Category: Life Insights

Who is Boy Genius? UNMASKED Here!

Want to know Boy Genius’s true identity? You can find out here.

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If you keep up with mobile technology in the slightest, you no doubt have heard of Boy Genius.  He has an army of “ninjas” that uncover new phones, sometimes years before they are released.  It really is an amazing feat.  As open as Boy Genius is with his information on new handsets, product releases and software updates, he’s equally as secretive about his identity.  Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place, as I’ve unmasked Boy Genius.  Let’s run through the hints that he’s provided to lead to his unmasking.

Attitude:  If you follow Boy Genius on Twitter, you’ll know he talks trash.  It even says so in his bio:  “I talk a lot of smack.”

Food and Drink:  Boy Genius is quite the cook.  In fact, he makes risotto, bolognese sauce and wine reductions. He’s even been known to sneak a lemon ‘tini here and there.

Respect:  Boy Genius is held at an amazing level.  He’s shaped products, launches and their downfalls.  Insane levels of power rest on his shoulders.  At Boy Genius’s one year anniversary, celebrities like Michael Strahan, Diddy and DJ Clue showed up.  BG is clearly no chump.

References:  The final giveaway was where you can find Boy Genius and the BoyGeniusReport.com mentioned – CNBC, BrandWeek, ABC Radio and The Wall Street Journal.

If you put the street cred together with choices in food and beverage, company kept and attitude found on Twitter, you come back with only one person.  A man that has been in the industry longer than most and has been hardened to the embargo, the PR flack and the grief of corporate.  A man that loves both Apple and RIM. Who is this uber-connected, feared and loved technology soothsayer?  A man you’ve known all along by another name and who I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a meal?

I want to know who Boy Genius is right now!

Never Say “No Problem” Again

Most humans live by the law of reciprocity where you do something of positive value for someone and they feel an obligation to do something of positive value in return.  Taking the time to enhance the lives of others will have a positive effect on yours.

The critical moment comes when someone says “thank you.”  Due to our prior interactions and media we’ve consumed, we often respond with:

“Nothing to it.” or “It’s just my job.” or “No problem.”

We’ve all said these lines before when someone thanked us.  It’s easy. It seems like the right thing to stay.  According to Dr. Robert Cialdini, you’re throwing away a valuable part of your social currency.  When someone thanks you, they are extending themselves in showing you how they honestly value what you’ve done for them.  If you respond with one of the terms above, you’re destroying the goodwill you’ve created and robbing the grateful person of an activity their brain wants to complete – the need to reciprocate.

Next time, instead of responding with “no problem” or “it’s just my job,” try “you’re most welcome, you’d do the same for me.”  You’ll notice that most people will respond positively and agree that they will do the same for you!  I’ve been using this method for years.  The first step, though, is being willing to extend yourself to help others.  Help others genuinely, repeatedly and without keeping score.  You don’t need to keep score any longer when you do this.  You’ll have built goodwill and solidified your goodwill and the benefit you provide in the minds of others.  Do this for people that are close to you, do this for strangers.  Everyone benefits from you reaching out, including you.  How much goodwill can you build today?  In effect, how many people can you help today?

As seen on MySA

Your Mind’s Pathway

Did you know that your mind starts out like an untouched field?

As you develop, you end up falling into patterns and your mind ends up carving pathways that you follow. You use the same vendors, call on the same size/type of clients, and hang out with your usual group of people.

As time goes on, you have a choice. Do you continue proceeding down the same path or do you make a change? Making a change takes time, effort, and can be a bit frightening. Since the path hasn’t been carved, it may feel like you have started over.

The benefits of carving a new path can be amazing. You can keep the best parts of your old ways (vendors, clients, friends, processes) while finding a new adventure and opportunities. Are you thinking too small? Spending time with people who are de-motivators? The path splits here. Which way are you going?

As Seen on Salesby5
Photo by dan.atx

WES2009: All They Can Say is No! – The Story of Nan

Written by my friend Drip at Themes4bb.com


I am here to tell you that RIM did a bang up job on the BlackBerry WES party. With the drinks flying and the music of Will.I.am blaring, you can imagine the stories would be flying. Yeah, I’ll say. But I am not here to talk about this girl dancing. (See pic above) I am here to talk about a man and a video. Nan Palmero is one of the best guys you will meet. We share alot of the same business philosophies and zeal for life.. Now with all that being said, why is he meriting his own post? Him and I were chatting and raving about the good energy that was in the room tonight. Here is how I remember the conversation.

Nan ” Will I am is putting on quite the show”

Me: “Yeah man. Although I do miss Fergie.”

Nan:” You know, I got this press pass and I wanna see how far this will get me. I am gonna try and get on stage.””

Me: “Never gonna happen. (Although in my mind I’m thinking – this dude has balls the size of church bells)

Nan: “Why not? I’m going up. I will probably get shut down but why not!”

Me: (thinking to myself. Dude you’re done. I got $20 on the big Jesse “the Body” Ventura grabbing him by his throat.) Alright go!

Next thing I know, he is walking toward the stage. I grab our trusty camera and I see him talking to the stage bouncer (FAIL) The bouncer looks at him and says “go ahead.” And he did and he never looked back. (Smart move) Now, I am mentally navigating him on where he should go. He is first stopping at the drummer. He is taking pure video and good quality. Ok, it’s been fun right? Shows over. I mean he can’t be actually thinking about going to film Will.i.am right? Oh snap! He walks over to Will and starts filming him. Will looks at him and gets back to business on the turntables. Nan tells him to keep working. At this point, I see the po-po waiting for Nan to come off the stage because they got a special prize for him. They stop him and completely are ready to yank him and his video but somehow he wiggles his way out of their midst. He looks at me and I am rooting for him like he is a special olympic hurdler winning his first goal. He is noyt interested in my salutations. He is beelined for the door. All he says is, Chad I gotta go. Follow me to the door. Now, I realize what is going on. He can’t stop or they may strip him for his film. I am happy to say he is a free man and I have the video of his stage presence with Will i am.

The Nickels and Dimes of Social Interactions

The importance of saying please and thank you

With the surge in shortened communications, such as Twitter and text messaging, there seems to be a loss in the nickels and dimes of social interactions. Those small but valuable tokens are the words “please” and “thank you.” I know, you only have 140 to 160 characters to get your point across. I know you’re busy and moving quickly. Just remember, everytime you choose to have an interaction with a person, be sure to drop them a nickel or a dime. Just like compound interest at the bank, those nickels and dimes turn into dollars later.

picture by EJP Photo

As seen on Salesby5.com

We’re America – Suck It World.

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On our country’s birthday, the world celebrates with us.  In return, we give back.  And this time, it’s not just e-waste.  I present to you the facts about the United States of America. A spoof fair and balanced look at the country and it’s people.

  • We’re America.  What do you mean there are other countries on this continent?
  • Football is a class and you can take honors/AP Football, it’s called “Varsity.”
  • People from England, Australia and other funny accented countries need to learn how to speak American.
  • Adding a “u” randomly to words like color (colour) or reversing the “er” in the word center (centre) makes me question your patriotism and belief in God.
  • We don’t understand how our government works.  Nonetheless, we’ll invade you if you’re not a democracy.  We’re looking at you, New Zealand.
  • We dress our California Highway Patrol motorcycle cops like Gestapo strippers.  RESPECT THEM.
  • An American law has recently been passed that actually makes it illegal to not carry a gun, due to the increasing Zombie Threat Level instituted by the newly-formed Department of Undead Security. Less-than-lethal sidearms such as tasers and icepicks will warrant only a small fine.
  • The American South actually creates a reality distortion field not unlike the Bermuda Triangle that give its inhabitants tendencies towards shotguns, monster truck rallies, and random omissions of consonants.
  • America is the best. At everything. In the world. After a few drinks, we’ll make sure you know it, too.  We don’t care that we don’t even know your name yet.
  • We believe in the pornification and inclusiveness of our country.  That’s why Hooter’s is a family restaurant.

Well world, there are the facts about America.  As always, your additional facts are welcome in the comments.  But if you’re a foreigner, don’t bother.   Thank you to @stephenlynch and @simonsage for making this post possible!

The Truthiness About Canada

canada-americas-hat

For as long as I can remember,  I’ve had a love and fascination with Canada.  Canadians are some of the most gracious and friendly people I’ve ever met.  In celebration of Canada Day, I present to you the truthiness about Canada.  A number of these were provided by the kind folks on Twitter.  Yes, we’re all aware that Canadians love their hockey, beer, Mounties, Zambonis, igloos, donuts, poutine, Tim Horton’s, beavers and bears.  But there’s so much more to these wonderful people.  So here’s a crash course on Canada and Canadians.

  • Canadians apologize too much.  Did you bump into the Canadian in front of you?  Don’t worry, he’ll say he’s “sow-ry.” – @stephenlynch + @scottvandam
  • Not only do Canadians uses the metric system, they also use metric time.
  • Apparently, whether you’re a doctor, accountant or lawyer, you’re also still a lumberjack. – @hlindskold
  • It’s rumored that Canadians are excellent lovers.  In fact, they have their own Canadian Kama Sutra, published by the Ministry of Community Wellness and Public Service. – @turquoisefish + @phishgirl3
  • Canadians don’t count time in “Mississippi’s” instead they opted for “Mississauga’s.”
  • Canadians are afraid of the dark.
  • No one understands what Canadian holidays are all “aboot.”
  • All French Canadians have a 5 o’clock shadow.  Even the children.
  • Canadians call all snow mobiles “ski doos” regardless of the brand. – @pkcable
  • Canadians are a well dressed bunch, especially in Canadian Tuxedos. – @T2150
  • The 80’s didn’t come to Canada until the 90’s
  • Canadians use extra and unnecessary vowels, that’s why they can’t compete on the US’s Wheel of Fortune, instead they have their own version “Wheel of Fourtune”
  • The Canadian Internet-speak includes OuMG, LOuLCats and they read HuffingtounPoust.com
  • Every Canadian was born on July 1st (weird, no?), but only @Bettiol’s face graces their flag, Ol’ Syrup (thank you @hamrick)

There you have it.  Everything you ever wanted to know about our friendly neighbors to the North.  I hope you’ve learned something new about our friends and that you’ll add your Canadian insights to the comments, eh.  Happy Canada Day!  Now take off, hoser.

Living Life Through A Peephole

When you look through your front door peephole you get a pretty wide look as to what is in front of you.  It helps you recognize if there is a friend waiting at your door, someone else with bad intentions or merely a stranger.  It gives you a pretty good look of what to expect.  After looking through the peephole, though, you have an option – to open the door.  Opening the door provides you more. More opportunities to interact with the person on the other side of the door, more perspective to look left and right and of course, the chance to leave and to explore what is beyond your doorstep.

Many of us are locked in.  We live life through a peephole in our mind, only allowing in those things that we know or with which we have experience.  We often don’t take the time to open the door, look left and right and possibly venture out.  There is a whole world out there that is looking for you to find it.  What new friends are waiting on the front stoop of your building?  What exciting business and life opportunities are available to you?  Why not open the door today and find out?

peephole photo by Chris Campbell
peephole photo by Chris Campbell

Leadership Lesson from Laundry

Late Sunday night Ashley and I returned from our honeymoon and unsurprisingly, there was a significant amount of laundry to be done.  Ashley tends to wash clothes on warm/hot while I wash on cold.  When I threw in my load of laundry, it was set to hot.  I suggested to Ashley that cold would suffice and she pushed back that she would be happy to take care of it.  I then reminded her that she had had a few laundry “issues” recently with the loss being a few sets of sheets. (stupid move, Nan)  I suggested that I would happily wash my own laundry for the rest of our lives with no issues, after all, I had a list a mile long on why cold water washes were better for my clothes.  Ashley became upset. I had blown it.

For me this conversation was no big deal and I was wrong.  By pushing hard on this I was forcing her out of the role that she has been dying to play her whole life – being the wife, caregiver and person in charge of making our house a home.  In this situation, I had made an error in leadership.  I was failing to delegate, trapping me into doing something that I didn’t need to be doing and taking a special feeling away from my wife.  Hopefully, these lessons will become easier everytime.  This particular one spoke to me and it is shaping me to be a better leader overall.

photo by mudpig

God Repeats Himself

How can you tell God is talking to you?  Everyone has their own explanation.  Mine is when he repeats himself.  A few weeks ago I went to the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, where Craig Groeschel spoke.  One of the struggles he mentioned was empathizing with others, especially during the hard times.  This was a new concept for me that I was unfamiliar with.  It just isn’t a message that you hear at church much, I guess because it is difficult to teach people to “feel.”  I thought about it a bit and I recognize that I do a poor job of empathizing with hurting people.  In fact, I don’t even like watching sad movies.  The following Tuesday, I attended my men’s bible study and we were talking about Romans 12.  My new friend, Davis, was explaining that the Romans were a tough bunch.  To get a visual, think about Russell Crowe in Gladiator.  Paul was telling these macho, alpha males to take off their armor, love one another, laugh with those who laugh and cry with those who cry.  How tough would that have been – yikes!  Then, last week, when I was at the Gazelles Growth Conference, Annie McKee spoke about emotional intelligence.  She once again explained the need for leaders to empathize with those around them and the value of doing so.  At this point, God told me the same thing THREE TIMES over the course of three weeks.  I wonder if he was trying to tell me something.

Over this period of time, I asked God to show me how to empathize, how to cry with those that cry (I don’t struggle with the laughing with those that laugh part).  Today, after church, a new friend shared his story with me.  It was a difficult story of his childhood and adolescence that was bold, raw and vulnerable.  His story moved me.  I felt a drop of the pain that he must have endured through his youth.  I felt the goodness and hope that stems from him now as well.  His story moved me to tears, something that I admit with a shred of embarrassment (I’m still learning here).

I feel that God has provided me with the opportunity to connect with people quickly and easily and today, I am taking that gift a little more seriously than I did before that email.  I recognize that my life impacts those that I touch, whether I want it to be that way or not.  I appreciate the fact that you and I are actually the hands and feet of God and that each day, we live it by the stories we share with others, the small things we do to pick one another up and the heart that is behind our actions.  So, if you are living your life not feeling the highs and the lows for people around you, I pray that you ask God to show you the way.  Having begun on that path, I’d say it is worth it.

photo from Britannica.com