Web of Allies

So, yesterday was crazy. After a nine mile breakout bikeride and some intense change in work plans, I was at home about 11:30 am when I got a call. Toshio's sister, Meki, had called because there were cops-a lot of cops- out front. I looked out the window and my heart dropped before it raced. I hung up, took photos and video and alerted one media outlet. From there, things got crazy. With fully automatic assault weapons, rifles, a sniper and team of about ten, police aimed their weapons at the side of a small, church like building. They assumed that position for an incredibly long time, some of them farther back in the road, others right in the front walkway. My instinct was to leave as even more cops showed up, as I overheard one officer deploy the sniper to the alleyway on 924 East and the radio a buzz with orders for nearby officers to help lock traffic down and clear the neighborhood. Not without my own resources for information, I quickly learned that the activity was in...

Read the article, this was out my front door! http://www.free-press-release.com/news-police-in-utah-utah-search-for-an-armed-escaped-convict-come-up-short-1346445765.html

A woman I never really liked much once talked to me about my personal story. She was a sales manager and was telling me how she helps to flush out each of her sales persons' personal story to help them be more productive sales reps. I don't recall why she went into the topic, but I do remember thinking.... If you knew mine, I wouldn't be sitting here as part of your executive team. See, I loved her idea and believe in what she was saying, but at the time... My personal story may have been too much for a fellow Executive team member. You see, I'm not... Normal. Since then and until now, I've revisited the thought and know the sales manager was right, but I'm afraid. It's my story. It's personal . Seems obvious I know, but share yours. You know, that one that one truest to reality and not filtered by your ego or personal wants and needs. If I can digress...In the realm of marketing in business and personal promotion, your personal story is onl...

I recently got the pleasure of working with Gary A York & Associates on a new website for their company. The project was fun to work on and the team of CPA's in the height of their tax season, were a delight to work with and a partner I look forward to building a long term relationship with. I learned a few things in my initial contact with them and though I'd mention them here. One, although the focus was on the website, I learned a lot while working with Gary York and two of his team members-Krista and Laura. Order and a sound approach to website building is wonderful. They let me do what I do best and they interjected where it made sense and in ways that were meaningful to the project. Two, financial planning is important. There are a lot of new information now running around in my head that will take me farther in business, personal and other realms as a result. I learned a lot just from the literature this Sugarhouse, Utah based firm puts out, our meetings and from d...

It does. So much so, in fact, that it's hard to decide where is an appropriate place to start. On a professional level, I've had a lot of really dynamic experiences-from working in a home for the elderly to starting a WISP, a VoIP business opportunity, and a marketing consultation firm. I've learned how to handle massive responsibility, find resources when needed and have worked with people who were willing to pull me aside and generously point out my flaws. On a personal level, I've had existential experiences, some fascinating guides and a multitude of strangers who I've been able to engage on levels that I won't even try to post on this blog. That said, this past few months has provided me with a clarity and a focus that I haven't ever had... It's taken what was really great and made it phenomenal. Let me explain. I've had a lot of work experience because I love to work, to learn and am unafraid of getting my hands dirty or of looking silly. Whil...

It's been one week since the Startup Weekend in Salt Lake and I've had a bit of time to process the event, the outcome and my personal experiences with this phenomenal three day marathon. First, let me say that I heard of this event after complaining that Utah didn't have a lot of entrepreneurial type conferences. I take back some of what I said and have to admit, if a single event were to come to this state in lieu of all others, I'd be okay with Startup Weekend being that event. For those of you not familiar, this is a competition where people pitch ideas, research, plan and execute a group of start up businesses in a three day period. That said, here's more about the event- what I would do differently, some of my favorite aspects and what's happened since last Saturday. If I had it all to do over again, I'd do almost all of it different. I don't know if I've ever felt that way before, but it's true for Startup Weekend. For example, I would ha...

Christmas cards have likely gone out to business contacts, faraway friends and others, but for those close to you whom you haven’t purchased a gift, why not include a delicious dinner or dessert? Not the whole thing, just a recipe! At novelty stores, grocery stores, card shops, there are recipe cards. Cute or witty, plain or serious, get a stack and write out some of your favorite recipes. Put the card in your Christmas card and voila! A great gift to last and last. Don’t have a favorite recipe? Here’s one that went our to some special people this year: (Full Article).....