This sounds too good to be true. When I started this blog back in 2013 I had no clue what I was doing. Not to say that I am an expert now but I do know more thanks to the leadership of others in the field. One of the people of whom I follow as a blogger is Jeff Goins.  As a writer and blogger he has taught me a great deal over the last couple of years. Granted he likely had no idea that he has had such an impact but that’s okay. I have read every book of Jeff’s that I could get my hands on. In fact I helped promote one of his called the Art of Work. Being a fan made wanting to be a part of his launch team a no brainer. Jeff is at is again and this time has brought out an ebook that he wanted to share. There is a catch though, the book is currently free. Yep that’s right an expert in the field wrote a book about creating your own tribe and is giving it away. For a limited time, my friend Jeff Goins is giving a free eBook on how to build your audience called, Every Writer Needs a Tribe. Click Here to get your free copy today Now, this isn’t some short PDF “report” or white paper. It’s a full-out book that Jeff has never before released to the public. And he’s letting a handful of friends offer to their audiences for free. Whether […]

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At times it takes a simple story or parable that even a child would understand to bring things into perspective. We get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget the simplest of lessons. This past Sunday at church my pastor relayed one of those parables many have likely heard before, some maybe for the first time. Even so it was like some of the words pierced right through me and you could tell it affected a few others as well. It is possible that you too have heard this story, but I wanted to share it once again. Pencil Story The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. “There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.” “One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone’s hand.” “Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.” “Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.” “Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s inside.” “Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.” The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose […]

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The face that launched a thousand ships had nothing on those that love ships in Franklin. TN.

Everyone loves maritime themes right? Well besides those that get sea sick or are scared of the water. Ship wheel with a blank editable center area boat and ship steering wheel as a nautical control design element and symbol of direction and guidance by a boating captain or director on a yacht or ocean water vessel leading the vessel to safe waters, love ships

This past weekend I personally found out the difference between dipping your toe in the water and launching out into the wild blue yonder. Spending the weekend with around a hundred and fifty other dreamers and builders launching many dreams out to sea. There were authors, bloggers, pop makers and coloring book creators. From perfectly brewed Liquid Hustle to Moon-pies galore. So many entrepreneurs with dreams and aspirations and big hairy audacious goals.

Now I have been to many conferences in the past so I thought I knew what to expect. I mean how awkward could it be to shake hands, or better yet hug a hundred or so people you never met in person right?

What I should have done is tossed my presumptions out to sea with the empty barrels of coffee beans. Like a ship without a rudder I was welcomed into a fleet of skilled sailors.

What better way to open up the event with a picnic in the vineyards of the local winery. Over tables of food and Red and

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