Stand by you

AFPYC.com:

" . . . no matter who you are, no matter where you go in your life, at some point you are going to need somebody to stand by you!" 

Click this link, listen to the song (AFPYC Intro Video,) and read this post. And then watch my dear friend, Margot Ritchie on Fox news this past week, talking about childhood obesity and learn how Margot's non-profit is helping make the world a better place. You rock, Margot!

This week I continue my theme on 'connecting', the art of finding people in your life who can help you accomplish a goal or launch an idea. Last Tuesday, I celebrated John Fees and the inspiration I gained from his blog post, Look for Work, Not a Job. This week I celebrate Margot Ritchie, founder and director of The Arts and Fitness Program for Young Children.

Margot is what I call a 'cheero' - a hero who cheers you onward and upward. She has been among a tight group of family and friends, who have constantly said 'yes you can' to me when I needed to hear those words. A cheero is different than a hero. Dean Smith is my hero. I never personally knew Coach Smith during my time in Chapel Hill, other than a few meetings in his office when I worked in the UNC Ticket Office. (You never forget those meetings.) But Margot is a 'cheero' - because I know her very well and she inspires me towards my dreams. These are the people with whom you should choose to spend your time.

Who are your heroes? Who are your cheeroes? Do you choose to spend time with people who inspire you towards your dreams? Be sure to request a free copy of my eBook, Releasing the Churn to learn more about how your 'cheeroes' can help you accomplish your dreams.

Connect - It is still a who you know world

Kendall Marshall #5!:

This is the fourth post in a six part series about how I created my website, churnOn.com and this blog; as well as launched an ecosystem of social networking tools in just four weeks. The series is dedicated to Coach Dean Smith and pays tribute to the four corners offense. As my social media activation continues to take me towards unique and interesting business opportunities, let me note that my Tar Heels are 'connecting' on all cylinders and captured the ACC regular season championship with a special win over Duke on Saturday!

Read part one: The Four C's that launched churnOn.com 
Read part two: Create, Connect, Complete, and Churn

Read part three: In corner number one: Create!

Last week I wrote about the creation phase of the website and especially the importance of the word 'start'. The emphases was on moving the ball forward by finding steps that would launch the project from 'idea' to 'reality'. One of those steps was the use of a vision board.

Vision Board

After making the vision board, I oscillated out of 'creation' mode and into 'connect' mode. I put the board in the car and I drove around asking my friends, "What do you think of this idea?" There are other ways to describe the transition from create to connect. I got out of my head and went into my heart. I switched from mental capacity to social capacity.

The process of moving away from creating (mental, mind) to connect (social, heart, emotional) moved me closer to my goal. I attracted what I needed in the way of positive feedback and also I found people who could help me move the project from vision board to the computer. Friends said, "Yes, Page great idea, you can do it!" Others said, "I love your writing and your unique style. Go for it." I needed to hear that and it propelled me further into the project.

My next crucial connection was with the geniuses at the Apple store. For therein laid the magic to unleash the publishing tool, the MacBook.The Apple store became my home away from home, signing up for two hour 'personal project' sessions and working on the Website at the genius bar. Those young men and women are really good at what they do.

I will share more this week about how to 'connect' with people who can help, when you are working on a project. How are your connection skills? Are you 'connecting' on all cylinders (like #5 Kendall Marhsall) when you have a good idea that needs to be shared or launched?