Behind Every Mask is a Story
I’m reading a few blogs and the title of this entry surfaced as a thought: Everyone has a story to tell. The story I’m currently reading as of this post reminds me of the life I was fighting for just two years ago. As much as we’d like to hold on to certain things we treasure, we sometimes have to set things free — For the betterment of everyone.
Upcoming Conversation with TechStars’ David Cohen
Yesterday, I was encouraged to re-introduce my podcast of conversations with executives, thought leaders, celebrities and other personalities here on ronaldlewis.com. For those who aren’t aware, I originally launched my podcast right here and later moved it to its own home to have its own brand. Well, recently, I started rethinking this and started considering the possibility of bringing the podcast back — Which I’ve decided to do.
The first new conversation (I like “conversation” better than “interview”) to be featured here will be with David Cohen of TechStars. Look for it soon!
Smashing Your Inner Demon: Self-Doubt
Let’s face it: We’ve all doubted ourselves at some point in our lives. If anyone told you otherwise, take a piece of white posterboard, and write this: “You’re a big fat liar!” And, if you’re like me — The highly critical one of self (and overly analytical), then it’s quite easy to fall into the depths of never-never-land while dwelling over your own criticisms.
Is this all truly necessary? Hell no! Today, I had a meeting with a gentleman I’ve known of for a few years. Prior to the meeting, my anxiety grew a bit, because I wasn’t sure of what I’d talk about, plus I was overly excited — Hey, I love meeting people who can teach me things and possibly help me along my journey. After some two hours, I felt rather stupid — My mind started analyzing everything I said prior and I started wondering if I had goofed in some way or another.
Self-doubt is a natural occurrence, I believe. For me, I’m just highly critical of myself. I always want to do my best, because I’m always striving for greater heights in life. So, when self-doubt starts to creep in, smash it dead by removing those nagging thoughts from your memory. Chances are, you’re simply over analyzing things which aren’t even important.
Keep on truckin’. Life’s too short to second guess the past.
Volvo’s Canned Response to My Inquiry
In late December, an idea struck: Forge a working relationship with Volvo to become their Internet Evangelist. Over the course of the past month, I’ve been researching opportunities I could create for myself to leverage my ability to engage and inspire individuals around an idea, thought, cause, etc. using the Internet, technology and social media.
While I do not own a Volvo at present (I plan to treat myself to an XC90 when I’m able), I have long been inspired by the Volvo brand, including its design and safety reputation. It’s one of the most premium, yet underrated brands in the world — More reasons to like them! Anyway, last night, I e-mailed Volvo to get the wheels turning on my idea. I received this canned response moments ago:
Hello Ron:
Thank you for contacting Volvo Cars of North America.
We appreciate your interest in Volvo, however we operate solely through our marketing and advertising agencies to achieve consistency of the Volvo brand.Drive Safely,
Customer Care
Now, after reading this e-mail, there are only one of two reactions:
1. Become discouraged and write off the idea for good
2. Make a post about it with your response to keep on truckin’!
Until recently, it was easy for me to become discouraged by “dream stealers” — Even if temporary. Today, I am approaching them with a fierce force of invincibility: Keep trying until see someone realizes the idea! Having a “can do” attitude is how we “Break Barriers” to realize our passions in life. Soon, I plan to place a call to Ford’s CEO, Alan Mullally, to see if we can’t have a conversation about my idea for the Volvo brand.
Stay tuned.
TwitterTalk: An Unconference Call for Twitterers
In my mission to build relationships outside of Twitter via traditional communication channels, I have started TwitterTalk, a simple unconference call of sorts for fellow Twitterers to converse and learn about each other via voice. I figured this would be a nice way to learn more about the folks we communicate with, extend our relationships, create “real” friendships and more.
For our first TwitterTalk on Friday, February 1 at 7 PM ET (Eastern Time), we’ll introduce ourselves and get to know each other, then take the conversation from there. Think of this as a big room of friends engaging in conversation with each other.
How do I participate?
Dial (218) 936-6581 at the time of the call and use pin 0366. Be sure to announce your name when joining.
See you at TwitterTalk!