Isn’t it Time We Pick Ourselves?



Image courtesy of:

Michael 1952.

When the teacher asked questions, most of the students raised their hands. The ambitious or popular students were usually chosen first to respond with the answer. This situation took place often, throughout the day. If you were selected and didn’t respond with the correct answer, good luck being picked again, anytime soon .

The subtle message was :

1.   You weren’t popular.

2.   The teacher didn’t trust your judgment.

3.   What you thought didn’t matter.

During the summer before a basketball game, it was common for the two most popular and gifted athletes to choose their teams from a select group. The decision to choose the most gifted athletes would be chosen first, usually followed by choosing the most popular or friends of the person doing the picking. Being one of the last two possible selections indicated you weren’t valued as much and if there was any hesitancy as who to choose it didn’t speak well for either of you. Being the last player selected meant you were “stuck” (no pick for you) on one of the team’s roster.

Being last meant:

1.   You weren’t very good.

2.   You weren’t very popular.

3.   You weren’t really wanted.

The same process appears throughout your career in lieu of promotions, positions, hiring and lay-offs. It’s all part of the same system of the Industrial Age. Instead of recognizing and nurturing individuals strength we follow the same rules rewarding the gifted, popular and our friends, while ignoring the rest. For 100 years, it was the only way to ensure fitting-in, compliance and conformity.

Not anymore.

Picking yourself is all that matters. Artists always pick themselves; they don’t wait for permission, acceptance or a christening. We always felt artists were strange, different or didn’t quite fit-in. Artists aren’t concerned with the status quo, survey results or a spreadsheet, their focus is strictly on their core mission .

It's no coincidence artists are the catalyst of change. The system refers to those people as inventors, however; they were artists first and foremost. Ford, Gates or Edison didn’t form a consensus group, become elected or chosen by anyone. Picasso, Tchaikovsky, Dylan and Symon picked themselves. Some said they were crazy and wasting their time, but their determination to succeed came from within.

 Art touches our lives, inspires movements and forges technology.

As we sit on the cusp of change in the post-industrial revolution- isn’t it time we pick ourselves?

 Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

10 reasons- Why You Should read This Book!

10 reasons why you should read the book:

1.  It was written from the heart.

2.  It is a success story. We get bombarded daily with bad news stories; it’s time to read something positive!

3.  It was written to honor a friend and outstanding organization.

4.  It is an enjoyable, interesting read of winning, losing, pride, joy, sweat, laughter, and tears.

5.  It is a timeless story of visionary leadership and motivation.

6.  It provides key principles for any individual or group to become successful and improve their lives.

7.  It will make you want to read it again and again.

8.  It has pictures of pretty girls and students wearing funny shaped hats.

9.  It's something you owe to yourself to read.

10.  It's- Something Meaningful that Matters!

 

25% Christmas Discount

 Send a check or money order for $24.00 (includes snail mail delivery) to:

Paradiddle Publishing

PO Box 984

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

or

 Order from this website (on the right side of page)!

This book is the perfect gift for a current music student, ex-band member or simply anyone who wants to be inspired by motivation, perseverance, innovation and success. Most importantly, it’s about the impact one person can make within other’s lives.  

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Book Review: The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith

 

Social Media expert and Blogger, Chris Brogan has been instrumental in my journey to become a blogger. His book, Social Media 101, not only gave me valuable insight it armed me with the education, passion and courage to enter the digital age. Naturally, I was looking forward to his next best-selling release, Trust Agents, co-authored with Julien Smith (another media expert in podcasting). Unfortunately, Trust Agents, left me puzzled somewhat, compared to Social Media 101.

Chris Brogan and Julien Smith have released a new book entitled: The Impact Equation: are you making things happen or just making noise? I am happy to report “The Impact Equation” is an insightful and useful book, written with strong advice and powerful tips.

The social media experts champion the premise that anyone can become a social media expert and owner without seeking permission or being rich. That’s right, for the first time in the history of civilization, you, me; anyone can partake, create and own our own channel. Scary isn’t it.  We can be a voice and make an impact in the world.

Chris and Julien use a simple formula for the principle of this success called CREATE.

C*(R+E+A+T+E) = Contrast is multiplied by reach (R), exposure (E), articulation (A), trust (T), echo (E). The CREATE formula can be applied to make an impact in regards to anything you do.

The Impact Equation also focuses on real examples to breakdown how we can make an impact. Just a few of the many topics covered are:

·        Recognizing good ideas from bad ideas.

·        The importance of goals.

·        The power of a sturdy platform.

·        Stop thinking like an employee.

·        Building a network based on trust from people who care.

·        Discovering your core message.

·        The human element.
 

The Impact Equation is about building an online tribe, offering added value, and how to maximize your chance of success. Chris and Julien suggest giving away their book to others when you are finished studying the book. This is another way to spread their ideas and create a loyal tribe of followers towards you.

Near the final chapter, Chris and Julien actually take time to explain their thoughts on their former book, Trust Agents and how it could have been more explicit in hindsight. That takes guts.

If you have an interest in creating your own media channel and have a desire to make your own impact, you must take the time to read: The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith.

The Impact Equation is the best equation never taught in school!

So purchase a copy today, read it several times, study the formulas and advice, then give it away to share with someone else.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Lessons Learned in Commission Sales!

The local markets in Lexington, Ohio are no longer carrying my book. Sales through Wayne’s Country Market dissipated to the point of not justifying shelf space. 

The other shop basically ripped me off by losing  a portion of my sales money or failed to charge correctly on a half a dozen books. This was really disappointing since 10% of the sales were to be donated to the Lexington, Ohio High School Music Boosters and a relative of the store formerly served with the Music Boosters.

Previously in 2011, I was shorted on sales for the book perhaps due to the store offering another book being sold for $17.00 at the store. I had provided the store with flyers and posters and a plastic display case for the book; the owner claimed the staff must have charged incorrectly for the book. I reasoned it was no big deal. I would just absorb the small loss.

When I dropped by the store (this Spring) to view how the sales were going;  I still had two or three books out of a dozen left on display. The envelope of my earnings was missing of prior books sold. The owner didn’t offer to compensate anything for my loss. I was upset and surprised at the total lack of accountability from him. He blamed his clerks for not separating my money from the customers overall sales. The loss- $100.00.

I purposely walked out of the store, knowing a couple copies were still on display.

So earlier this week, I stopped by to see if the handling of the sales had improved. The owner looked down under the counter and said the last book was their forever, finally sold and he didn’t have any money from the sale. No apology- Nothing!

I walked out of the store disgusted.

It’s a shame this establishment given their history and connection to the community in Lexington, Ohio couldn’t have been accountable. I personally don’t recommend shopping at this establishment because they failed to honor a simple verbal agreement regarding commission sales.

The Good News!

I will compensate the 10% fund out of my own pocket for the lost or stolen money from those sales. In hindsight, I should have monitored sales closer early on, but given the reputation and connection to the boosters program I really didn’t expect this outcome or their inability to correct the problem.

Brent Stephenson of Wayne’s Country Market did a terrific job of selling my book, positioning my book within the store for optimal sales and keeping excellent track of sales by issuing a check for every dozen books sold. Given the volume of business Wayne's Country Market provides, Brent and the owners are outstanding people to work with! I highly recommend shopping at their market.

Meanwhile, I am offering a 25% Christmas Special Discount on:

 The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School Band of Gold.

Between now and December 25^th-
 
Send a check or money order for $24.00 (includes shipping) to:

Paradiddle Publishing

PO Box 984

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

This book is the perfect gift for the ex-Band of Gold member or simply anyone who wants to be inspired by motivation, perseverance, innovation, goals and success. Most importantly, it’s about the impact- one person can make in other’s lives.  

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Difference Makers!



Photo courtesy of: Silicone Prairie News.

 

Several days ago, I wrote a blog about the apparent political choices inducing a negative outcome between government, employers and employees. The day after the election some companies began to introduce massive layoffs and/ or the reduction of full-time jobs with benefits. I failed to cover some obvious positive possibilities during that blog due to time constraints. So let’s talk about the upside to another seemingly down-economy.

The best time to start your own business is now

The corporate uncertainty has created a seam within industries. Some corporations cease performing specific functions for consumers due to overall costs. Perhaps you know of a simple way to streamline one of those lost services and can start your own business by offering a solution without the overhead or added cost. The idea doesn’t have to be original, it just needs to provide income and grow.

Hours cut, remember that business idea you had? 

You have the window of opportunity to attempt to make it happen. Use your free time creatively and work up a business plan to start your own business. Keep it simple and effective. Focus on specific ways to bring your product or services to market, and then do the additional research as required.

Some other tips:

·        Seek advice from those with a positive knowledge of experience. Don’t waste your time or energy discussing your plan with people who failed, family members who don’t understand or friends who don’t really care. This is the recipe for failure! While they may have good intentions this will produce nothing worth the time or effort.

·        Seek out those in online forums or send emails direct to someone who has professionally succeeded. You’d be surprised how many people will respond with helpful information. Virtually every function necessary to run a business is freely available through the Internet. Study the choices- some are free; others are costly.  

·        Attend business seminars or ask questions of others in small business or local entrepreneurs. Again, helpful advice is at your fingertips. It’s not like you’re asking for secret ingredients!

·        Some small businesses or agencies provide locations (space) to run your operation. Perhaps you need a kitchen setup or a small room for machinery. Spaces can be leased and sometimes grants are available to fund those startups. If not, maybe lease a small building and start your own business leasing space.

I was discovered many choices and sources available when I decided to author and self-publish my book. I studied options and researched the choices extensively to find a suitable situation.

One of the simple pleasures in life is building something and doing the work required to allow the process to mature. Becoming an entrepreneur or starting a small business isn’t something you do from beginning to end in one afternoon. But, it doesn’t require a degree or years of work either to start.

The quality of the people you seek information from and your own passion are the difference makers.

While being laid-off or having your hours reduced can be psychologically or cash crippling, it gives us that one opportunity we’ve possibly never had- to live our dream and do something meaningful!

When the economy is suffering for some, new roads become available.

Don’t allow a scheme to pigeon-hole you into sleep, depression or suicide.

Find your passion or dream, start living and feeling alive.

That’s all we really need! 

I’d love to hear your comments, views or ideas. Feel free to contact me with your questions!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Film Review: I'm Fine, Thanks!

 

Back in early July, I wrote about the Kickstarter project entitled: I’m Fine, Thanks! The film is a documentary by Crank Tank Studios, who travelled the country  interviewing people who created their own success, by not settling for mediocrity. (This is the stuff I love to write about and I can't wait to see this motivating film).



The Film Crew of: I'm Fine, Thanks!

 

The film is now available and it's definitely worth purchasing. Director, Grant Peelle, Producer, Adam Baker and their team travelled throughout the United States for two months interviewing and spending time with people motivated to change their life to live their passions and dreams. Rounding out the team was- John Cropper, the Assistant Editor and Camera 0perator, Bryan Olinger served as the Director of Photography and Dustin Koester handling Sound and Audio.

I’m Fine, Thanks features best-selling authors, bloggers, academics, and common folks tired of being stuck in a cubicle or dangling from a corporate ladder. It’s loaded with dozens of stories relating to the moment people became fed-up attempting to live someone else’s life, keeping up with the Jones’s, realizing money doesn’t buy happiness, the despair of debt and in some cases physically sick from job-related stress. 

Two of the interesting stories were the family living in a converted school bus and an author who lives in a cozy 300-square foot home. The documentary focuses extensively on those who realized the potential to live their childhood dreams and the events leading up to that moment. Lots of minimalistic living and the important role of family are heavily discussed in this superb film.

Director, Grant Peelle narrates the story and he keeps the story flowing with thoughts and emotion. You may recall reading about Adam Baker and his family in Chris Guillebeau’s best-selling book, The Art of Non-Conformity. Adam and his wife sold all of their possessions to relieve their debt and move overseas.

My only negative statement regarding the film is the two “F” Bombs used weren’t necessary and it would have been educational to discover how the families actually completed their steps (“The Forge” bus and cozy 300 sq. Ft. home grabbed my curiosity) to change lifestyles.

Who knows, maybe that could be a follow-up project for Grant and Adam, along with how Kickstarter played a key role by crowd-funding this wonderful documentary?

I’m Fine, Thanks is certainly empowering. The Cinematography and editing by Patrick Moreau of StillMotion is excellent. .

Grant Peelle, Adam Baker and crew are doing what the film recommends-

“Live Your Dream- Not The American Dream.”

I’m Fine, Thanks is a career and life changing work of Art! It’s a call to live your life. This documentary proves that despite location, career, wealth and background anyone can lead a fulfilling meaningful life simply by following their own passion and dreams!

Order your copy of I’m Fine, Thanks- today. You’ll be glad you did!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Door is Open!

Photo courtesy of: mRio.

 

Many of the things we could achieve in our lives are within our grasp today.

We no longer need permission from a higher authority to begin.

Recognition by the fraternity, a degree or license isn’t necessary.

The door is open!

Find your passion, spread the idea and build your tribe.

Do what you’ve always dreamed or talked about.

Give it your best shot.

Just do it!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

He simply- Watched, Listened and Learned!

Photo courtesy of: WMFD.

I remember during my first book signing, many classmates, old friends, teachers and former board members made an appearance. It was an exciting moment, but at the same time a bit awkward.  The biggest surprise came when a local TV crew arrived with a newspaper reporter from a local newspaper to interview me.

 I was definitely pumped.

Perhaps the biggest take-away was the impression a former classmate made on me that stormy day.

 Photo coutesy of: WMFD

When Michael Gough arrived at the signing table, I was startled. He threw $60.00 down in front of me. I asked him how many books he wanted and his rely was: “one.” I explained the price was far less than the amount on the table and he said: “Keep it. You deserve it for all you’ve done to write a book honoring the late David A. Wells.”

I was flabbergasted, Mike refused the change from the sale and it was clear it would be an insult to pursue the matter further.

Mike Gough was a guy, who didn’t run in the same circle of friends or attend the same classes with me in high school. Mike successfully started his own business and was doing well.

Mike felt that the city of Lexington, Ohio should name the street the high school resides on, after the former band director, David A. Wells, which my book was written in honor of. I agree.

The thought never occurred to me, but Mike Gough has always been very observant. Mr. Gough also mentioned the impact David A. (as we use to refer to him as) made in many students lives. The information Mike had knowledge of amazed me, considering he never played an instrument, nor was a member of The Lexington Band of Gold.

He simply watched, listened and learned.

Running into Mike that day made me realize how little we attempt to meet people and discover what we have in common. Life is so busy or we become so involved in our immediate surroundings, we seldom notice those on the fringe. Observing the quality, wisdom and conscience of someone is a great method to surround yourself with positive influences.

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen my friend, Mike Gough.

I hope all is well with him and his business.

 He deserves it!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Risk or Opportunity?

 

"You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

~ Zig Ziglar

Since I stumbled upon this nugget of wisdom from Mr. Zig Ziglar, I have often used it to promote others through my writing. My first book was based on this philosophy. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next book is written for someone special or the audience attached to that person.

I’ve often blogged about people going out of their way for others or examples of courage and bravery. It’s the least I can do to give back to those special people and my audience.

This is part of the battle I fight daily. Where to sometimes draw a fine line and either go to the edge or just bust the door down. Careful consideration is required and wisdom is heeded.

Slowly building a following, which look forward to what subject I tackle next or attempt to eradicate is always interesting. The opportunity to make a difference is too important to keep silent. The responsibility to serve others is a key to understanding success.

It’s not an easy road to travel due to risk. The possibility of success always exceeds the risk factor. Any great achievement was mastered by overcoming the fear of risk. History shows this correlation time and time again.

Giving into fear is true failure. By avoiding risk we stagnate, suffer and never enter the race. We never learn the tactics to improve our process. Never understand what we are capable of doing or perfecting. Subsequently, we avoid the opportunity.

It’s pretty tough helping someone achieve what they want, if we can’t overcome our own fears. Responding to someone with: “I’m sorry, I’d love to help you but…..,”- just doesn’t cut it and isn’t helping anyone. That’s not what Zig suggested in his motto.

By clearing the hurdle of risk, we can begin to make a difference in something meaningful that matters for others!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.