As you change and grow, become more of yourself not less.

Interesting Things I've Seen & Pondered

It's Friday! How about we enter into the weekend by calling out some WINS from the past week? I would love to hear a big success story or even just a small win -- it's an excellent way to say goodbye to one week and hello to the next. Email me at [email protected] and put "My win" in to the subject line.Interesting things I've seen or thought about.The power of branding never ceases to amaze me. Have you seen or heard of Liquid Death? The company sells water in cans that look like 16-ounce beers, branded with slogans like "murder your thirst". They’ve raised $130.6m in venture funding, which may sound odd — the company sells water, not software. How is Liquid Death doing it? it’s about the brand.Magic Spoon! If you are into Keto or a low-carb diet and miss having a crunchy cereal in the morning you should check out Magic Spoon. I've been a fan for a couple of years now - the only discouraging thing has been that you have had to order them online. Not anymore! After getting 85m in a Series B round they will be stocking the shelves of Target soon.Starting July 16, Americans will be able to dial or text 988 to reach a mental health crisis hotline. It’s designed to be easier to remember than a 10-digit phone number. I'm looking forward to spreading the word about this.YouTube Audio Ads: a feature launched back in 2020 (still in beta), audio ads can possibly be a fresh way to expand the reach and grow your brand awareness. Audio ads are characterized by creatives where the audio soundtrack plays the starring role in delivering your message. The visual component is typically a still image or simple animation. I'm just now digging into these but you might want to put them on your radar.

The Book I'm Reading

Adapt or Die by Thomas Douglas. I really wish I could give someone credit for introducing me to this book but I can't recall who it was. I'm just getting started but plan on knocking it out over the next 4-5 days. Chapter titles include, Small Busineses can save the world, Why Businesses Fail, The growth engine, and others. The concepts are told through the story of one bold company. This reminds me of one of my favorite all-time business books, Think Like Amazon

What I'm Watching

I don't do a whole lot of television unless it's an A's game... and with how they have been playing this year, I'm not watching a whole lot of anything. That said, I did just see the finale of Obi-Wan Kenobi and it was the best thing "Star Wars" I've ever seen. I 100% recommend it. Also, I just started watching the Chapman University Economic Forecast... more on this next week but if you want to check it out yourself here you go...https://economicforecast.chapman.edu/2022-update/ 

What I'm Listening To

I listen to a lot of podcasts. One of my go-to shows is done by Andy Frisella, called Real AF. The most recent episode (#318) is great. It's about developing people of character & retaining employees.https://andyfrisella.com/blogs/realaf-podcast/318-q-af-developing-people-of-character-retaining-employees-purpose-innate-or-developed

What I Just Bought

A few weeks ago I bought a 33'' Articulating Arm Phone Mount Stand and let me tell you, it is a game-changer. I have it connected to the back of my computer monitor arm. I can bring my phone forward, or backward, turn it horizontal or vertical, and raise or lower it. It's great for video, texting, and conference calls. Best purchase ever!! Here is where to get one.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B93ZJYM

The Art of Story Telling

I'm researching a lot about companies hiring Storytellers. If you know me, you know how I love a good story - everyone does. It's what makes movies, books, presentations, and our business opportunities. I work very hard at my ability to tell a story well. Consider this...The keys to telling the story:Lead with the story, then validate it with the factsBe able to tell your story in between 2-4 minutes - the shorter window you can tell the story in, the better.You have to be able to tell the story over and over and simple enough that other people (clients, distributors, independent contractors, etc) can "sing the same song" and tell your story as well.4 elements to the story:What do you do?What problem do you solve or who is your enemy (what injustice are you trying to correct? Or what difference are you trying to do in the world?)What makes your product or service different or unique?Why should I care?Your story has to have a: a Cause, a call to a mission, create a feeling in your followers, inspire change.The best stories come from your own experiences, the feelings you had during these times (emotions)You recount not only the events but the feelings involved with them when it has happened to you"I am involved in this because...""This is what I thought before.....this is what I saw afterward..." - has to have a beginning and an end.Make everything from the story connect at the end.Preframe: the frame you tell the story in. "This is my past" (before your finances, your body, your family....then the middle part of the frame is "I knew this just had to be changed"....then at the end post-frame "and this is what the after is going to look like")When you share emotionally with people, they relate to your story and connect with you.They won't remember 99% of what you said...but they will remember 100% of your story.If you're in the business of developing people - then you have to help your employees to develop and tell their stories. The more emotional and heartfelt it is, the bigger the business.The most important part of your story: It reveals VULNERABILITY in you. People want to do business with those that are vulnerable, not perfect. The less vulnerable you are, the less believable you are. People go into business with someone that they like. The more likable person wins.

What I'm Thinking

Next Tuesday I turn 50 years old. I've begun thinking about the past years and more importantly what the future holds. If you get my Daily Wake up text you got this message today.For me... it's time I double down on what matters.Kids, family, employees, partners, my brands, business, and friends.Time to answer some important questions like...Who am I? What do I want? Who matters? What matters most?

What I'm Working On

I'm not letting the cat out of the bag just yet but... here is a hint!