both fronts. Amy and I allow ourselves to be very vulnerable with each other. We aren't afraid of each other and – by allowing ourselves to be vulnerable – we are more direct, honest, and clear about what is on our minds. It works both ways – we are more able to hear the other person, and more able to offer feedback in a constructive way, because we allow ourselves to be vulnerable.</div>
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But it doesn't stop there. I’m allow myself to be very vulnerable with my partners Seth, Jason, and Ryan. And they allow themselves to be vulnerable with me and each other. We embrace the notion of “brutal honesty” with each other – we say things as we see them, as we believe them, and as directly as we can to each other – while at the same time recognizing that the other person is open to any feedback, in any tone, in any way. Notably, we are each vulnerable to each other, which makes our communication much more powerful and effective.<br />
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I try to be bidirectionally vulnerable with every entrepreneur I work with. I try my hardest, but when I hurt someone, I want to hear why. When I let someone down, I want to hear why. When I am struggling, I talk openly about it. When I've failed, I listen to why. And I hope that every entrepreneur I work with feels the same way, or whatever their version of “being vulnerable” is.<br />
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I’m vulnerable to the broader community I engage with. I’m open about my struggles – personally and professionally. I’m not bashful about being wrong, and owning it. And, when I get feedback, my ears are always open. Sure, I get plenty of random criticism from nameless, faceless people. That used to annoy me – now I just put them in the bucked of “<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Anonymous%20Coward">anonymous coward</a>” and delete it from my brain. If they can offer me the feedback directly, in their own voice, with their own identity, I’m open to it. I’ll let myself be vulnerable in that context. But I draw the line at random, anonymous attacks, especially ad hominem ones.<br />
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The great leaders I know are vulnerable. Maybe not to everyone, maybe not all the time, and maybe not in all contexts. But the allow themselves to be, simply, themselves. Human. They allow others in. They know they can be wrong. They know they can fail. And they know they can improve. Vulnerable.<br />
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That’s part of being a great leader. And a great partner – business or personal. And it opens you up to be a greater human. Thanks to the person who reminded me of that last night.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Brad is one of the managing directors at <a href="http://www.foundrygroup.com/" target="_blank">Foundry Group</a>, a venture capital firm that invests in early stage software / Internet companies throughout the United States. He is also the co-founder of <a href="http://www.techstars.com/" target="_blank">TechStars</a>, a mentor-driven accelerator, author of several books and blogs, and a marathon runner</i></span><em><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.546875px;">.</span></span></em> <a href="http://www.feld.com/about" target="_blank">Read more</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-16815292029561954722013-02-10T23:51:00.001-05:002013-02-11T01:30:00.449-05:00Throw Your Life a Curve<i>Guest post by Whitney Johnson</i><div>
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Our view of the world is powered by personal algorithms: observing how all of the component pieces (and people) that make up our personal social system interact, and looking for patterns to predict what will happen next. When systems behave linearly and react immediately, we tend to be fairly accurate with our forecasts. This is why toddlers love discovering light switches: cause and effect are immediate. The child flips the switch, and on goes the light. But our predictive power plummets when there is a time delay or non-linearity, as in the case of a CEO who delivers better-than-expected earnings only to wonder at a drop in the stock price.<br />
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Enter my co-author, MIT-trained strategist and engineer Juan Carlos Méndez-García, who consults with both start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. According to Méndez-García, one of the best models for making sense of a non-linear world is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigmoid_function">S-curve</a>, the model we have used to understand the diffusion of disruptive innovations, and which he and I speculate can be used to understand <a href="http://hbr.org/2012/07/disrupt-yourself/ar/1">personal disruption</a> — the necessary pivots in our own career paths.<br />
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In complex systems like a business (or a brain), cause and effect may not always be as clear as the relationship between the light switch and the light bulb. There are time-delayed and time-dependent relationships in which huge effort may yield little in the near-term, or in which high output today may be the result of actions taken a long time ago. The S-curve decodes these systems by providing signposts along a path that, while frequently trod, is not always evident. Our hypothesis is that those who can successfully navigate, even harness, the successive cycles of learning and maxing out that resemble the S-curve will thrive in this era of personal disruption.<br />
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Let's do a quick review. According to the theory of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffusion_of_innovations">diffusion of innovations</a> — an attempt to understand how, why and at what rate ideas and technology spread throughout cultures — diffusion or adoption is relatively slow at the outset until a tipping point is reached. Then you enter hypergrowth, which typically happens somewhere between 10-15% of market penetration. Saturation is reached at 90%+.<br />
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With Facebook for example, assuming an estimated market opportunity of one billion, it took roughly 4 years to reach penetration of 10%. Once Facebook reached a critical mass of a hundred million users, hypergrowth kicked in due to the network effect (i.e. friends and family were now on Facebook), as well as virality (email updates, photo albums for friends of friends, etc.). Though we could quibble, depending on our inputs, over when Facebook will reach saturation, there is no question the rate of growth has begun to slow and is now limited, if for no other reason, by the number of people who can access the service. (<a href="http://8020world.com/2012/08/s-curve-model-for-facebook-and-dropbox-user-adoption">Here's some more on Méndez-García's Facebook and S-curve math</a>.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHkp15T4C_RH5I4Jav5ZM1h0BnAK0pteeX8eNFVBkTF9nGORTNg-f6T8cCfClBJweNyarnrBXrJ3Hie1iUf6_Np-lUYbweUsPY90jOiTg44zP8mjJeakM-tC1qoH8r-SPWRcBMN7H5kQv/s1600/120818+Facebook+s-curve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHkp15T4C_RH5I4Jav5ZM1h0BnAK0pteeX8eNFVBkTF9nGORTNg-f6T8cCfClBJweNyarnrBXrJ3Hie1iUf6_Np-lUYbweUsPY90jOiTg44zP8mjJeakM-tC1qoH8r-SPWRcBMN7H5kQv/s640/120818+Facebook+s-curve.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One anecdotal example of how the S-curve model can help us better predict the future is the experience of golfer <a href="http://www.thedanplan.com/">Dan McLaughlin</a>. Never having played 18 holes of golf, in April 2010, McLaughlin quit his job as a commercial photographer to pursue a goal of becoming a top professional golfer through 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. During the first 18 months, improvement was slow as McLaughlin first practiced his putting, chipping, and his drive. Then, as he began to put the various pieces together, improvement accelerated, consistent with hypergrowth behavior. While he didn't track how quickly his handicap decreased, making it impossible for us to build an S-curve, 28 months into the project, he has surpassed 91% of the 26 million golfers who register a handicap with the US Golf Association (USGA) database. Not surprisingly, his rate of improvement (if measured as handicap) is now slowing as he faces competition from the top 10% amateur golfers.<br />
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Just as understanding the S-curve can keep discouragement at bay as we build new knowledge, it can also help us understand why ennui kicks in once we reach the plateau. As we approach mastery, our learning rate decelerates, and while the ability to do something automatically implies competence, it also means our brains are now producing less of the feel-good neurotransmitters — the thrill ride is over.<br />
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As our learning crests, should we fail to jump to new curves, we may actually precipitate our own decline. That doesn't necessarily mean a financial downfall, but our emotional and social well-being will take a hit. <a href="http://businessinnovationfactory.com/bif-8">Saul Kaplan</a>, Chief Catalyst at Business Innovation Factory, shares: "My life has been about searching for the steep learning curve because that's where I do my best work. When I do my best work, money and stature have always followed." Or paraphrasing <a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2011/10/steve_jobs_solved_the_innovato.html">James Allworth</a>, "Steve Jobs solved the innovator's dilemma because his focus was never on profit, but better and better products." Forget the plateau of profits: seek and scale a learning curve.<br />
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The S-curve mental model makes a compelling case for personal disruption. We may be quite adept at doing the math around our future when things are linear, but neither business nor life is linear, and ultimately what our brain needs, even requires, is the dopamine of the unpredictable. More importantly, as we inhabit an increasingly zig-zag world, the best curve you can throw the competition is your ability to leap from one learning curve to the next.<br />
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<i>This post was co-authored with <a href="http://jcmendez.info/">Juan Carlos Mendez-Garcia</a>, managing director of 8020world. Born in Colombia, he has lived and worked in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Juan Carlos holds an MBA from MIT Sloan, a Masters in Systems Engineering and Bachelors on Electrical Engineering.<br /><br />Images copyright 2012 Juan C. Mendez and Whitney Johnson. All rights reserved.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">More blog posts by <a href="http://hbr.org/search/Whitney%20Johnson">Whitney Johnson</a><br />More on: <a href="http://hbr.org/search/career%20planning">Career planning</a>, <a href="http://hbr.org/search/disruptive%20innovation">Disruptive innovation</a>, <a href="http://hbr.org/search/managing%20yourself">Managing yourself</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/johnson/">WHITNEY JOHNSON</a><br />
Whitney Johnson is a co-founder of Rose Park Advisors, Clayton Christensen's investment firm, and the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dare-Dream-Do-Remarkable-Things/dp/1937134121">Dare-Dream-Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream</a> (Bibliomotion, 2012). Ms. Johnson is available for <a href="http://whitneyjohnson.com/speaking/">speaking and consulting</a>. Follow her on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/johnsonwhitney">@johnsonwhitney</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-57670940553821120942013-02-06T01:12:00.001-05:002013-02-06T16:24:35.182-05:00You Aren't Trapped... Plan Your Work Around Your Life.<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Guest Post by Anna Runyan</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever felt stuck in a job just because you have to
pay the bills? I have. Have you ever realized how debt influences
your life and career choices? I
have. Have you ever thought that you
would do a different job if you didn’t have to worry about your student loan
payments? I have. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few years, I got sick and tired of having these
thoughts so I decided to make some huge changes in my life in order to take
control of my career. This month begins
a new chapter in my career. But first,
here is the back-story:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We paid off $80,000 of Debt in 18 Months.</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16.5pt;">Seven years ago when my husband
and I got married, we decided the best thing to do was take on lots of debt to
keep up with the Jones’. We continued to make large purchasing decisions
such as buying brand new cars, traveling abroad and refusing to really think
about our financial future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three years ago I happened to be
reading another blog that was about getting out of debt. The writer said
she followed the advice from Dave Ramsey’s book,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159555078X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=159555078X&link_code=as3&tag=clacargir-20"><i><span style="color: blue;">The Total Money
Makeover</span></i></a> and
got out of debt. So I checked it out. When you have lots of debt,
thinking about getting out of it is very overwhelming! What I liked about
this book is he put it all into baby steps, which just made it so easy!
With the advice in this book, my husband and I were able to pile away our
income, do as much as possible to decrease our expenses and pay off $80,000 of
student loan, credit card and car loan debt in 18 months. (And yes, we
did celebrate when we finished). We still can’t believe it and are so
happy that we made the choice to work our butts off early in our lives instead
of just putting it off until later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am writing this today hoping
that I can inspire just one other reader to take a different path for their
financial future just like the other blogger who helped me change my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt;"><b>So what does that have to do with my career?</b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything. Without debt
controlling your life, you can make life and career decisions that really make
you happy. You have nothing hanging over your head nor do you have
student loan, credit card and car loan bills piling up to pay. You have
savings available for emergencies and you aren’t living paycheck-to-paycheck
wondering if you will ever have the life and career you dreamed of. Not
having to worry about debt allows your mind to open up so that you can really
think about what makes you happy and what you really want to do with your
life. That is exactly what happened to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband and I got out of debt
in April-12. For the last few months, I have been able to really think
about what I want to do for work. I have been able to think about what
makes me happy and what type of work fits best for my interests, values and
mission in life. I have been able to explore creative work assignments
and new career opportunities that I never could have thought about with debt
hanging over my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So, I decided to take a 50% pay cut.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep, that’s right. Last
month, I made the bold move of starting a part-time arrangement at work.
But, I don’t see this as stepping down. Instead, this arrangement
is giving me the opportunity to open up my creative side and apply myself in
other places. Since going part-time a few days ago, I have already
received another job offer and a teaching opportunity at a University.
These things would never have opened if I hadn’t taken the time to
evaluate my future career and myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I un-trapped myself and other
options came flooding in for the other “part-time” of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After this experience, I truly
believe that your financial decisions and priorities directly affect your
career. If you need to pay bills and students loans, you may continue
working at a job that you may not enjoy just because you have to pay those
bills. Which is fine! But, set a goal to pay off your debt in the next
year or two and then move on to something that makes you happier! Get yourself
out of the debt that is clouding your professional future and instead find
areas that you will succeed at even more because you are passionate about
them. There are so many things you can do if you aren’t worried about
paying off your debt. You could travel, start a business, or take a 50%
pay cut to explore and evaluate your professional future like I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="background: white; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You aren’t trapped. Plan your work around
your life, not your life around your work. Are you trapped? How can you start
taking steps to untrap yourself?<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. If you want to know how I was able to go part-time,
it’s really simple. I just asked. That’s it and they said yes. So what are you scared of asking for at
work? A raise? A promotion? Just ask.
What’s the worse that can happen?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwc_AqyDkjPXaoAcbt-a2G9h48O84UZM7bpw1FFoqQX6bEXoN_T1Uinj6CQ3Fhbn984jyYBWlQo55NxP6lAs4MivuODuEa_ufjMQtpfDvDInK9tJQJkut6lcC6SZFesy2bc3Su3NhK23k/s1600/Anna+Runyan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwc_AqyDkjPXaoAcbt-a2G9h48O84UZM7bpw1FFoqQX6bEXoN_T1Uinj6CQ3Fhbn984jyYBWlQo55NxP6lAs4MivuODuEa_ufjMQtpfDvDInK9tJQJkut6lcC6SZFesy2bc3Su3NhK23k/s1600/Anna+Runyan.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #21170a;">Classy Career Girl, a blog
written by Anna Runyan,</span></i><span style="color: #21170a;"> <i>provides advice to
young professionals on how to be classy as they climb the corporate
ladder. Her blog covers topics such as business chic fashion, career
motivation, </i></span><i>personal
development,<span style="color: #21170a;"> networking, and office etiquette.
Connect with her at </span></i><a href="http://goo.gl/sJrQv"><i><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.classycareergirl.com</span></i></a><i><span style="color: #a11d1c;">. </span></i><i>If
you would like to learn more about how to find a career that you love to go to
everyday, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3038090489419004860" name="_GoBack"></a>check out her free video training series at </i><a href="http://www.getmycareerunstuck.com/"><i><span style="color: red; text-decoration: initial;">http://www.getmycareerunstuck.com</span></i></a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-863494857259952292013-01-28T19:59:00.002-05:002013-01-31T01:08:49.566-05:00How to succeed... take the shots!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC2W610usWCF-RZykWoRXT9X5-5q7a9DCjLh15MBQty3NArbSVMzaFNqfgozkWzUxUoMRMiUI5zmB7nGq8qIOTyHCVZUQ8Vhg4ZgANNljNc4axRJSQf2pHapG2Ad9YD6gn7ZQZmmksSss/s1600/m%252B+Take+the+shots.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC2W610usWCF-RZykWoRXT9X5-5q7a9DCjLh15MBQty3NArbSVMzaFNqfgozkWzUxUoMRMiUI5zmB7nGq8qIOTyHCVZUQ8Vhg4ZgANNljNc4axRJSQf2pHapG2Ad9YD6gn7ZQZmmksSss/s640/m%252B+Take+the+shots.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of iStockphoto </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Success</span></div>
It was the spring of 2007 and I headed off to work to the same hi-tech company that I had successfully worked at for over 12 years. My commute was long but I loved my job as a Sr. Product Manager. I had a great team of direct reports and a number of product lines that I successfully managed. The business was fast-paced, ever changing, challenging and you had to be on top of your game to get results. I loved it and was happy to stay there the rest of my professional career.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">A Step Back </span></div>
Taking a step back a few years, it had not been an easy journey for me personally. I had gone through two of my boys being diagnosed with <a href="http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/living/just-diagnosed/type1/" target="_blank">type 1 Juvenile diabetes</a> and one with <a href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/en/aboutcysticfibrosis/index.php" target="_blank">cystic fibrosis</a>. This caused a dramatic change to our family’s lifestyle, especially in the way we managed our three sons. On top of this, my marriage had become strained over a number of years which resulted in divorce and the selling of our dream home.<br />
<br />
I accepted all these challenges, although some days it was a huge effort to be on top of my game personally and professionally. But I am not quitter and moved on, planning my life around my boys, work and the building of a new home. I found a property out in the country and built a place that the boys and I could enjoy. The place was completed in the spring of 2007 and I began to finally be settled and happy with moving on. I just wanted to focus 100 percent of my time with my boys and work. I was ready to give it my all, to do whatever it took to continue my move up the corporate ladder. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Failure </span></div>
So back to that April rainy day in 2007. That day I was called into my boss's office and when I saw the Sr. HR person also present, I knew this was not going to be good. I expected the worst and that's what happened. They said I was no longer a good fit for the company and that I was going to be terminated immediately. I packed up my office and left gracefully that day. On the long drive home a number of thoughts ran through my mind. “What did I do wrong? Now what? I am going to have to start job searching right away. I’ve just built this new house and how was I going to afford to keep it? I am just going to have to bear down, start networking and use my contacts to help find a new job. It shouldn't be that difficult and I will be on the way to my next career opportunity.” Little did I know how hard it really would be. I spent almost a entire year finding a full-time job. I made a ton of mistakes and looking back, I would have done things a lot differently. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">More Failures</span> </div>
The past 5 years haven’t been easy. I’ve had a number of failures personally and professionally, but these experiences have made me a stronger person and prepared me for the future. At times I was ready to quit. The rejections of job applications and interviews took their toll. The people that I thought would help me, didn't. I began to fall into the trap of bitterness and anger. I was mad at the people that fired me, at my ex-wife, at friends and even some of my family. It was slippery slope of self-pity and I was beginning to play the blame game. But because of my upbringing and Christian beliefs I knew this was a narrow path and I had to figure out a way to get back on track. So I began to seek out people to be mentors for me, people who would be willing to invest time into helping me get back on track. Soon I began to figure out a plan on what the next steps in my personal life and professional career should be. I believe that both your personal and professional life have to balanced in order to be successful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://about.me/gregjohnston" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqgiqretnQrDFEiu7s_HYRU0SraZwKX1hYb_z3qJ9R9obqmXlmZJtS4Eo6-yqKfJdkdgg9MHFC1ct3deNXv8Ar3ODOTbUKu5PN-WtDxvxD_4SvikMKVZ5Q7Y-Ze3fZyRjaZVmnBR0s2LS/s640/CSC_0270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">STEPS TO SUCCESS</span></div>
Today, I have a full-time job and I do some part-time contract work. I spend my evenings and weekends working on my passion/obsession of making it easier for people to reach their highest potential by connecting them to experts who can help them with their career, business, startup or give general self-help. I am expecting great things for <a href="http://mentorplus.me/">Mentorplus.me</a> in 2013. The journey is long, hard and full of challenges but I never give up hope that one day my dream will be fulfilled.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the shots I am taking to success... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">1. Just Start Taking Shots </span></div>
Don't wait for the right people, job, funding or idea to just land in your lap. Start and do your best by taking the shots, fail fast, get feedback, make improvements and take more shots.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">2. Tell People Your Story </span></div>
Be transparent and share your passion with people. I'm very passionate about making <a href="http://mentorplus.me/">Mentor+me</a> a better way people can help people reach their greatest potential. I have a story to tell and will spend more time meeting with people to share my passion.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">3. Build Relationships </span></div>
Do this with customers, colleagues and other business relationships. Promptly reply to people who email you. Be open to their advice and requests and above all be appreciative for their time and help. If you make people feel like they’re part of what you’re building, they’ll become your advocates.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">4. Sometimes, Rules Are Meant To Be Broken </span></div>
Test, stretch and don't give up when you hear "NO". You will get a lot of them if you are constantly pushing for what you think is right. Don't give up, keep fighting and try to get better.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">5. Build A Team </span></div>
Surround yourself with talented, trustworthy people, and most importantly, don’t feel threatened by the talents of other people... embrace it. Build great relationships with the people you work with. Don’t be afraid to look vulnerable or to lead.<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #999999; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">6. Set Short-Term Goals</span></div>
</div>
<div>
People like to ask where you like to be 3-5 years from now. For me, the most important results are those that can be measured short-term. I like to think where I would like to be a month to three months from now. Accomplishing short-term measurable goals will only put you in a better position to achieve things in the long term.<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #999999; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">7. Stay Fit</span></div>
</div>
<div>
I know everyone gives this advice but for me it has truly been a lifesaver. I always know when it's necessary to start watching what I eat or to take the time to increase my daily exercise habits. Getting outside for a run or walk or participating in a sports activity is just a better way to help you clear your head and possibly get the answers you need to solve a problem. If anything, it's a lot cheaper then eating too much and much better than spending time whining with someone on the phone about your problems. My mom used to put it like this... "Get outside and blow the stink off you."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kau1HiqTzmYm1XnO3IqmvVogWxtoqbDyZrh51IkJ-SeL4cqoaZDkSh7SMq-gOksn8OQHtH053V2xBvNMOOLwfMZQPpf2zGXa3A5ER3nxU58RgB2JsCH1Nj675Uz7ZYTC0menIOOiiCPJ/s1600/pif3-24-1024x701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kau1HiqTzmYm1XnO3IqmvVogWxtoqbDyZrh51IkJ-SeL4cqoaZDkSh7SMq-gOksn8OQHtH053V2xBvNMOOLwfMZQPpf2zGXa3A5ER3nxU58RgB2JsCH1Nj675Uz7ZYTC0menIOOiiCPJ/s200/pif3-24-1024x701.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #999999;">8. Pay it Forward </span></div>
Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in our own little world and all the problems. But each day try to think about ways you can impact a person's life. Pay for their coffee in the drive-thru, make a donation, volunteer, inspire others online or offer to mentor someone. If you need help getting started, download the Pay it Forward App <a href="http://www.pifexperience.org/app/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">9. Enjoy The Journey </span></div>
Just have fun! I love this quote:<br />
"<i>Each goal has a destination and a journey. Many focus on the destination and not the journey and therefore, never reach the destination. Remember: Where you're going and how you get there are two different things. You must drive before you arrive</i>." -- <a href="http://www.joycemeyer.org/AboutUs/DaveMeyerBio.aspx">Dave Meyer</a><br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://mentorplus.me/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqwNbxM7ng1OkWUAhkI03B-yu2nUylJIarG0QimcYG7E3AC7c3YsueCwQ8-_edOJkTI7NFyeVaFMeHl66r3Y9l4uJ8e4qJIBs6tfyoHthyDteAixc6wsgRi_n2Xj-Qwwn_EkqHVEq80B-/s1600/mentor%252B-logo-.png" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://mentorplus.me/" target="_blank">Don't go it alone.</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-71538512737277337322013-01-19T12:31:00.001-05:002013-01-19T12:36:16.071-05:00How to succeed... take the shots!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC2W610usWCF-RZykWoRXT9X5-5q7a9DCjLh15MBQty3NArbSVMzaFNqfgozkWzUxUoMRMiUI5zmB7nGq8qIOTyHCVZUQ8Vhg4ZgANNljNc4axRJSQf2pHapG2Ad9YD6gn7ZQZmmksSss/s640/m++Take+the+shots.png" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of +iStockphoto </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Coming up next week... sharing some of my personal story of triumph over tribulation and some of the steps I'm taking to success.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-66561986428588315142013-01-01T21:02:00.000-05:002013-01-08T17:10:10.174-05:00What I Learned About Goals From Building a Toy Wagon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD4qr6PwUiV0g9Yl3KtoBNE0E7rwTySsLcsWqwPR66x7oY0-7YBOMFmYE5jghAFdNn9APD2_huSOsMmHeg43iH60K4hHHoPOh2vqoTJMj-6eurpHhspT7Xd0oZl9AWPnUSLBHrI1vecaY/s1600/m+Setting+Goals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD4qr6PwUiV0g9Yl3KtoBNE0E7rwTySsLcsWqwPR66x7oY0-7YBOMFmYE5jghAFdNn9APD2_huSOsMmHeg43iH60K4hHHoPOh2vqoTJMj-6eurpHhspT7Xd0oZl9AWPnUSLBHrI1vecaY/s640/m+Setting+Goals.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I</span> am the
youngest of 4 siblings so most of my childhood was spent trying to prove to my
sister and two brothers that I can do things on my own. I had the fortune of
growing up with middle-class parents in which my Dad had his own service
business and my stay-at-home mom worked at her fine craft of sewing window
coverings for her customers. My Dad and Papa taught me how to work a hammer,
screwdriver, wrench, etc., so in most cases I am a pretty good handyman. I
enjoy working with my hands but at times I don't read instructions well and
tend to go about building or assembling things on my own.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #999999;">Read the instructions.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
As a kid, I was great at tearing stuff apart but not so great at
putting it all back together, which in turn required me to ask for help. This
great skill and art of "handyman-ship" progressed right into
fatherhood. I remember my first son getting a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.radioflyer.com/wagons.html">Radio
Flyer wagon</a>. This classic
unit came with the typical "some assembly required" printed on the
box. So this great handyman headed off with his 12 drawer toolbox to build a
simple toy vehicle. To me it was a no-brainer, 10 minutes...15 minutes tops, to
get the job done. I mean how hard was it to assemble 2 axles, 2 sets of wheels,
carriage and a pull handle. Instructions...are you kidding me? I'm pretty
good at visualizing how things should be put together. So this baby was done in
no time flat and ready to ride.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Now came the time to test the fine looking machine out. My son was
pumped, he hopped in and off we went down the street. Things were rolling along
nicely. It was easy to pull with its nice big wheels but as we headed down the
street all of a sudden it began riding a little rough and my son soon became worried
that this ultimate street machine was not as stable as he had thought. As I
looked back I saw that the wheels had some wobble in them. WHAT!? How
could this be? This thing was brand new! I mean this fine handyman put it
together -- how can there be anything wrong? So off we went back to the shop to
see what was wrong.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Test and you might wobble but adjust accordingly.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
As we began to inspect the wagon I realized that the wheel caps
were making the wheels wobble. Maybe I needed to take a quick glance at the
instructions. I reviewed the step-by-step instructions and realized that the 4
washers, that for some reason were unused and leftover, and the requirements of
using a flat surface and piece of wood to install the wheels must be followed to
ensure the wheels were installed on straight. Great, now I had to take the
wheel caps off and re-assemble. Pulling the wheel caps off was not an easy job
because once in place they tended to be clamped there for good. I made an
attempt to remove them but 3 out of 4 became unsalvageable. So now what? I
am somewhat of a perfectionist so I needed to get new wheel caps. Off I went to
the store and explained to one of the store clerks my dilemma, in
which he chuckled and said, "Didn't you read the instructions?"
Embarrassingly I admitted that, no, I had not, and he took me to the backroom
of the store where they assemble bikes and toys. He looked at me, smiled, handed
me 3 new wheel caps and said, "Here, now go back and read the instructions
step-by-step". I smile (red-faced) and said, "Yes of course".<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Reaching you goals might take longer than you think BUT <br />don't give up!</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
So what turned out to be a 10-15 minute job was now close to
2-hours. Lesson learned... well for this project anyway. From then on my
other two sons had great Radio Flyer wagons done and assembled in 15 minutes
flat. No problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
As I reflect on 2012 and what was<i> </i>accomplished, there
were some goals that got "assembled" well and there were others that
wobbled and required some additional instruction and reassembly. At times
this is just the way I think and learn or some would call it "learning the
hard way". As I plan my goals for 2013, I really try to visualize
what the end result will look like. How I am going to get there? What instructions
and help will be required? Setting goals are great but what's most
important to be successful is assembling the proper instructions. I t<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3038090489419004860" name="_GoBack"></a>end not to over analyze things. In fact, I like to
look at ways to make them simpler. As mentioned in my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/12/12-lessons-i-learned-in-2012.html">previous blog</a>, our goals in life require a process, a series of steps. How we
get there requires instruction and some assembly to get it done.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Don't over analyze, keep it simple, reward yourself for the experience knowing the next time will be much easier.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
At<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://mentorplus.me/">Mentor+ME</a>, we are here to serve you. If you are
looking for help, advice or guidance in career planning/development, business
startup or an area of self-improvement, we want to be your connection and
resource. Jump on board with us and make 2013 your best year ever!</div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_1" language="JavaScript">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://mentorplus.me/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqwNbxM7ng1OkWUAhkI03B-yu2nUylJIarG0QimcYG7E3AC7c3YsueCwQ8-_edOJkTI7NFyeVaFMeHl66r3Y9l4uJ8e4qJIBs6tfyoHthyDteAixc6wsgRi_n2Xj-Qwwn_EkqHVEq80B-/s1600/mentor%252B-logo-.png" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mentorplus.me/" target="_blank">Don't go it alone.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-2442953351963002192012-12-27T17:05:00.001-05:002013-01-01T22:30:29.892-05:0012 Lessons I Learned in 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mentorplus.me/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9ooA84SKyZsIbBuzX4Qfm7haNKTVqW8_IGXXEUB1Rjzrhd-mGkf10reYpMlF2JKRHE9kdgLE9rMQUbWMy0MHDUNad-u7EibmoQL_HfUYMll8GoRDK4yPUsz91OItQOo1e7D534n25h92/s640/m+_Take+the+Steps.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/02/rolling-in-deep-be-giant-to-someone.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">A mentor is looked uponas a Giant</span></a>.</span> 4 Characteristics
of a great Giant:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.
<!--[endif]-->Be a great communicator<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.
<!--[endif]-->Use your words to
encourage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.
<!--[endif]-->Master Criticism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.
<!--[endif]-->Discipline to build
character<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Trust is a
function of two things: <a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/03/speed-of-trust.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Credibility and Behavior</span></a>*.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<i>It takes 20
years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it</i>." -- Warren Buffet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*<i>Footnote: Screwed this up more than a few times
this year. Ouch!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. People don't buy
what you do, <a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/04/why-do-you-do-what-you-do.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">they buy WHY you do it</span></a>. Build something that solves a problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. If you want to have a
great career, pursue your passion. Passion is your greatest love, not your
interest. Passion is beyond your interest. Many people don't pursue <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3038090489419004860" name="_GoBack"></a>their passion because they feel they are going to fail. <a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/05/why-you-will-fail-to-have-great.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">You have to say, “I might fail UNLESS”... Say “UNLESS” to yourself more often</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. "<i>The ones who
are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do.</i>"
-- Richard Branson.<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ones-who-are-crazy-enough.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I think I'm crazy, butI’m not sure if I’ve changed anything yet</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. I am passionate about
business, including marketing and product development, but when I get a chance
to <a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/06/get-mentoring-equation-right.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">invest in someone's life it's payback like no other</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Life is a process.
It's a series of steps. Whether it's your career profession, business, startup,
or personal journey it's all about the steps you take to achieve your highest
potential. I have gone through enough adversity to look back and say that it's
only making me stronger and preparing me for the things to come. <a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/07/3-keys-to-not-living-your-life-with.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">That's what makes me getup everyday and continue to explore, dream and discover</span></a>. Take the STEPS!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Doing a startup is
hard. PERIOD. I spent over a year planning The Mentor+ Project and waiting for <a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/07/mentorme-launches.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">the best time to launch Mentor+ME</span></a>. No time is the perfect
time. JUST DO IT!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. <a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/09/10-excuses-why-we-fear-giving-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Stop the fear of asking for advice</span></a>. People are willing to
help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. Don't do what you
love. <a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/10/my-dna.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Do WHAT YOU ARE</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></a>based on you strengths and personality.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. Successful people
may not always be the smartest individuals but it's</span><a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/12/the-story-of-success.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> the people,community and opportunities around them</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> that may determine their extraordinary accomplishments.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. "<i>Center
yourself around those that are going to lift you higher</i>." -- Oprah Winfrey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://thementorplusproject.blogspot.ca/2012/12/3-different-ways-to-tell-good-story.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Share something you have learned in your life: it just might help someone</span></a>. No matter what happens along the way it's
important to finish well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wishing
you the best year ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coming up my goals for
2013!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-2464202870884020782012-12-21T13:28:00.000-05:002012-12-21T13:37:29.179-05:00The Story of Success<span style="font-size: large;">I</span>'m reading a very interesting book from <a href="http://www.gladwell.com/bio.html">Malcolm Gladwell</a> (<a href="http://www.gladwell.com/blink/index.html">Blink</a> and <a href="http://www.gladwell.com/tippingpoint/index.html">Tipping Point</a>) called <a href="http://www.gladwell.com/outliers/index.html">Outliers: The Story of Success</a>. This is how Gladwell explains what an Outlier is:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dyG-NB3DZy0yzDnjwS43cmbZw8UCOdXsBRaM7OHb_qSJW4lf7LdON7ZVWUvR03AjKwYU4f8oh9Uunca0u_PD0Ye_fmdgsSWD3uYGxBlULhAqJIpUg8_5dySI7Onke1KKy_NQjUkUB4P7/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dyG-NB3DZy0yzDnjwS43cmbZw8UCOdXsBRaM7OHb_qSJW4lf7LdON7ZVWUvR03AjKwYU4f8oh9Uunca0u_PD0Ye_fmdgsSWD3uYGxBlULhAqJIpUg8_5dySI7Onke1KKy_NQjUkUB4P7/s320/Capture.JPG" width="219" /></a>"<i>"Outlier" is a scientific term to describe things or phenomena that lie outside normal experience. In the summer, in Paris, we expect most days to be somewhere between warm and very hot. But imagine if you had a day in the middle of August where the temperature fell below freezing. That day would be outlier. And while we have a very good understanding of why summer days in Paris are warm or hot, we know a good deal less about why a summer day in Paris might be freezing cold. In this book I'm interested in people who are outliers—in men and women who, for one reason or another, are so accomplished and so extraordinary and so outside of ordinary experience that they are as puzzling to the rest of us as a cold day in August</i>."<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
He goes on to explain that sometimes we get far too focused on the individuals characteristics, habits and personality traits of those who get furthest ahead in the world. To understand an outlier we have to understand their culture, community, family and generation. We've been looking at tall trees, and thinks we should have been looking at the forest.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I support the fact that some people become more successful than others because of the people and community around them including the opportunities that they were given to thrive. Do you know one of the smartest individuals in the world today has an IQ over 200 and is a bouncer at a bar in the United States? I won't go into all the detail you will have to get the book and read it yourself. But one of the reasons that he didn't finish college and go on to be a successful scientist or engineer was because of the community and the lack of mentoring and guidance he was given. He had to drop out of college because his mom didn't know how to fill out the paperwork properly for his financials. It's heartbreaking story.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
My wish for <a href="http://mentorplus.me/">Mentorplus.me</a> is that the mentors and mentees understand that success is a community project. It's not only because of our own efforts it's because of the contribution of lots of different people and lots of different circumstances. WE as a community have the opportunity to impact someones life by helping them reach their highest potential and become successful. That's an amazing and awesome feeling!</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
As we close out 2012 we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Awesome New Year. We look forward to great things in 2013 and want you all to be part of it. IT'S GOING TO BE AMAZING!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://mentorplus.me/"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHV5guwCelmW2PID9FkM49F2ewzpbneE4DdbXkCk0kohZylZpImlH_aL9uas0BDMXtMzx_fTOKM4YUlvPXOhIORta5K0-Zpm1VJiH86zKfZg8buIU4VuJvfHtl82XWnHrVoS8mjuESZvC/s400/m++HAPPY+HOLIDAYS+2012.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-20319186151003596822012-12-09T11:44:00.001-05:002012-12-09T11:44:02.363-05:003 different ways to tell a good story.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXesizngk76qBS43jJOaCbtV_50vZtH78I-1-ZrN-4oyurFaBhfSdygktjyyrBZiN8_SUFmbaeUh0eDblUd3moCtqLYXAxNDtp9DmxCPxIzzQrX_zyyEQYbuuvDFtw5ZCoVBroqDKqZCy8/s1600/m++I+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXesizngk76qBS43jJOaCbtV_50vZtH78I-1-ZrN-4oyurFaBhfSdygktjyyrBZiN8_SUFmbaeUh0eDblUd3moCtqLYXAxNDtp9DmxCPxIzzQrX_zyyEQYbuuvDFtw5ZCoVBroqDKqZCy8/s320/m++I+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
I love to listen to people's personal stories. A good story is something that defines who we are. It makes us memorable. We all have experienced something in our life that makes a lasting impression. If you understand how to talk about yourself, it's a opening for you to connect to others in a meaningful way. It's a way that you can be used to help others that might be going through similar things. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here a 3 different ways you can tell your story.</div>
<div>
1. The Challenge. You overcame an obstacle to get where you wanted to go.</div>
<div>
2. The Eureka. An idea that came to you that changed everything.</div>
<div>
3. The Connection. A time when you met someone or a group that had similar skills and experiences that helped you get where you wanted to go.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For me sharing those meaningful experiences with someone that might need help makes life more rewarding.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
What's your story? Everyone has one so don't keep it to yourself. Share
something you have learned in your life it just might help someone. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
Join in our <a href="http://mentorplus.me/forum/topics/i-am?xg_source=msg_mes_network" target="_self">I AM</a> Forum at <a href="http://mentorplus.me/">Mentorplus.me</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-61262339304591799542012-11-23T12:15:00.003-05:002012-11-23T12:35:28.631-05:00Turning the ridiculous into something great<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6_WPDU-G7YTsJOz10Yc71YdhoTB3xG48zZvQrk431FsiR1FYukOKa_T_aKfIxjxYICIdHZocye5wfc-c_aQUQiCs8OvU5r8TFnAjPS39didWAkeUqu9-nHeBbgTnUllBKWlRVxVLhFhi/s400/m+_do+the+ridiculous.png" width="400" /></div>
<br />
Last week I had the privilege of attending the <a href="https://www.communitech.ca/inductees-announced-for-2012-waterloo-region-entrepreneur-hall-of-fame/">2012 Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame</a> gala. It was great networking event plus I was encouraged and inspired from inductees who have built such great and sustainable businesses over the years. Here are some of the comments highlighted from their acceptance speeches.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jimestill.com/">Jim Estill </a>from <a href="http://www.canrockventures.com/">Canrock Ventures</a> provides wise words and his mantra... "<i>Fail often, fail fast, fail cheap."</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/about-christie/executive-profiles/Pages/Gerry-Remers.aspx">Gerry Remers</a> is President and Chief Operating Officer of <a href="http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/pages/default.aspx">Christie</a> ... "<i>Everything is in constant flux and we need to adapt</i>." Gerry also encourages us in his touching acceptance speech <i>to take risk and seize the day. Be bold </i>! You can read more in this <a href="https://www.communitech.ca/gerry-remers-christie-digital-waterloo-region-entrepreneur-hall-of-fame/">Communitech blog</a> post about his battle with cancer, clarity and future of Christie.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Below is a link to a number of <a href="https://www.communitech.ca/events/entrepreneur-hall-of-fame/">video vignettes</a> from all the Hall of Fame inductees. They discuss how they believed in themselves, did the ridiculous and were able to achieve incredible things. We should all be inspired.<br />
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<a href="https://www.communitech.ca/events/entrepreneur-hall-of-fame/"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDTF63OOrb7LRAHvIx5mqlLd7d97msosJv1te1ajH6dadCmHfLVEx3H_Pg4t7IjjgTBClNMrAWne_7FZ91CSSbW2qquqrW5AFYSvHrQ0A9SGM64WdjpZ_CDH36ydBnQNPr38W41YI4JSC/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-82510765196427736722012-11-11T15:38:00.000-05:002012-11-11T15:38:25.403-05:00Stay in the Game<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJestTRtEwTZ3YjMB-xakxwDjjIx-emUvf1tCuOCox3hfRsIo8E2YOcedhpdn2pEf3dvTdnuVJcMSeleA3w-ZPgZK_Rl99OBgLkVpwWV-senKypUpAJOr_MIoPrl8KhzOhDYdW36_ioQ1x/s1600/m++Get+in+the+Game2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJestTRtEwTZ3YjMB-xakxwDjjIx-emUvf1tCuOCox3hfRsIo8E2YOcedhpdn2pEf3dvTdnuVJcMSeleA3w-ZPgZK_Rl99OBgLkVpwWV-senKypUpAJOr_MIoPrl8KhzOhDYdW36_ioQ1x/s400/m++Get+in+the+Game2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Elijah Johnston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I</span>t's easy is to have a good attitude and pursue our dreams as long is everything is going are way. But what about the difficult times when things are not going our way. It's easy to lose our passion and our dreams when we are hurt.<br />
<br />
Many sit on the sidelines of life because we are nursing our wounds. But you have to shake off the self pity and the discouragement and get back into the game. Sometimes you have to play in pain.<br />
<br />
I heard a story this week about a football player that had a broken hand and bruised ribs. He was a defensive linemen. The trainers wanted him to sit out but he wasn't about to sit out. He had a big cast on his arm and wearing a special vest to protect his ribs. He was all bandaged up and looked like a mummy. A reporter asked him how he was feeling. He said, "It's a little painful, but I'd rather be in the game in pain than sitting on the sidelines watching."<br />
<br />
You can't let injury, that hurt, that failure, cause you to sit on the sidelines. Do like this player, bandage up what's hurting and didn't work out and get back into the game.<br />
<br />
Life is hard and we can get so caught up in ourselves and live in self pity. One of the best things you can do when you are hurting is get your mind off your problems and go help someone else who is in need.<br />
<br />
Personally, I have gone through enough personal and professional life issues to just sit on the sidelines nursing my wounds. But I chose to bandage my wounds, continue to play and stay in the game!<br />
<br />
Look forward to hearing from you. Share with us your story and what you are doing to stay in the game.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-28313324828629593392012-10-20T23:37:00.001-04:002012-10-21T10:18:43.391-04:00Take the leap and sore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq51OUUlaFCF7ERCjHo-fqssSK7BKo3yIFeO82WIGcjkfS6XjiciMSZANkv_AZnYzEwiHlJEmr-I9X4tYYVzWL6XIKQRmPlflvTXBLXLMGAXzjcgJlOGAC4SvRxSiLZyNC5cJN8GhUdCp/s1600/m+leap+and+sore.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq51OUUlaFCF7ERCjHo-fqssSK7BKo3yIFeO82WIGcjkfS6XjiciMSZANkv_AZnYzEwiHlJEmr-I9X4tYYVzWL6XIKQRmPlflvTXBLXLMGAXzjcgJlOGAC4SvRxSiLZyNC5cJN8GhUdCp/s400/m+leap+and+sore.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of the Johnston boys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One thing I love about being a dad is watching my boys grow and discover new things. Unless it's going to put them in critical danger I always let them try and do things that are out of the ordinary. Often times when travelling, we discuss new ways of doing things, inventing a new product, starting a business or coming up with a different way to make something work better.<br />
<br />
I always encourage them to dream, ask questions and if it makes sense just do it. So off they go and sometimes they fail and sometimes they succeed.<br />
<br />
Discovery is a great journey. Whether it's finding a new job, starting a business or wanting to try something out of your comfort zone.<br />
<br />
At <a href="http://mentorplus.me/">Mentorplus.me</a> we want to help people achieve their highest potential by giving them actionable advice. Don't be afraid to seek out someone to help you explore, dream and discover. Then take the leap and sore!<br />
<br />
See you soon... ;)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-9941840633366882012012-10-16T16:23:00.002-04:002012-10-16T19:24:00.070-04:00Get some... #NewThinking.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://mentorplus.me/"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7i1OqBRas-RqPu4EH7HIPHIM1dw9gbdixWRLvuHXLM_0-e0VB4QfOlL8NGfM3gO-Ec8_10Tv6vtnNToo0BHvrQSlVhJK8fc9TBqVeGlrWZK3rUogMT1lkbqJTzn_4vt-f9C5MXJ5HRTKc/s400/m++%23newthinking.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Creating an idea is easy. Turning it into a business is hard. The startup journey for me has been one of ups and downs. I have to admit getting support and advice on your journey can either drag you down or allow you to leap in to a new way of thinking.</div>
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I am a person at times not to ask for help and think I need to do things on my own. This journey of startup has caused me to really seek out advice from my mentors or an expert. Most recently, I have been dealing with some personal issues that have caused me to seek help. So I setup a meeting with one of my mentors, Norm, to get support. I presented to Norm my issues and the actions I was going to take to resolve. All I was really expecting was to get a confirmation on these decisions. Instead I got raked over the coals about my direction. Norm asked me some very pointed questions about my thinking of which some I couldn't answer. I then proceeded to ask his advice. What I got from Norm was a new way of thinking on these issues with a fresh approach. I'm thankful I had the hour with Norm as it really put some things into perspective for me. Sometimes we just need this to formulate a new way of thinking to our problems, decisions, issues or plans.</div>
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Let me encourage you today don't go it alone and take the leap to get a mentor that can help shape you to #NewThinking.</div>
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What experiences have you had with getting advice that changed your thinking. Comment on it here or tweet with a #NewThinking. I love to hear from you and keep the discussion going!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-19384220426921317732012-10-11T23:58:00.001-04:002012-10-12T14:26:05.960-04:00Why Networking is Important<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95dwjBEgpWRghE6skV_oGjHLQxjCGwtWPjvKhNkYM2OJdmeb2RHYcgioGkdeFO6zsbMctyMukyJSKLyygNu5uAjrn44ubxRn_pp-YB9RTUMZHT0xBhMUYOwdbDAhqv4nKoETVTEn2UwyS/s1600/classy+career+girl.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95dwjBEgpWRghE6skV_oGjHLQxjCGwtWPjvKhNkYM2OJdmeb2RHYcgioGkdeFO6zsbMctyMukyJSKLyygNu5uAjrn44ubxRn_pp-YB9RTUMZHT0xBhMUYOwdbDAhqv4nKoETVTEn2UwyS/s1600/classy+career+girl.png" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest Post by Anna Runyan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s
not what you know, but who you know. Who
you know can mean the difference in whether or not your end up reaching your
future dreams and goals. There are so many reasons why networking is important,
personally and professionally. Whether
you want to stand out from the crowd during your job search, rise the ranks at
your current company or just have a good support network to be there for you
when you need it. I know that I would
not be where I am today in my professional journey if I had not made networking
a top priority in my life when I was graduating from college and as I started
working at my first job. Networking
helped me land an internship during college that turned into a full time job
and helped me get promoted at my first job.
I also built a great support network at my church and that network
helped me through a tough time that I went through. No matter where you are in
life, you can’t get around the fact that networking is crucial to your success
and personal well being.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what
are the barriers that might be holding you back from networking? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>T</b></span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">he first barrier that might be
in your way is that you never know what to say.
</b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; text-indent: -0.25in;">I hate that awkward introduction and I not knowing what to say
to people I don’t know. The key here is
to be genuine, not think about yourself and what you are going to talk about
and instead think about what you want to ask and learn about other people
instead. People are just as scared as
you in the room and why not make others feel better and take the focus off of
you and onto them.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Another barrier may be if you
are an introvert. </b><span style="color: #262626; text-indent: -0.25in;">An introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and
whose energy is dr<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3038090489419004860" name="_GoBack"></a>ained by being around other
people. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you are an introvert like me, it is hard to be open and
let strangers into your life. To network, you have to be open and
curious. You must also show up and be present in all conversations.
Sometimes the hardest part is getting to the event but you will be glad you did
once you get there. Meet one person and start speaking with them and
asking questions. This way, it will be easier to meet others since
you know one person very well. Also, don't be afraid to speak up if
you have something to say.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #1a1a1a; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Another barrier is thinking you
are way too busy to network</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
I know I am exhausted after work. This was my biggest pitfall. I am
often too busy with work and school to reach out and connect with someone
over lunch or a quick dinner.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You have
to make networking a priority, which is why I always scheduled networking
events and meetings into my calendar so that I got in the habit of meeting
people for lunch or dinner and not going directly home after work.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How
did I get over my networking barriers?</b><span style="color: #343434;"> It all stated at the beginning of 2011, when
I was preparing to graduate from business school and trying to figure out the
next step in my career. I knew that networking would be a key to success in the
job search, but I also knew I was—and still am—an introvert, and the prospect
of meeting new people has never been easy for me. Still, I was determined to knock down my
barriers to networking and meet the people who would help me reach my dreams
and goals. So I decided to embark on a networking challenge where every month,
I would meet with four people I already knew but would like to get to know even
better, as well as four completely new people. I called it the 4×4 Networking
Challenge.</span><br />
<span style="color: #343434;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And at the end of 2011, I added 48 new people to my network and
strengthened relationships with 48 friends, co-workers, and family members. Not
to mention, a year of networking like crazy gave me a lot of valuable insights
on what it takes to be a good networker—something I never thought I’d be able
to claim.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #343434;">If you are ready to reach your dreams and goals and take your
networking to the next level, challenge yourself to a networking challenge.
Write it down, find an accountability partner and start today!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODaAr7JI253gu6ORKYkYrlksukEgRL7RbNSAqX_d4ZA4paqKEAb0Kkst2R3ykvh90Z2QMtMQTI7DZCESsEnfA75PTYU7un1IuARbvgVm7Vxj8xbQW51v5hManA3ThmCZdm4LhqkDhEwwX/s1600/Anna+Runyan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODaAr7JI253gu6ORKYkYrlksukEgRL7RbNSAqX_d4ZA4paqKEAb0Kkst2R3ykvh90Z2QMtMQTI7DZCESsEnfA75PTYU7un1IuARbvgVm7Vxj8xbQW51v5hManA3ThmCZdm4LhqkDhEwwX/s1600/Anna+Runyan.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #21170a; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Classy Career
Girl, a blog written by Anna Runyan,</span></i><span style="color: #21170a; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>provides advice to young professionals on
how to be classy as they climb the corporate ladder. Her blog covers
topics such as business chic fashion, career motivation, </i></span><i>personal development,<span style="color: #21170a;"> networking, and office </span></i><a href="http://www.classycareergirl.com/2011/10/ofice-etiquettehow-to-make-a-lasting-impression-without-coming-on-too-strong/"><i>etiquette</i></a><i><span style="color: #21170a; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Connect with her
at </span></i><a href="http://goo.gl/sJrQv"><i><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.classycareergirl.com</span></i></a><i><span style="color: #a11d1c; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></i><i>If you would like
to learn more about how to find a career that you love to go to everyday, you
can also checkout her free video training series at </i><a href="http://www.getmycareerunstuck.com/"><i><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.getmycareerunstuck.com</span></i></a><i><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-48291254240005675062012-10-07T00:59:00.001-04:002012-10-07T02:10:25.613-04:00My DNA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvnfCbzLmFxqunWr78md8yoRzmiJ8btm13EiTE-BHdFC5qq8OTOuqIA7eos7Y9yrNtu2k2-vvmTlWR8Xdm2rDyMU5pQS0ylow8q21NJMV5Rk1TlzTpcoUsJDhr8Pr5tkM-1ny7dZNlrn3/s1600/m++my+DNA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvnfCbzLmFxqunWr78md8yoRzmiJ8btm13EiTE-BHdFC5qq8OTOuqIA7eos7Y9yrNtu2k2-vvmTlWR8Xdm2rDyMU5pQS0ylow8q21NJMV5Rk1TlzTpcoUsJDhr8Pr5tkM-1ny7dZNlrn3/s640/m++my+DNA.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have learned so much over the past little while about generations and how one can influence the other. I believe to achieve happiness and success, our professional and personal life must be aligned to reach our highest potential. There are so many people all over the world in a career, job training, business or startup crisis that they need to be given hope and help. We must find the most simple and easiest ways to get people connected with the help and expertise they need to be successful.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lifehacker.com/people/mup/">Melanie Pinola</a> from <a href="http://lifehacker.com/">LifeHacker</a> states in her artice "<a href="http://lifehacker.com/5949277/dont-do-what-you-love-do-what-you-are">Don’t Do What You Love. Do What You Are</a>."<br />
"<i>You've no doubt heard this career advice before: "Do what you love." <a href="http://www.brazencareerist.com/">Brazen Careerist</a> founder <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/">Penelope Trunk</a> calls this simple and idealistic advice absurd. Instead of trying to figure out what you love most and then find the perfect matching career, do what you are, based on your strengths and personality.</i>"<br />
<br />
For me, I have a genuine passion to serve others, a desire to make things work above the status quo, and a conviction is that simpler is better. It's in my DNA.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What's in your DNA in order to achieve your highest potential?<br />
<div>
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879445536704243750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038090489419004860.post-9691462132301800792012-10-05T15:47:00.001-04:002012-10-05T15:47:18.810-04:00Business, Startup and Career Experts join Mentorplus.me<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
We are very pleased and excited to announce that Anna Rynyan from <a href="http://www.classycareergirl.com/">Classycareergirl.com</a> and Gary C. Bizzo from <a href="http://garybizzo.com/">garybizzo.com</a> has just
accepted a position on the Mentor+ Advisory Board as well as a Mentoring specialists for <a href="http://mentorplus.me/">Mentorplus.me</a>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
See Anna and Gary's profile in more detail below.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODaAr7JI253gu6ORKYkYrlksukEgRL7RbNSAqX_d4ZA4paqKEAb0Kkst2R3ykvh90Z2QMtMQTI7DZCESsEnfA75PTYU7un1IuARbvgVm7Vxj8xbQW51v5hManA3ThmCZdm4LhqkDhEwwX/s1600/Anna+Runyan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODaAr7JI253gu6ORKYkYrlksukEgRL7RbNSAqX_d4ZA4paqKEAb0Kkst2R3ykvh90Z2QMtMQTI7DZCESsEnfA75PTYU7un1IuARbvgVm7Vxj8xbQW51v5hManA3ThmCZdm4LhqkDhEwwX/s1600/Anna+Runyan.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
</div>
<b>Anna Rynyan, Founder, Career Coach and Speaker </b><br />
Founder of one of the top 50 up and coming HR blogs for career development. You can also find her career and fashion advice on Forbes, People, StyleWatch magazine, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg Businessweek and BrazenCareerist. <br /><br />Anna helps young professionals and new grads become happy, successful and balanced in their work and life while demonstrating class, skill and integrity. <br /><br />Speaking engagements include Wake Forest University, Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, Brazen Careerist U, Rady School of Management at UC San Diego, Girl's Empowerment Conference and the San Diego Public Library.<br /><br />Anna will also be involved in developing our University program in order to better serve students connecting with mentors.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCB6oXJ5-TOca4A6mzdUUZexlOSxPFRsMRpgjtr1hSDQLVnOd9HYwwg0JmvaJiA5oYtk3P0k7MLKURNY48CLIrePva0rzoI2ROw9JHD7rDbGrmQ3WuBb55tyN0nNeI0qhIv1OivqplshCx/s1600/Gary+Bizzo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCB6oXJ5-TOca4A6mzdUUZexlOSxPFRsMRpgjtr1hSDQLVnOd9HYwwg0JmvaJiA5oYtk3P0k7MLKURNY48CLIrePva0rzoI2ROw9JHD7rDbGrmQ3WuBb55tyN0nNeI0qhIv1OivqplshCx/s1600/Gary+Bizzo.jpeg" /></a></div>
<b>Gary C. Bizzo</b> has 30 years experience in fulfilling the growing needs of business. He ran a Commercial Photography business with an international reputation, Marketing /Business Consultancy and was an Internet Webmaster. His boutique advertising agency provided custom services to a wide variety of businesses. <br /><br />Taking this vast experience, he is a Mentor and Business Coach to over 900 Vancouver based businesses. He consults with numerous multinationals and two foreign governments. He also writes Business articles for Business in Vancouver’s Employment Paper and the Toronto Star’s Media Group’s Canadian Immigrant Magazine. He is a published business writer, is co-authoring a new book on Entrepreneurs and has written an eBook on Business Start-ups. <br /><br />His experience allows him to assist any business professionally and fully whether it is a startup or in a mature cycle. <br /><br />He attended University of New Brunswick (BA), Queens University, Simon Fraser University, City University (MBA) and received the international Certification with APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) – Certified Business Counsellor from Acadia University, Nova Scotia, in 2011.<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
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If your looking for Career, Business or Startup advice signup at <a href="http://mentorplus.me/">Mentorplus.me</a> and connect with Anna or Gary or any one of other mentors available to you. They love to get you some help.</div>
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