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2013-02-13 13:55:31 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

2013-01-29 14:20:34 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Truthbomb #206
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2013-01-27 20:00:59 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Visit to Cape Disappointment in Washington state

2013-01-20 01:25:24 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

2013-01-18 17:13:20 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Had a great conversation with +Tara Gentile earlier this week. Here are the highlights (plus a chance to win a free copy of her new book).

2013-01-15 15:33:11 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

My newest (and fairly personal) post: The wonder of specificity.

2013-01-08 00:58:20 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

I always wonder about the "swipe copy" I receive in affiliate marketing campaigns. I always think, "Do people ever actually use that?"

**If you're not familiar, it's when product creators write sample copy for the affiliates promoting their products that those affiliates can "swipe" for their own blog posts or email campaigns.

I'm currently working on two launches, my own (The Art of Growth lands tomorrow!) and a program I'm consulting on. For those, I'm using writing prompts instead of swipe copy. I've formulated questions that should prompt honest, values-driven blog posts and emails that will be ever-so-much more effective that marketing swipe copy.

How do involve others in your product or service launches? And how do you help ensure that their efforts will be as successful as possible?

2012-10-16 18:23:48 (16 comments, 5 reshares, 12 +1s)

Your business should solve problems. But when the only context you have for what you offer is that "it solves problems," you'll attract problem customers.

Make an effort to have a higher ambition, a greater purpose. Hold a vision for the people your customers are becoming and the life they are striving to lead.

2012-10-13 15:52:39 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

2012-09-30 16:29:07 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Cape Disappointment... the fog rolls in.

2012-09-21 22:48:44 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

What would you put in your ultimate compensation & benefits package? #makeyourmark

2012-09-19 19:33:56 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

The growth of service sector (food, hospitality, retail, etc...) jobs says something important about what's valuable to us as consumers today. Unfortunately, service sector jobs tend to be low-paying, no-benefits, meager-flexibility kinds of jobs.

What if, instead of fighting that trend & propping up the manufacturing & construction industries, we embraced the trend towards the service sector and figured out how to make those better jobs?

2012-08-13 13:26:23 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

The desire for purpose & meaning in work isn’t the burden of a naive generation; it’s the foundation for a new age of commerce.

2012-07-25 14:45:29 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

"When your marketing isn't working, go one circle in."

2012-07-25 01:58:40 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

This is brilliant. I've never understood why simple words get trumped by unnecessarily big ones. [via +Greg Werker]

2012-07-14 13:27:30 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

The Company You Keep

Several experiences have come together at the same time in my head to point out something worth considering. WHO you spend your time with and WHO you connect with and WHO your nurture connections with is of vast importance to your success. 

A business partner of mine is about to take on a huge deal. All the players are people who know each other and frequently deal with each other. 

I watched a video interview with someone who said all his interview guests are friends, or at worst, friends of friends. The guests are all top shelf.

My right-hand-man at my company is a guy I knew since 7th grade. 

Most everyone who attended the first PodCamp has gone on to collaborate or make really interesting experiences happen with other PodCamp participants. 

Who are you spending your time with? If you answer&qu... more »

2012-07-03 22:41:59 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

It's simple. You can't remain a "professional amateur" and go on thinking you're a pro. 

I used to think, the moment you accepted money for work, is when you're a pro.

Not true.

2012-07-03 12:33:51 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

Women are earning 40% less than men in the Creative Class.

While many of the classic and cliche reasons for wage inequality may apply here, I think there's actually something more fundamental at play. The way men and women approach working relationships is different.

This can actually be a major benefit for women & earning, but you have to understand how men think to fully leverage the possibility.

Here's my theory:
http://www.taragentile.com/wage-gap-creative-class/

2012-07-01 16:53:37 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

So glad Seth addressed this...

2012-06-28 18:07:52 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Coming to WDS? Already in PDX? Join me & +megan auman for a pre-pre-party meet up! RSVP at the link below:

2012-06-25 15:26:27 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 6 +1s)

How do you find your passion?

It's a question many people ask but I think most people are searching for the wrong thing. They're looking for that one interest or opportunity that will make their heart sing: their one true love.

Instead, look for "passion" as action, that fire in your belly that keeps you up at night. That drive will make you happier than any particular interest or opportunity.

2012-06-22 20:33:21 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Marketing isn't something that happens when the product is finished or services are ready to be offered. Marketing must be part of every step of the process.

Or...

What marketing has to do with resale value....

http://taragentile.com/market-first

2012-06-20 14:42:55 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

For the last three months, I’ve been secretly traveling around with a film crew shooting in-depth, Charlie Rose style interviews on location with some amazing people. Folks from all walks of life, from world-renowned scientists and artists to breakout entrepreneurs and movement-catalysts.

In the show, we go narrow and deep with people who are living aligned, empowered, juicy lives and also tapping the wisdom of some of the leading mindset, psychology and neuroscience experts in the world.

But, there’s something else going on with Good Life Project TV. A deeper mission. And it’s about…WOMEN!
I am strongly committed to sharing the stories of women. You see, I’ve realized something. My daughter is growing up in a household fueled by entrepreneurship and creativity, she’s exposed to it every day. But I also want her to be able to see and learn from the stories ofmission-dri... more »

2012-06-20 13:30:44 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 5 +1s)

Yesterday, I posted an insanely popular interview with Stephanie Alford of Space Cadet Creations. She's a yarn dyer who recently quadrupled her mailing list, earned her first 5-figure month, and launched 2 successful continuity programs.

We discussed 3 tactics she used to do just that.

In today's post, I'm offering up my analysis of WHY it worked & how you can do it too.

2012-06-19 14:44:36 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

Had a blast talking to +Erin Giles about the $100 Million Microbusiness Survey. Plus, you've got to see her "confession" to me!

2012-06-15 11:57:28 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Simply can't wait to jam with +Amanda Steinberg on how to Navigate the New Economy.

If you don't know Amanda, she's the founder & CEO of +DailyWorth, a daily email for women on money & life with the green stuff. We're both passionate about discerning our individual values & goals when it comes to money.

This is a totally free, no-sales-pitch virtual event. Join us!

2012-06-14 15:43:06 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Do you already have a “full name domain”?

If so, what are you using it for? If not, what are you waiting for?

Check out my post on today on +Think Traffic to see 8 of the best uses of personal domains on the web (a.k.a. FirstNameLastName.com).

(Featuring +Joshua Fields Millburn, +Laura Roeder, +Danielle LaPorte, +Seth Godin, +Chris Guillebeau, +Tara Gentile, +Marie Forleo, and +Joel Runyon.)        

2012-06-13 14:38:12 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Are you pursuing misconceptions? Great (and tiny!) post from +Adam King 

Stop, smell the bacon, and moving towards something great -- not away from something that repels you.

2012-06-13 13:32:28 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

What will life & work be like on the other side of the recession?

Very excited about hosting a special conversation with +Amanda Steinberg, founder & CEO of DailyWorth, on Navigating the New Economy.

Join us!

2012-06-09 02:27:50 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Imagine if today's technology existed when I was in High School!

I would have passed all my class...ok I couldn't even write that line with a straight face. 

Who am I kidding, I'd still flunk High School. But thankfully, the technology does exist today and because of that, I'm reading and retaining more that I ever have - in a very good and purposeful way. 

Even with dyslexia. Cool huh? 

So, I thought I'd share my cliff notes in hopes of helping you too. 

2012-06-08 17:57:33 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Is young America really jilted? Or are we just looking for something meaningfully better?

Opportunities for creating profitable & purposeful businesses abound if you truly examine what the next generation really wants to "consume."

2012-06-06 12:13:20 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Thrilled to find my site featured on The Daily Muse today as must read site for entrepreneurs!

2012-06-05 13:32:06 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Sarah J Bray makes business iteration & experimentation look fun & breezy.

Each new face or flavor of her business is an attempt - larger or small - at getting closer to her ideal work-life while empowering her to serve others at the height of her (and her team's) capability.

Hers is the latest Story from the You Economy.

2012-06-05 01:08:10 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

What would it take for your generation to be "better off" than your parents'? What would being "better off" mean to you?

2012-06-04 14:16:54 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 1 +1s)

One of the most popular questions I'm asked is How can I get the word out?

Unfortunately, this question often results in having a less-than-clear purpose for the business, a not-quite-innovate product, or only a passing knowledge of the ideal customer. First, tackle the inner problems and reach will be an easier problem to grasp.

2012-06-02 17:42:24 (0 comments, 3 reshares, 7 +1s)

Business is self-expression. You are the New Economy.

2012-05-26 00:11:17 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

2012-05-23 19:40:45 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

ACK!! Love this awesome video from my pa +Amanda Steinberg!!

2012-05-22 14:02:30 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Are you prepared to live in a financially integrated world? As the traditionally poor have more access & opportunity, are we prepared to welcome them?

Love this thought provoking question -- see how it evolved in the shortest TED talk ever given.

2012-05-22 13:39:09 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Do entrepreneurs have the power to change institutions and challenge the powers that be? Yes, indeed, says +Philip Auerswald.

Find out more in this interview:

2012-05-10 00:03:40 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

So many details have changed since I wrote this post (over 2 years ago!). But the underlying themes remain important.

How have you learned to earn what you're worth?

2012-05-09 17:29:20 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

The more disruptive your innovation, the more your success needs to look like the creation of a political movement. If you're really creating change, it is quite likely you will reach a point when you'll ask your customers to do more to support your work than just buy your product.
--+Philip Auerswald

2012-05-08 16:57:58 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

A Guide to Pretty Urls for Bloggers
I believe a pretty url is a wonderful thing, and is an advantage if you're a blogger. What's a "pretty url"?

Take a look:

Pretty: http://zenhabits.net/live/

Ugly: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/blogs/taibblog/is-this-the-most-boring-election-ever-20120507

Uglier: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/introducing-google-drive-yes-really.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FMKuf+%28Official+Google+Blog%29

Why does this matter? Ugly urls are a missed opportunity -- if the url is short and pretty, it's memorable, it's easy to forward to people, it's understandable by the reader and gives a clue to what the content is about. An ugly url is something most people don't want to work with.

So here... more »

2012-05-08 13:52:58 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

This startup will change your life in 2012...

Yours.

Check out my interview with +Chris Guillebeau to learn more about bootstrapping, the benefit of staying lean & mean, and the quest for freedom.

2012-05-07 23:45:55 (3 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

I dig what #FixYoungAmerica is all about. But I hate the name.

It points to everything that's wrong with current economic policy & education reform and does not signal everything that's right about Gen Y.

It's not Young America that needs fixing. They've worked harder on their educations, their internships, their skill set than any previous generation. Call them entitled, but they're merely trying to claim a sliver of what they've worked hard for.

Is it their fault that flawed policies changed the game while they were still learning how to play?

The problem is that it's the #SystemThatNeedsFixed . It's institutions, it's higher education, it's the idea that a "job" is a Knight in Shining Armor that will swoop in a save you from your parents' basement.

It's time to... more »

2012-05-07 12:41:49 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

After realizing just much +BlogcastFM is a hit with the handmade community, I decided to bring together some of the rockstars of handamde for a live educational chat. Join +Tara Gentile +Mayi Carles +April Bowles +Jessika Hepburn Megan Auman and myself for a Handmade evening on Monday May 14th

http://blogcastfm.com/handmade-bloggers/

2012-05-03 17:55:15 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

MY LEAN TWEETS series (what did I miss? What did I screw up?)
Entrepreneur up, y'all!
NK

1. What’s a “startup” anyway? Vehicle to ruthlessly test each assumption of your business model BEFORE launching. “Nail it, then scale it!”

2. LEAN = Learn Entrepreneurial Agility NOW! ;) Think of LEAN as really meaning LEARN. Although ‘business model evolution’ is sexier :)

3. OK, what’s a “business model”? 3 pieces: Value Creation (value prop), Value Delivery (how you do it) & Value Capture (how to get paid)

4. So what assumptions to test? All of them. Especially those you have 100% faith in ;) Remember: Be ruthless. Get REAL data from REAL people

5. How do I figure out my assumptions? Causal maps & cool tools like Alex O’s Business Model Canvas (www.businessmodelgeneration.com)

6. I’m still stuck onsurfacing assumptions! ... more »

2012-05-02 16:49:25 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Catch me LIVE in Brooklyn -- or online in the Virtual Labs talking with +megan auman on The Art of Pricing for Profit.

This one isn't just for makers -- designers & service providers are sure to glean crazy insight from this talk as well. I'll be talking psychology & strategy in pricing & earning. Megan will tackle finding your "right" price.

2012-05-02 01:45:54 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Seeing the development & evolution of +Adam King's new offering has been a whirl. This is a topic that isn't discussed often, full of personal insight and expert advice.

Read up.

2012-05-02 00:16:53 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 0 +1s)

$100 Startup: Official Trailer

Today we're debuting the official trailer for The $100 Startup. Google+ gets it first -- I've posted it on my blog but haven't mailed the list or shared anywhere else yet.

Filming and production were overseen by +Wes Wages. Wes traveled to four cities to interview several of the people whose stories appear in the book.

We're now at T-8 days until the book launches. I'll be traveling to 22 cities for the first leg of the tour, and hope to see many of you on the road. (The schedule is at 100startup.com/#tour).

If you like the trailer, pass it on! Thanks for being a big part of this project.