Fortune Favors the Bold!

I spend a great deal of time in front of an audience. Whether I'm on stage, in front of a classroom, standing at a whiteboard or hosting a network conference call, I spend a great deal of time being listened to. Throughout the years, from being an actor to a musician to a speaker, there's one truth that makes my successful events stand out: Passion. Heartfelt, loosen-the-collar, bang on the table passion. The stuff that raises your blood pressure, makes you spill your water or makes your heart skip a beat!

In our world, we've kind of lost it. We live in a world full of post-grunge cynics. The Post-modern era of online profiles, selective information and constant communication. We're so deaf to the noise that we rarely charge ourselves with the fire of passion. Our hearts are cold, our words predictable and spell-checked. We have layers of protection to keep us from expressing our unplanned emotions and camera phones abounding for moments we don't...

As a speaker, teacher, salesperson, parent, manager, etc., passion is your greatest asset and your biggest risk, but its an emotion that is a foundation to authenticity. Without its expression, our true belief isn't exhibited. Without its expression, we can not convince ourselves, either! The world was not established by critics and cynics, snickering in the audience, waiting to twitter the failure of the man on stage; it was established by the sword and stone of people with some fire in the belly! Ones not afraid to stand, center stage and say what they felt, not afraid to draw in the ones they cared about and risk life and limb to achieve their dream!

The comforts and communication of our contemporary world allow us to insulate ourselves from good old-fashioned fist pounding sales calls or meetings, but I would urge you to make them part of your life, again. This economy is merciless and will not uphold or prosper the cynic or the critic, only the man that stands in the center of the bull ring to tempt his fate. Fortune favors the bold. Take your team, your staff or yourself and find your passion. Believe in your services or products and refuse to take criticism from the gallery. Passion and commitment are contagious, but not if they're never exhibited.

Stand center stage, center conference room or center family room and take charge. Pass your fire on and enjoy the rich rewards of the bold!

All the best!
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