While death in-and-of-itself is a significant event in the cycle of life regardless of who passes, the loss of Mr. Jobs is even more impactful because of the indelible mark which he placed upon the world. Even if you do not own an Apple product, the reality is that directly or indirectly Steve Jobs has played a role in your life somewhere or somehow, whether you are aware of it or not. That is just mind-boggling!

It’s incredible to think that one man could have had such an influence on all of us. And yet, it really makes me stop and think about life, death, human mortality, and ultimately, how important it is to live life well. Think about it . . . even a man of this magnitude could not avoid death. When you put it all together it really begins to put things into perspective.

As I’ve pondered the loss of this great man today, what really sticks out to me, is the importance of how we live our lives. For a man of such prominence to die at such a young age, makes me stop and think. All of us must die. Even this man of immense human achievement could not cheat death. Honestly, if anyone could, it would seem that Steve Jobs should have had a pretty good shot! He should have been able to use his incredible mind to figure out some ingenious way to avoid what is imminent for all of us. And yet, he could not. We must all knock on death’s door and step through when our time arrives. Which is why it is so important that we not waste the time we have been given here on earth. Life is short and fragile. But, a life lived well can leave a lasting mark.

Mr. Jobs is an example and an inspiration for us all. However, leaving a legacy goes beyond human achievement. God calls us to love one another and leave our mark on the world in that way. Most of us will be unable to reach the same amazing heights of earthly achievement as that of a Steve Jobs, but we can all serve our fellow men and love one another, leaving a lasting legacy in that way.

I don’t know about you, but I want my life to count for something. I know I will not attain the same levels of human achievement as a person like Steve Jobs, but I can certainly make the most of the time I have been given here on earth to live my life to the fullest, giving to every man and trying to leave this a better place than I found it for those who are coming along behind me.

It’s not so much about how we start, as how we finish. I want to finish well. I do not want to waste my life. I want to live well and leave a legacy behind me!

(The following is a link to the address Mr. Jobs gave to the Stanford graduating class a few years ago at their commencement. If you have not seen it yet, I would highly recommend taking a look.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA&sns=em

Live well and to make your mark on the world as well!

My brother & I at a recent family outing!

First of all let me just say, it’s good to be back! I decided a couple of days ago that it was time to start blogging again, so here I am. When I logged in and saw the date of my last blog it confirmed my suspicion that it had been a good two years since I’ve written anything. Where did the time go? It’s hard to believe it has been that long, but the good news is, I’m back! And, I’m really looking forward to making this a part of my regular routine and truly being disciplined about it. So, read on, and I hope you enjoy!

As I’ve been contemplating starting this up again, the big questions has been, “what should I write about?” Although I still have not figured out exactly what my theme is going to be for my blog–if I even go with one–it was suggested to me today that I share five things for which I am thankful. Well, that could certainly be quite the undertaking considering there is so much for which I am grateful. But, the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. The only trouble is, I don’t want you to have to sit and read my ramblings for the next three hours, so I have decided to do one thing at a time as a 5 part series. So, tonight’s thing that I am most grateful for is my FAMILY!

I cannot tell you how much my family means to me! I have been blessed to be a part of a family that has always been there for me throughout my 33 years of life. There have been times when I’ve tried to push them away, and yet they have never quit on me! In a day an age in which people come and go in our lives as quickly as the latest fashion trend, it is so refreshing, and an indescribable blessing to have a group of people that love me unconditionally and have never given up on me!

I could go on and on about these guys, but I am trying not to make this a 3 hour read.

So, there you have it . . . part 1 . . . my family! That is all.

Photo by Rick Reneau

Well, most of you are probably saying, “It’s about time!” I know, I know, I’ve really been slacking lately. However, I came across something tonight that I felt was very worthy of sharing. So, no more excuses . . . here I am! I hope this inspires you. I am posting it on my desktop wallpaper so I can read through it every time I sit down to the computer. It came to me via an email subscription I have with “The Fight Against Destructive Spin.” Enjoy!

The Best Advice I’ve Ever Received Posted: 25 Jun 2009 09:12 AM PDT

I was reading Fortune’s “Best Advice I Ever Got” story and it got me thinking. What’s the best advice I’ve gotten as I’ve journeyed through my career?

1. Never be afraid to get your hands dirty.

2. Lead by example.

3. If you write down your dreams, you’re more likely to accomplish them (those of you who have been in my office know I live this one).

4. It’s okay to fail, if you pick yourself up and try again.

5. Treat everyone the same; you never know when your intern will be your client. Or, as Bill Gates says, the geeks run one of the largest companies in the world.

6. Actions speak louder than words.

7. Do what you love…love what you do.

8. Employees may not do things the same way you did them, but if it’s good, who cares? This also works in marriage: Your spouse may not make the bed the way you do, but as long as it’s made, who cares?

9. OBEY your instincts (I keep writing this because someday I’ll actually start doing it).

10. People will say bad things about you and try to make you look bad. Ignore them and stay the course.

11. Hire a coach. Even Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods have coaches.

12. Manage the culture and protect the brand. After all, it represents the whole of you.

13. Read veraciously.

14. Review financials EVERY DAY.

15. Create a succession plan.

And my favorite because it’s something my mom has said to me my entire life: Remember who you are and what you stand for.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Photo by Rick Reneau

So . . . today is the end of the highly discussed “first 100 days” of President Obama’s administration. I have to agree with most of the pun dents, that it is too soon to really determine where this presidency is going, and it is hard to really give the new president a grade. However, the one thing I do think is evident is that Mr. Obama has some definite leadership skills. If he can continue to employ these skills in his favor, and if the “unexpected” events that will imminently take place do not derail him, I think he has a good chance of leaving a favorable legacy.

Two of President Obama’s most substantial tools are his apparent ability to maintain his poise and stoicism regardless of the situation in which he finds himself, and his ability to utilize his popularity to influence people to advance his agenda. To my point, Chuck Todd makes these comments in his critique of the new administration. “Of course, one thing that seems to set Obama apart from his recent predecessors is his ability to keep an inner calm about tough issues. He never gets too high or too low during a crisis, and that attitude is almost always rewarded.  The only time that demeanor is punished by the American public is when it comes across as aloof or out of touch . . . Much of his success so far is due to his popularity, both domestically and internationally. In many ways, his personal connection with the American public and the world gives him his political capital. Obama’s ability to use his personality to push folks, whether on Capitol Hill or in Europe, means that he has to stay popular.”

(Read the full article) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30460145?GT1=43001#storyContinued

I would say he’s got some good things going for him. Only time will give us a definitive answer. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

On a side note, check out “100 Days of Obama’s Newsfeeds on Facebook” from Slate!! Pretty funny stuff!!!

http://www.slate.com/id/2217225/

Photo by Rick Reneau

I’m personally not going to say much today.  I just want to share an article with you which I read this morning and found to be incredibly profound and practical, especially for those who aspire to be great leaders.  Follow these words of advice and I have a feeling you will not go wrong.  It is actually an interview with Richard Anderson, chief executive of Delta Air Lines, conducted by Adam Bryant.

Here is an excerpt from what I deem to be one of the best parts of this interview, but you’ve got to read the entire piece in order to truly get the most out of what is being shared here:

Q. What was the most important leadership lesson you learned?

A. I’ve learned to be patient and not lose my temper. And the reason that’s important is everything you do is an example, and people look at everything you do and take a signal from everything you do. And when you lose your temper, it really squelches debate and sends the wrong signal about how you want your organization to run. And it was a good lesson. It was a long time ago. And I had a C.E.O. who I was very close to, and he just took me aside and gave me a really short instruction about it. And it was a really important instruction.

We have a tendency in these jobs to push really, really hard and want to go really, really fast. Change can’t ever be fast enough. But you do have to be patient enough and make sure that you always remain calm.

(Read the entire interview)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/business/26corner.html?_r=1&em

Cheers!

Photo by Rick Reneau

As a bit of a follow up to my thoughts from yesterday, I want to share something I read today regarding viral marketing and the movement of technology. 

Please note:  this goes to illustrate how much influence individuals now have with the developments that are being made on the ever-changing Web scene, and that truly just about anyone can be a leader.  Of course, let me emphasize that this does not negate the necessity of responsibility in leadership.  Admittedly, in some ways the “efficiency” of leadership does certainly expose all of us to the dangers of irresponsible leaders.  But, this is the reality nonetheless, that anyone can have a voice, anyone can attract a following, and anyone can influence that following (which would seem to be the definition of leadership) with relative ease and efficiency.

The following is from that article by Steve Rubel (@steverubel on Twitter):

“Marketers need to really embrace the fact that it’s peers and their data, rather than brand, that will become the primary way we make decisions. The greatest rewards will go to those who embrace and participate in as many communities as they possibly can in credible ways.”

(Read the full article)

http://www.micropersuasion.com/2009/04/the-next-twitter-or-facebook-is-the-open-web.html

Whether we like it or not, this is the direction in which we are headed.  Peer-to-peer marketing is becoming more influential in the decisions people are making these days.  Call the inter-connected age fickle, call it a fadish, but it is here, it is reality, and it is not going away anytime soon.  So, we better learn how to use it to our advantage, otherwise those who do not will get left behind!

Photo by Rick Reneau

I find myself doing this almost every time I write now it seems–offering my apologies for my absence.  To my adoring fans, I am truly sorry!  I know you have been waiting anxiously.  However, again, it seems that life has gotten in the way and I have not felt very inspired of late to capture my thoughts in print so they can be shared with you.  But, today I have re-emerged, and I want to briefly comment on an excerpt from a book I have been reading by Seth Godin entitled “Tribes.”

The following is that excerpt:

“With a long enough crowbar, you can rip nails out of a board.

With a long enough teeter-totter, you can lift a sumo wrestler off the ground.

With enough leverage, you can change your company, your industry, and the entire world.

The levers just got longer (for everyone).  The Web and word of mouth and viruses and outsourcing and the long tail and the other factors involved in social media mean that everyone (every person, all six billion of us) has far more power than ever before.  The king and the status quo are in big trouble.

Wait.  You might have glossed over that last paragraph–perhaps because it’s so short but especially because it’s so challenging.

What I’m saying is that one person can make a video that reaches fifty million viewers.

What I’m saying is that one person can invent a pricing model that turns an industry upside down.

What I’m saying is that one person–okay, what I really mean is you–has everything.  Everything you need to build something far bigger than yourself.  The people around you realize this, and they are ready to follow if you are ready to lead.”

Wow!  Isn’t that exciting!?!  The potential that lies within each one of us can be limitless!  All we have to do is accept the challenge, step up to the plate and take the lead on whatever it is we have before us! 

I believe this has always been possible–that anyone from any place in life can rise up and do something great and make a difference.  But, today more than ever it is possible, and quite simple to do so.  As Mr. Godin mentioned, the tools are there to attract a following.  The world has become a much smaller place.  Communication is faster and easier, and it is not difficult to find the group that you were designed to lead. 

So, we have no more excuses!  All of us are leaders these days, the question is, will we except the call, and what will we do that will be remarkable and worth following?

Photo by Rick Reneau

In my continuing quest to find good music that motivates and inspires, the “manly” side of me broke down and my sensitive side took over,  . . . and I added “Tomorrow” from the Broadway musical and big screen movie–”Annie”–to my iTunes collection. Maybe I’m a softy, call me a sap, but whatever . .  . I’m diversifying my Itunes portfolio! I’ve got some hard, rock, some hard, hard rock, some soft rock, some country and even some other broadway musical tunes in my collection. So, get over it!

That’s actually beside the point anyway . . . My thoughts today are related to the optimistic attitude the song evokes. Annie, ever the perpetual optimist never loses hope.  She always looks to the bright side of what tomorrow will bring, even in the worst of her current circumstances. Annie is the visionary and leader, if you will, of the orphanage, rallying the “troops,” caring for the younger ones, and exhibiting a pervasive and contagious attitude of hope. Of course, “Tomorrow” is her mantra. I’m sure you know, ultimately she gets adopted by a millionaire–pretty nice payout if you ask me! (Side note: I’d be looking forward to tomorrow too if a millionaire was going to adopt me–any takers, just let me know!) I must admit I haven’t seen the movie in years, but I seem to remember that’s pretty much the how it goes. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

At any rate, it really isn’t a bad idea to focus on the exciting possibilities of the next, brand new day! I think there are a lot of us who might find ourselves in somewhat less than ideal circumstances in life, especially with the economy still in a downturn and other difficulties of life in general. Maybe we just aren’t quite where we would like to be, or haven’t quite hit our mark, and we’re wishing and hoping for better times to come. There’s nothing wrong with that. Tomorrow holds the promise of a brand new, untarnished future. So, if you don’t like what’s happened today, or yesterday . . . “Stick out your chin” . . . look today squarely in the eye, and defiantly . . . “grin, and say:  The sun’ll come out tomorrow, so you gotta hang on ’til tomorrow” . . . Make it through today, cuz there’s always tomorrow, and it really is only a day away!

Photo by Rick Reneau

Wow . . . It sure has been awhile since I’ve had the time to sit down and do this! I have to say, I’ve really missed it! My apologies to those of you who have been checking in regularly. I think it’s been almost three weeks since I’ve written anything. I hope this doesn’t happen again, at least not for awhile. I’ve been extremely busy with life–a lot has been work oriented–and as a result, I’ve had a hard time formulating coherent thoughts at the end of the day when it’s time to sit down and peck away at the keyboard. That’s not to say there have not been things to write about. I just don’t know how entertaining or profound my thoughts would have been had I tried to put some of them down here. At any rate, I figured it was time to get back in the saddle! Also, today I heard a song on the radio that really got my attention, so I decided to make it my topic for this evening . . .

Here is a link to hear the song:  http://susie1114.com/ThreeWoodenCrosses.html  Some of you may have heard it before. It’s called “Three Wooden Crosses,” by Randy Travis.  Go listen to it, then come back and finish reading . . .

If you weren’t moved, I think there might be something wrong with you. I must admit that when it started my initial thought was, “How depressing . . . I guess it’s just another sad, hopeless country song.” Little did I know, about three quarters through I would be so moved that I’d have chills running through me . . .

Wow! How profound! Isn’t it so true that we never know how the things we do today are going to impact the rest of time and the people who follow behind us? It’s so easy to get caught in the moment and think here and now is what is most important in life. I know for myself, however, I would rather do something that in this moment seems simple and unimportant if it is going to have an incredibly profound impact on the future somewhere down the line.  I want my life to amount to something, to mean something, to count!  

I’ll just share this with you . . . from three decades of lessons in the school of hard knocks and reality, I’ve learned that in order for our lives to count, we have to look beyond this moment, look beyond ourselves, and love those around us–that means everyone, not just the ones we want to love, by the way. A life lived in such a manner can’t possibly be spent without touching countless people and generating stories such as the one in this song.

I realize my thought’s tonight have been a little lower keyed than usual, but I hope you’ve been moved, inspired, and encouraged! I’ll leave you with the lyrics so you can read through them one more time . . . let your life count for something–live life beyond yourself!

. . . It’s not what we take with us, it’s what we leave behind us when we go!

“Three Woodend Crosses” by Randy Travis

 A farmer and a teacher, a hooker and a preacher,
Ridin’ on a midnight bus bound for Mexico.
One’s headed for vacation, one for higher education,
And two of them were searchin’ for lost souls.
That driver never ever saw the stop sign.
An’ eighteen wheelers can’t stop on a dime.

There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway,
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows.
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you,
It’s what you leave behind you when you go.

That farmer left a harvest, a home and eighty acres,
The faith an’ love for growin’ things in his young son’s heart.
An’ that teacher left her wisdom in the minds of lots of children:
Did her best to give ‘em all a better start.
An’ that preacher whispered: “Can’t you see the Promised Land?”
As he laid his blood-stained bible in that hooker’s hand.

There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway,
Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows.
I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you,
It’s what you leave behind you when you go.

That’s the story that our preacher told last Sunday.
As he held that blood-stained bible up,
For all of us to see.
He said: “Bless the farmer, and the teacher, an’ the preacher;
“Who gave this Bible to my mamma,
“Who read it to me.”

There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway,
Why there’s not four of them, now I guess we know.
It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you,
It’s what you leave behind you when you go.

There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway.