Get Yourself Connected…

Thanks to Michelle Kaye at Battelle and Battelle, who brought me in today to speak about networking, social media, blogs, networking, and the emerging web to a number of her fellow employees as well as some of the employees of McGohan Brabender.  Originally the event was going to be held at Battelle and Battelle, but because of the large number of people who signed up, it was moved down the street to McGohan Brabender.   I was thrilled that so many would show up to hear me speak.

My presentation revolved around the concept of using the web to connect with others and to create and develop, as Tom Peters would call it, Brand You.  In addition to discussing some general concepts, I spoke specifically about tools like Twitter, Squidoo, WordPress, and LinkedIn - discussing how these tools could be used in conjunction with traditional items like hand written thank you notes and face to face meetings to connect with the world.   We live in a truly amazing time.  Never before have individuals been so empowered to learn, share, and grow both personally and professionally.  I appreciate being given the opportunity to share the little that I know with others.  It was my pleasure, and I hope that those who took the time to listen to me enjoyed my presentation.   Thanks for your hospitality.

McGohan Brabender - Welcome To McGohan Brabender

Thank You Meredith!

This week I received a very touching letter, and I wanted to publicly acknowledge and thank the sender- Meredith. She is the daughter of one of my wife’s dearest friends, and she sent us a very nice note along with a check in support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio. What makes this really special is that Meredith lives half way across the country and is only in the third grade. She came up with the idea on her own, and she raised all of the money herself.

Meredith, you are quite a remarkable girl. My family and countless other families whom you have helped through your kindness, initiative, and generosity, truly appreciate your contribution to the Epilepsy Foundation. I am honored to know you. Thank you for reminding me of the goodness of which humanity is capable. Your selfless act inspires and amazes me.

PancakesPancakes, SuccessSuccess, ThanksThanks

Last Saturday, March 22nd, the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio put on a pancake breakfast fund raising event. It was a huge success. I was very moved by the outpouring of support I received from family, friends, and colleagues who attended, donated, and supported this. Over 170 people sacrificed their free time and hard earned money to come to F&S Harley Davidson in Dayton on a Saturday morning to eat pancakes and support the Epilepsy Foundation. Some came from as far as Kentucky, Columbus, and even Toledo. The event went off without a hitch, due to the efforts of an army of volunteers - all working together to make the day successful. We had numerous organizations donated items for raffle, supplies for the event, and cash for the cause. Kevin Tibbs, from Boston Stoker, was on sight managing the coffee he donated. Jeff Stolzenburg was there at 6:30am to let us in to set up. Travis Brewer led a jeans day at Liberty Savings Bank that raised almost $700. He and his wife Corin, also captured the day in photos, which I will soon place on the web as well. They also donated an event package from their own business, Brewer’s Memory Makers. Local photographer, Jim Crotty, donated a beautiful print for raffle. Molly Mahoney rallied her fellow teachers and students at HV Bear Elementary in Miamisburg leading to several hundred dollars in donations and countless other contributions to the event. She also went out and solicited donations from Kroger, Verizon, MaryKay, Dr. Downer, and Longaberger. Yvonne Reese, my friend and neighbor, picked up donations from SquareOne, Kettering Medical Massage, and Innovative Interchange. She also brought her family, her sisters, and their families to join in the fun. Jon Brooks, from Hafenbrack Marketing, not only designed the flyer for the event, he and his youngest son Jake joined us for pancakes too. Phil Thorn from Full Tilt Interactive donated money to the cause, and David Esrati, owner of The Next Wave, was kind enough to donate the hosting for PancakesPancakes.com. The Springdale Lions club assisted by donating food items and supplies for the event. F&S Harley provided us with an amazing location for the event. Most of the employees came back and joined us for pancakes. Best of all, they held the Easter Egg hunt right in the middle of the showroom floor. Fortunately, no motorcycles were harmed in the making of this fund raiser. I had a vision of motorcycles falling like dominoes, and liquidating the whole day in the process. Thankfully, all went well with the Egg Hunt and all went even better with the event as a whole. In total we raised almost $4,000, all while enjoying the company of friends old and new. I can not overstate how much it means to me to know that there are people out there who care, and I am lucky enough to know a lot of them. Think that people can’t change the world? I know 170 pancake eaters who might argue otherwise. Thanks again to all who contributed. My family and I are truly blessed to know so many who care so much. Considering we pulled this together in a few weeks, I am very optimistic about what we can do next year. Thanks.

PancakesPancakes.com