Monday, November 12, 2012

From the Heart!


There comes a time when you must forge ahead.

Write what must be written.

Speak your mind, tell the story and bare your soul.

Bringing darkness into the light and setting the truth free.

No rules, expectations or fear- just pure honesty from the heart.

Words with meaning that deeply matter to those who care.

-Jim Carver

 

November is a great time to begin writing since the lawn care days are over.

Thanksgiving weekend is the start of the next journey!

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


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.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Artist Manifesto


Here’s an essential item for any aspiring artist, writer, procrastinator or just someone in need of an inspirational pick-me-up.

Photo credit: Ashley Goins.
 Jeff Goins the author of Wrecked, penned the Artist Manifesto.  Jeff’s words resonate brilliantly concerning our how to be a creative force of good for the world through art.

He commissioned Mandy Thompson to create the visual art to his manifesto. Mandy did a superb job and she offers various sizes of the print through Etsy. Mandy is a terrific artist in her own right. Her blog looks great and judging from her artwork for Jeff, Mandy has a very promising future doing what she loves to do.

Note: If you enter the word “Manifesto” in the coupon code during the purchase before Monday the opportunity exists to receive a 25% discount off the purchase.

I was fortunate to purchase a copy the beautiful artwork last evening and I wanted to share it with my readers. In case you didn’t take a look and read the first link I posted; you may read Jeff Goins- The Artist Manifesto below:

The Artist Manifesto~ by Jeff Goins

This is it. NO TURNING BACK. No excuses, no delays. Time to sit down and focus. To show up and create. To paint and play and craft. To DREAM and vision-cast.

To make all things new.

This is beauty in action. Life in full swing. THIS IS ART.

There are no ringside seats or sick days. Everyone must play. No second chances. You only get one shot. All you have is today.

THE TIME IS NOW. To inspire wonder and awe. To speak up in a world fast asleep at the wheel.

We’re counting on you. To be creative. To AWAKEN our souls with beauty. To use your heart and hands to bring meaning back into the universe.

Because without you we are all lost.

Life makes no sense without prophets and poets.

We need you to DO THE WORK and honor your call. To tap into the Muse and find your voice.

We cannot do this alone. We have lost the child-within. That part of us content to stare at clouds — at home with magic and mystery. We need your help to find her. So that we can dance and laugh and sing. So that we can BE WHOLE once again.

WILL YOU GUIDE US?

If you are a writer, I highly recommend Jeff’s blog and newsletter. He is one of the best bloggers for aspiring writers in the world! Mr. Goins is climbing the ladder of success and has had an impact on my life. It’s refreshing to see a young man who spends much of his time helping others accomplish their goals.

Jeff has given everyone permission to share his manifesto to anyone through a blog, Twitter, Facebook or any other form of social media. So feel free to share, distribute, or copy The Artist Manifesto.

Better yet, purchase a beautiful copy today!
 Keep it near you to remind yourself “why” you are an artist and “why”- what you do matters!

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


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.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Why a Tax Levy Fails to Win!



Photo courtesy of: Donkey Hotey.
When you compare and contrast  tax levy campaigns against personal election campaigns- it’s no wonder most levy’s fail. Yes, its true economic times are tough and our income has suffered dramatically over the last few years. The problem magnifies when a tax levy is often presented as “dire” and “urgent” necessities, yet the campaign methods are weak, impersonal and non-transparent.
Some of the money spent on levy campaigns could be better spent elsewhere!

The Drive

When running for office, candidates often travel door-to-door asking for your vote. This gives the voter the opportunity to ask questions, listen to views and meet the candidate. The marketing is personal, up-close and clearly shows the willingness of the candidate “to go the extra mile” for your vote.
I recall years ago, former Ohio State/Cleveland Brown’s player, Dick Schafrath, knocked on my Mother’s door. Mr. Schafrath’s driver had dropped him off in the neighborhood and the driver was late returning to pick-up the candidate.
After a short conversation asking for her vote, Dick asked her for a glass of water and wondered if she would mind, if he waited under a shade tree for his ride? My Mother gave him a cold glass of iced tea and a lawn chair to wait in the shade on a very hot day. Mr. Schafrath commented on how well the iced tea tasted.
Who do you think she voted for?

The Fumble

The difference in seeking levy approval is instead of a personal commitment towards the taxpayers, we get to read the overtures for money in newspapers, local TV, radio, signs and (everyone’s favorite) junk mail.
Not exactly an openly transparent marketing method to instill confidence. No chance to ask a question or feel the merits of voting. Threats are often used to seek the passage of a levy and have eroded our trust in elected officials.

The Shot

Sure candidates use some of the same media tactics when running for office. However, nothing sends a stronger message to a local community when given a personal invitation to interact closely.
If you can’t go door-to-door and/or reach out publicly with open neighborhood meetings the common voter views the request as a money grab.
Give the voters the opportunity with all the cards on the table.
Pulling a community together, bringing new ideas forth might be the best and cheapest levy marketing campaign in recent years.
Heck, a promise to not litter our mailboxes with junk mail might rally a few votes!

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

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.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Turning a Blog into a Brand!



Photo courtesy of: Search Engine People Blog.
Attempting to blog daily can be a tough assignment. Building an audience isn’t something that happens overnight or in a few months. Consistency and good content is the key to developing followers. Anything beyond those qualities is truly a blessing!

We often find ourselves so busy attempting to write the “next” blog we often forget to put the effort into following others, commenting on their blogs or just asking a few questions. Forgetting those people who are on the same journey as us is a mistake. Taking the proper time to put forth the effort increases our network, friends and influences.

I find it tough to take the time and provide the moral support to others. It’s far easier for me to write a blog or come up with something new rather than comment. It bugs me, not having the time I need to give back to others. Particularly, since I joined Bloggers.com it has become impossible to follow everyone.

So I’ve created a plan.

·        Those who comment on my musings, get top priority. Whatever those loyal folks do, I will do my best to follow and return the praise.

·        I will slowly read, pick and choose other bloggers with similar interests within the blogging communities I post and comment on their writings.

·        Lastly, I will prioritize the blogsters of bloggers.com and follow the same method as above.

·        Those who return the interests will be on my “A” list, the others will simply be replaced by new people.

·        Those who stick are my tribe members and most cherished friends!  

I hate rules- but to you, me and the rest of my schedule it’s only fair. To not set your own ground rules would mean everyone gets lost in the “social media” arena and we accomplish little.

Between my job, moonlighting as a blogger, assisting in daily chores and following my emails, social media sites and the two or three hours of sleep during the weeknights; I am pretty much maxed out.

My lack of sleep has taken a toll after a couple of years of the crazy schedule.

I soon need to find the time write an eBook and a regular book. I must also consider the direction of my blog as a business. One of the things I’ve found out by blogging is it’s so easy to keep focusing on writing a blog, while forgetting the other aspects of becoming a ”brand.”

Having a clearer direction of sail is paramount to turning an adventure into a successful business strategy.

I want to thank those who follow my blog and comment. I sincerely appreciate your interest.

 My hope is these thoughts have given you some ideas about your own blogging adventures or perhaps shared some parallel ideas towards your own start-up or entrepreneurship!

A journey can lead a thousand different directions, but a clear path and roadmap always helps!

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


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 American Spirit!



Photo courtesy of: The U.S. Army.


“Those who will not govern themselves are condemned to find masters to govern over them”   
    - Steven Pressfield

We have two main political parties in the USA.
One group believes the government should take care of the poor and provide prosperity. The other group of people wants less government involvement for assistance to run their lives and businesses.

Both groups are making the same mistake by believing someone else (the government) makes or breaks our existence.
There is a third choice.

The truth is- we as individuals do have power.
When you wait for a political choice to “fix” any situation you’re wasting valuable time.

 Many Americans have innovated our history, entire industries and sports  without waiting or relying on approval, new law's or a tax break.
Samuel Colt changed how the West was won with one simple patent. Paul Brown successfully improved player’s equipment and changed the way football was played by creating his own coaching methods. Roger Penske worked outside the rules to win races and incorporate new automobile innovations. Bethany Hamilton didn’t rely on government healthcare for assistance.
Better to forge ahead, make progress and find a way.

When given no other option- the American Spirit sets the new standard!

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


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.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Change is Coming!



Photo credit: Joel Washing.
 
In less than Sixty years we have witnessed an unbelievable amount of change.

Just to name a few technological advances:

·        78 RPM (monograph) records to MP3's.

·        Mono record players to- iPods.

·        Antennas receiving 3 television channels to digital cable with hundreds of stations to view.

·        Picture tube television sets to HD TV.

·        Television stations to Internet TV.

·        Rotary phone (one neighborhood shares one phone line) to cell phones.

·        Radio station programs to Podcasts.

·        Transistor radios to satellite radio.

·        Dark room photography developing to instant digital photos.

·        Drive-in theaters to home theaters.
Encyclopedias to
Wikipedia.

·        Personal movies to YouTube.

·        Joining organizations to social networking via Twitter and Facebook.

·        Shopping centers to online shopping.

·        Books to eBooks.

·        Hand delivered mail to email.

·        Typewriters to keyboards with a brain.

·        Researching information at libraries to searching instantly using Google.


I could go on..............

Can you imagine today's society sharing one phone line? Luckily, technology has advanced with a method to communicate, not just a means of accomplishing the feat. Would you wait in a line to use one computer at your business or school? The technology would have died.
The advancement in communications enables us to perform tasks at any particular moment quickly, and practically for free, 24 hours a day. All it takes is an account, a connection, and time.
Look at the amount of change in the way marketing and business operate. Being employed as an encyclopedia salesman, owning a typewriter store or working within a record company wouldn't have been a wise career choice. Many people employed in those markets never saw change coming. Like it or not, change is constant, undeniable, and certain.
Is your business doing things the same old way? Are you operating as if it's business as usual?
 Is your vision directed down the road ahead of you or in the rear-view mirror?
If so lookout- change is coming!

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


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.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Today, You have a Choice!


Photo used courtesy of: "CAVE CANEM".
 
 
The only choice worse than making the wrong choice is to do nothing.

The crowd that could make a difference is the mass of people who fail to show.

The 80/20 rule applies to most everything including voting.

Today, we have the opportunity to let our voices be heard.

Don’t waste one of our most precious freedoms.

It’s your opportunity, privilege and duty to vote today.

We’re waiting to hear from you!


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


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.