Today is a special day for me. I have the pleasure of bringing to you a conversation with one of my heroes, Chris Brogan.

 

You see, the journey I took that ultimately led to working for myself began just over 6 years ago when I discovered social media (mainly Twitter) and, with it, Chris Brogan. Chris, by the way, is the author of 6 books, including The Impact Equation: Are You Making Things Happen or Just Making Noise? (affiliate link)

Here Our Conversation Now

Fighting to Survive

As a broadcaster in mid-2007 co-hosting a nationally-syndicated morning show, I had begun to realize the company I worked for was at an important crossroads. Facebook was approaching mainstream, Twitter was far from it but growing, and the digital landscape in general seemed to be on the verge of slaying its next traditional media dragon. Namely, radio.

It was at that time that I decided I would make it my mission to “figure all this stuff out,” for the sake of my company and my own livelihood.

Because of people like Chris Brogan, Twitter became for me what I like to call a Masters Degree-level tool.

When most people assumed it was about nothing more than sharing what you were doing at any given moment – after all, Twitter’s own tagline at the time was “What are you doing?” – I found that by simply following smart people who were sharing smart insights and smart content, I began to be viewed by many of my colleagues as smart too (at least in the areas of digital and social media).

As Jim Rohn is famous for saying,

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Though Chris didn’t know it, he and I – along with next week’s guest Gary Vaynerchuk – were spending quite a bit of time together.

Preparing the Way

My early successes here led to my being asked by my company to present to our national programming team and, later, our national sales team on things like leveraging social media. Eventually, this led to my standing before the founder and his executive team to discuss where the industry was going, in my view, and what I felt we needed to do to best be prepared.

When the time later came to draft the company’s ten-year vision (2010 – 2020), I was asked not only to contribute to the conversation, but was tapped to create the presentation that would be used to communicate the vision to major donors around the world (and was paid extra for it to boot).

I don’t share all this to brag; far from it. After all, this same company let go of me and two of my colleagues as part of an organizational restructuring on June 17th of this year.

But since then, I’ve yet to look for a single, traditional job. I’m here today hosting this podcast and making ends meet due in large part to intentional growth and learning. Chris Brogan was my favorite teacher and, today, I get to share him with you.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Chris will help you to:

Before we can begin building our organizations (or our families or teams), we must first begin building up ourselves. And, before we can expect to do that, we need to create an environment conducive for growth.

So says Scott M. Fay, author of Discover Your Sweet Spot: The 7 Steps to Create a Life of Success and Significance (preorder in paperback).

Throughout his career, Scott has acquired more than a dozen failing landscaping and irrigation companies and managed to roll them into two industry-leading and award-winning organizations. Besides speaking and training internationally, Scott serves as Executive Vice President of the John Maxwell Team.

Here Our Conversation Now

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As much as anything, Scott understands the importance of speaking into the lives of others. Scott asserts that legacies are maintained when we choose to invest in other people. He shares how his father had a long-term vision for his growth as a child, rather than a shortsighted perspective for his happiness, and what you can do to facilitate this kind of growth in your own children.

In today’s episode, Scott shares with us:

* How his failures, not his successes, qualified him to write this book

* How to create an environment conducive to growth and learning, both in your organization and your family

* The importance of designing the proper environment before attempting to build it

* The 3 Ps that make up the Sweet Spot (Hint: Passion, Purpose & Plan)

* Why there’s a tendency for most to give up on their dreams just as they’re about to hit the tipping point

* And much more!

Scott’s Resources

Pick up the paperback version of Scott’s new book Discover Your Sweet Spot: The 7 Steps to Create a Life of Success and Significance by preordering it today on Amazon (available 1/14).

Want it now? Then order Discover Your Sweet Spot: The 7 Steps to Create a Life of Success and Significance for your Kindle.

You can order the paperback version from Scott’s office if you prefer not to wait until January 2014. Just send a check for $19 to cover the book and shipping to:

Scott M. Fay

7900 South East Bridge Road

Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Some of Scott’s Favorite Maxims

Good, better, best / Never, never rest/ Til your good is better / And your better, best

Learn, Earn and Return

“If you want to do, be or have more, you’ve got to become more.”  Jim Rohn

Connecting with Scott

If you enjoyed this episode, let Scott know by sending him a tweet to @scottmfay

You can find Scott on the web at scottmfay.com

Books Scott Recommends

In his new book New Business Networking: How to Effectively Grow Your Business Network Using Online and Offline Methods (Que Biz-Tech), Dave Delaney shares how to combine traditional, offline networking methods with the latest social media platforms, helping you to make them both more effective in the process.

In just a few short years, Dave has come to be recognized as a leader in digital marketing, social media strategy and business networking. He even co-founded two annual unconferences, PodCamp Nashville and BarCamp Nashville.

As well, Dave launched two monthly networking events, one of which is near and dear to me – Geek Breakfast – as I participated in helping found a local chapter in my community. There are Geek Breakfast chapters around the world involving local residents interested in discussing new media, podcasting, digital marketing, blogging, programming, open source, social networks and more.

Hear Our Conversation Now

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In short, Dave is just as much interested in helping others make connections as he is making them himself. As you’ll often hear him say in today’s conversation, networking at it’s core is about helping people. There’s no one better at it than Dave Delaney.

In today’s episode, Dave shares:

* How he managed to make a splash in a new town when he didn’t know a single soul

* What to do if networking doesn’t come naturally to you

* Tips for setting up your home on the web

* Mistakes many people make on their LinkedIn profiles and how to avoid them

* Tips for leveraging Facebook and understanding the differences between a Page and a Profile

* Insight on determining whether or not Google+ is worth your time

* How to manage and nurture your ever important database

* And a lot more!

The New Business Networking Trailer

Dave’s Resources

Pick up Dave’s book New Business Networking: How to Effectively Grow Your Business Network Using Online and Offline Methods (Que Biz-Tech)in paperback or for your Kindle

For more on Dave’s book and to learn more about joining the New Business Networking LinkedIn group, visit nbnbook.com

Dave uses and recommends the Customer Relationship Management tool Nimble

Dave’s Favorite Splash Pages for Setting Up Shop Online

About.me (I like this one and use it myself)

Flavors.me

Populr.me

Dave’s Favorite Apps

Read Quick App

Pocket App

Instapaper

Dave’s Greatest Leadership Lesson

“Treat other people they way you want to be treated.” It goes beyond leadership into just being a good person.

Dave in Action

Connecting with Dave

When I think manners and etiquette, my mind automatically goes to things like holding the door for a stranger, knowing which fork to use for my salad, and being careful to use my quiet voice while talking on my cell phone.

If you’re anything like me, you learned most of these things  as a child, either from your parents or your teachers at school. But successfully navigating the minefield of workplace etiquette is something you’ve probably had to learn on the job. Sometimes the hard way. Not anymore!

Richie Frieman has just released a book called, REPLY ALL…And Other Ways to Tank Your Career: A Guide to Workplace Etiquette. He and I chat about it at length on today’s episode.

Hear Our Conversation Now

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Richie shares with us how to:

* Incorporate techniques to help you get your “head in the game” on interview day

* Stand out during your interview

* Avoid first day blunders

* Best handle annoying co-workers and make sure you’re not among them

* Use social media responsibly to avoid embarrassment

* Master the Unwritten Rules of Manners and Etiquette in the Business World

* And much more!

Richie in Action

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Resources

Please consider supporting our sponsor, Brown Knows Media, especially if you’re in need of a new website for your small business. Through October 31st, receive $500 off the cost of your website when you mention the Read to Lead Podcast.

Books by Richie Frieman

For a complete list of Richie’s books, check out this list of books by Richie Frieman.

Connecting with Richie

If you enjoyed this episode, let Richie know by sending him a tweet to @mannersqdt.

You can find Richie on the web at manners.quickanddirtytips.com

Books Richie Recommends

What Should I Do with My Life?: The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question by Po Bronson

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits,

Todd Henry has managed no small feat: He’s written one of my favorite books of the year. Since I read about a book a week – and we’re now nearly into November – that’s saying a lot.

Hear Our Conversation

Since 2005, Todd has hosted the hugely successful Accidental Creative podcast and is author of a book by the same name, published just over two years ago.

Just last month, he released his brand new book Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day. Seth Godin and I agree. It’s one of the best books so far this year.

From Die Empty:

“Embrace the importance of now and refuse to allow the lull of comfort, fear, familiarity, and ego to prevent you from taking action on your ambitions. The cost of inaction is vast. Don’t go to your grave with your best work inside of you. Choose to Die Empty.”

In this episode, Todd explains:

* The process of adopting a mindset of Urgent Diligence

* The three kinds of work: Mapping, Making and Meshing and what happens when they all come together

* The Seven Sins of Mediocrity and how to overcome them

* The importance of Daily Checkpoints and their impact on your efficiency

* What Todd means by, “Stop trying to be great. Just be great.”

* And much more!

Books by Todd Henry

For a complete list of Todd’s books, check out this list of books by Todd Henry.

You Might Say I Marked This One Up a Bit

Connecting with Todd

If you enjoyed this episode, let Todd know by sending him a tweet to @ToddHenry

You can find Todd on the web at ToddHenry.com

Hire Todd to Fire Up the Troops

Todd has spoken internationally to tens of thousands of people across dozens of industries about productivity, creativity, passion for work, leadership, and how to unleash everyday brilliance. Find out more about how to bring him to your event.

Todd in Action

Books Todd Recommends

* Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin

* So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport

*

Comedian, author and professional speaker, Ken Davis, has been training others in the art of dynamic communication for 30 years.

In his book Secrets of Dynamic Communications: Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, Speak with Power, Ken packs all this experience and training into 150 pages. I found Ken’s lesson on the two kinds of speeches (Enabling and Persuasive) worth the price of the book alone.

Listen Now

It’s Not About You!

Ken’s book really helped me put my finger on what has been a hang up for me for several years. It’s not about me. When we approach a public talk concerned about what others will think of us, whether or not we’ll fill the time allotted, or other me-focused issues, we miss the point completely. The focus of any public talk you deliver should be about what you are going to give your audience, not what they are going to give you.

In today’s episode, Ken shares with us how to:

* Prepare a speech with laser-like focus

* Capture and hold the attention of any audience

* Banish the fear of speaking

* Make your presentations unforgettable

* Utilize tension to keep an audience’s attention

* Differentiate between the traditional method and the SCORRE method

* And a lot more

*SPONSOR* Looking for a cost-effective mobile app solution? *SPONSOR*

Then check out our sponsor, Brown Knows Media. They specialize in mobile apps and websites specifically for small- to medium-sized businesses. If  you desire to add a mobile app to your business’s mobile marketing strategy but assumed it was too expensive, then wait no more. For just $99/mo and a one-time setup and design fee of $1299, your business can have its own, cutomized mobile app. This month only, mention the Read to Lead Podcast and receive a $200 discount on the cost of your setup and design fee (making it just $1099)!

Ken Davis in Action

Books by Ken Davis

For a complete list of Ken’s books, check out this list of books by Ken Davis.

Connecting with Ken

If you enjoyed this episode, let Ken know by sending him a tweet to @KenDavisLive

You can find Ken on the web at KenDavis.com

Conferences produced by Dynamic Communicators International

* SCORRE Conference

* Launch Conference

* Platform Conference

Books Ken Recommends

The teachings of James H. Jowett on public speaking

The Works of

Not only is Pat Williams the author of over 60 books, but he’s the founder and senior vice president of the Orlando Magic.

He has more than 50 years of professional sports experience and is one of America’s most sought-after motivational speakers.

In his latest book, Difference You Make, The: Changing Your World through the Impact of Your Influence he introduces us to a number of people who are changing their world by leveraging their influence.

Listen Now

The stories in this book will inspire you. And, if you’re anything like me, you’re likely to shed a tear or two (and that’s a good thing).

In today’s episode, Pat will share with us:

* His battle with cancer that begin in 2011 and where  he stands today

* How many of us grossly underestimate the level of influence we have

* The three forms of influence and how to leverage them

* The qualities of good character and how we respond to things like temptation and critcism

* The fallacy of the phrase “Actions speak louder than words”

* And much more

*SPONSOR*  Do You Need a Mobile App or Website for Your Small Business?

Then check out our sponsor, Brown Knows Media. They specialize in mobile apps and websites specifically for small- to medium-sized businesses. If your website is in bad need of a refresh, or you’re tired of having to depend on someone not a part of your business anytime you want to make updates, then it’s time you gave Brown Knows Media a call. They’ll not only build you a great site, but they’ll give you the tools you need to make the changes and additions you want to make, when you want to make them. Contact Brown Knows Media today to find out how they can help set your site free. And, be sure and ask them about their special small business mobile app offerings.

Pat in Action

Pat’s Leadership Poem

Asked about the single greatest leadership lesson he’d learned, Pat responded with this poem:

Seven things one must do

To be a leader right and true

Have vision that is strong and clear

Communicate so they can hear

Have people skills based in love

And character that’s far above

The competence to solve and teach

And boldness that  has fearless reach

A serving heart that stands close by

To help, assist and edify 

Pat’s Reading-Related Quotes

Pat shared some of his favorite quotes from several of our forefathers on their love of reading

* “From candlelight to early bedtime, I read. I cannot live without books.” Thomas Jefferson

* “I have been imprudent. I have spent an estate in books.” John Adams

* “From a child I was fond of reading, and all the little money that came into my hands was ever laid out in books.” Benjamin Franklin

Books by Pat Willams

For a complete list of Pat’s books, check out this list of books by Pat Williams.

Connecting with Pat

If you enjoyed this episode,

If there were ever a time I struggled to categorize an author, this is it. I guess you might say you can’t put Andy Andrews in a box.

I’m not alone though. The publishing industry can come no closer to figuring out what kind of author Andy is any more than I can. Is he a fiction writer? A nonfiction author? In my opinion, he’s a bit of both.

Take some of life’s key lessons or principles, wrap them up in a compelling and engaging story and you have The Traveler’s Gift, The Noticer and the book we discuss today, The Noticer Returns.

Listen Now

In fact, if you’ve ever said to yourself, “Boy, I could read a lot more nonfiction if it just weren’t so…nonfiction-y,” then today I may be introducing you to the greatest author or all time. Keep reading to learn how you can win a free copy of The Noticer Returns.

In today’s episode with Andy, he’ll teach us:

* What it takes to live an extraordinary life versus an average life

* Why standards are so important and which ones we need to set for our lives

* What we as a society need to do in order to change our culture

* How you can find a Noticer (i.e. Mentor) of your own

* The meaning behind, “You can’t believe everything  you think”

* And a lot more!

Do You Need a Mobile App or Website for Your Small Business?

Then check out our sponsor, Brown Knows Media. They specialize in mobile apps and websites specifically for small- to medium-sized businesses. If your website is in bad need of a refresh, or you’re tired of having to depend on someone not a part of your business anytime you want to make updates, then it’s time you gave Brown Knows Media a call. They’ll not only build you a great site, but they’ll give you the tools you need to make the changes and additions you want to make, when you want to make them. Contact Brown Knows Media today to find out how they can help set your site free. And, be sure and ask them about their special small business mobile app offerings.

Andy on The Noticer Returns

Andy’s Podcast

Andy hosts his own podcast called In the Loop with Andy Andrews

Books by Andy Andrews

For a complete list of Andy’s books, check out The Andy Andrews author page on Amazon

Today’s guest, Lisa B. Marshall, is probably best known as the host of the award-winning The Public Speaker’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills, a podcast that has seen over 10 million downloads since it’s debut in 2008.

She is a coach and consultant helping organizations build stronger teams, manage conflict, create stronger, more effective messages, and deliver better presentations. She’s been a keynote speaker and workshop leader for well over a dozen years.

Listen Now

And she’s the author of Smart Talk: The Public Speaker’s Guide to Success in Every Situation, a book considered the swiss-army knife of communication.

Lisa brings a lot to the table. In our conversation, she’ll share with us:

* How to put your best foot forward when a new opportunity presents itself

* Six steps to improving your conversation skills

* How to know what to say and when to say it

* The importance of follow up

* Some of the 7 Rules of Networking

* How to speak with tact and grace

* The difference between criticism and restorative feedback

* How to effectively handle criticism

* How to have difficult conversations

* The art and science of persuasion

* And a lot more!

SIDE NOTE – Last chance to save $200 on Your Road Trip 2013 Conference Registration!

We’re so grateful to the folks at the Road Trip Conference who have elected to offer you $200 off your registration just for listening to the Read to Lead Podcast.  Simply head over to the Road Trip Conference website and use my name ‘jeffbrown’ as your promo code. You’ll automatically save $200 on any tickets you purchase.

Lisa on Smart Talk

Resources

SmartTalkSuccess.com – Take the 14-day challenge and get a daily communication skills builder

Lisa uses a Logitech Wireless Presenter whenever she’s delivering a presentation

Connecting with Lisa

If you enjoyed today’s episode, let Lisa know by sending her a tweet to @lisabmarshall

You can find Lisa on the web at lisabmarshall.com

You can order Lisa’s book Smart Talk: The Public Speaker’s Guide to Success in Every Situation through Amazon.

Books Lisa Recommends

Conversation Transformation: Recognize and Overcome the 6 Most Destructive Communication Patterns by Ben Benjamin, Amy Yeager and Anita Simon

Jon Acuff is on my short list of those who helped inspire this podcast. At least now you know who to blame.

Coincidentally, my MasterMind group just finished reading through Jon’s latest book Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters. In it Jon posits that, today, there are only two paths in life: average and awesome.

The former is easy and requires nothing. The latter is more challenging because, among other things, it brings out the haters in droves.

Listen Now

Start will give you practical and actionable insights into how to be more awesome more often.

In today’s episode, Jon helps us understand:

* Why 99% of us are content with living an average life and what that means for those who desire to be in the 1%

* The difference between finding your purpose and living with purpose

* How to deal with the voices of doubt (both real and imagined) and punch fear in the face

* Why being selfish with your time first thing in the morning is so important to your success

* What it means to “play for the size of your heart and not the size of your audience.”

* The dangers of comparing your progress with others

* And a lot more!

SIDE NOTE – Save $200 on Your Road Trip 2013 Conference Registration!

We’re so grateful to the folks at the Road Trip Conference who have elected to offer you $200 off your registration just for listening to the Read to Lead Podcast.  Simply head over to the Road Trip Conference website and use my name ‘jeffbrown’ as your promo code. You’ll automatically save $200 on any tickets you purchase.

Resources

No More Voices, a community site by Jon Acuff designed to help you punch fear in the face!

It wouldn’t be right not to mention Jon’s employer, the venerable Dave Ramsey

Connecting with Jon

If you enjoyed today’s episode, let Jon know by sending him a tweet to @JonAcuff

You can find Jon on the web at jonacuff.com

You can order Jon’s new book Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters through Amazon.

Books Jon Recommends

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield.