Start your own Revolution

Corporations have an obligation to their customers and employees. Once the objective becomes the core process without considering both entities the result can be a deluge of reckless abandon with adverse public reaction.

Businesses who fail to support those under their own umbrella lose credibility. Banking on the short term memories of everyone involved and expecting to save face isn’t a smart idea in today’s era of social media presence. The long-term results can be catastrophic financially in terms of clients and the lost of trust by the public.

Sometimes, it’s better to lose a few arguments than to be perceived as greedy.



Matt and Katie Fisher

Matt Fisher simply blogged about the treatment of a claim with Progressive Insurance and their reported stance in trial proceedings in regard to Nationwide Insurance and the defendant involving his sister, Katie  and her tragic death in 2010.

The story went viral throughout social media.

The insurance had the prior opportunity to correct their stance and save the reputation of their brand. Simply paying $75,000.00 would have been much cheaper than dealing with the fallout. Trust is why we purchase insurance to provide a source of security in case of accidents, dismemberment and death.

Trust is the heart of any business.

As much as the publicity hurt Progressive, can you imagine the buzz if a competing insurance company with no financial ties wrote a $75,000.00 check to Matt Fisher? The amount of trust and positive marketing would speak volumes for a competitor’s ethics, morals and sales.

In today’s viral universe, it could’ve easily happened.

Three days after Matt Fisher posted the blog (which was also blogged by Seth Godin) Progressive Insurance announced a decision to reach a settlement for “tens of thousands of more dollars.”

We now have the ability to change the world through the use of social media. Permission, money or lawyers are no longer required. A voice resonating of honor, reason and right has given us power which was never before available to us, no matter where we are located. That voice is social media.

Start your own revolution today!

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 3^rd 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 Blog heard 'round the World!

I have a passion for writing. I don’t have to depend on anyone but myself. If I don’t like what I’ve written I can use the backspace key to delete it. I don’t need anyone’s approval or disapproval. My life is that simple.

Photo by: Search Engine People Blog.

My stories can be inspiring or merely average. The subject can be anything I choose or something simply to motivate others. The time it takes me to write a story or blog can range from minutes, hours, or days.

Sometimes one blog can be broken down to two or three different stories. I know it’s time to write a book when my creative writing reaches this threshold.

This is one of the advantages of writing nearly 300 blogs. A writer tends to improve by repetition. The journey begins when you decide to write.

My Rust Belt Chronicles Blog is currently being read throughout the USA, Russia, Germany, South America, France, Netherlands and Latvia. Despite losing my local newspaper as a source of a third of my readership for August is on a trend to top July’s statistics. The power of the Internet is truly amazing.

Photo by: Woodleywonderworks

To be able to address people throughout the globe is an incredible experience. I am grateful to all my readers for allowing me a chance to present my views and be a small part of your day!

 Life gives us the opportunity to do something special or unique.

Each day is another chance to turn your dream into reality.

Thank you for following: The Rust Belt Chronicles.

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 3^rd 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.

Why? The question we should always ask.

Photo used courtesy of: Good Eye Might.

I was always the kid who went where he was told not to go. The curiosity of “why” was all I needed. As you can imagine my experiences have multiplied throughout my life. I’ve been a bit daring, risky and walked to the edge.

The quest to understand behaviors and thinking processes have consumed my thoughts over my years of existence. Sometimes I’ve been burned, hurt or rewarded for my desire to understand people, places and things. I’ve fallen over the edge many times and somehow bounced back. Some folks never do.

But there isn’t much I wouldn’t change or do differently.

My journey has given me the ability to understand both sides of many issues. It has allowed me to look fear in the eyes and forge ahead. It has given me the ability to see and feel people’s closed minded thoughts, emotions and fears.

I understand why the masses just follow the rules and others choose to become a linchpin. It has given me the ability to engage people from a different perspective.

Most of all, curiosity increased my ability to follow a different drummer.

It’s a walk on the side of no turning back and taking chances.

I can look outside the box and embrace the moment.

Because, the only thing that really matters is: “Why.”

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 3^rd 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.

Closure- A New Walk Begins!

Sometimes, it’s best to cut line and let the fight go. Move on and move forward. Set your sights and ambitions on new goals. Let go of the mental prison and know closure can be a win of itself.

Closure gives us the opportunity to reach new boundaries .It’s a winning feeling of exhilaration. A new door opens and an old door closes.



Photo used courtesy of: Ian Sane.

It’s the peace we sought. The battle is over; the struggle between good and evil has been resolved. The fear is over. The anxiety and stress no longer controls us.

Closure is freedom. It’s the movement of our spirit from a protective mode to a wide open horizon of possibilities. A chance to pursue our dreams and realize the sky is the limit.

Closure is God’s grace... The gates are open and a new era begins.

It’s time to do something meaningful. Do something you’ve always wanted to do. Scale a mountain, run a race or make the world a better place.

Don’t look back and don’t look down. We can’t afford to go back to that place.

A new path awaits you.

 Go.

This is your time.

Your destiny awaits 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!

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/
www.successthroughmusic.com

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd 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.

Oscar Pistorius- A True Champion for a Cause!



Oscar Pistorius during 2011 World championships Athletics in Daegu.
Photo use courtesy of: Eric von Leeuwen.

I had the pleasure of watching Oscar Pistorius; the double amputee runner from South Africa compete in the Olympics. Oscar is known as the “Blade Runner” and “the fastest man with no legs.”

Through the use of technology with legs built of carbon fiber blades (a product available since 1996); Oscar was able to finish eighth in the finals of the 400-metre race. It’s an amazing feat to have “world class” speed without legs.

At the end of the race, as athletes fell to the ground (to catch their breath) and celebrate; I watched Oscar walk away and congratulate various competitors. I couldn’t help to think the most victorious runner should have been Oscar.

Sometimes finishing the race is just as important as winning.

We’ve come a long way with technology in a short period of time. Athletes have become bigger, faster and more competitive. But to witness a man run a race without legs in the Olympic Games is something many of us thought would be impossible.

Oscar had to seek permission from various committees (the gatekeepers) in order to be eligible to compete. Surprisingly, the committee granted him permission.

So, if a double amputee can run in the Olympics what’s stopping you from living your dream? Oscar has been training for years, what’s your excuse?

Most of us have all of our limbs but stopped ourselves from believing we can accomplish our goals long before the race.

Some of us started to pursue our dreams only to turn away at the first leg of the race, because things got tough.

Far too easy to walk away then battle the competition, controversy and gatekeepers.

Not Oscar.

Mr. Pistorius overcame the physical and mental odds along with the controversy. Nothing stood in his way to achieve his goals. The message sent to other amputees was one of hope, inspiration, and freedom.

That same message should resonate with all of us, in all we do.

Never give up hope, succeed to reach your dream.

Oscar Pistorius became a world-class Olympic athlete.

Starting is the only thing that matters. We’re never finished because there is always another race. The long term results are a culmination of everything we do.

Oscar’s perseverance, desire and passion displayed something meaningful that matters!

Congratulations to: Oscar Pistorius, a true champion for amputees, technology, South Africa and mankind!



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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd 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 Dream

Here in the Rust Belt, the train left the station a long time ago.

I’ve witnessed companies being sold, downsized and relocated. I’ve seen people suffering, foreclosed on their home; families being torn apart and incomes obliterated all because they bought into a dream. The American Dream.

 I’ve read about CEO’s slowly bleeding companies dry, retiring and managing to receive a golden parachute deal and a hero’s pat on their back from board members who profited from decades of side deals.

The Government bailouts and buyouts were all designed to make someone else wealthier, a reward for playing the end game. You weren’t considered nor included. No trickle-down theory at work here; more a slow motion tsunami wave.

Photo used courtesy of: Earl-Wilkerson

When the Great train called The American Dream pulled away from the station, the cars weren’t full of people; the rows of seats were filled with common sense, hope and dignity.

The American worker is nothing more than a pawn. We were merely tools. The scheme we bought into is nearing its run. It’s time to take back our pride.

Discover your passion and calling, follow your heart and dreams. Build something new, design something innovative or write something provocative. Research a problem and discover a solution. Find something people need and fill the demand.

Start your own business or revolution. Make the world a better place.

Leave a legacy.

Do something!

Just don’t go near the tracks.

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Thank you.

When to Quit?

It’s tough when you cannot be creative. Feeling like a dog at the end of its leash; waiting for the owner to pull you back into your limited territory. After a short while you begin to wonder what the point is. Why bother?

The ride along the scenic route isn’t enjoyable if you must wear binders. Criticism is hard to swallow if you are unable to taste success. You reach a point where you feel the hammer before the hit. Years of allowing people to exert their power on you takes its toll emotionally and physically.

Those repetitive scenarios eventually remove self esteem, like a lamb to the slaughter. Technically the process becomes mechanically void of any human emotional reward.

Allowing oneself to be manipulated, controlled,  and bullied is a complete waste of precious time. Guaranteed misery is the only path if you choose to repeat the same steps. A transitional movement is the logical step towards moving to a safer environment. That process requires time and sometimes time isn’t our friend.

Sometimes, quitting what you are doing is the only sensible option.

Quitting is not comfortable, easy, or popular.

We were taught winners never quit.

The truth is- winners know when to quit.

The “wisdom to know the difference” is all that is necessary.

It is only then- you will be able to achieve something that really matters!



I highly recommend- Quitter: Closing The Gap Between Your Day Job & Dream Job written by best-selling author Jon Acuff. Jon was a serial quitter shuffling through eight jobs in eight years. At one point, Jon held a full-time job and travelled the country speaking, often changing clothes in the airport on the way back to his “other” job. Jon obtained his “dream job” when he was hired as a member of the Dave Ramsey team.

If you’re leading two lives between working two jobs or want to find out how to transition to your dream job, order a copy of this book. Jon has solid advice on how to achieve your goal and do what you love to do.  It may be the difference between stress and success!

PS. Don’t miss out on the Quitter Conference  with Jon Acuff - September 20^th and 21^st at The Financial Peace Conference Center in Brentwood, TN.

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies for purchased products. I only recommend products, brands, charities and businesses that I strongly support. Thank 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