Joanne and I went sailing recently – a first for both of us. Our friends Connie and Sheila invited us out for an afternoon of sailing, which we readily accepted. Being totally unknowledgeable about sailing, I assumed that once you put the sail up, you simply went wherever the wind took you. It was fascinating to learn that we are not “victims” of the wind. Rather, I learned you simply set your sail to take you in the direction you want to go – and adjust your sail to continue in that direction as the wind changes.
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I’ve got a great idea!
Working with creative people gives me the opportunity to hear lots of cool ideas. People approach me every day with what could be the next greatest iPad, Hula Hoop, self-directing Frisbee, time management system, dog training trick, or best-selling book. Often these people brag about having so many great ideas that they have not been able to narrow down and develop even one.
And therein lies the challenge. If you have lots of great ideas and you’ve been doing research for the last five years –
I’ll guarantee you nothing has been added to your bank account. People become enamored with making their idea perfect and thus never launch anything. Many times the window of opportunity has already passed or someone else released a similar product before they are “ready” to share and deliver.
One man’s trash is…..
Joanne and I are avid garage sale, yard sale, consignment sale browsers. I say browsers because we often don’t buy anything – but occasionally do find something worth having.
Recently we were driving down the coast in Venice, Florida and saw a sign for a Catholic consignment sale. We whipped around and drove down a little street to a warehouse.
And then I saw these chairs. You probably know I’m fascinated by the symbolism we see in eagles. Plus, here
were two chairs with tapestry backs that match the drapes in my office, leather seats and these beautiful eagle carvings on the top of each chair.
Fortunately we were driving Joanne’s SUV so we were able to pack the chairs in for the trip back to Tennessee. Previously I had two very ordinary high back chairs in my office. But these were meant to be there. They allow a person to sit up straighter than before – great for energized coaching sessions – and they are a constant source of conversation.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
This is the most famous editorial reply ever featured in a major newspaper. It all started when a little girl, looking for a direct answer to an age-old question, sent the following letter to the New York Sun.
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“DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
“Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
“Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’
“Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?
“VIRGINIA O’HANLON.
“115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.”
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The paper’s editor, Francis Pharcellus Church, had three choices: tell Virginia the raw truth, lie, or simply not print her letter at all. Ultimately, he printed her letter and responded with the following.
What’s Your Elf on the Shelf?
Twin sisters Christa Pitts and Chanda Bell grew up in a house where their mother hid an elf named Fisbee somewhere each night between Thanksgiving and Christmas. A few years ago the sisters suggested they write a book about Fisbee. Every publisher turned them down. ”It’s been done – it’s not practical to package a doll with a book – it’s too expensive – no one will buy them.” So they knew their idea was stupid and you’ve never heard of Elf on the Shelf.
Okay, apparently that’s not exactly what happened. They decided to print 5000 copies themselves and just
promote it to their friends.
Things really exploded when actress Jennifer Garner was photographed carrying an Elf on the Shelf box. Today their products are in 10,000 stores. Oh wait, those are not just ordinary stores – they are Elf Adoption Centers – with names like Barnes & Noble, Coach House Gifts, Hallmark, and Books a Million.
