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The Promise Blog
Business

2017 Goals vs. Promises

  As the NEW YEAR approaches, what are the GOALS you are focused on accomplishing to really hit a home run this coming year? If you’re like me, you realize that sometimes GOALS aren’t enough. Call it what you will: Resolutions * Commitments * Goals I ask the question: “Why Set a Goal when you can Make a Promise?” I’m not saying Goals aren’t important – that would be ridiculous!  We all need to set Goals. But Goals are those pieces we can chop away at.  Usually Goals are associated with numbers, systems, projects. In that case, Goals are good. Where our words make all the difference is how we see a Goal. For example, if we don’t hit a goal and it’s not a big deal then that’s how we’ll feel about coming up short.  No biggie. However, if I said, “I set the Goal that I’ll get that project done by tonight!” you would probably feel more confident I’d have it done by tonight if I said something using a more powerful word, such as, “I PROMISE I will get that to you before the night is over”. Or how about the more humorous wording, upon committing to

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December 29, 2016 No Comments
Business

The Promise of Your Best Work

  What is your level of care when it comes to your work? The lady who swiped my card at the store today: she’s just doing a job, didn’t even bother to say hello or converse when I tried to engage with her, just looked down and away.  Luckily there was the storefront manager-turned-bagger who walked up, with a smile, and saved the day with friendliness. So I ask in a different way: What is your Promise of Your Best Work?   There is a certain restroom I find myself in every trip heading out at my hometown airport.  For over a decade I have noticed one thing in the tile work a little higher than eye level as I take care of nature’s business, and since I apparently have OCD these two tiny tiles that are out of place bug me to battiness (forgive me for having taken this photo in a private setting….I promise hands were washed upon committing to this endeavor).   Can you see it?  Here’s a closer look.     Does this bother anyone else? I have seen tile work the world over that is incredible and most all of it is brilliant. Heck, I

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December 9, 2016 4 Comments
Announcements

How Keynoting for Keynote Speakers Almost Killed Me

“You think you’re a ‘Speaker’?  You think you’re a ‘Keynoter’?  I’m sorry to break it to you, but you have no content, no message, and no one considers you a Speaker from what I just heard you do up there.  You are an ‘Entertainer’, you are ‘After Dinner Entertainment’, that’s it!  Don’t try and be anything else, because you have nothing we want to hear but your entertainment, singing, and funny stuff. Now, if you want to become a Speaker someday, if you really want to invest in yourself and become a true Keynoter, well then here’s my card, I am a Speaker Coach, call me when you’re ready to make this happen.”  This was the comment on the furthest, most hurtful side of the spectrum, in the hallway surrounded by my speaking peers following my Saturday Evening Keynote Presentation at the NSA National Speakers Association Influence Conference in Phoenix, AZ, July 23, 2016. The speaker coach’s business card sits here on my desk, right next to the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame statue I received 2 days later. I can only imagine what this speaker coach thought watching me accept that award on Monday night, since it was a big secret, and as

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September 16, 2016 No Comments
Business

Why You Want Recommendations Before You Buy

Before you head out to grab a bite to eat at a new place you probably, like me, Google reviews, ask your trusted network on Facebook to see if it’s worth it, and whatever you read is generally what you’ll do.  Good Review: Let’s Go!  Bad Review: Send the In-Laws. Having an Event Planner say a few nice things backstage about your Speech, Show, or Emcee work is really fulfilling.  Sadly, that’s usually where it ends, as asking them to say it in the camera can turn awkward and brutal as they struggle to recreate the magic of what they just eloquently said.  But having them actually write it down, send it to you, and then verify it on the eSpeakers Marketplace, now that’s what I’m talking about! Last week I had the privilege of doing what I do best: Opening Keynote Speaker in the morning and Evening Entertainment to close the event.  The group was ecstatic.  Said it was the best convention in 35 years. Not because of me, but because it was in Clearwater, FL.  But maybe I had a little to do with it turning out good. I have been told by event planners that it is confusing

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May 14, 2016 No Comments

America’s Got Talent: My Audition

In 2007 my office received the first of many calls from America’s Got Talent to request I come perform on their show as a contestant. My fellow corporate performer acquaintance, Terry Fator, singing impressionist and master ventriloquist, had just won, receiving a multi-million dollar Las Vegas headlining contract, ultimately replacing the legendary Danny Gans at The Mirage a year later. I was in the midst of doing corporate events in place of Terry that he could no longer fulfill due to his change in life, finances, and schedule. Always rough replacing such a great act, but by the time I acknowledged the fact they were disappointed I was there and Terry wasn’t, I sat on the floor of the stage, took my shoe off, put my sock on my hand, and sang Kermit’s “Rainbow Connection” as good as Terry, the miffed corporate buyers were laughing so hard at my impression of Terry I had them in my hand by the 2nd minute and was requested back the next year. The work and pay was great, and I guess AGT considered me next in line of the entertainers they wanted to feature. Along with my management and advisors at the time,

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March 2, 2016 12 Comments

3 Speaker Tips: How to Follow on Stage Marie Osmond & Olivia Newton-John

Still wondering how this pic happened. Childrens Miracle Network, both Marie Osmond and Olivia Newton-John asked for a photo with me, yelling, “You’re amazing! Who are you?” How bizarre is that? What a great gig and awesome charity. Recently I had the horrific job of following on stage two legends of music, Marie Osmond & Olivia Newton-John, who were busy singing a duet to a media heavy audience. Backstage I could see everyone looking at me as if to say, “And what do you think you’re going to do to follow this?”  It was almost a dare from the AV team and other performers waiting to see how I could go on stage after two of the most accomplished, acclaimed, and beloved performers of all-time. Having been a performer and speaker for over 15 years this kind of thing is where I thrive.  I don’t want to sound cocky, however I have ultimate confidence in my ability to follow anything, and it makes me better to have to follow the best.  So I welcomed the challenge, and in all honesty, had no idea what I should do.  But that doesn’t mean I’m not completely unprepared – as a Speaker I have 25

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March 1, 2016 No Comments

3 Speaker Tips: How to Follow on Stage Marie Osmond & Olivia Newton-John

Still wondering how this pic happened. Childrens Miracle Network, both Marie Osmond and Olivia Newton-John asked for a photo with me, yelling, “You’re amazing! Who are you?” How bizarre is that? What a great gig and awesome charity. Recently I had the horrific job of following on stage two legends of music, Marie Osmond & Olivia Newton-John, who were busy singing a duet to a media heavy audience. Backstage I could see everyone looking at me as if to say, “And what do you think you’re going to do to follow this?”  It was almost a dare from the AV team and other performers waiting to see how I could go on stage after two of the most accomplished, acclaimed, and beloved performers of all-time. Having been a performer and speaker for over 15 years this kind of thing is where I thrive.  I don’t want to sound cocky, however I have ultimate confidence in my ability to follow anything, and it makes me better to have to follow the best.  So I welcomed the challenge, and in all honesty, had no idea what I should do.  But that doesn’t mean I’m not completely unprepared – as a Speaker I have 25

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February 29, 2016 No Comments

Commitment To Joy: Ernie Johnson

If you know anyone with cancer and what they go through, you can understand why someone would GIVE up a great honor in order to honor another. In Keith Olbermann’s words, “A unicorn appeared at the Emmy’s the other night in the form of Ernie Johnson.”  No way to say it better, because what just happened actually never happens in real life. Earlier this year, ESPN legend, Stuart Scott, passed away at 49 years young to cancer, and was memorialized  on the Emmy broadcast early in the night.  Scott was an Emmy nominated host that night following his passing, along with Olbermann, Ernie Johnson, and others, so it was something of a letdown to the audience once Johnson received the winning vote for his 3rd Emmy. However, Ernie Johnson is as good as a person gets.  Having suffered through cancer himself he was quick to recognize the importance of dedicating – NO – giving the award to Stuart Scott’s daughters to place on their home’s mantle “because it really belongs to your Dad” Johnson resolutely stated. I have to say this was about as cool of a thing as anyone can do. Question is: Would you do the same for someone?  Would

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May 17, 2015 No Comments

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