We're all salesmen – at least that's what we're told. I, for one, am not the least interested in selling anything to anyone. But, I can see remarkable similarities between writing and selling. See if you agree. Salesmen begin every morning with a blank slate. They have to get out of bed and do something to make a living based on commissions. Writers also start each day with a blank slate. It's up to writers to get out of bed and write in order to create something of value and earn their stripes as writers.. Writers may, or may not, [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Oct 092011
Blogging is a two way conversation – even though it often doesn't feel like it. I've been getting some very nice comments and feeling like perhaps I'm making headway in developing a style and content that has value to you – my reader. I'm not setting the world afire with my incomparable wisdom and wit. But that's ok, I'm not really trying to do that. Some have asked me how often I update this blog. Honestly, I don't have a routing schedule…I normally try to write something at least once or twice a week….sometimes more, sometimes less. It depends on [Click here to see the rest of the story]
I have been fascinated by ancient Egyptian and Mayan history for a very long time. Most recently I've found some outstanding movies that explore their culture in a very different light. If you're interested, you might want to check out the The Pyramid Code. It's an extensive documentary including five episodes. I'm not an archeologist and I don't pretend to be an expert by any means.But this series is amazing…not just because it tells a fascinating story but because it raises all kinds of questions. I've also been deeply aware of what futurists like Toffler had to say about how [Click here to see the rest of the story]
I'm an avid enthusiast when it comes to self-help and positive thinking. There's a lot to be said for both. But a long time ago I found that there's a lot more to survival in this world than these have to offer. As a freelance writer and an entrepreneur I've had ample opportunity and lots of hard knocks to test my personal theories. While they may not work for you, I suggest you might want to think about the lessons I've learned. Positive Thinking Will Get You Only So Far. That's right. You must be an expert at positive thinking. [Click here to see the rest of the story]
If you're looking for a different activity to get your heart racing and make a difference, consider joining the SkyRise Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower) here in Chicago. To Participate This event is not for the faint of heart. Your task, if you choose to accept it, is to climb the 180 floors (2,340 steps) to the Willis Tower Sky Deck. If that sounds like a lot, don't worry. You don't need to run up like the elites do. There are options for those who might need to participate without using the stairs. Last year, more than 2,500 took [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Before enlightenment, Chop wood, Carry water. After enlightenment, Chop wood, Carry water. zen proverb Once upon a time a young man went on a quest seeking wisdom. He came to a town where there were people working diligently on a variety of projects. He was very curious about all the activity. Coming to the first man, he asked, "What are you doing?" The man answered, "I'm stacking up stones so the mason can lay them tomorrow." "Oh, I see," he said, not really understanding. He came to a second man who was working on a [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Stress in the workplace is rampant. I am not directly affected; but, my daughter tells me enough stories about her daily work to convince me that even if a corporation would hire me, I'd have to think twice before I jumped at their offer. For many companies cost cutting means smaller work spaces and longer hours. That, coupled with dealing with irate customers, tight deadlines, expectations for all employees to up-sell, and immature, inconsiderate team mates makes life in many offices more than a little stressful. Now, I'm not saying you need a lot of space to work on a [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Aug 202011
The other day I had an interesting conversation with a dear friend. In passing, I mentioned that my daughter got a very beautiful tattoo. And I pulled up a picture of it I'd just taken. She didn't even want to look at it. "All tattoos are bad," she said. "No matter what it looks like, I think anyone who gets a tattoo is stupid and I don't want to have anything to do with them." She went on to tell me how her daughter had gotten a tattoo – and didn't even tell her about it. I was dumbfounded.. The [Click here to see the rest of the story]
