Blog

Help Make This Week Amazing

Minutes ago I was notified that the copies of Amazing Things Will Happen that I had ordered from various online book sellers have begun to ship.

That is awesome news and it means it is now officially the time I need YOUR help.

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My TEDx Experience

I’ve always wanted to give a TEDx speech. Sure, I dream about some day being worthy to take the main TED stage, but for now that remains a dream.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been stressed about this talk. Being asked to present at a TEDx is not something to be taken lightly, and I was honored that I was flying across the pond to do it.

My topic was “How to Live an Amazing Life.”

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I Am Thankful For So Much

On this day of Thanksgiving, I have plenty to be thankful for.

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Announcing The Cleon Foundation

You could feel the energy in the room. The one thousand gathered for World Domination Summit had entered the theatre as individuals, but in a mere few hours were transforming into a tribe.

While the speakers on stage were enlightening, my brain was already working through the details of something that I had been noodling on for months and perhaps my whole life. It was clear what was next for me.

As the conference came to an end and the $100 Investment happened, there were no more excuses. The Cleon Foundation had to be formed.

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TEDx Inspiration From My Friends

This weekend I’ll be taking the stage at TEDxLaceMarket in Nottingham, England.

These past few weeks have been a bundle of nerves and energy as I gear up for one of the most important speeches of my life. I’ve spent the days juggling the words I want to say and trying to put them together in the best possible order so that my story touches every single person who hears it.

I’ve also been preparing by watching lots of TEDtalks and today I want to share three that personal friends of mine have given recently. Each is on a very different topic, but each is inspirational in its own way.

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My Dangerous Books

In the past I’ve discussed some of the books that have changed my world. I like to call them “dangerous” because if you read them there is a high probability that they may spark something in you. Depending on what is going on in your life that could be dangerous and thus my description.

Since I included these in Amazing Things Will Happen, I’m expecting more than one person to come looking for more information on the books. I figured I’d set up a page that lists them here so that you can buy them. All are affiliate links, so I’ll get a couple of nickles if you buy them by clicking on the links.

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FlightTrack Pro Review

I travel a lot.

While I love touring the world and seeing new places, I hate the stress that comes with traveling so I’ll do anything to cut as much of it out as possible.

I’ve written about how I survive travel before and two of my favorite tools still to this day are TripIt and FlightTrack Pro.

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Dear Amazon, Please Start Working Better With Authors

Dear Amazon.com,

I love you. I’m on a first name basis with my UPS man because I order so much stuff from you.

As an avid reader I went nuts when the Kindle came out and have owned every model since the original. You make it way too easy to purchase books on a whim and I can travel the world with my entire library at my finger tips.

Two years ago I published my first book, Content Rules, and I began to appreciate you from the author perspective. Learning all the things you do both for traditional publishers but also for self publishers made me appreciate you even more. I appreciate all you give me via Author Central and hope you keep adding to the features there.

But, last week you turned on me as an author and that is what I’d like to talk to you about.

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Doing My Part to Help Save International Aid

In the coming days and weeks, we are going to hear a lot about the “fiscal cliff” that we as a country are approaching.

I’m not an economist or a government expert, so my over simplified summation is that there are a pile spending cuts set to happen unless changes are made.

What especially got my attention was that there will be no exemptions for International Affairs programs anticipated and there is no flexibility permitted to protect certain programs (PEPFAR, Feed the Future) by cutting other programs more deeply.

A year ago, this wouldn’t have mattered much to me or even got my attention, but after a week in Ghana with the ONE Campaign earlier this year everything changed.

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Wednesday Morning in America

Dear America,

Wednesday morning we are all hopefully going to wake up with the announcement of our president for the next four years.

No matter who wins, there will be many upset people. Emotions will be high and low to the extremes and keep that in mind with every interaction you have throughout the day.

Whoever wins there is one thing that should be clear to every citizen out there and that is we’ve got a lot of work to do.

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Sandy Got Me Thinking

My family and I were very lucky earlier this week when Hurricane Sandy hurled itself at the East Coast.

We lost power for about eighteen hours, but with no property damage or anyone being hurt, we are much better off than many people still dealing with the aftermath of this horrible storm.

If you are trying to find ways to help beyond simply donating money, this post will help you.

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Java Is My Homeboy

Hurricane Sandy is starting to show her anger outside. We are as prepared as we can be and we’ve got to keep ourselves busy somehow so I felt like writing. Hopefully I get to publish before the power goes out.

As I was sitting here watching the weather reports, social streams and wondering how bad things are going to get, the FedEx guy shows up. I hadn’t ordered anything so I couldn’t figure out what he was bringing.

I ran out in the rain to meet him and the box instantly made me smile.

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A Day in Detroit

I know very little about Michigan or Detroit except for what I read, hear and see from the world around me. I’ve heard there is beauty throughout the state and in the city of Detroit they are clawing their way back from some very hard times. I do know I’m rooting for the Tigers to win the World Series!

Ever since I watched Lemonade: Detroit I’ve been curious to know more. To experience it for myself.

That is why when Hajj Flemings asked me to speak at Brand Camp University ’12 Detroit I jumped at the opportunity. If you don’t know Hajj yet, he always has a smile and a helping hand to anyone who asks. He brings together some of the most varied and high quality speakers for every one of his events. When he comes to your town, be sure you don’t miss it.

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Looking Forward to 2013

Every fall as the trees begin to change and the temperature leaves frost on the morning grass I get reflective on the days gone by and the year ahead.

Some may wait until the hectic holidays are upon us and the shovels and snowblowers are out, but by then I like to be prepared to flip over the calendar with a vengeance long.

2013 is going to be a big year for me. It has to be.

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Vall de Núria Through My Lens

Vall de Núria is one of the most peaceful spots I’ve ever had the chance to step foot in.

High in the Pyrenees of Catalonia, Spain, it is only accessible via a train or by hiking in on foot. It is place of beauty, religion, pilgrims and skiers.

If you ever have a chance to visit it, you truly must make the time. I hope to return someday and hike into the valley to fully appreciate the beauty of it all.

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