From my e-newsletter on September 1, 2011

WARNING: This email could lead to a very unproductive afternoon!

I received a text message last week from someone who wanted me to check out a website that outlines why Amreica is going to hell in a handbasket.  It pointed out all the things that are wrong with our system of government, healthcare, financial system, and on and on and on ad nauseum. Do we have problems? Of course. But instead of sitting back and watching it burn I encouraged my friend to ask himself what he could do to make life better for him and his family. I’m a big advocate of making change that begins from within.  In the spirit of changing our mindset and thinking positively, go check out some of the latest TED Talks.  Here are some that I’ve been thinking about:

• Brene Brown: Fear and Shame
• Richard St. John: 8 Secrets of Success (short and funny!)
• Ron Gutman: The Hidden Power of Smiling

Like to shop? Like discounts?  I’ve discovered MyHabit. This is a great little website with designer clothes and accessories for men, women, kids, and home.  I’ve become addicted and watch it daily!

Do you like shortcuts, tricks, and other hackeries of life?  Check out Life Hacker.

Ever wonder what someone would do for $5?  Now you can find out at Fiverr. Get creative!

If you’re bored and looking for some random knowledge on random topics, check out Cracked. It makes for some fun reading during those 2 o’clock in the afternoon drags.

Curious about your writing skills?  This writing analyzer will tell you reading grade level for your writing. Great for blog posts – 8th grade reading level is a good target. This email is at a 4th grade reading level. I’m not sure if that’s indicative of good communication skills or a really dumb communicator.

Here’s something you can use – get rid of those sticky notes and start using TeuxDeux.  It’s a very simple, free, online to-do list that moves the undone task from yesterday to today (not that I have a lot of those).

I just hired a student from UT Austin to help edit my book. So far I’ve been very pleased with the responsiveness and professionalism.  If you’re interested in hiring a student to help you out, now is the time to do it!  Go to HireALonghorn to post your job.

What I’ve been up to:

I’ve been speaking to a lot of groups and associations around Central Texas. I give a talk called “150 Monkeys in Cyberspace” This presentation is a summary of the book I’m working on.  I won “Best Session” for this presentation at ProductCamp a couple of weeks ago (a conference for product managers and marketers).  It was a great feeling and quite validating to receive that award from my peers.

Other than speaking and writing a lot, I’m still doing graphic and web design with the occassional marketing strategy consultation.  I tell folks that I’m in the middle of a page turn as I move to the next chapter of my life.  I appreciate all the support I’ve received from friends and clients.

What to do now?

• Check out the new website, tell me what you think.
• Remember me for your graphic and web design needs.
• Let me know if you hear of any groups looking for a speaker. My talk summary is here.
• Drop me a note to let me know how you’re doing and what you’ve been up to.

Be well,

Chad

Get the next e-newsletter in your inbox. Sign up here….